User equipment, base station, method for user equipment and method for base station

Abstract

The present disclosure relates to a user equipment (UE), a base station, and corresponding methods for the UE and the base station. More specifically, a UE includes a transceiver that receives a power level indicator from a base station, where the power level indicator indicates a power level of a channel state information reference signal (CSI-RS) resource and / or whether the CSI-RS resource is to be transmitted by the base station. The UE further comprises circuitry that operates according to the power level and / or according to whether the CSI-RS resources are to be transmitted by the base station.

Description

Background Art 1. Technical Field

[0002] The present disclosure relates to the transmission and reception of signals in a communication system, and in particular to methods and apparatus for such transmission and reception.

[0003] 2. Description of Related Technology

[0004] The 3rd Generation Partnership Project (3GPP) is working on the technical specifications for the next generation of cellular technology, also known as fifth generation (5G), including the "New Radio" (NR) radio access technology (RAT), which operates in the frequency range up to 100 GHz. NR is a follower of technologies such as Long Term Evolution (LTE) and LTE-Advanced (LTE-A).

[0005] For systems like LTE and NR, further improvements and options may facilitate efficient operation of the communication systems and specific equipment associated with the systems. Summary of the Invention

[0006] One non-limiting and exemplary embodiment facilitates reduction of network power consumption, wherein concurrently, processes performed by the UE are not affected by actions taken by the base station.

[0007] In an embodiment, the technology disclosed herein features a user equipment (UE). The UE includes a transceiver that receives a power level indicator from a base station. The power level indicator indicates the power level of a channel state information reference signal (CSI-RS) resource and / or whether the CSI-RS resource is to be transmitted by the base station. The UE also includes circuitry that operates based on the power level and / or based on whether the CSI-RS resource is to be transmitted by the base station.

[0008] It should be noted that the general or specific embodiments may be implemented as a system, a method, an integrated circuit, a computer program, a storage medium, or any selective combination thereof.

[0009] Additional benefits and advantages of the disclosed embodiments will become apparent from the description and drawings. Benefits and / or advantages may be obtained individually from the various embodiments and features of the description and drawings, and these embodiments and features do not need to be provided in their entirety to achieve one or more such benefits and / or advantages. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0010] Hereinafter, exemplary embodiments are described in more detail with reference to the accompanying drawings and accompanying drawings.

[0011] Figure 1 An exemplary architecture of a 3GPP NR system is shown;

[0012] Figure 2is a schematic diagram illustrating the functional split between NG-RAN and 5GC;

[0013] Figure 3 It is a timing diagram of the RRC connection establishment / reconfiguration process;

[0014] Figure 4 is a schematic diagram illustrating usage scenarios of enhanced mobile broadband (eMBB), massive machine type communication (mMTC), and ultra-reliable low latency communication (URLLC);

[0015] Figure 5 is a block diagram illustrating an exemplary 5G system architecture for non-roaming;

[0016] Figure 6a is a schematic diagram illustrating aspects of digital beamforming;

[0017] Figure 6b is a schematic diagram illustrating aspects of analog beamforming;

[0018] Figure 7 is a block diagram of a communication system including a user equipment and a base station having corresponding structures;

[0019] Figure 8a is a block diagram illustrating the functional structure of a processing circuit located on the user equipment side;

[0020] Figure 8b is a block diagram illustrating the functional structure of a processing circuit located on the base station side;

[0021] Figure 9 is a flow chart illustrating exemplary steps performed by a user equipment and exemplary steps performed by a base station;

[0022] Figure 10 is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of signaling a power level indicator via a group common DCI;

[0023] Figure 11 is a flowchart illustrating exemplary steps performed by a UE; and

[0024] Figure 12 is a diagram illustrating another example of signaling a power level indicator via a group-common DCI. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0025] 5G NR system architecture and protocol stack

[0026] 3GPP has been working on the next version of fifth-generation cellular technology, known as 5G, including the development of the New Radio Access Technology (NR) operating in the frequency range up to 100 GHz. The first document version of the 5G standard was completed at the end of 2017, allowing for the continuation of trials and commercial deployment of smartphones compliant with the 5G NR standard.

[0027] Among other things, the overall system architecture assumes an NG-RAN (Next Generation Radio Access Network) consisting of gNBs, which provides NG radio access user plane (SDAP / PDCP / RLC / MAC / PHY) and control plane (RRC) protocol termination for the UE. The gNBs are interconnected via the Xn interface. The gNBs are also connected to the Next Generation Core (NGC) via the Next Generation (NG) interface. More specifically, they are connected to the Access and Mobility Management Function (AMF) (e.g., a core entity that implements the AMF) via the NG-C interface, and to the User Plane Function (UPF) (e.g., a core entity that implements the UPF) via the NG-U interface. Figure 1 The NG-RAN architecture is described in (see e.g. 3GPP TS 38.300 v15.6.0 section 4).

[0028] The user plane protocol stack for NR (see, for example, 3GPP TS 38.300, Section 4.4.1) consists of the PDCP (Packet Data Convergence Protocol, see TS 38.300, Section 6.4), the RLC (Radio Link Control, see TS 38.300, Section 6.3), and the MAC (Medium Access Control, see TS 38.300, Section 6.2) sublayers, which terminate in the gNB on the network side. Furthermore, a new Access Stratum (AS) sublayer (SDAP, Service Data Adaptation Protocol) is introduced above PDCP (see, for example, 3GPP TS 38.300, Section 6.5). A control plane protocol stack is also defined for NR (see, for example, TS 38.300, Section 4.4.2). An overview of Layer 2 functionality is provided in Subclause 6 of TS 38.300. The functions of the PDCP, RLC, and MAC sublayers are listed in clauses 6.4, 6.3, and 6.2 of TS 38.300, respectively. The functions of the RRC layer are listed in subclause 7 of TS 38.300.

[0029] For example, the medium access control layer handles logical channel multiplexing as well as scheduling and scheduling-related functions, including the handling of different parameter sets.

[0030] The physical layer (PHY) is responsible for, for example, coding, PHY HARQ processing, modulation, multi-antenna processing, and mapping signals to appropriate physical time-frequency resources. It also handles the mapping of transport channels to physical channels. The physical layer provides services to the MAC layer in the form of transport channels. A physical channel corresponds to a set of time-frequency resources used for the transmission of a specific transport channel, and each transport channel is mapped to a corresponding physical channel. Examples of physical channels are the PRACH (Physical Random Access Channel), PUSCH (Physical Uplink Shared Channel), and PUCCH (Physical Uplink Control Channel) for the uplink, and the PDSCH (Physical Downlink Shared Channel), PDCCH (Physical Downlink Control Channel), and PBCH (Physical Broadcast Channel) for the downlink.

[0031] NR use cases / deployment scenarios may include enhanced mobile broadband (eMBB), ultra-reliable low-latency communications (URLLC), and massive machine-type communications (mMTC), which have different requirements in terms of data rate, latency, and coverage. For example, eMBB is expected to support user experience data rates and peak data rates that are three times higher than those provided by IMT-Advanced (20 Gbps for downlink and 10 Gbps for uplink). On the other hand, in the case of URLLC, requirements for ultra-low latency (0.5 ms for user plane latency, UL and DL respectively) and high reliability (1-10 times within 1 ms) are also important. -5 ) puts forward more stringent requirements. Finally, mMTC may preferably require high connection density (1000000 devices / km in urban environments) 2 ), large coverage in harsh environments and extremely long battery life (15 years) for low-cost devices.

[0032] Therefore, an OFDM parameter set (e.g., subcarrier spacing, OFDM symbol duration, cyclic prefix (CP) duration, number of symbols per scheduling interval) that is suitable for one use case may not be well suited for another use case. For example, low-latency services may preferably require shorter symbol duration (and therefore larger subcarrier spacing) and / or fewer symbols per scheduling interval (also known as TTI) than mMTC services. In addition, deployment scenarios with large channel delay spread may preferably require longer CP duration than scenarios with short delay spread. The subcarrier spacing should be optimized accordingly to maintain similar CP overhead. NR can support more than one subcarrier spacing value. Accordingly, subcarrier spacings of 15kHz, 30kHz, 60kHz, ... are currently under consideration. Symbol duration T u and subcarrier spacing Δf by the formula Δf=1 / T uIn a similar manner as in the LTE system, the term "resource element" may be used to denote a minimum resource unit consisting of one subcarrier of the length of one OFDM / SC-FDMA symbol.

[0033] In the new radio system 5G-NR, for each numerology set and carrier, a resource grid of subcarriers and OFDM symbols is defined for the uplink and downlink, respectively. Each element in the resource grid is called a resource element and is identified based on a frequency index in the frequency domain and a symbol position in the time domain (see 3GPP TS 38.211 v16.2.0, e.g., Section 4). For example, downlink and uplink transmissions are organized into frames with a duration of 10 ms, each consisting of ten subframes with a duration of 1 ms. In 5G NR implementations, the number of consecutive OFDM symbols per subframe depends on the subcarrier spacing configuration. For example, for a 15 kHz subcarrier spacing, a subframe has 14 OFDM symbols (similar to LTE-compliant implementations, assuming a normal cyclic prefix). On the other hand, for a 30 kHz subcarrier spacing, a subframe has two slots, each containing 14 OFDM symbols.

[0034] 5G NR functional split between NG-RAN and 5GC

[0035] Figure 2 The functional split between NG-RAN and 5GC is shown. The NG-RAN logical node is the gNB or ng-eNB. The 5GC has the logical nodes AMF, UPF, and SMF.

[0036] Specifically, gNB and ng-eNB host the following key functions:

[0037] - Functions for radio resource management, such as radio bearer control, radio admission control, connection mobility control, dynamic allocation of resources to UEs in uplink and downlink (scheduling);

[0038] -IP header compression, data encryption and integrity protection;

[0039] - selection of the AMF at UE attach when the route to the AMF cannot be determined from the information provided by the UE;

[0040] - Routing user plane data towards (one or more) UPFs;

[0041] - Routing control plane information to the AMF;

[0042] -Connection establishment and release;

[0043] - Scheduling and transmission of paging messages;

[0044] - Scheduling and transmission of system broadcast information (derived from AMF or OAM);

[0045] - Measurement and measurement reporting configuration for mobility and scheduling;

[0046] - Transport level packet marking in uplink;

[0047] -Session management;

[0048] -Support network slicing;

[0049] -QoS flow management and mapping to data radio bearers;

[0050] -Support UE in RRC_INACTIVE state;

[0051] -Distribution function for NAS messages;

[0052] - Radio access network sharing;

[0053] -Dual connectivity;

[0054] - Tight interworking between NR and E-UTRA.

[0055] The Access and Mobility Management Function (AMF) hosts the following main functions:

[0056] - Non-access stratum NAS signaling termination;

[0057] -NAS signaling security;

[0058] -Access layer AS security control;

[0059] - Core Network (CN) inter-node signalling for mobility between 3GPP access networks;

[0060] - Idle mode UE reachability (including control and execution of paging retransmissions);

[0061] -Registration area management;

[0062] -Support intra-system mobility and inter-system mobility;

[0063] -Access authentication;

[0064] -Access authorization, including roaming permission checks;

[0065] -Mobility management control (subscription and policy);

[0066] -Support network slicing;

[0067] -Session Management Function SMF selection.

[0068] In addition, the user plane function UPF hosts the following main functions:

[0069] - Anchor point for intra-RAT / inter-RAT mobility (when applicable);

[0070] - External PDU session points for interconnection to data networks;

[0071] -Packet routing & forwarding;

[0072] -Packet inspection and user plane part enforced by policy rules;

[0073] -Business usage report;

[0074] - Uplink classifier to support routing of traffic flows to the data network;

[0075] -Support branch points for multi-homed PDU sessions;

[0076] -QoS processing for user plane, such as packet filtering, gating, UL / DL rate enforcement;

[0077] - Uplink traffic verification (SDF to QoS flow mapping);

[0078] - Downlink packet buffering and downlink data notification triggering.

[0079] Finally, the session management function SMF hosts the following main functions:

[0080] -Session management;

[0081] -UE IP address allocation and management;

[0082] -Selection and control of UP function;

[0083] -Configure traffic steering at the user plane function (UPF) to route traffic to the correct destination;

[0084] -Control some policy enforcement and QoS;

[0085] - Downlink data notification.

[0086] RRC connection establishment and reconfiguration process

[0087] Figure 3 Describes some interactions between the UE, gNB and AMF (5GC entity) in the context of the UE transitioning from RRC_IDLE to RRC_CONNECTED for the NAS part (see TS 38.300 v15.6.0).

[0088] RRC is the higher-layer signaling (protocol) used for UE and gNB configuration. Specifically, the transition involves the AMF preparing UE context data (including, for example, PDU session context, security keys, UE radio capabilities, and UE security capabilities) and transmitting it to the gNB along with an INITIAL CONTEXT SETUP REQUEST. The gNB then activates AS security with the UE, which is performed by the gNB sending a SecurityModeCommand message to the UE, to which the UE responds with a SecurityModeComplete message. The gNB then performs reconfiguration to establish Signaling Radio Bearer 2 (SRB2) and one or more Data Radio Bearers (DRBs) by sending an RRCReconfiguration message to the UE. In response, the gNB receives an RRCReconfigurationComplete message from the UE. For signaling-only connections, steps related to RRCReconfiguration are skipped because SRB2 and DRBs are not established. Finally, the gNB notifies the AMF that the establishment procedure is completed with the INITIAL CONTEXTSETUP RESPONSE.

[0089] Therefore, the present disclosure provides a fifth generation core (5GC) entity (e.g., AMF, SMF, etc.). The entity includes a control circuit and a transmitter. The control circuit establishes a next generation (NG) connection with a gNodeB. The transmitter sends an initial context setup message to the gNodeB via the NG connection, thereby initiating the establishment of a signaling radio bearer between the gNodeB and a user equipment (UE). Specifically, the gNodeB sends a radio resource control (RRC) signaling message containing a resource allocation configuration information element to the UE via the signaling radio bearer. The UE then performs uplink transmission or downlink reception based on the resource allocation configuration.

[0090] IMT usage scenarios in 2020 and beyond

[0091] Figure 4 Some use cases for 5G NR are described. Within the 3rd Generation Partnership Project New Radio (3GPP NR), three use cases are being considered that envision a wide range of services and applications supported by IMT-2020. Phase 1 specifications for enhanced mobile broadband (eMBB) have been completed. In addition to further expanding eMBB support, current and future work will also address the standardization of ultra-reliable low-latency communications (URLLC) and massive machine-type communications. Figure 4Some examples of envisaged usage scenarios for IMT for 2020 and beyond are described (see for example ITU-R M.2083 Figure 2 ).

[0092] URLLC use cases have stringent requirements for capabilities such as throughput, latency, and availability, and are envisioned as an enabler for future vertical applications such as wireless control of industrial manufacturing or production processes, remote medical surgery, distribution automation in smart grids, and transportation safety. Ultra-reliability in URLLC will be supported by identifying technologies that meet the requirements set by TR 38.913. For NR URLLC in Release 15, key requirements include a target user-plane latency of 0.5ms for the UL (uplink) and 0.5ms for the DL (downlink). For a 32-byte packet size with a user-plane latency of 1ms, the general URLLC requirement for a single transmission of a packet is a BLER (block error rate) of 1E-5.

[0093] From a physical layer perspective, reliability can be improved in a variety of possible ways. Current scope for improving reliability involves defining a separate CQI table for URLLC, more compact DCI formats, PDCCH repetition, and more. However, as NR becomes more stable and developed (a key requirement for NR URLLC), the scope for achieving ultra-reliability is likely to widen. Specific use cases for NR URLLC in Release 15 include augmented reality / virtual reality (AR / VR), e-health, e-safety, and mission-critical applications.

[0094] In addition, the technical enhancements targeted by NR URLLC are aimed at latency improvement and reliability improvement. The technical enhancements for latency improvement include configurable parameter sets, non-slot-based scheduling with flexible mapping, grant-free (configured grant) uplink, slot-level repetition for data channels, and downlink preemption. Preemption means stopping the transmission for which resources have been allocated, and the allocated resources are used for another transmission that has been requested later but has lower latency / higher priority requirements. Accordingly, the transmission that has been granted is preempted by the later transmission. Preemption can be applied independently of the specific service type. For example, a transmission for service type A (URLLC) can be used to preempt a transmission for service type B (such as eMBB). Technical enhancements for reliability improvement include a dedicated CQI / MCS table for a target BLER of 1E-5.

[0095] The mMTC (Massive Machine Type Communication) use case is characterized by a very large number of connected devices, typically transmitting relatively small amounts of non-latency-sensitive data. Devices are required to be low-cost and have very long battery life. From an NR perspective, utilizing very narrow bandwidth segments is a possible solution for saving power and achieving long battery life from the UE's perspective.

[0096] As mentioned above, the scope of reliability in NR is expected to become wider. A key requirement for all cases, especially necessary for URLLC and mMTC, is high reliability or ultra-reliability. From a radio perspective and a network perspective, several mechanisms can be considered to improve reliability. Overall, there are several key potential areas that can help improve reliability. These areas include compact control channel information, data / control channel repetition, and diversity in the frequency, time, and / or spatial domains. These areas apply to reliability in general, regardless of the specific communication scenario.

[0097] For NR URLLC, other use cases with more stringent requirements have been identified, such as factory automation, transportation industry, and power distribution. The more stringent requirements are higher reliability (up to 10 -6 level), higher availability, packet sizes up to 256 bytes, time synchronization down to the order of a few μs (where this value can be one μs or a few μs, depending on the frequency range), and short latency on the order of 0.5 to 1 ms (specifically a target user plane latency of 0.5 ms, depending on the use case).

[0098] Furthermore, several technical enhancements from a physical layer perspective have been identified for NR URLLC. These include PDCCH (Physical Downlink Control Channel) enhancements related to compact DCI, PDCCH repetition, and increased PDCCH monitoring. Furthermore, UCI (Uplink Control Information) enhancements are associated with enhanced HARQ (Hybrid Automatic Repeat Request) and CSI feedback enhancements. PUSCH enhancements have also been identified, related to mini-slot-level hopping and retransmission / repetition enhancements. The term "mini-slot" refers to a transmission time interval (TTI) that includes fewer symbols than a slot (a slot consisting of fourteen symbols).

[0099] QoS control

[0100] The 5G QoS (Quality of Service) model is based on QoS flows and supports both QoS flows that require a guaranteed stream bit rate (GBR QoS flows) and QoS flows that do not require a guaranteed stream bit rate (non-GBR QoS flows). At the NAS level, a QoS flow is the finest granularity for QoS differentiation within a PDU session. A QoS flow is identified within a PDU session by a QoS Flow ID (QFI) carried in the encapsulation header on the NG-U interface.

[0101] For each UE, the 5GC establishes one or more PDU Sessions. For each UE, the NG-RAN establishes at least one Data Radio Bearer (DRB) along with the PDU Session and may subsequently configure (up to NG-RAN when to do so) additional DRBs for the QoS Flow(s) of that PDU Session, e.g. as described above with reference to Figure 3 As shown in the figure, NG-RAN maps packets belonging to different PDU sessions to different DRBs. NAS-level packet filters in the UE and 5GC associate UL and DL packets with QoS flows, while AS-level mapping rules in the UE and NG-RAN associate UL and DL QoS flows with DRBs.

[0102] Figure 5 The 5G NR non-roaming reference architecture is shown (see TS 23.501 v16.1.0, Section 4.23). Application Function (AF) (e.g. Figure 4 5G services) interact with the 3GPP core network to provide services, for example, to support applications influencing traffic routing, accessing the Network Exposure Function (NEF), or interacting with the policy framework for policy control (see Policy Control Function (PCF), such as QoS control). Based on operator deployment, application functions deemed to be trusted by the operator may be allowed to interact directly with relevant network functions. Application functions that are not allowed to directly access network functions by the operator interact with relevant network functions using the external exposure framework via the NEF.

[0103] Figure 5 Other functional units of the 5G architecture are shown, namely the network slice selection function (NSSF), network repository function (NRF), unified data management (UDM), authentication server function (AUSF), access and mobility management function (AMF), session management function (SMF), and data network (DN, such as operator services, Internet access, or third-party services). All or part of the core network functions and application services can be deployed and run in a cloud computing environment.

[0104] Therefore, in the present disclosure, an application server (e.g., AF of a 5G architecture) is provided, which includes a transmitter and a control circuit, wherein the transmitter sends a request including QoS requirements of at least one of URLLC, eMMB, and mMTC services to at least one function of a 5GC (e.g., NEF, AMF, SMF, PCF, UPF, etc.) to establish a PDU session including a radio bearer between a gNodeB and a UE according to the QoS requirements, and the control circuit performs the service using the established PDU session.

[0105] terminal

[0106] In LTE and NR, a terminal, user terminal, user equipment, mobile station, or mobile node is referred to as a user equipment (UE). This can be a mobile device or communication device, such as a wireless phone, smartphone, tablet, or USB (Universal Serial Bus) stick that functions as a user equipment. However, the term mobile device is not limited to this; generally speaking, a relay can also function as such a mobile device, and a mobile device can also serve as a relay. For example, a terminal is a physical entity (physical node) within a communication network. Furthermore, a communication device can be any machine-type communication device, such as an IoT device. A node can have several functional entities. A functional entity is a software or hardware module that implements and / or provides a predetermined set of functionality to other functional entities of the same or another node or network. A node may have one or more interfaces that connect the node to a communication facility or medium through which the node can communicate. Similarly, a network entity may have logical interfaces that connect the functional entity to a communication facility or medium through which the functional entity can communicate with other functional entities or correspondent nodes.

[0107] base station

[0108] In this disclosure, a base station may be, for example, a transmit / receive point (TRP), cluster head, access point, remote radio head (RRH), eNodeB (eNB), gNodeB (gNB), base station (BS), base transceiver station (BTS), base station unit, or gateway. Furthermore, in sidelink communications, a terminal may be employed in place of a base station. A base station may be a relay device that relays communications between a higher-level node and a terminal. A base station may also be a roadside unit (ROU). A base station may be a scheduling node or a network node (e.g., forming part of a network that provides services to a terminal). Specifically, a base station may provide wireless access to a terminal. Communications between a terminal and a base station are generally standardized and may be defined by different layers (such as PHY, MAC, RRC, etc.). In LTE and NR, the radio interface protocol stack includes the physical layer, the medium access layer (MAC), and higher layers. In the control plane, the higher-layer protocol, the Radio Resource Control protocol, is provided. Via RRC, the base station can control the configuration of the terminal, and the terminal can communicate with the base station to perform control tasks (such as connection and bearer establishment and modification), measurements, and other functions. The terminology used in LTE is eNB (or eNodeB), while the term currently used in 5G NR is gNB. The term base station or radio base station here refers to a physical entity within a communications network. Like a mobile station, a base station may have several functional entities. A functional entity is a software or hardware module that implements and / or provides a predetermined set of functions to other functional entities in the same or another node or network. The physical entity performs some control tasks for the communications device, including one or more of scheduling and configuration. Note that base station functionality and communications device functionality can also be integrated within a single device. For example, a mobile terminal may also perform the functions of a base station for other terminals. The terminology used in LTE is eNB (or eNodeB), while the term currently used in 5G NR is gNB.

[0109] frequency band

[0110] The present disclosure may be applied to any of the licensed and unlicensed bands.

[0111] Uplink / Downlink / Sidelink

[0112] The present disclosure may be applied to any of uplink, downlink, and sidelink.

[0113] The present disclosure may be applied to, for example, uplink channels (such as PUSCH, PUCCH, and PRACH), downlink channels (such as PDSCH, PDCCH, and PBCH), and sidelink channels (such as the Physical Sidelink Shared Channel (PSSCH), the Physical Sidelink Control Channel (PSCCH), and the Physical Sidelink Broadcast Channel (PSBCH)).

[0114] PDCCH, PDSCH, PUSCH, and PUCCH are examples of downlink control channels, downlink data channels, uplink data channels, and uplink control channels, respectively. PSCCH and PSSCH are examples of sidelink control channels and sidelink data channels, respectively. PBCH and PSBCH are examples of broadcast channels, respectively, and PRACH is an example of a random access channel.

[0115] Data channel / control channel

[0116] The present disclosure can be applied to any one of a data channel and a control channel. The channels in the present disclosure can be replaced with data channels including PDSCH, PUSCH and PSSCH and / or control channels including PDCCH, PUCCH, PBCH, PSCCH and PSBCH.

[0117] HARQ-ACK

[0118] HARQ-ACK (Hybrid Automatic Repeat Request-Acknowledgement) is a signaling mechanism used in wireless communication networks to implement error correction and retransmission of data. It allows a receiving device to notify a sending device whether a packet was successfully received, allowing the sender to send the next packet or retransmit the same packet. HARQ-ACK feedback allows for efficient use of wireless channels and helps improve data transmission reliability.

[0119] Reference signal

[0120] In this disclosure, a reference signal is a signal known to both the base station and the UE, and each reference signal may be referred to as a reference signal (RS) or sometimes as a pilot signal. The reference signal may be any of a DMRS, a channel state information-reference signal (CSI-RS), a tracking reference signal (TRS), a phase tracking reference signal (PTRS), a cell-specific reference signal (CRS), and a sounding reference signal (SRS).

[0121] Channel State Information-Reference Signal (CSI-RS)

[0122] CSI-RS (Channel State Information Reference Signal) is a signal used in LTE and 5G NR to measure the quality of the wireless channel between the UE and the base station. It can be periodically transmitted by the base station on specific resource elements (resources) in the frequency domain, and the UE uses the received CSI-RS to estimate the channel quality, which can be used for beamforming and other techniques. The UE can also use CSI-RS to provide feedback to the base station, indicating the modulation and coding schemes that can be supported on the current channel. CSI-RS is an integral part of providing high data rates and reliable communications.

[0123] CSI-RS resource set group

[0124] A CSI-RS resource set group is a concept that groups CSI-RS resource sets with similar transmission characteristics. CSI-RS resource set groups can be used to optimize transmission efficiency and reduce the overhead associated with personalized control signaling. This allows a base station to send a single CSI-RS resource set for multiple antennas or transmission points, thereby reducing the amount of control signaling required for beamforming and other transmission optimization techniques.

[0125] A CSI-RS resource set group is characterized by a unique identifier called a CSI-RS configuration index (CRI). The CRI is used by the UE to identify the CSI-RS resource set group and the associated transmission characteristics. The CSI-RS resource set group can be used for various transmission parameters, including beamforming, channel quality measurement, and switching.

[0126] CSI Report

[0127] CSI reporting (e.g., in LTE or 5G NR) is a mechanism by which a UE can provide feedback to a base station about the quality of a radio channel. To this end, the UE estimates the channel quality based on a reference signal sent by the base station and reports this information to the base station.

[0128] CSI reporting in 5G NR is more advanced than in LTE and includes multiple feedback types and reporting configurations. The UE estimates the channel quality based on reference signals sent by the base station, including CSI-RS and DMRS (Demodulation Reference Signal). The UE then reports this information to the base station using one or more feedback types, such as:

[0129] - Periodic CSI feedback: The UE sends CSI feedback at regular intervals and offsets specified by the base station.

[0130] -Aperiodic CSI feedback: The UE sends CSI feedback when triggered by the base station.

[0131] - Semi-persistent CSI feedback: The UE sends CSI feedback periodically, with a periodicity configured by the base station and a certain offset, which can be triggered or stopped by the base station, allowing the base station to predict when the feedback will be received.

[0132] Feedback types can be configured with different reporting configurations, which include the number of bits used to encode the feedback, the frequency of the feedback report, and the aggregation of multiple subcarriers or antennas.

[0133] The base station can use CSI feedback to adapt transmission parameters (such as modulation and coding scheme) to the current channel conditions. CSI reporting is a mechanism for achieving high data rates and efficient use of the radio spectrum in 5G NR.

[0134] Power loss estimation

[0135] Power loss estimation in 5G NR refers to the mechanism by which the UE estimates the power loss in the radio channel between the UE and the base station. This estimation is important for determining the appropriate transmit power level to achieve the desired quality of service and minimize interference.

[0136] The UE estimates power loss based on reference signals (such as CSI-RS) sent by the base station. Power loss estimation is usually done using the Channel Quality Indicator (CQI) or Reference Signal Received Power (RSRP), which provide information about the quality of the channel and the received signal strength, respectively.

[0137] The UE can use the power loss estimate to adjust the transmit power level and improve the quality of the received signal. Depending on the estimated power loss, the UE can use different power levels for different transmit or antenna ports.

[0138] The base station may also use the power loss estimate to adjust transmit parameters, such as beamforming vectors, to improve the quality of the transmitted signal and reduce interference.

[0139] Power loss estimation is an important aspect of wireless communication systems like LTE and 5G NR as it enables efficient use of the radio spectrum and improved quality of service for users.

[0140] Uplink power control

[0141] Uplink power control is the process of adjusting the UE's transmit power in the uplink direction so that the signal received by the base station is neither too weak nor too strong. This is done to ensure efficient use of radio resources and maintain the target quality of service (QoS) for the UE. Power control can be open-loop or closed-loop.

[0142] In open-loop power control, the UE adjusts its transmit power based on a power control offset without any feedback from the base station. In closed-loop power control, the base station provides feedback to the UE to more accurately adjust the transmit power based on channel conditions. The closed-loop power control mechanism can be based on channel quality indicator (CQI) feedback from the base station. The UE uses the CQI to adjust its transmit power to maintain a target signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) at the base station. CQI feedback is typically sent periodically from the base station to the UE, and the UE adjusts its transmit power based on the most recent CQI value.

[0143] Downlink Control Information (DCI)

[0144] DCI (Downlink Control Information) is a message sent by a base station to a UE on the Physical Downlink Control Channel (PDCCH) to convey downlink control information. DCI provides the UE with information about the modulation and coding scheme, resource allocation, power control, and other transmission parameters necessary for the UE to decode the received data.

[0145] The DCI format is defined by the 5G NR standard and includes multiple fields that convey specific information. The fields include the following:

[0146] - Format Indicator (FI): Indicates the format of DCI.

[0147] - Resource Indicator (RI): Indicates resource allocation, such as time-frequency resources, antenna ports, and precoding information.

[0148] - Modulation and Coding Scheme (MCS): Indicates the modulation scheme and coding rate used for transmission.

[0149] - New Data Indicator (NDI): Indicates whether the transmission carries new data or retransmitted data.

[0150] - Hybrid Automatic Repeat Request (HARQ) process number: indicates the HARQ process number used for transmission.

[0151] -Power Control Command (PUCCH / PUSCH): indicates a power control command for uplink transmission or downlink transmission.

[0152] - Scheduling assignment: Indicates scheduling assignments to the UE, including time-frequency resources, modulation and coding schemes, and other transmission parameters.

[0153] - Scheduling Request (SR): A scheduling request indicating to the UE that it is requesting uplink resources.

[0154] Depending on the specific use case and available radio resources, DCI can have different formats and configurations. The base station uses DCI to control downlink transmission and allocate resources to the UE. The UE uses the information in the DCI to configure its receiver and process the received data.

[0155] DCI is sent in a dynamic and flexible manner, which enables efficient use of the radio spectrum and supports a variety of use cases and services. Base stations can use different DCI formats and configurations to support services such as eMBB (enhanced mobile broadband), URLLC (ultra-reliable low-latency communication), and mMTC (massive machine type communication).

[0156] UE-specific DCI

[0157] UE-specific DCI is a type of DCI message sent by a base station to a specific UE to control downlink transmissions on a per-UE basis. The UE-specific DCI contains information specific to the particular UE, such as its identity, the number of allocated resource blocks, and the modulation and coding scheme to use.

[0158] UE-specific DCI is sent on the Physical Downlink Control Channel (PDCCH) and includes information about the modulation and coding scheme, resource allocation, power control, and other transmission parameters. The UE uses the information in the UE-specific DCI to configure its receiver and process the received data.

[0159] The UE-specific DCI format includes a UE identity, which identifies the UE for which the DCI message is intended. The UE identity is used by the UE to determine whether the DCI message is intended for it.

[0160] The use of UE-specific DCI is particularly beneficial in situations where UEs have different transmission requirements, such as in a mixed service environment where different UEs may have different Quality of Service (QoS) requirements.

[0161] UE-specific DCI enables efficient and reliable communication on a per-UE basis. It also allows the base station to control downlink transmissions for individual UEs, taking into account specific transmission parameters and interference conditions in the cell. This ensures that each UE receives the optimal signal and maximizes the efficiency of downlink transmissions.

[0162] Group common DCI

[0163] Group-common DCI is a type of DCI message sent by a base station to a group of UEs that share the same set of transmission parameters. Group-common DCI is used to optimize transmission efficiency and reduce the overhead associated with personalized control signaling.

[0164] Group-common DCI can convey the same set of transmission parameters to a group of UEs, enabling them to use the same transmission settings for data reception. This reduces the overhead associated with personalized signaling because the base station only needs to send one DCI message to control transmission for a group of UEs.

[0165] The group-common DCI format may include a group identifier (GID) that is used to identify a group of UEs that share the same transmission parameters. The GID is used by UEs to determine whether a DCI message is intended for them.

[0166] The use of group-common DCI is particularly beneficial when a large number of UEs share the same transmission parameters, such as in multicast or broadcast scenarios. It enables efficient and scalable control signaling for a variety of use cases and services. It reduces signaling overhead and enables the base station to efficiently control downlink transmissions for a group of UEs with the same transmission parameters.

[0167] Cell-specific DCI

[0168] Cell-specific DCI is a type of DCI message sent by a base station to a UE to control downlink transmissions on a per-cell basis. Cell-specific DCI contains information specific to a particular cell, such as physical cell identity (PCI), frequency, and reference signal configuration.

[0169] Cell-specific DCI is sent on the Physical Downlink Control Channel (PDCCH) and includes information about the modulation and coding scheme, resource allocation, power control, and other transmission parameters. The UE uses the information in the cell-specific DCI to configure its receiver and process the received data.

[0170] The cell-specific DCI format includes a cell identity (ID) that identifies the cell that the DCI message is intended for. The cell ID is used by the UE to determine whether the DCI message is intended for it.

[0171] The use of cell-specific DCI is particularly beneficial when UEs are located in close proximity and can receive signals from multiple cells. Cell-specific DCI enables efficient and reliable communication on a per-cell basis. It allows the base station to control the UE's downlink transmissions, taking into account the specific transmission parameters and interference conditions in the cell. This ensures that each UE receives the optimal signal and maximizes the efficiency of downlink transmissions.

[0172] Antenna port

[0173] An antenna port refers to a logical antenna (antenna group) formed by one or more physical antennas. This means that an antenna port does not necessarily refer to a single physical antenna and can sometimes refer to an array antenna formed by multiple antennas. For example, there is no definition of how many physical antennas form an antenna port; rather, an antenna port is defined as the smallest unit through which a terminal can transmit a reference signal. An antenna port can also be defined as the smallest multiplication unit used for precoding vector weighting.

[0174] Beamforming

[0175] Beamforming enables directional transmission of data between a base station and a UE. It allows the base station to focus its transmission energy in the direction of the UE, which improves signal quality and overall system performance.

[0176] In 5G NR, beamforming is implemented using advanced signal processing techniques such as precoding and MIMO (Multiple Input Multiple Output). Precoding is used to optimize the transmitted signal by adjusting the amplitude and phase of the signal to maximize signal strength in the direction of the UE. MIMO is used to increase signal quality by using multiple antennas at the base station and the UE, which allows for spatial multiplexing and diversity.

[0177] Beamforming can be implemented using two main techniques: analog beamforming and digital beamforming. Analog beamforming is performed in the RF (radio frequency) domain and involves adjusting the phase and amplitude of the signal at the antenna level. Digital beamforming is performed in the baseband domain and involves digitally processing the signal before it is sent to the antenna.

[0178] Digital beamforming

[0179] Digital beamforming is a technique for directing data transmission between a base station and a UE in a specific direction. Digital beamforming is performed in the baseband domain and involves digitally processing the signal before it is sent to the antenna.

[0180] Digital beamforming involves three main steps: channel estimation, precoding, and power amplification. Channel estimation is performed to determine the channel response between the base station and the UE. Precoding is then applied to optimize the transmitted signal by adjusting the amplitude and phase of the signal to maximize signal strength in the direction of the UE. Finally, the precoded signal is amplified and transmitted to the antenna.

[0181] One advantage of digital beamforming is that it allows for more precise control of the transmitted signal, as the signal can be adjusted and optimized based on channel conditions and the location of the UE. This results in improved signal quality and overall system performance.

[0182] Another advantage of digital beamforming is that it enables the efficient use of MIMO (Multiple Input, Multiple Output) technology. MIMO involves using multiple antennas at the base station and at the UE to increase signal quality through spatial multiplexing and diversity. Digital beamforming allows the base station to optimize transmissions to the UE based on channel conditions and the UE's location, which improves overall system performance and enables new use cases and services.

[0183] Figure 6aThis diagram illustrates the principles of digital beamforming for CSI-RS transmission. A complex-valued CSI-RS sequence is provided to each of multiple baseband phase shifters and multiple downstream power amplifiers (PAs). The base station adjusts the phase and amplitude of the signal at each antenna to create a directional beam focused on the UE. The complex signal processing required for digital beamforming is typically performed using advanced signal processing algorithms, such as beamforming algorithms designed to optimize signal quality. The phase-shifted and amplified signals are then directed toward the antenna elements to form precoded / beamformed CSI-RS.

[0184] Analog beamforming

[0185] Analog beamforming involves using an antenna array at the base station that can be used to create a directional beam focused on the UE. By adjusting the phase and amplitude of the signal at each antenna, the beam can be steered in a specific direction. This allows the base station to direct the transmit energy in the direction of the UE.

[0186] One advantage of analog beamforming is that it is a simpler and more cost-effective method than digital beamforming. It does not require complex signal processing and can be implemented using relatively simple hardware.

[0187] However, analog beamforming has some limitations compared to digital beamforming. For example, it is less flexible and less precise than digital beamforming because it cannot adjust the transmitted signal based on channel conditions and the UE's location. Furthermore, when using MIMO (Multiple Input Multiple Output) technology, analog beamforming is less efficient than digital beamforming because it cannot fully exploit the spatial diversity provided by MIMO.

[0188] Figure 6b Schematic diagram illustrating the principle of analog beamforming for CSI-RS transmission. Figure 6a In contrast to the digital beamforming approach shown, the baseband signal is fed into a power amplifier (PA). The resulting amplified signal output by the PA is provided to each of multiple analog phase shifters, which are connected to multiple antenna elements. In other words, in analog beamforming, the base station adjusts the phase of the signal at each antenna to create a directional beam focused on the UE. This is accomplished using phase shifters, which are passive components that introduce phase delay into the signal path.

[0189] Quasi-co-sited (QCL)

[0190] Quasi-co-location (QCL) refers to the situation where multiple antennas or transmission points are close enough to each other that the channel responses are similar. Two antenna ports are said to be quasi-co-located (QCL) if the properties of the channel over which the symbols on one antenna port are transmitted can be inferred from the channel over which the symbols on the other antenna port are transmitted.

[0191] QCL can be used to optimize beamforming and precoding by reducing signaling overhead and the complexity of transmission optimization. By grouping antennas or transmission points that are close enough to each other to have similar channel responses, the base station can use the same beamforming and precoding weights for all antennas in the group, which simplifies the transmission optimization process.

[0192] QCL can be applied to a variety of transmission scenarios, including multi-user MIMO (Multiple Input Multiple Output) and beamforming. In multi-user MIMO, QCL can be used to group the antennas or transmission points of multiple UEs located close to each other, which can simplify transmission optimization and improve overall system performance.

[0193] TCI status

[0194] The Transmission Configuration Indication (TCI) state refers to the specific resource allocation pattern used by the UE to receive data from the base station. The TCI state is signaled by the base station to the UE via DCI.

[0195] The TCI state is used to optimize data transmission to the UE by adjusting the resource allocation pattern based on channel conditions and the UE's location. The TCI state determines the resource allocation pattern for different types of data and how it is sent to the UE, which helps maximize signal quality and overall system performance.

[0196] The base station determines the appropriate TCI state to use based on the channel conditions and the location of the UE. The TCI state is then signaled to the UE via DCI, which configures the UE to receive data using the appropriate resource allocation pattern.

[0197] The TCI state can be dynamically transmitted in a DCI message containing, for example, the configuration of the QCL relationship between the DLRS in a CSI-RS set and the PDSCH DMRS ports. The UE can be configured with a list of TCI state configurations, where each TCI state contains parameters for configuring the quasi-co-location relationship between one or two downlink reference signals and the DM-RS ports of the PDSCH, the DM-RS ports of the PDCCH, or the CSI-RS ports of a CSI-RS resource.

[0198] Synchronization and Synchronization Signal Block (SSB)

[0199] In NR downlink synchronization, the UE detects radio boundaries (i.e., the timing at which a radio frame starts) and OFDM symbol boundaries (i.e., the timing at which an OFDM symbol starts). This is performed by detecting and analyzing synchronization signal blocks (SSBs). The components of an SSB include synchronization signals: the primary synchronization signal (PSS) and the secondary synchronization signal (SSS). NR SSBs can be transmitted in various patterns, depending on the parameter set and other parameters. This pattern is signaled within system information.

[0200] In NR, TRS can be provided as a dedicated RS to a UE or as a common RS for multiple UEs in connected mode. Based on TRS, (one or more) UEs may be able to perform finer adjustments to synchronization without having to always receive synchronization signals.

[0201] In some systems, such as NR (e.g., Release 15 / 16), TRS / CSI resources are configured for UEs to utilize in measurements, such as for channel state estimation, time tracking, frequency tracking, and / or beam tracking by UEs in RRC_CONNECTED mode. For UEs in other modes (RRC_IDLE and RRC_INACTIVE), such measurements can rely on SSBs. For Release 17 NR, TRS / CSI-RS can also be used by some INACTIVE / IDLE UEs for time and frequency tracking, which supports a feature that notifies these UEs of additional TRS / CSI-RS opportunities. Therefore, in general, TRS / CSI and SSBs are signals that can be used by UEs in any RRC state for channel state estimation, time tracking (e.g., time synchronization), frequency tracking, and / or beam tracking.

[0202] In general, an SSB may be transmitted in a specific (spatial) direction, in which case the SSB may also be referred to as an "SSB beam." Specifically, each SSB / SSB beam may also have and / or indicate a beam index (also referred to as an SSB index), which may be used to distinguish the SSB beam from other SSB beams transmitted in directions other than the SSB beam. The UE may then determine the SSB index of the received SSB beam based on the signal of the received SSB beam and determine the direction in which the SSB beam was transmitted by the base station.

[0203] In general, the current SSB structure and signaling in SIB1 can be used by the base station to indicate to the UE the SSB beams the base station is using. The base station can then use on / off indications to inform the UE which beams should be turned on or off during which period.

[0204] Network Energy Saving

[0205] CSI and beam management-related processes can be used to optimize network resource usage, reduce energy consumption, and improve overall network performance. These processes can include measurement and reporting, as well as signaling, to enable efficient adaptation of spatial elements (such as antenna ports or active transceiver chains). By implementing these processes, the network can achieve a better balance between performance and energy consumption.

[0206] In order to save network energy, an operational option is to promote spatial element adaptation. In other words, the number of active amplifiers used for antenna ports can be adapted. This approach may result in antennas or RS ports or beams being turned on or off. Specifically, in Figure 6b In the analog beamforming shown, when the PA is turned off, the RS port / beam is turned off and the corresponding signaling is not sent. In digital beamforming, as shown Figure 6a As shown, antenna element adaptation may result in adaptation of the beam power levels of the corresponding antennas / RS ports.

[0207] Furthermore, to save network energy, the output power level of each PA can be adapted. In digital beamforming as well as analog beamforming, this can result in an adaptation / reduction of the power level of the corresponding antenna / RS port or beam.

[0208] In general, the base station may determine to reduce the power level of an antenna / RS port or beam depending on the number of UEs being served. For example, the more UEs being served by the base station, the lower the power level may be.

[0209] However, adapting spatial elements like ports, transceiver chains, and PAs can lead to several drawbacks. For example, when a UE reports CSI without including L1-RSRP / SINR, this can result in a change in the number of CSI-RS ports and other configurations, such as the codebook used for CSI measurement and reporting PMI. Furthermore, this can result in a change in the number of CSI-RS ports in both digital beamforming with flexible antenna virtualization and analog beamforming.

[0210] Furthermore, when the CSI report includes L1-RSRP / SINR and beam management procedures, adapting the spatial element may result in a change of the beam measured and reported by the UE.

[0211] Additionally, for digital beamforming, varying the number of amplifiers and / or spatial elements used results in different power levels for each beam port as a reference, which in turn is reflected by the EPRE of the CSI-RS. Therefore, spatial element adaptation can result in different path loss estimates performed by the UE.

[0212] Furthermore, the list of valid TCI states can change due to spatial element adaptation. Specifically, when the downlink (DL) TCI state is associated with the configured SSB beam index or CSI-RS resource as a QCL reference, adapting the number of active amplifiers and / or antenna elements affects the total number of beams and the configuration of CSI-RS resources, ultimately leading to a change in the list of valid TCI states.

[0213] When the transmit (Tx) power of the CSI-RS is adapted, the offset between the power of the CSI-RS and the power of the SSS changes, which may affect the path loss calculation performed by the UE when the UE uses the CSI-RS as a reference. In addition, the calculation of the CQI may be affected by the change in the power offset between the CSI-RS and the PDSCH.

[0214] That is, in summary, when the CSI-RS exists and / or the power level changes dynamically, the process of the UE using the CSI-RS as a reference may be affected.

[0215] Example

[0216] Hereinafter, a UE, a base station, and procedures will be described for the new radio access technology envisioned for 5G mobile communication systems, but the UE, base station, and procedures may also be used in LTE mobile communication systems. Various embodiments and variations will also be explained. The following disclosure is facilitated by the discussions and findings described above and may, for example, be based at least in part thereon.

[0217] In general, it should be noted that many assumptions have been made herein in order to explain the underlying principles of the present disclosure in a clear and understandable manner. However, these assumptions are only to be understood as examples made herein for illustrative purposes and should not limit the scope of the present disclosure.

[0218] In addition, some of the terms for processes, entities, layers, etc. used below are closely related to terms used in LTE / LTE-A systems or current 3GPP 5G standardization, even though the specific terms to be used in the context of new radio access technologies for the next 3GPP 5G communication system have not yet been fully decided or may ultimately change. Therefore, the terms may be changed in the future without affecting the operation of the embodiments. Therefore, those skilled in the art will appreciate that the embodiments and their scope of protection should not be limited to the specific terms used exemplarily herein due to a lack of updated or ultimately agreed-upon terms, but should be understood more broadly in terms of the underlying functions and concepts that constitute the operation and principles of the present disclosure.

[0219] For example, a mobile station, mobile node, user terminal, or user equipment (UE) is a physical entity (physical node) within a communication network. A node may have several functional entities. A functional entity is a software or hardware module that implements and / or provides a predetermined set of functionality to other functional entities of the same or another node or network. A node may have one or more interfaces that connect the node to a communication infrastructure or medium through which the node can communicate. Similarly, a network entity may have logical interfaces that connect the functional entity to a communication infrastructure or medium through which it can communicate with other functional entities or communication nodes.

[0220] The term "base station" or "radio base station" here refers to a physical entity within a communications network. Like a mobile station, a base station may have several functional entities. A functional entity is a software or hardware module that implements and / or provides a predetermined set of functions to other functional entities in the same or another node or network. The physical entity performs some control tasks for the communications device, including one or more of scheduling and configuration. Note that base station functionality and communications device functionality can also be integrated within a single device. For example, a mobile terminal may also implement the functionality of a base station for other terminals. The term used in LTE is eNB (or eNodeB), while the term currently used in 5G NR is gNB.

[0221] The communication between a UE and a base station is generally standardized and may be defined by different layers such as PHY, MAC, RRC, etc. (see background discussion above).

[0222] The present disclosure relates to a UE, a base station, and methods of the UE and the base station for solving problems related to network energy saving through spatial element adaptation or transmit power adaptation performed by the base station.

[0223] Figure 7 This diagram illustrates a simplified, general, and exemplary block diagram of a user equipment 100 (also referred to as a communication device) and a base station 200 (here, illustratively assumed to be a scheduling device, such as an eNB or gNB (network node)). However, in general, in the case of a sidelink connection between two terminals, the scheduling device can also be a terminal. Furthermore, particularly with respect to URLLC, eMBB, and mMTC use cases, the communication device 100 can also be a sensor device, a wearable device, or a controller for a connected vehicle or automated machinery in an industrial plant. Furthermore, the communication device 200 can be capable of acting as a relay between a base station and another communication device (e.g., the present disclosure is not limited to communication "terminals" or user "terminals").

[0224] The UE 100 and the base station 200 (eNB / gNB) communicate with each other via a (wireless) physical channel 300 using their transceivers 110 (UE side) and 210 (base station side), respectively. The base station 200 and the UE 100 together form a communication system 10. The communication system 10 may also include other entities such as Figure 1 Those entities shown in .

[0225] UE 100 may include a transceiver 110 and (processing) circuitry 120, and scheduling device 200 may include a transceiver 210 and (processing) circuitry 220. Transceivers 110 and 210 may, in turn, include and / or function as receivers and / or transmitters. In other words, in this disclosure, the term "transceiver" refers to hardware and software components that enable UE 100 or, respectively, base station 200 to transmit and / or receive radio signals via wireless channel 300. Accordingly, a transceiver corresponds to a receiver, a transmitter, or a combination of a receiver and a transmitter. Generally, base stations and UEs are assumed to be capable of both transmitting and receiving radio signals. However, particularly with respect to some applications of eMBB, mMTC, and URLLC (smart homes, smart cities, industrial automation, etc.), scenarios in which devices such as sensors only receive signals are conceivable. Furthermore, the term "circuitry" includes processing circuitry formed by one or more processors or processing units, etc.

[0226] like Figure 7 As shown, in some embodiments, a user equipment (UE) 100 includes a transceiver 110 and a circuit 120, wherein the transceiver 110 receives a power level indicator from a base station, wherein the power level indicator indicates a power level of a channel state information reference signal (CSI-RS) resource and / or whether the CSI-RS resource is to be transmitted by the base station; and the circuit 120 operates according to the power level and / or according to whether the CSI-RS resource is to be transmitted by the base station 200.

[0227] Figure 8a FIG1 shows the functional structure of circuit 120. Specifically, it includes transceiver control circuit 121. Transceiver control circuit 121 controls transceiver 110. For example, controlling transceiver 110 may include controlling transceiver 110 to receive (detect) signaling transmitted by base station 200 and including a power level indicator. Specifically, transceiver control circuit 120 may control transceiver 110 to decode the power level indicator. Circuit 120 may include operation processing circuit 122, which operates based on the power level and / or based on whether CSI-RS resources are to be transmitted by base station 200.

[0228] Also like Figure 7As shown, in some embodiments, base station 200 includes circuitry 220. Circuitry 220 determines that signaling including an availability indication is to be generated. Circuitry 220 determines the power level of a channel state information reference signal (CSI-RS) resource and / or whether the CSI-RS resource is to be transmitted by the base station. Furthermore, circuitry 220 generates signaling including a power level indicator indicating the power level of the CSI-RS resource and / or whether the CSI-RS resource is to be transmitted by base station 200, and transceiver 210 transmits the generated signaling.

[0229] Figure 8b FIG2 shows the functional structure of circuit 220. Specifically, circuit 220 includes transceiver control circuit 221. Transceiver control circuit 221 controls transceiver 210. For example, the control may include controlling transceiver 210 to transmit a power level indicator to UE 100. Circuit 2200 may include power level determination processing circuit 222, which determines the power level of a channel state information reference signal (CSI-RS) resource and / or whether the CSI-RS resource is to be transmitted by base station 200. Transceiver control circuit 221 then controls transceiver 210 to transmit signaling including the power level indicator.

[0230] Corresponding to the above-mentioned base station 200, a communication method to be performed by the base station 200 (or the scheduling device) is provided. Figure 9 As shown, the method includes the following steps: (i) determining the power level of the CSI-RS resource and / or whether the CSI-RS resource is to be transmitted by the base station 200 (S200); and (ii) sending a power level indicator to the UE 100, wherein the power level indicator indicates the power level of the CSI-RS resource and / or whether the CSI-RS resource is to be transmitted by the base station (S210).

[0231] Furthermore, corresponding to the above-mentioned UE 100, a communication method to be performed by the UE 100 is provided. Figure 9 As shown, the method includes the following steps: (i) receiving a power level indicator from a base station 200, wherein the power level indicator indicates a power level of a channel state information reference signal (CSI-RS) resource and / or whether the CSI-RS resource is to be transmitted by the base station 200 (S100); and (ii) operating according to the power level and / or according to whether the CSI-RS resource is to be transmitted by the base station 200 (S110).

[0232] Circuit

[0233] Circuits 120, 220 (or processing circuits) may be one or more hardware components (such as one or more processors or any LSI). Input / output points (or nodes) 130, 230 exist between transceivers 110, 210 and processing circuits 120, 220. Processing circuits 120, 220 can control transceivers 110, 210 via these input / output points (or nodes), i.e., control the receiver and / or transmitter and exchange receive / transmit data. Transceivers 110, 210, acting as both transmitters and receivers, may include an RF (radio frequency) front end, which includes one or more antennas, amplifiers, RF modulators / demodulators, and the like. Processing circuits 120, 220 may perform control tasks, such as controlling transceivers 110, 210 to transmit user data and control data provided by processing circuits 120, 220 and / or receive user data and control data that are further processed by processing circuits 120, 220. The processing circuits 120 and 220 may also be responsible for performing other processes, such as determining, deciding, calculating, measuring, etc. The transmitter may be responsible for performing the transmission process and other processes related thereto. The receiver may be responsible for performing the reception process and other processes related thereto.

[0234] Note that circuits 120, 220 may be general-purpose processing circuits including one or more processors that may execute code instructions stored in a memory (which may also be part of circuits 120, 220) and may include portions of code instructions corresponding to the functionality described above with reference to the corresponding circuits. Functionality may be provided by hardware adaptation and / or by software. The present disclosure is not limited to any particular circuit, and embodiments of the present disclosure may include dedicated or programmable hardware or general-purpose hardware or any combination thereof.

[0235] It is further noted that any steps / operations described below may be performed or controlled by circuit 120 (on the UE 100 side) and / or circuit 220 (on the base station 200 side). Specifically, in the further description, unless explicitly stated or the context indicates otherwise, the details and embodiments apply to each of the UE 100, the base station 200, and the method.

[0236] First embodiment

[0237] In a first embodiment, the UE 100 includes a transceiver 110 that receives a power level indicator from a base station 200, wherein the power level indicator indicates a power level of a channel state information reference signal (CSI-RS) resource and / or whether the CSI-RS resource is to be transmitted by the base station 200. The UE 100 also includes a circuit 120 that operates according to the power level and / or according to whether the CSI-RS resource is to be transmitted by the base station 200. Specifically, the power level represents a power offset between a transmit power of the CSI-RS and a transmit power of a synchronization signal.

[0238] Hereinafter, the power offset between the transmit power of the CSI-RS and the transmit power of the synchronization signal is referred to as the first power offset. The indication of whether a CSI-RS resource will be transmitted by base station 200 is also referred to as the CSI-RS resource on / off indication. That is, the power level indicator may indicate the first power offset and / or the CSI-RS resource on / off indication. The power level indicator need not directly indicate the power level / CSI-RS resource on / off indication, but may instead represent a value associated with a (predetermined or configured) first power offset value or a power offset resource on / off indication.

[0239] That is, UE 100 is provided with information regarding the difference (first power offset) between the transmit power of the CSI-RS and the synchronization signal (which may be the SSS). Transmit power may be the power used to transmit the corresponding radio signal from base station 200 to UE 100. It may be measured in watts (W), decibels (dB), or any other suitable unit. The power of the corresponding signal received by UE 100 is referred to as received power.

[0240] The power level indicator indicates an offset (difference) between the transmission power of the CSI-RS and the transmission power of the SSS, and may also be measured using W, dB, or the like.

[0241] For example, each of the one or more CSI-RS resource sets may be associated with a power level and / or whether the corresponding CSI-RS resource is to be transmitted (CSI-RS resource on / off indication). The transceiver 110 receives a CSI-RS resource set indicator indicating the CSI-RS resource set as a power level indicator.

[0242] In the first embodiment, the UE 100 receives the power level indicator via group-common DCI. However, the present disclosure is not limited thereto, and the power level indicator may be received via UE-specific DCI, group-common DCI, or MAC control element (MAC CE).

[0243] The UE 100 is configured with one or more starting positions of one or more blocks and / or one or more block indices in the DCI. A power level indicator is received via the DCI based on the starting position of the block and / or the one or more block indices. In each block, the number of CSI-RS resource set groups, the group ID for each CSI-RS resource set, and the bit width of the indication for each group are RRC-configurable.

[0244] Figure 10This is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of signaling a power level indicator via group-common DCI. A UE is configured with a correspondence between one or more CSI-RS resource set groups and one or more corresponding first power offsets and / or CSI-RS resource on / off indications. In other words, each CSI-RS resource set group is associated with whether a first power offset and / or CSI-RS resource is to be transmitted by a base station. For example, the correspondence may be fixed or RRC-configurable.

[0245] That is, for each indication field of each block and each CSI-RS resource set group, the candidate values ​​of the CSI-RS resource on / off indication and / or the first power offset as selected or indicated by the DCI can be fixed or RRC configurable.

[0246] In an example, a first offset value of negative infinity (-∞) in dB indicates that the PA / element is turned off, which corresponds to the amplifier or antenna element being turned off, and for analog beamforming, the transmit and receive point (TRP) level is zero. In other words, a power level of negative infinity can indicate that the CSI-RS resources will not be transmitted by the base station. Additionally, candidate values ​​for the first power offset can include -3dB, -6dB, -9dB, etc. These values ​​can represent a reduction in amplifier power or muting / shutting down the power amplifier by half, 3 / 4, or 7 / 8, respectively.

[0247] The power level indicator may indicate the first offset as a relative offset value or an absolute offset value. That is, when the power level indicator indicates the first power offset in a relative manner, the UE 100 may determine the first offset by adding the first power offset indicated by the power level indicator to the configured power level or EPRE (energy per resource element) (e.g., as configured by RRC). That is, the power level indicator may indicate the first power offset relative to the configured power level or EPRE. On the other hand, the power level indicator may indicate the first power offset in an absolute manner independent of the configured power level / EPRE.

[0248] Furthermore, the UE 100 may determine the first power offset in an open-loop (non-cumulative) or closed-loop (cumulative) manner. That is, when the UE 100 receives multiple power level indicators (e.g., a first power level indicator and a second power level indicator), the first power offset may be determined by applying the power level indicator(s) independently of one another in a relative or absolute manner, as described above. Alternatively, the UE 100 may determine the first power offset in a cumulative manner, wherein the second power level indicator (received after the first power level indicator) is applied to the first power offset previously determined using the first power level indicator.

[0249] In such Figure 10 In the signaling scheme shown, a UE 100 receives a power level indicator via group-common DCI, where the UE 100 is configured with one or more starting positions of (one or more) blocks or one or more indices of (one or more) blocks in the DCI field. That is, the power level indicator is received via the group-common DCI based on the configured starting position(s) / block index(es). Since one field of a block can be the same for multiple UEs 100, the UEs receive the same CSI-RS. Accordingly, the power level indicator can be signaled to multiple UEs 100 using the group-common DCI. Furthermore, the UE 100 can be configured with multiple blocks corresponding to the reception of multiple CSI-RSs.

[0250] First variant

[0251] In a first variation, circuit 120 determines whether the first power offset is a first value and / or whether the CSI-RS resource is indicated as not to be transmitted by base station 200. In other words, circuit 120 determines whether the power level indicated by the power level indicator is the first value, or whether the CSI-RS resource on / off indication indicates that the CSI-RS resource should not be transmitted by base station 200 (CSI-RS resource off). In addition, circuit 120 determines whether the CSI-RS is configured in a TCI state configuration. In other words, circuit 120 can determine whether the CSI-RS resource whose power level / CSI-RS resource on / off indication is indicated by the power level indicator is associated with a TCI state.

[0252] If the first power offset is the first value and / or the power level indicator indicates that the CSI-RS resource is off, the TCI state associated with the CSI-RS is expected not to be activated or indicated in the DCI. When the TCI state is already activated, the circuit 120 may deactivate the TCI state.

[0253] The first value may be a value associated with CSI-RS resource OFF and may be, for example, zero or negative infinity dB. However, the first value is not limited to the value and may be, for example, a predetermined or preconfigured value.

[0254] In other words, when the first power offset of a certain CSI-RS resource indicates a first value, or the CSI-RS resource is indicated as off, and the CSI-RS resource is configured in the RRC configuration of the TCI state (used for QCL with other channels (PDCCH / PDSCH)), the off indication / first value causes the UE 100 to neither expect the TCI state for the CSI-RS resource to be activated (e.g., via a MAC CE) nor to be indicated in an L1 TCI indication (e.g., in a DCI). Furthermore, if the TCI state has already been activated by a MAC CE, the first value / off indication causes the UE 100 to deactivate the TCI state for the CSI-RS resource.

[0255] Accordingly, the interaction of the UE 100 with the TCI framework is consistent with the operations performed by the base station 200.

[0256] Second variant

[0257] In a second variation, the circuit 120 may perform at least one of the following operations after the transceiver 110 receives the power level indicator.

[0258] When the first power offset is the first value and / or the CSI-RS resource is indicated as not to be transmitted by the base station 200 , the UE 100 may stop reporting of CSI according to the CSI reporting configuration associated with the CSI-RS resource.

[0259] That is, when the first power offset of the CSI-RS is a first value (which can be negative infinity, zero, etc.) or a CSI-RS resource deactivation indication is received (i.e., when CSI-RS resources will not be transmitted by base station 200), UE 100 does not perform CSI reporting with respect to the CSI-RS. Accordingly, UE 100 behavior is adapted to take into account energy-saving measures implemented by base station 200. Specifically, if CSI-RS resources will not be transmitted by base station 200, UE 100 does not perform corresponding CSI-RS reporting. This can further reduce energy consumption on the UE side.

[0260] When the first power offset of the CSI-RS is a value other than the first value and / or the power level indicator indicates that a CSI-RS resource is to be transmitted by the base station 200 (e.g., a CSI-RS resource on indication is received), and the CSI-RS resource is part of a CSI reporting configuration, when the CSI-RS resource is switched from off to on (indicated by the power level indicator being a CSI-RS resource on indication), the UE 100 begins reporting CSI associated with the CSI reporting configuration, or continues reporting CSI. This method ensures that the UE 100 behavior is consistent with the power saving process performed by the base station 200. Specifically, it can ensure that the necessary CSI reports are provided by the UE 100 to the base station 200.

[0261] When UE 100 is configured with multiple sets of CSI reporting configurations, UE 100 may switch between the multiple sets of CSI reporting configurations. This switching may be based on a CSI-RS resource set group index that is indicated as being on (via a power level indicator indicating that the CSI-RS resources are to be transmitted by base station 200; a CSI-RS resource on indication) and / or a first power offset other than the first value (e.g., other than negative infinity or zero). The multiple CSI configurations may involve reported values, such as, for example, LI, CQI, RI, PMI, L1-RSRP, and / or L1-SINR, and optionally a codebook for the PMI.

[0262] The number and / or size of CSI reports sent by UE 100 can be semi-static or dynamic. In the semi-static case, the UE reports CSI based only on a fixed or configured set or number of CSI report configurations. That is, the size of the CSI reports remains aligned between base station 200 and UE 100. In the dynamic case, the UE adjusts the size of the CSI reports based on the CSI-RS indicated as turned on (through a power level indicator that indicates CSI-RS resource on) or the number of CSI-RS resource set groups indicated as turned on.

[0263] Third variant

[0264] In a third variant, the circuit 120 operates according to the power level and / or according to whether CSI-RS resources are to be sent by the base station in a limited period after receiving the power level indicator.

[0265] In other words, the first offset and / or CSI-RS resource on / off indication is applied for a period of limited length starting at a certain time after the power level indicator is received. For example, the indication may be applied starting after a fixed period or an RRC / SIB configured period after the time slot in which the UE 100 has received the power level indicator. For example, the duration of the limited period may also be fixed or RRC / SIB configured.

[0266] That is, any operation performed by the UE 100 that is triggered by or depends on the power level indicator may be performed only during a certain period. For example, in view of the second variation described above, when a CSI-RS resource off indication is received only during the mentioned period, the UE 100 may not perform CSI reporting. However, the present disclosure is not limited to not performing CSI reporting during a period that depends on the indication of the power level indicator, but any of the described procedures that depend on the power level indicator may be performed.

[0267] The period may be set / defined by a first time that begins when the power level indicator is received. After the first time expires, the UE 100 may start a second timer with a running time equal to the duration of the period. That is, the period is set to the period during which the second timer is running and has not expired.

[0268] Figure 11 is a process diagram illustrating exemplary steps performed by UE 100 in which circuitry 120 operates according to the power level and or according to whether CSI-RS resources are to be transmitted by the base station in a limited period after receiving a power level indicator.

[0269] In step S300, the UE receives a power level indicator from the base station 200. The power level indicator indicates a power offset for a CSI-RS resource and / or whether the CSI-RS will be transmitted by the base station 200 (i.e., a CSI-RS resource on / off indication). The power offset may be a first power offset and / or a second power offset, as described further below. In step S310, the circuit 120 determines whether the current time is after an application time and within a valid period. The application time is the time starting from the receipt of the power level indicator and indicates the start of a period (i.e., a valid period). If the current time is within the valid period ("yes" in step S310), the method proceeds to step S320. In step S320, the indicated power offset and / or the indicated CSI-RS resource on / off indication is applied in one or more of the TCI framework, CSI measurement and reporting, and / or path loss estimation and uplink power control, as described above. If the current time is not after the application time and is within the valid period ("No" in step S310), the method proceeds to step S330. In step S330, the UE 100 stops applying the power offset and / or CSR-RS resource on / off indication. Instead, the UE 100 applies whatever was configured before receiving the power level indicator.

[0270] This method allows limiting the operations performed by the UE 100 to a specific period. Therefore, there is no need for the base station 200 to send an additional indication, for example for continuing / starting CSI reporting.

[0271] Fourth variant

[0272] In a fourth variant, the transceiver 110 receives a CSI-RS resource. The circuit 120 calculates a path loss estimate using the first power offset and the received power of the CSI-RS resource. Furthermore, the circuit 120 performs uplink power control based on the calculated path loss estimate.

[0273] Specifically, the obtained path loss estimate may be used for uplink power control of one or more of a physical uplink shared channel PUSCH, a physical uplink control channel PUCCH, a sounding reference signal SRS and / or a physical random access channel PRACH.

[0274] In this way, the UE may reduce its energy consumption since the uplink transmission may be performed using reduced transmit power.

[0275] Second embodiment

[0276] In the second embodiment, the UE 100 includes a transceiver 110 that receives a power level indicator from a base station 200, wherein the power level indicator indicates a power level of a channel state information reference signal (CSI-RS) resource and / or whether the CSI-RS resource is to be transmitted by the base station 200. The UE 100 also includes a circuit 120 that operates according to the power level and / or according to whether the CSI-RS resource is to be transmitted by the base station. Specifically, the power level represents a power offset between the transmit power of the CSI-RS resource and the transmit power of the physical downlink shared channel (PDSCH).

[0277] Hereinafter, the power offset between the CSI-RS transmit power and the PDSCH transmit power is referred to as the second power offset. The indication of whether a CSI-RS resource will be transmitted by base station 200 is also referred to as a CSI-RS resource on / off indication. That is, the power level indicator may indicate the second power offset and / or the CSI-RS resource on / off indication. The power level indicator need not directly indicate the power level / CSI-RS resource on / off indication, but may instead represent a value associated with a (predetermined or configured) second power offset value or a power offset resource on / off indication.

[0278] That is, UE 100 is provided with information regarding the difference (second power offset) between the transmit power of the CSI-RS and the PDSCH. Similar to the first embodiment, transmit power may be the power used to transmit the corresponding radio signal from base station 200 to UE 100. It may be measured in watts (W), decibels (dB), or any other suitable unit. The power of the corresponding signal received by UE 100 is referred to as received power.

[0279] The power level indicator indicates an offset (difference) between the transmission power of the CSI-RS and the transmission power of the PDSCH, and may also be measured using W, dB, or the like.

[0280] In the second embodiment, the power level indicator may be signaled to the UE 100 in the same or similar manner as in the first embodiment, wherein the power offset indicated by the power level indicator does not relate to the first power offset but to the second power offset. Figure 10 The power level indicator is signaled / sent to the UE in the same or similar manner as described.

[0281] Furthermore, the second offset may indicate an offset value as described for the first embodiment. Specifically, the second power offset may be indicated as a relative offset or an absolute offset. Furthermore, the power level may be indicated in an open-loop or closed-loop manner.

[0282] However, the second power offset value may be negative or positive.While a negative second power offset value may indicate a power reduction of the CSI-RS resource, a positive second power offset value may indicate a power reduction of the PDSCH.

[0283] variants

[0284] According to the first to third variations of the first embodiment, variations of the second embodiment are provided in which the first power offset is replaced by a second power offset.

[0285] That is, in a variation of the second embodiment corresponding to the first variation of the first embodiment, the circuit 120 may determine whether the second power offset is the first value and / or the CSI-RS resource is indicated as not to be transmitted, and whether the CSI-RS resource is configured in a configuration in which the transmission configuration indicates a TCI state. If the circuit 120 determines that the second power offset is the first value and / or the CSI-RS resource is indicated as not to be transmitted, and the CSI-RS resource is configured in a configuration in which the transmission configuration indicates a TCI state, the circuit 120 anticipates that the TCI state will not be activated or will not be indicated in the DCI, or, if the TCI state is activated, deactivates the TCI state.

[0286] Furthermore, in a variant of the second embodiment corresponding to the second variant of the first embodiment, the circuit 120 performs at least one of the operations after the transceiver 110 receives the power level indicator.

[0287] Specifically, when the second power offset is the first value and / or the CSI-RS resource is indicated as not to be transmitted, the circuit 120 may stop reporting of the CSI according to the CSI reporting configuration associated with the CSI-RS resource.

[0288] Furthermore, when the second power offset is a value different from the first value and / or a CSI-RS resource is indicated as being transmitted, circuitry 120 may initiate or continue CSI reporting according to the CSI reporting configuration associated with the CSI-RS resource. When performing CSI reporting, UE 100 may take the second power offset value into account when calculating CSI values. This may be done for any one or any combination of LI, CQI, PMI, and / or RI. In other words, circuitry 120 takes the second power offset into account when determining the values.

[0289] That is, in other words, when the power level indicates a second power offset, i.e., between the transmit power of the CSI-RS and the transmit power of the PDSCH, and the circuit starts or continues reporting of the CSI after the transceiver 110 receives the power level indicator, the circuit 120 may use the second power offset to determine the value included in the CSI.

[0290] Furthermore, the circuit 120 may switch between multiple CSI reporting configuration sets based on the power level indicator.

[0291] In a variant of the second embodiment corresponding to the third variant of the first embodiment, the circuit may operate according to the power level and / or according to whether the CSI-RS resource is transmitted by the base station 200 within a limited period after receiving the power level indicator.

[0292] Third embodiment

[0293] In a third embodiment, the UE 100 includes a transceiver 110 that receives a power level indicator from a base station 200, wherein the power level indicator indicates a power level of a channel state information reference signal (CSI-RS) resource and / or whether the CSI-RS resource is to be transmitted by the base station 200. The UE 100 also includes a circuit 120 that operates according to the power level and / or according to whether the CSI-RS resource is to be transmitted by the base station 200.

[0294] Specifically, the power level may represent the power offset between the transmit power of the CSI-RS resource and the transmit power of the synchronization signal, i.e., the first power offset. Alternatively, the power level may represent the power offset between the transmit power of the CSI-RS resource and the transmit power of the physical downlink shared channel (PDSCH), i.e., the second power offset. Alternatively, the power level may represent both the first power offset and the second power offset.

[0295] Furthermore, in particular, the one or more transmission configurations indicate that each of the TCI states is associated with a power level and / or whether the corresponding CSI-RS resource is to be transmitted. The transceiver 110 receives the TCI state indicator as a power level indicator.

[0296] In the third embodiment, the UE 100 receives the power level indicator via a group-common DCI. However, the present disclosure is not limited thereto, and the power level indicator may be received via a UE-specific DCI, a group-common DCI, or a MAC CE.

[0297] Similar to the first embodiment, the UE 100 is configured with one or more starting positions of one or more blocks and / or one or more block indices in the DCI. Based on the starting position of the block and / or the one or more block indices, the power level indicator is received via the DCI. In each block, the number of TCI state groups, the group ID per CSI-RS resource set, and the bit width of the indication for each group are RRC-configurable.

[0298] Figure 12 1 is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of signaling a power level indicator via group-common DCI according to the third embodiment. The UE is configured with a correspondence between one or more TCI state groups and corresponding one or more first power offsets and / or second power offsets and / or CSI-RS resource on / off indications. In other words, each TCI state group is associated with whether the first power offset and / or second power offset and / or CSI-RS resource is to be transmitted by the base station 200. For example, the correspondence may be fixed or configured by RRC.

[0299] That is, for each indication field of each block and each TCI state group, the candidate values ​​of the CSI-RS resource on / off indication and / or the first power offset as selected or indicated by the DCI may be fixed or RRC configured.

[0300] The mapping relationship between the TCI state group and the corresponding CSI-RS resource can be based on the current RRC configuration. The candidate value can be any of the candidate values ​​described in the first embodiment. That is, a candidate value equal to the first value (e.g., negative infinity or zero) can indicate that the CSI-RS resource will not be transmitted by the base station. In addition, other offset values ​​can indicate the corresponding first power offset and / or second power offset. The power offset can be determined in a relative or absolute manner, in an open-loop or closed-loop manner.

[0301] First variant

[0302] In a first variation, circuit 120 determines whether the power offset (first power offset or second power offset) is the first value and / or whether the CSI-RS resource is indicated as not to be transmitted by base station 200. In other words, circuit 120 determines whether the power offset indicated by the power level indicator is the first value, or whether the CSI-RS resource on / off indication indicates that the CSI-RS resource should not be transmitted by base station 200 (CSI-RS resource off). In addition, circuit 120 determines whether the CSI-RS is configured in a TCI state configuration. The TCI state may correspond to the TCI state indicated by the received TCI state indicator. In other words, circuit 120 may determine the CSI-RS resource associated with the TCI state group whose power level / CSI-RS resource on / off indication is indicated by the power level indicator.

[0303] If the first power offset / second power offset is the first value and / or the power level indicator indicates that the CSI-RS resource is off, the TCI state associated with the CSI-RS is expected not to be activated (e.g., via a MAC CE) or indicated in the DCI. If the TCI state is already activated, circuit 120 may deactivate the TCI state.

[0304] The first value may be a value associated with CSI-RS resource OFF and may be, for example, zero or negative infinity dB. However, the first value is not limited to the value and may be, for example, a predetermined or preconfigured value.

[0305] In other words, when the first power offset / second power offset of a certain CSI-RS resource associated with a TCI state indicates a first value or the CSI-RS resource is indicated as off, and the CSI-RS resource is configured in the RRC configuration for the TCI state for QCL with other channels (PDCCH / PDSCH), the off indication / first value causes the UE 100 to neither expect the TCI state indicated by the TCI state indicator to be activated (e.g., via a MAC CE) nor to be indicated in an L1 TCI indication (e.g., in a DCI). Furthermore, if the TCI state has already been activated by a MAC CE, the first value / off indication causes the UE 100 to deactivate the TCI state for the CSI-RS resource.

[0306] If the TCI state indicated by the TCI state indicator has been indicated by UE-specific DCI to apply QCL to other channels (e.g., PDCCH and / or PDSCH), and the TCI state indicator indicates that the TCI state associated with the CSI-RS resource will not be transmitted by the base station 200 (i.e., a CSI-RS resource off indication), then the UE 100 does not apply the indicated TCI state. In this case, the UE 100 may switch to a standby or default TCI state that may be RRC-configured or fixed. Furthermore, for this purpose, the mapping between the TCI state and the corresponding standby or default TCI state may be RRC-configured or fixed.

[0307] Therefore, the interaction of the UE 100 with the TCI framework is consistent with the operations performed by the base station 200.

[0308] Second variant

[0309] In a second variation, the circuit 120 may perform at least one of the following operations after the transceiver 110 receives the power level indicator.

[0310] When the power offset (first power offset or second power offset) associated with the TCI state indicated by the TCI state indicator is the first value and / or is associated with the TCO state of the CSI-RS resource that will not be sent by the base station 200, the UE 100 can stop reporting CSI according to the CSI reporting configuration associated with the CSI-RS resource.

[0311] That is, when the first / second power offset associated with the indicated TCI state is a first value (which may be negative infinity, zero, etc.) or a CSI-RS resource off indication is associated with the TCI state indicated by the received TCI state indicator (that is, when CSI-RS resources will not be transmitted by base station 200), UE 100 does not perform CSI reporting with respect to the CSI-RS. Accordingly, UE 100 behavior is adapted to take into account energy-saving measures implemented by base station 200. Specifically, if CSI-RS resources will not be transmitted by base station 200, UE 100 also does not perform corresponding CSI-RS reporting. This can further reduce energy consumption on the UE side.

[0312] When the first / second power offset of the CSI-RS associated with the indicated TCI state is a value other than the first value and / or is associated with a TCI state in which a CSI-RS resource is to be transmitted by base station 200 (e.g., the TCI state indicator indicates a CSI-RS resource on indication), and the CSI-RS resource is part of a CSI reporting configuration, when the CSI-RS resource is switched from off to on (indicated by the power level indicator indicating the CSI-RS resource on indication), UE 100 begins reporting CSI associated with the CSI reporting configuration, or continues reporting CSI. This method ensures that UE 100 behavior is consistent with the power saving procedures performed by base station 200. Specifically, it can ensure that the necessary CSI reports are provided by UE 100 to base station 200.

[0313] When UE 100 is configured with multiple sets of CSI reporting configurations, UE 100 may switch between the multiple sets of CSI reporting configurations. Switching may be based on a TCI state linked to a CSI-RS indicated as on (via a power level indicator indicating a TCI state associated with a CSI-RS resource to be transmitted by base station 200; a CSI-RS resource on indication) and / or a first / second power offset other than the first value (e.g., other than negative infinity or zero). The multiple CSI configurations may involve reported values, such as LI, CQI, RI, PMI, L1-RSRP, and / or L1-SINR, and optionally a codebook for the PMI.

[0314] The number and / or size of CSI reports sent by UE 100 can be semi-static or dynamic. In the semi-static case, the UE reports CSI based only on a fixed or configured set or number of CSI report configurations. That is, the size of the CSI reports remains aligned between base station 200 and UE 100. In the dynamic case, the UE adjusts the size of the CSI reports based on the CSI-RS indicated as turned on (through a power level indicator that indicates CSI-RS resource on) or the number of CSI-RS resource set groups indicated as turned on.

[0315] Further variations

[0316] Further variations of the third embodiment are provided according to third and fourth variations of the first embodiment, wherein the indicated power offset is replaced by a power offset associated with the TCI state indicated by the TCI state indicator.

[0317] That is, in a variant of the third embodiment corresponding to the third variant of the first embodiment, the circuit may operate according to the power level and / or according to whether the CSI-RS resource (as associated with the TCI state indicated by the TCI state indicator) is sent by the base station in a limited period after receiving the power level indicator.

[0318] That is, in a variation of the third embodiment corresponding to the fourth variation of the first embodiment, transceiver 110 receives a CSI-RS resource. Circuit 120 calculates a path loss estimate using the first power offset and the received power of the CSI-RS resource. Furthermore, circuit 120 performs uplink power control based on the calculated path loss estimate.

[0319] Specifically, the obtained path loss estimate may be used for uplink power control of one or more of the physical uplink shared channel PUSCH, the physical uplink control channel PUCCH, the sounding reference signal SRS and / or the physical random access channel PRACH.

[0320] In this way, the UE may reduce its energy consumption since the uplink transmission may be performed using reduced transmit power.

[0321] Further embodiments

[0322] It should be noted that in the first to third embodiments, one or a combination of the described variations may be combined.

[0323] In another embodiment, a UE, a base station, and a corresponding method similar to the first embodiment are provided, wherein the CSI-RS resources are replaced by SSB / PSS / SSS. In addition, the first offset of the first embodiment can be replaced by a power offset of PSS EPRE or SSS EPRE configured from the SIB.

[0324] In another embodiment, the indication described above may be sent in a UE-specific DCI, a cell-common DCI, or a MAC CE.

[0325] In another embodiment, the circuit determines whether the power level indicator has been successfully received. When it is determined that the power level indicator has not been successfully received, the transceiver sends an acknowledgment indicator indicating that the power level indicator has not been successfully received, and / or when it is determined that the power level indicator has been successfully received, the transceiver sends an acknowledgment indicator indicating that the power level indicator has been successfully received.

[0326] For example, HARQ-ACK feedback may be provided by the UE. In this regard, when the power level indicator is received via a MAC CE, the UE may follow a conventional HARQ-ACK procedure. If the power level indicator is received via a UE-specific DCI or via a group-common DCI, the HARQ-ACK feedback may follow the PUCCH resource indication in the DCI and / or the resources configured by RRC. When the power level indicator is sent via a group-common DCI, the UE may only provide NACK feedback, the resources of which follow the PUCCH resource indication in the DCI and / or use the resources configured by RRC. With this approach, uplink traffic may be reduced because a NACK response is only sent by the UE in the event that the power level transmission is not successfully received and retransmission of the power level indicator may be performed by the base station.

[0327] Furthermore, for example, when there are two potential candidate values ​​for the power level indicator configured by RRC configuration, only the CSI-RS resource on / off indication may be supported. That is, the power level indicator may indicate whether the CSI-RS will be transmitted by the base station. On the other hand, when more than two values ​​are configured by RRC, multiple power offset values ​​may be included or defined.

[0328] Hardware and software implementations of the present disclosure

[0329] The present disclosure can be implemented through software, hardware, or software in conjunction with hardware. Each functional block used in the description of each embodiment above can be partially or entirely implemented by an LSI, such as an integrated circuit, and each process described in each embodiment can be partially or entirely controlled by the same LSI or a combination of LSIs. The LSI can be formed as a single chip, or a single chip can be formed to include some or all of the functional blocks. The LSI may include data inputs and outputs coupled thereto. Depending on the degree of integration, the LSI herein may be referred to as an IC, a system LSI, a super LSI, or an ultra LSI. However, the technology for implementing an integrated circuit is not limited to LSIs and can be implemented using dedicated circuits, general-purpose processors, or dedicated processors. Furthermore, an FPGA (field programmable gate array) that can be programmed after LSI fabrication, or a reconfigurable processor in which the connections and settings of the circuit cells arranged within the LSI can be reconfigured, can be used. The present disclosure can be implemented as either digital or analog processing. If future integrated circuit technology replaces LSI due to advances in semiconductor technology or other derivative technologies, the functional blocks can be integrated using future integrated circuit technology. Biotechnology can also be applied.

[0330] The present disclosure may be implemented by any type of device, apparatus, or system having a communication function, which are collectively referred to as a communication device.

[0331] A communication device may include a transceiver and processing / control circuitry. The transceiver may include and / or function as both a receiver and a transmitter. A transceiver, functioning as both a transmitter and a receiver, may include an RF (radio frequency) module including an amplifier, an RF modulator / demodulator, and one or more antennas.

[0332] Some non-limiting examples of such communication devices include phones (e.g., cellular (cell) phones, smartphones), tablet computers, personal computers (PCs) (e.g., laptop computers, desktop computers, netbook computers), cameras (e.g., digital still / video cameras), digital players (digital audio / video players), wearable devices (e.g., wearable cameras, smart watches, tracking devices), game consoles, digital book readers, telehealth / telemedicine (remote health and medicine) devices, and vehicles providing communication capabilities (e.g., cars, airplanes, ships), and various combinations thereof.

[0333] Communication devices are not limited to portable or movable, and may also include any kind of device, equipment, or system that is non-portable or fixed, such as smart home devices (e.g., appliances, lighting, smart meters, control panels), vending machines, and any other "things" in an "Internet of Things (IoT)" network.

[0334] Communications may include exchanging data via, for example, cellular systems, wireless LAN systems, satellite systems, etc., and various combinations thereof.

[0335] The communication apparatus may include devices such as controllers or sensors that are coupled to the communication device that performs the communication functions described in the present disclosure. For example, the communication apparatus may include a controller or sensor that generates control signals or data signals used by the communication device that performs the communication functions of the communication apparatus.

[0336] Communication devices may also include infrastructure such as base stations, access points, and any other device, equipment, or system that communicates with or controls devices such as those in the above non-limiting examples.

[0337] Furthermore, various embodiments may be implemented using software modules, which are executed by a processor or directly in hardware. Combinations of software modules and hardware implementations are also possible. Software modules may be stored on any type of computer-readable storage medium. Specifically, according to another embodiment, a non-transitory computer-readable recording medium is provided. The recording medium stores a program that, when executed by one or more processors, causes the one or more processors to perform the steps of the method according to the present disclosure.

[0338] By way of example, and not limitation, such computer-readable storage media may include RAM, ROM, EEPROM, CD-ROM or other optical disk storage, magnetic disk storage or other magnetic storage devices, flash memory, or any other medium that can be used to store desired program code in the form of instructions or data structures and that can be accessed by a computer. Furthermore, any connection is appropriately termed a computer-readable medium. For example, if instructions are transmitted from a website, server, or other remote source using a coaxial cable, fiber optic cable, twisted pair, digital subscriber line (DSL), or wireless technologies such as infrared, radio, and microwaves, then the coaxial cable, fiber optic cable, twisted pair, DSL, or wireless technologies such as infrared, radio, and microwaves are included in the definition of medium. However, it should be understood that computer-readable storage media and data storage media do not include connections, carrier waves, signals, or other transient media, but rather refer to non-transitory, tangible storage media. As used herein, disk and disc include compact disc (CD), laser disc, optical disc, digital versatile disc (DVD), floppy disk, and Blu-ray disc, where disks typically reproduce data magnetically, while discs reproduce data optically using lasers. Combinations of the above should also be included within the scope of computer-readable media.

[0339] It should also be noted that individual features of different embodiments may be used alone or in any combination as the subject of another embodiment. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that many variations and / or modifications may be made to the disclosure as shown in the specific embodiments. Therefore, the present embodiments are to be considered in all respects as illustrative and not restrictive.

[0340] Other aspects

[0341] According to a first aspect, a user equipment (UE) is provided. The UE includes a transceiver that receives a power level indicator from a base station. The power level indicator indicates a power level of a channel state information reference signal (CSI-RS) resource and / or whether the CSI-RS resource is to be transmitted by the base station. The UE also includes circuitry that operates based on the power level and / or based on whether the CSI-RS resource is to be transmitted by the base station.

[0342] According to a second aspect, there is provided the UE according to the first aspect, wherein the power level represents a power offset between a transmit power of the CSI-RS resource and a transmit power of the synchronization signal.

[0343] According to a third aspect, a UE according to the second aspect is provided, wherein each of the one or more transmission configurations indicates a TCI state associated with a power level and / or whether a corresponding CSI-RS resource is to be transmitted. The receiver receives the TCI state indicator as a power level indicator.

[0344] According to a fourth aspect, a UE according to the second aspect is provided, wherein each of the one or more CSI-RS resource sets is associated with a power level and / or whether the corresponding CSI-RS resource is to be transmitted, and the transceiver receives a CSI-RS resource set indicator indicating the CSI-RS resource set as a power level indicator.

[0345] According to a fifth aspect, there is provided a UE according to any one of aspects 2 to 4, wherein the transceiver receives CSI-RS resources. The circuitry calculates a path loss estimate using the power offset and the received power of the CSI-RS resources, and performs uplink power control based on the calculated path loss estimate.

[0346] According to a sixth aspect, there is provided the UE according to the first aspect, wherein the power level represents a power offset between a transmit power of a CSI-RS resource and a transmit power of a physical downlink shared channel (PDSCH).

[0347] According to a seventh aspect, a UE according to any one of the second to seventh aspects is provided, wherein if the circuit determines that (i) the power offset is a first value and / or the CSI-RS resource is indicated as not to be transmitted, and (ii) the CSI-RS resource is configured in a configuration in which the transmission configuration indicates a TCI state, the circuit expects that the TCI state will not be activated or will not be indicated in the DCI, or when the TCI state is activated, deactivates the TCI state.

[0348] According to an eighth aspect, a UE according to any one of aspects 2 to 7 is provided, wherein after the transceiver receives a power level indicator, the circuit performs at least one of the following operations: (i) when the power offset is a first value and / or the CSI-RS resource is indicated as not to be transmitted, stops reporting of CSI according to the CSI reporting configuration associated with the CSI-RS resource; (ii) when the power offset is a value different from the first value and / or the CSI-RS resource is indicated as to be transmitted, starts or continues reporting of CSI according to the CSI reporting configuration associated with the CSI-RS resource; (iii) switches between multiple CSI reporting configuration sets based on the power level indicator.

[0349] According to a ninth aspect, a UE according to the eighth aspect is provided, wherein when the power level represents a power offset between the transmit power of the CSI-RS and the transmit power of the PDSCH and the circuit starts or continues reporting of the CSI after the transceiver receives the power level indicator, the circuit uses the power offset to determine the value included in the CSI.

[0350] According to a tenth aspect, there is provided a UE according to any one of the first to ninth aspects, wherein the circuit operates according to the power level and / or according to whether the CSI-RS resources are sent by the base station within a limited period after receiving the power level indicator.

[0351] According to an eleventh aspect, a UE according to any one of the first to tenth aspects is provided, wherein the power level indicator is received via a group common downlink control indicator DCI, a UE-specific DCI, a cell common DCI or a medium access control—control element MAC-CE.

[0352] According to a twelfth aspect, a UE according to any one of aspects 1 to 10 is provided, wherein the UE is configured with a starting position of a block and / or one or more indices of the block in a downlink control indicator (DCI). A power level indicator is received via the DCI based on the starting position of the block and / or the one or more indices of the block.

[0353] According to a thirteenth aspect, there is provided a UE according to any one of the first to twelfth aspects, wherein the circuit determines whether the power level indicator has been successfully received. When it is determined that the power level indicator has not been successfully received, the transceiver sends a confirmation indicator indicating that the power level indicator has not been successfully received, and / or when it is determined that the power level indicator has been successfully received, the transceiver sends a confirmation indicator indicating that the power level indicator has been successfully received.

[0354] According to a fourteenth aspect, a method for a user equipment (UE) is provided, the method comprising the following steps: (i) receiving a power level indicator from a base station, wherein the power level indicator indicates a power level of a channel state information reference signal (CSI-RS) resource and / or whether the CSI-RS resource is to be transmitted by the base station; and (ii) operating according to the power level and / or according to whether the CSI-RS resource is to be transmitted by the base station.

[0355] According to a fifteenth aspect, there is provided the method according to the fourteenth aspect, wherein the power level represents a power offset between a transmit power of the CSI-RS resource and a transmit power of the synchronization signal.

[0356] According to a sixteenth aspect, there is provided a method according to the fifteenth aspect, wherein each of the one or more transmission configuration indication TCI states is associated with a power level and / or whether the corresponding CSI-RS resource is to be transmitted. The TCI state indicator is received as a power level indicator.

[0357] According to a seventeenth aspect, the method according to the fifteenth aspect is provided, wherein each of the one or more CSI-RS resource sets is associated with a power level and / or whether the corresponding CSI-RS resource is to be transmitted. A CSI-RS resource set indicator indicating the CSI-RS resource set is received as a power level indicator.

[0358] According to aspect 18, a method according to any one of aspects 15 to 17 is provided, further comprising receiving a CSI-RS resource; calculating a power loss estimate using the power offset and the received power of the CSI-RS resource; and performing uplink power control based on the calculated path loss estimate.

[0359] According to a nineteenth aspect, there is provided the method according to the fourteenth aspect, wherein the power level represents a power offset between the transmit power of the CSI-RS resource and the transmit power of the physical downlink shared channel PDSCH.

[0360] According to the twentieth aspect, a method according to any one of aspects fifteen to twentieth is provided, wherein if it is determined that (i) the power offset is a first value and / or the CSI-RS resource is indicated as not to be transmitted, and (ii) the CSI-RS resource is configured in a configuration in which the transmission configuration indicates a TCI state, it is expected that the TCI state will not be activated or will not be indicated in the DCI, or when the TCI state is activated, the TCI state is deactivated.

[0361] According to aspect 21, a method according to any one of aspects 15 to 20 is provided, wherein after receiving a power level indicator, at least one of the following operations is performed: (i) when the power offset is a first value and / or the CSI-RS resource is indicated as not to be transmitted, stopping the reporting of CSI according to the CSI reporting configuration associated with the CSI-RS resource; (ii) when the power offset is a value different from the first value and / or the CSI-RS resource is indicated as to be transmitted, starting or continuing the reporting of CSI according to the CSI reporting configuration associated with the CSI-RS resource; (iii) switching between multiple CSI reporting configuration sets based on the power level indicator.

[0362] According to aspect 22, a method according to aspect 21 is provided, wherein when the power level represents a power offset between the transmit power of the CSI-RS and the transmit power of the PDSCH and it starts or continues reporting of the CSI after receiving a power level indicator, the power offset is used to determine the value included in the CSI.

[0363] According to a twenty-third aspect, a method according to any one of aspects fourteen to twenty-second is provided, wherein the method operates according to the power level and / or according to whether the CSI-RS resources are sent by the base station within a limited period after receiving the power level indicator.

[0364] According to a twenty-fourth aspect, a method according to any one of aspects fourteen to twenty-third is provided, wherein the power level indicator is received via a group-common downlink control indicator DCI, a UE-specific DCI, a cell-common DCI or a medium access control—control element MAC-CE.

[0365] According to a twenty-fifth aspect, a method according to any one of aspects 14 to 23 is provided, wherein the UE is configured with a starting position of a block and / or one or more indices of the block in a downlink control indicator (DCI). The power level indicator is received via the DCI based on the starting position of the block and / or the one or more indices of the block.

[0366] According to a twenty-sixth aspect, the method according to any one of aspects 14 to 25 is provided, further comprising the step of determining whether the power level indicator has been successfully received. When it is determined that the power level indicator has not been successfully received, a confirmation indicator indicating that the power level indicator has not been successfully received is sent, and / or when it is determined that the power level indicator has been successfully received, a confirmation indicator indicating that the power level indicator has been successfully received is sent.

[0367] According to a twenty-seventh aspect, a base station is provided. The base station includes circuitry configured to determine a power level of a channel state information reference signal (SCI-RS) resource and / or whether a CSI-RS resource is to be transmitted by the base station. The base station also includes a transceiver configured to transmit a power level indicator to a user equipment (UE), wherein the power level indicator indicates a power level of the CSI-RS resource and / or whether the CSI-RS resource is to be transmitted by the base station.

[0368] According to a twenty-eighth aspect, there is provided the base station according to the twenty-seventh aspect, wherein the power level represents a power offset between a transmission power of a CSI-RS resource and a transmission power of a synchronization signal.

[0369] According to a twenty-ninth aspect, a base station according to the twenty-eighth aspect is provided, wherein each of the one or more transmission configuration indication TCI states is associated with a power level and / or whether the corresponding CSI-RS resource is to be transmitted. The transceiver transmits the TCI state indicator as a power level indicator.

[0370] According to a 30th aspect, there is provided a base station according to the 28th aspect, wherein each of the one or more CSI-RS resource sets is associated with a power level and / or whether the corresponding CSI-RS resource is to be transmitted, and the transceiver transmits a CSI-RS resource set indicator indicating the CSI-RS resource set as a power level indicator.

[0371] According to a thirty-first aspect, there is provided a base station according to any one of aspects twenty-eight to thirtieth, wherein the transceiver transmits CSI-RS resources.

[0372] According to a thirty-second aspect, there is provided a base station according to the twenty-seventh aspect, wherein the power level represents a power offset between a transmission power of a CSI-RS resource and a transmission power of a physical downlink shared channel PDSCH.

[0373] According to aspect 33, a base station according to any one of aspects 27 to 32 is provided, wherein the power level indicator is sent via a group-common downlink control indicator DCI, a UE-specific DCI, a cell-common DCI or a medium access control-control element MAC-CE.

[0374] According to a thirty-fourth aspect, there is provided a base station according to any one of aspects 27 to 32, wherein the UE is configured with a starting position of a block and / or one or more indices of the block in a downlink control indicator (DCI), and the transceiver transmits a power level indicator via the DCI based on the starting position of the block and / or the one or more indices of the block.

[0375] According to aspect thirty-fifth, a base station according to any one of aspects twenty-seven to thirty-fourth is provided, wherein the transceiver receives a confirmation indicator indicating that the power level indicator has not been successfully received by the UE and / or receives a confirmation indicator indicating that the power level indicator has been successfully received by the UE.

[0376] According to the thirty-sixth aspect, a method for a base station is provided, the method comprising the following steps: (i) determining a power level of a channel state information reference signal CSI-RS resource and / or whether the CSI-RS resource is to be sent by the base station; (ii) sending a power level indicator to a user equipment UE, wherein the power level indicator indicates the power level of the CSI-RS resource and / or whether the CSI-RS resource is to be sent by the base station.

[0377] According to a thirty-seventh aspect, a method according to the thirty-sixth aspect is provided, wherein the power level represents a power offset between a transmit power of a CSI-RS resource and a transmit power of a synchronization signal.

[0378] According to a thirty-eighth aspect, a method according to aspect 37 is provided, wherein each of the one or more transmission configurations indicating a TCI state is associated with a power level and / or whether the corresponding CSI-RS resource is to be transmitted. The method further comprises the step of transmitting the TCI state indicator as a power level indicator.

[0379] According to a thirty-ninth aspect, a method according to the thirty-seventh aspect is provided, wherein each of the one or more CSI-RS resource sets is associated with a power level and / or whether the corresponding CSI-RS resource is to be transmitted. The method further includes the step of transmitting a CSI-RS resource set indicator indicating the CSI-RS resource set as a power level indicator.

[0380] According to a 40th aspect, a method according to any one of aspects 37 to 39 is provided, wherein the method further comprises the step of sending CSI-RS resources.

[0381] According to a 41st aspect, a method according to the 36th aspect is provided, wherein the power level represents a power offset between the transmit power of the CSI-RS resource and the transmit power of the physical downlink shared channel PDSCH.

[0382] According to aspect 42, a method according to any one of aspects 36 to 41 is provided, wherein the power level indicator is sent via a group-common downlink control indicator DCI, a UE-specific DCI, a cell-common DCI or a medium access control-control element MAC-CE.

[0383] According to a 43rd aspect, a method according to any one of aspects 36 to 41 is provided, wherein the UE is configured with a starting position of a block and / or one or more indices of the block in a downlink control indicator (DCI). The method further comprises the step of transmitting a power level indicator via the DCI according to the starting position of the block and / or the one or more indices of the block.

[0384] According to aspect 44, a method according to any one of aspects 36 to 43 is provided, wherein the method also includes the steps of receiving a confirmation indicator indicating that the power level indicator has not been successfully received by the UE and / or receiving a confirmation indicator indicating that the power level indicator has been successfully received by the UE.

[0385] In summary, a user equipment (UE), a base station, and corresponding methods for the user equipment and the base station are provided. The UE includes a transceiver that receives a power level indicator from the base station, where the power level indicator indicates a power level of a channel state information reference signal (CSI-RS) resource and / or whether the CSI-RS resource is to be transmitted by the base station. The UE also includes circuitry that operates based on the power level and / or based on whether the CSI-RS resource is to be transmitted by the base station.

Claims

1. A user equipment (UE), comprising: a transceiver that receives a power level indicator from a base station, wherein The power level indicator indicates a power level of a channel state information reference signal CSI-RS resource and / or whether the CSI-RS resource is to be transmitted by the base station; as well as Circuitry that operates according to the power level and / or according to whether the CSI-RS resources are to be transmitted by the base station.

2. The UE according to claim 1, wherein The power level represents a power offset between the transmit power of the CSI-RS resource and the transmit power of the synchronization signal.

3. The UE according to claim 2, wherein One or more transmission configurations indicating that each of the TCI states is associated with a power level and / or whether the corresponding CSI-RS resource is to be transmitted, and The transceiver receives a TCI status indicator as the power level indicator.

4. The UE according to claim 2, wherein Each of the one or more CSI-RS resource sets is associated with a power level and / or whether the corresponding CSI-RS resource is to be transmitted, and The transceiver receives a CSI-RS resource set indicator indicating a CSI-RS resource set as the power level indicator.

5. The UE according to any one of claims 2 to 4, wherein The transceiver receives the CSI-RS resource; and The circuit, calculating a path loss estimate using the power offset and the received power of the CSIRS resource, and Uplink power control is performed based on the calculated path loss estimate.

6. The UE according to claim 1, wherein The power level represents a power offset between the transmit power of the CSI-RS resource and the transmit power of a physical downlink shared channel PDSCH.

7. The UE according to any one of claims 2 to 6, wherein If the circuit determines - the power offset is a first value and / or the CSI-RS resource is indicated as not to be transmitted, and - the CSI-RS resource is configured in a configuration where the transmission configuration indicates a TCI state, The circuitry anticipates that the TCI state will not be activated or will not be indicated in the DCI, or deactivates the TCI state when the TCI state is activated.

8. The UE according to any one of claims 2 to 7, wherein After the transceiver receives the power level indicator, the circuitry performs at least one of the following operations: - when the power offset is a first value and / or the CSI-RS resource is indicated as not to be transmitted, stopping CSI reporting according to a CSI reporting configuration associated with the CSI-RS resource; - when the power offset is a value different from the first value and / or the CSI-RS resource is indicated to be transmitted, starting or continuing CSI reporting according to the CSI reporting configuration associated with the CSI-RS resource; - Switching between multiple CSI reporting configuration sets based on the power level indicator.

9. The UE according to claim 8, wherein When the power level represents the power offset between transmit power of the CSI-RS and transmit power of the PDSCH and the circuit starts or continues reporting of the CSI after the transceiver receives the power level indicator, the circuit determines a value included in the CSI using the power offset.

10. The UE according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein The circuit operates according to the power level and / or according to whether the CSI-RS resources are transmitted by the base station within a limited period of time after receiving the power level indicator.

11. The UE according to any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein The power level indicator is received via a group-common downlink control indicator DCI, a UE-specific DCI, a cell-common DCI, or a medium access control—control element MAC-CE.

12. The UE according to any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein The UE is configured with a starting position of a block in a downlink control indicator DCI and / or one or more indices of the block; and The power level indicator is received via the DCI according to the starting position of the block and / or the one or more indices of the block.

13. The UE according to any one of claims 1 to 12, wherein The circuitry determines whether the power level indicator has been successfully received; and When it is determined that the power level indicator is not successfully received, the transceiver sends a confirmation indicator indicating that the power level indicator is not successfully received, and / or When it is determined that the power level indicator has been successfully received, the transceiver transmits a confirmation indicator indicating that the power level indicator has been successfully received.

14. A method for a user equipment (UE), comprising the following steps: A power level indicator is received from a base station, wherein The power level indicator indicates a power level of a channel state information reference signal CSI-RS resource and / or whether the CSI-RS resource is to be transmitted by the base station; as well as The method operates according to the power level and / or according to whether the CSI-RS resource is to be transmitted by the base station.

15. A base station, comprising: circuitry for determining a power level of a channel state information reference signal (CSI-RS) resource and / or whether the CSI-RS resource is to be transmitted by the base station; A transceiver that sends a power level indicator to a user equipment UE, wherein The power level indicator indicates the power level of the CSI-RS resource and / or whether the CSI-RS resource is to be transmitted by the base station.

16. An integrated circuit configured to control a user equipment (UE), the integrated circuit comprising: a transceiver circuit that receives a power level indicator from a base station, wherein The power level indicator indicates a power level of a channel state information reference signal CSI-RS resource and / or whether the CSI-RS resource is to be transmitted by the base station; as well as A control circuit operates according to the power level and / or according to whether the CSI-RS resource is to be transmitted by the base station.

17. An integrated circuit configured to control a base station, the integrated circuit comprising: a control circuit that determines a power level of a channel state information reference signal (CSI-RS) resource and / or whether the CSI-RS resource is to be transmitted by the base station; as well as A transceiver circuit that sends a power level indicator to a user equipment UE, wherein The power level indicator indicates the power level of the CSI-RS resource and / or whether the CSI-RS resource is to be transmitted by the base station.

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