Transmission selection in overlapping sounding reference signal resources

Abstract

Embodiments relate to apparatuses, methods, and computer program products to support the use of sounding reference signal resources in a wireless communication network. In particular, embodiments relate to apparatuses, methods, and computer program products that support transmission of sounding reference signals if resources allocated to the sounding reference signals overlap with the allocation of the resources to different transmissions. According to one embodiment, a mobile network node, such as a UE, may be provided. The UE may include at least one processor; and at least one memory storing instructions that, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the network node to at least: receive an indication of a configuration for a single resource sounding reference signal transmission; determining, based on the indication, a transmission resource allocated to single resource sounding reference signal transmission; receiving an indication of a transmission resource allocated to a physical uplink control channel transmission; evaluating the degree of overlap between the transmission resource allocated to the physical uplink control channel transmission and the transmission resource allocated to the single resource sounding reference signal; and selecting what is to be transmitted in the transmission resources allocated to the single resource sounding reference signal transmission, based on the degree of overlap. The arrangement provides a mechanism to support UE behavior for single resource sounding reference signal transmissions with respect to orthogonal frequency division multiplexing symbols associated with single resource sounding reference signals when the single resource sounding reference signals are determined to overlap, collide, or collide with physical uplink control channel transmissions.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] Various example embodiments relate to apparatuses, methods, and computer program products that support the use of sounding reference signal resources in a wireless communication network. In particular, embodiments relate to apparatuses, methods, and computer program products that support the transmission of sounding reference signals in the event that resources allocated to the sounding reference signals overlap with the allocation of the resources to different transmissions. BACKGROUND

[0002] SRS are reference signals transmitted by user equipment (UE). The gNB can utilize the information in the received SRS to perform uplink radio channel estimation and support beam management, codebook selection, and / or antenna switching. The received SRS (or SRS set, where various UE uplink configurations are possible) can be used by the gNB to support determining an appropriate uplink MIMO configuration or precoding configuration for downlink communications in a time division duplex (TDD) arrangement. In summary, the use of SRS in the network can optimize uplink transmissions, and (in the case that there is channel reciprocity in TDD implementations, channel estimation for the uplink based on the received SRS set can also be used to optimize downlink procedures.

[0003] SRS play an important role in NR because TDD is the primary deployment mode. In TDD, the gNB can utilize channel estimation results from SRS related to both UL and DL scheduling based on the assumed level of channel reciprocity.

[0004] While SRS play an important role in wireless communication networks, conventional network operation recognizes that information supporting uplink communications is provided to the gNB via various other routes. For example, the gNB can be configured to perform UL channel estimation from a physical uplink shared channel (PUSCH) demodulation reference signal (DMRS), but PUSCH DMRS is only transmitted when PUSCH is scheduled, and only using the bandwidth in which PUSCH is scheduled, so the information that the gNB can utilize can be reduced compared to SRS.

[0005] Furthermore, the configuration of SRS transmissions in the network is typically such that if the resources that can be allocated to an SRS transmission need to be used for a different scheduled transmission, such as a physical uplink control channel (PUCCH) transmission, the SRS transmission is dropped.

[0006] The arrangement recognizes that as wireless communication technology deployments evolve, scenarios arise that can not be well served by existing technology. The arrangement seeks to provide mechanisms by which such scenarios can be addressed and overall network operation can be improved. SUMMARY

[0007] The independent claims define the scope of the protection sought for various example embodiments of the present application. Example embodiments and features that are not within the scope of the independent claims, if any, are to be interpreted as examples useful in understanding various embodiments of the present application.

[0008] According to various but not necessarily all example embodiments, a mobile network node is provided, the mobile network node comprising: at least one processor; and at least one memory storing instructions that, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the network node at least to: receive an indication of a configuration for single resource sounding reference signal transmission; determine, based on the indication, transmission resources allocated to the single resource sounding reference signal transmission; receive an indication of transmission resources allocated to physical uplink control channel transmission; evaluate a degree of overlap between the transmission resources allocated to the physical uplink control channel transmission and the transmission resources allocated to the single resource sounding reference signal; and select, based on the degree of overlap, what to transmit in the transmission resources allocated to the single resource sounding reference signal transmission.

[0009] According to some embodiments, the configuration for single resource sounding reference signal transmission comprises a configuration for time division multiplexed antenna ports over a plurality of symbols.

[0010] According to some embodiments, evaluating the degree of overlap comprises comparing a number of coinciding transmission resources and non-coinciding resources between the transmission resources allocated to the physical uplink control channel transmission and the transmission resources allocated to the single resource sounding reference signal transmission.

[0011] According to some embodiments, if it is evaluated that there is a full overlap between the transmission resources allocated to the physical uplink control channel transmission and the transmission resources allocated to the single resource sounding reference signal transmission, the selecting comprises transmitting the physical uplink control channel transmission in the transmission resources allocated to the single resource sounding reference signal transmission and dropping transmission of the single resource sounding reference signal transmission in the transmission resources allocated to the single resource sounding reference signal transmission.

[0012] According to some embodiments, if it is evaluated that the number of coinciding transmission resources is greater than the number of non-coinciding transmission resources, the selecting comprises transmitting the physical uplink control channel transmission in the coinciding transmission resources allocated to the single resource sounding reference signal transmission and dropping transmission of the single resource sounding reference signal transmission in the non-coinciding transmission resources allocated to the single resource sounding reference signal transmission.

[0013] According to some embodiments, if the evaluated degree of overlap is equal to or less than the number of non-overlapping transmission resources, the selecting comprises transmitting the physical uplink control channel transmission in the overlapping transmission resources allocated to the single resource sounding reference signal transmission and transmitting at least part of the single resource sounding reference transmission in the non-overlapping transmission resources allocated to the single resource sounding reference signal transmission.

[0014] According to some embodiments, the indication of the configuration for the single resource sounding reference signal transmission comprises an indication of orthogonal frequency division multiplexed symbols within a slot allocated to the single resource sounding reference signal transmission.

[0015] According to some embodiments, the indication of the transmission resources allocated to the physical uplink control channel transmission comprises an indication of orthogonal frequency division multiplexed symbols within a slot allocated to the physical uplink control channel transmission.

[0016] According to some embodiments, the evaluating the degree of overlap comprises determining whether the number of non-overlapping symbols is less than a time domain multiplexing factor associated with the single resource sounding reference signal transmission.

[0017] According to some embodiments, the time domain multiplexing factor comprises an indication of a subset of antenna ports mapped onto at least two symbols in a slot having a repetition sharing the same frequency resources, and wherein a total number of symbols allocated to time division multiplexed antenna ports for the sounding reference signal resource having a repetition is given by the multiplexing factor multiplied by a repetition factor.

[0018] According to some embodiments, if the evaluated number of overlapping symbols is greater than the number of non-overlapping symbols, the selecting comprises transmitting the physical uplink control channel transmission in the overlapping symbols and discarding transmission of the single resource sounding reference transmission in the non-overlapping symbols.

[0019] According to some embodiments, if the evaluated number of overlapping symbols is equal to or less than the number of non-overlapping symbols, the selecting comprises transmitting the physical uplink control channel transmission in the overlapping symbols and transmitting at least part of the single resource sounding reference transmission in the non-overlapping symbols.

[0020] According to some embodiments, the selecting comprises selecting to transmit the physical uplink control channel transmission in the transmission resources allocated to the single resource sounding reference signal transmission in the overlap, and Based on the evaluated degree of overlap, the network node is caused to: re-formulate the single resource sounding reference signal transmission for transmission in non-overlapping transmission resources allocated to the single resource sounding reference signal transmission; and transmit the re-formulated single resource sounding reference signal in the non-overlapping transmission resources allocated to the single resource sounding reference signal transmission.

[0021] According to some embodiments, the reformulated single resource sounding reference signal transmission comprises: an equal number of repeated time domain multiplexed antenna ports as in the received configuration for the single resource sounding reference signal transmission.

[0022] According to some embodiments, the reformulated single resource sounding reference signal transmission comprises: in an overlap of transmission resources allocated to the single resource sounding reference signal transmission and transmission resources allocated to the physical uplink control channel transmission, information equivalent to information contained in the single resource sounding reference signal transmission.

[0023] According to some embodiments, the mobile network node is caused to: determine whether there is sufficient power available for transmission of the physical uplink control channel transmission and the single resource sounding reference signal transmission within an overlap between transmission resources allocated to the physical uplink control channel transmission and transmission resources allocated to the single resource sounding reference signal transmission; and wherein select what to transmit in the transmission resources allocated to the single resource sounding reference signal transmission based on the determination of the extent of the overlap and whether there is sufficient power available.

[0024] According to some embodiments, the mobile network node is caused to: determine a spatial relation between the physical uplink control channel transmission and the single resource sounding reference signal transmission; and wherein select what to transmit in the transmission resources allocated to the single resource sounding reference signal transmission based on the determination of the extent of the overlap and the spatial relation.

[0025] According to some embodiments, the mobile network node is caused to: determine that its multi-panel uplink capability is enabled; and wherein select what to transmit in the transmission resources allocated to the single resource sounding reference signal transmission based on the extent of the overlap and whether the multi-panel uplink capability is enabled.

[0026] According to some embodiments, the mobile network node comprises a user equipment comprising circuitry configured to generate radio frequency signals.

[0027] According to some embodiments, the mobile network node is configured to transmit according to the above selection.

[0028] According to various but not necessarily all example embodiments, there is provided a mobile network node comprising: means for receiving an indication of a configuration for single resource sounding reference signal transmission; means for determining, based on the indication, transmission resources allocated to the single resource sounding reference signal transmission; means for receiving an indication of transmission resources allocated to physical uplink control channel transmission; means for evaluating a degree of overlap between the transmission resources allocated to the physical uplink control channel transmission and the transmission resources allocated to the single resource sounding reference signal; and means for selecting, based on the degree of overlap, what to transmit in the transmission resources allocated to the single resource sounding reference signal transmission.

[0029] The means can perform the optional features presented above in relation to the apparatus.

[0030] According to various but not necessarily all example embodiments, there is provided a mobile network node comprising: circuitry configured to receive an indication of a configuration for single resource sounding reference signal transmission; circuitry configured to determine, based on the indication, transmission resources allocated to the single resource sounding reference signal transmission; circuitry configured to receive an indication of transmission resources allocated to physical uplink control channel transmission; circuitry configured to evaluate a degree of overlap between the transmission resources allocated to the physical uplink control channel transmission and the transmission resources allocated to the single resource sounding reference signal; and circuitry configured to select, based on the degree of overlap, what to transmit in the transmission resources allocated to the single resource sounding reference signal transmission.

[0031] The circuitry can be configured to perform the optional features presented above in relation to the apparatus.

[0032] According to various but not necessarily all example embodiments, there is provided a mobile network node method comprising: receiving an indication of a configuration for single resource sounding reference signal transmission; determining, based on the indication, transmission resources allocated to the single resource sounding reference signal transmission; receiving an indication of transmission resources allocated to physical uplink control channel transmission; evaluating a degree of overlap between the transmission resources allocated to the physical uplink control channel transmission and the transmission resources allocated to the single resource sounding reference signal transmission; and selecting, based on the degree of overlap, what to transmit in the transmission resources allocated to the single resource sounding reference signal transmission.

[0033] According to some embodiments, the configuration for single resource sounding reference signal transmission comprises a configuration for time division multiplexed antenna ports over a plurality of symbols.

[0034] According to some embodiments, the evaluating the degree of overlap comprises comparing a number of coinciding transmission resources and non-coinciding resources between the transmission resources allocated to the physical uplink control channel transmission and the transmission resources allocated to the single resource sounding reference signal transmission.

[0035] According to some embodiments, if it is evaluated that there is a full overlap between the transmission resources allocated to the physical uplink control channel transmission and the transmission resources allocated to the single resource sounding reference signal transmission, the selecting comprises transmitting the physical uplink control channel transmission in the transmission resources allocated to the single resource sounding reference signal transmission and dropping the transmission of the single resource sounding reference transmission in the transmission resources allocated to the single resource sounding reference signal transmission.

[0036] According to some embodiments, if it is evaluated that the number of coinciding transmission resources is greater than the number of non-coinciding transmission resources, the selecting comprises transmitting the physical uplink control channel transmission in the coinciding transmission resources allocated to the single resource sounding reference signal transmission and dropping the transmission of the single resource sounding reference transmission in the non-coinciding transmission resources allocated to the single resource sounding reference signal transmission.

[0037] According to some embodiments, if it is evaluated that the number of coinciding transmission resources is equal to or less than the number of non-coinciding transmission resources, the selecting comprises transmitting the physical uplink control channel transmission in the coinciding transmission resources allocated to the single resource sounding reference signal transmission and transmitting at least part of the single resource sounding reference transmission in the non-coinciding transmission resources allocated to the single resource sounding reference signal transmission.

[0038] According to some embodiments, the indication of the configuration for the single resource sounding reference signal transmission comprises an indication of orthogonal frequency division multiplexing symbols allocated to the single resource sounding reference signal transmission within a slot.

[0039] According to some embodiments, the indication of the transmission resources allocated to the physical uplink control channel transmission comprises an indication of orthogonal frequency division multiplexing symbols allocated to the physical uplink control channel transmission within a slot.

[0040] According to some embodiments, the evaluating the degree of overlap comprises determining whether a number of non-overlapping symbols is less than a time domain multiplexing factor associated with the single resource sounding reference signal transmission.

[0041] According to some embodiments, the time domain multiplexing factor comprises an indication of a subset of antenna ports mapped onto at least two symbols in a slot having a repetition sharing the same frequency resources, and wherein a total number of symbols allocated to sounding reference signal resources for time division multiplexed antenna ports having a repetition is given by the multiplexing factor multiplied by a repetition factor.

[0042] According to some embodiments, if it is assessed that the number of overlapping symbols is greater than the number of non-overlapping symbols, the selecting comprises transmitting the physical uplink control channel transmission in the overlapping symbols, and dropping transmission of the single resource sounding reference transmission in the non-overlapping symbols.

[0043] According to some embodiments, if it is assessed that the number of overlapping symbols is equal to or less than the number of non-overlapping symbols, the selecting comprises transmitting the physical uplink control channel transmission in the overlapping symbols, and transmitting at least part of the single resource sounding reference transmission in the non-overlapping symbols.

[0044] According to some embodiments, the selecting comprises selecting to transmit the physical uplink control channel transmission in the transmission resources allocated to the single resource sounding reference signal transmission in the overlap, and Based on the assessed degree of overlap, the network node is caused to: re-formulate the single resource sounding reference signal transmission for transmission in non-overlapping transmission resources allocated to the single resource sounding reference signal transmission; and transmit the re-formulated single resource sounding reference signal in the non-overlapping transmission resources allocated to the single resource sounding reference signal transmission.

[0045] According to some embodiments, the re-formulated single resource sounding reference signal transmission comprises an equal number of repeated time domain multiplexed antenna ports as in the received configuration for the single resource sounding reference signal transmission.

[0046] According to some embodiments, the re-formulated single resource sounding reference signal transmission comprises, in the overlap of transmission resources allocated to the single resource sounding reference signal transmission and transmission resources allocated to the physical uplink control channel transmission, information equivalent to information contained in the single resource sounding reference signal transmission.

[0047] According to some embodiments, the mobile network node is caused to: determine whether there is sufficient power available for transmission of the physical uplink control channel transmission and the single resource sounding reference signal transmission within the overlap between transmission resources allocated to the physical uplink control channel transmission and transmission resources allocated to the single resource sounding reference signal transmission; and wherein the selecting what to transmit in the transmission resources allocated to the single resource sounding reference signal transmission is based on the degree of overlap and the determination of whether there is sufficient power available.

[0048] According to some embodiments, the mobile network node is caused to: determine a spatial relation between the physical uplink control channel transmission and the single resource sounding reference signal transmission; and wherein the selecting what to transmit in the transmission resources allocated to the single resource sounding reference signal transmission is based on the degree of overlap and the determination of the spatial relation.

[0049] According to some embodiments, the mobile network node is caused to: determine that its multi-panel uplink capability is enabled; and wherein select what to transmit in the transmission resources allocated to the single resource sounding reference signal transmission based on the degree of overlap and whether the multi-panel uplink capability is enabled.

[0050] According to some embodiments, the method comprises transmitting according to the selecting.

[0051] According to various, but not necessarily all, example embodiments there is provided a computer program product operable when executed on a computer to perform a method comprising: receiving an indication of a configuration for a single resource sounding reference signal transmission; determining, based on the indication, transmission resources allocated to the single resource sounding reference signal transmission; receiving an indication of transmission resources allocated to a physical uplink control channel transmission; assessing a degree of overlap between the transmission resources allocated to the physical uplink control channel transmission and the transmission resources allocated to the single resource sounding reference signal transmission; and selecting, based on the degree of overlap, what to transmit in the transmission resources allocated to the single resource sounding reference signal transmission.

[0052] The computer program product is operable when executed on the computer to perform the optional features set out above in relation to the method.

[0053] According to various, but not necessarily all, example embodiments there is provided a non-transitory computer readable medium comprising program instructions stored thereon for performing at least: receiving an indication of a configuration for a single resource sounding reference signal transmission; determining, based on the indication, transmission resources allocated to the single resource sounding reference signal transmission; receiving an indication of transmission resources allocated to a physical uplink control channel transmission; assessing a degree of overlap between the transmission resources allocated to the physical uplink control channel transmission and the transmission resources allocated to the single resource sounding reference signal transmission; and selecting, based on the degree of overlap, what to transmit in the transmission resources allocated to the single resource sounding reference signal transmission.

[0054] The instructions can be for performing the optional features set out above in relation to the method.

[0055] According to various but not necessarily all example embodiments, a network node is provided, the network node comprising: at least one processor; and at least one memory storing instructions that, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the network node at least to: determine an indication of a configuration for a single resource sounding reference signal transmission; the configuration comprising: one or more conditions to be applied by a mobile network node to select what to transmit in transmission resources allocated to the single resource sounding reference signal transmission, the selection based on transmission resources allocated to a physical uplink control channel transmission, an evaluated degree of overlap between the transmission resources allocated to the single resource sounding reference signal transmission; and provide the determined indication to the mobile network node.

[0056] According to some embodiments, the configuration for the single resource sounding reference signal transmission comprises a configuration for time division multiplexed antenna ports over a plurality of symbols.

[0057] According to some embodiments, the indication of the configuration for the single resource sounding reference signal transmission comprises an indication of orthogonal frequency division multiplexed symbols within a slot allocated to the single resource sounding reference signal transmission.

[0058] According to some embodiments, the indication of the transmission resources allocated to the physical uplink control channel transmission comprises an indication of orthogonal frequency division multiplexed symbols within a slot allocated to the physical uplink control channel transmission.

[0059] According to some embodiments, the configuration comprises a time domain multiplexing factor associated with the single resource sounding reference signal transmission.

[0060] According to some embodiments, the time domain multiplexing factor comprises an indication of a subset of antenna ports mapped onto at least two symbols in a slot having a repetition sharing a same frequency resource, and wherein a total number of symbols allocated to time division multiplexed antenna ports having a repetition is given by the multiplexing factor multiplied by a repetition factor.

[0061] According to some embodiments, the network node is configured to determine a re-formulated configuration of a single resource sounding reference signal transmitted by the mobile network node.

[0062] According to some embodiments, the re-formulated single resource sounding reference signal transmission comprises an equal number of repetition time division multiplexed antenna ports for the single resource sounding reference signal transmission as in the received configuration.

[0063] According to various but not necessarily all example embodiments, there is provided a network node comprising: means for determining an indication of a configuration for a single resource sounding reference signal transmission; the configuration comprising: one or more conditions to be applied by a mobile network node to select what is to be transmitted in transmission resources allocated to the single resource sounding reference signal transmission, the selection being based on an evaluated degree of overlap between transmission resources allocated to a physical uplink control channel transmission and transmission resources allocated to the single resource sounding reference signal transmission; and means for providing the determined indication to the mobile network node.

[0064] The means can perform the optional features presented above in relation to the apparatus.

[0065] According to various but not necessarily all example embodiments, there is provided a network node comprising: circuitry configured to determine an indication of a configuration for a single resource sounding reference signal transmission; the configuration comprising: one or more conditions to be applied by a mobile network node to select what is to be transmitted in transmission resources allocated to the single resource sounding reference signal transmission, the selection being based on an evaluated degree of overlap between transmission resources allocated to a physical uplink control channel transmission and transmission resources allocated to the single resource sounding reference signal transmission; and circuitry configured to provide the determined indication to the mobile network node.

[0066] The circuitry can be configured to perform the optional features presented above in relation to the apparatus.

[0067] According to various but not necessarily all example embodiments, there is provided a network node method comprising: determining an indication of a configuration for a single resource sounding reference signal transmission; the configuration comprising: one or more conditions to be applied by a mobile network node to select what is to be transmitted in transmission resources allocated to the single resource sounding reference signal transmission, the selection being based on an evaluated degree of overlap between transmission resources allocated to a physical uplink control channel transmission and transmission resources allocated to the single resource sounding reference signal transmission; and providing the determined indication to the mobile network node.

[0068] According to some embodiments, the configuration for the single resource sounding reference signal transmission comprises a configuration for time division multiplexed antenna ports over a plurality of symbols.

[0069] According to some embodiments, the indication of the configuration for the single resource sounding reference signal transmission comprises an indication of orthogonal frequency division multiplexed symbols allocated to the single resource sounding reference signal transmission within a slot.

[0070] According to some embodiments, the indication of the transmission resources allocated to the physical uplink control channel transmission comprises an indication of orthogonal frequency division multiplexed symbols allocated to the physical uplink control channel transmission within a slot.

[0071] According to some embodiments, the configuration comprises a time domain multiplexing factor associated with the single resource sounding reference signal transmission.

[0072] According to some embodiments, the time domain multiplexing factor comprises an indication of a subset of antenna ports mapped onto at least two symbols in a slot having a repetition sharing the same frequency resources, and wherein a total number of symbols allocated to time division multiplexed antenna ports for the sounding reference signal resource having a repetition is given by the multiplexing factor multiplied by a repetition factor.

[0073] According to some embodiments, the network node is configured to determine a configuration of a reformulated single resource sounding reference signal transmitted by the mobile network node.

[0074] According to some embodiments, the reformulated single resource sounding reference signal transmission comprises an equal number of time division multiplexed antenna ports for the single resource sounding reference signal transmission in the received configuration.

[0075] According to various but not necessarily all example embodiments, there is provided a computer program product, which, when executed by a computer, is operable to perform a method comprising: determining an indication of a configuration for a single resource sounding reference signal transmission; the configuration comprising one or more conditions to be applied by a mobile network node to select what to transmit in transmission resources allocated to the single resource sounding reference signal transmission, the selection being based on an extent of evaluated overlap between transmission resources allocated to a physical uplink control channel transmission and transmission resources allocated to the single resource sounding reference signal transmission; and providing the determined indication to the mobile network node.

[0076] The computer program product, when executed on the computer, is operable to perform the optional features set out in relation to the method above.

[0077] According to various but not necessarily all example embodiments, there is provided a non-transitory computer readable medium comprising program instructions stored thereon for performing at least: determining an indication of a configuration for a single resource sounding reference signal transmission; the configuration comprising one or more conditions to be applied by a mobile network node to select what to transmit in transmission resources allocated to the single resource sounding reference signal transmission, the selection being based on an extent of evaluated overlap between transmission resources allocated to a physical uplink control channel transmission and transmission resources allocated to the single resource sounding reference signal transmission; and providing the determined indication to the mobile network node.

[0078] The instructions can be for performing the optional features set out in relation to the method above.

[0079] Further specific and preferred aspects are set out in the appended dependent and independent claims. Features of dependent claims can be combined with features of the independent claims as appropriate and can be combined in other combinations than those explicitly listed in the claims.

[0080] When apparatus features are described as operable to provide functionality, it is to be understood that this includes apparatus features that provide that functionality or are adapted to provide that functionality. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0081] Some example embodiments will now be described with reference to the drawings, in which:

[0082] Figure 1 Configurations for Rel-18 UL SRS for a UE set to use antenna switching 8T8R are schematically illustrated;

[0083] Figure 2 Interactions between a physical uplink control channel (PUCCH) and a sounding reference signal (SRS) in uplink (UL) SRS for a UE with 8 TDM transmission ports, and an SRS configuration with a repetition factor of 4 are schematically illustrated;

[0084] Figure 3 Example embodiments of the subject matter described herein are schematically illustrated;

[0085] Figure 4 Some components of a wireless communication network comprising a node according to some arrangements are schematically illustrated; and

[0086] Figure 5 Steps of a method performed at a node according to some arrangements are schematically illustrated. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0087] Before discussing example embodiments in more detail, a brief overview of the context in which the arrangements can be understood will first be provided.

[0088] The arrangements generally relate to mechanisms that nodes in a wireless communication network can use to implement sounding reference signals (SRS).

[0089] The arrangements relate to 3GPP New Radio (NR) physical layer design for Multiple Input Multiple Output (MIMO) enhancements in Release 18 and later releases. More specifically, the arrangements relate to a dropping mechanism and corresponding UE transmission procedure, e.g., which is applicable to 8 transmission (TX) antenna port (AP) single-resource uplink (UL) sounding reference signal (SRS) transmission with time division multiplexing (TDM) antenna ports and multiple OFDM symbols.

[0090] As background for SRS and UE operations: The NR Rel-17 specification supports up to 8 layers of single-user downlink (DL) physical downlink shared channel (PDSCH) scheduling (in other words, rank-8 operation).

[0091] However, the Rel-15 UL SRS resource configuration with antenna switching can only support user equipment (UE) equipped with four receive (RX) antenna ports. In other words, even if a UE can be equipped with eight RX antenna ports, only four of these eight antenna ports can be used for DL ​​channel state information (CSI) acquisition on the gNB side based on UL SRS detection. It should be understood that this limitation may lead to suboptimal use of the potential performance gains obtainable using DL transport precoding. Furthermore, receive processing may also limit the overall available system performance, such as in terms of spectral efficiency and interference mitigation.

[0092] NR Rel-17 supports the following SRS time-domain behaviors: Periodicity; Semi-persistence; and Non-periodic transmission.

[0093] Through semi-persistent SRS transmission, the Media Access Control (MAC-CE) element is used to activate and deactivate a semi-persistent set of one or more SRS resources. When activated, the semi-persistent UL SRS resource is transmitted with a configured periodicity and time slot offset. As a result, more dynamic on / off control is enabled compared to periodic SRS transmissions, where resources are configured, for example, via Radio Resource Control (RRC) signaling.

[0094] In Rel-17, based on the reported antenna switching capability of the UE, the UE can... SRS-ResourceSet "High-level parameters are configured in the middle" usage The parameter is set to 'antennaSwitching', and the UE can be configured to operate according to one of the following configurations based on the indicated UE capability: supportedSRS-TxPortSwitch('t1r2' for 1T2R, 't1r1-t1r2' for 1T=1R / 1T2R; 't2r4' for 2T4R, 't1r4' for 1T4R; 't1r6' for 1T6R, 't1r8' for 1T8R; 't2r6' for 2T6R, 't2r8' for 2T8R; 't4r8' for 4T8R, 't1r1-t1r2-t1r4' for 1T=1R / 1T2R / 1T4R, 't1r4-t2r4' for 1T4R / 2T4R, 't1r1-t1r2-t2r2-t2r4' for 1T=1R / 1T2R / 2T=2R / 2T4R, 't1r1-t1r2-t2r2-t1r4-t2r4' for 1T=1R / 1T2R / 2T=2R / 1T4R / 2T4R; 't1r1' for T=1R, 't2r2' for 2T=2R; 't1r1-t2r2' for 1T=1R / 2T=2R; 't4r4' for 4T=4R, or 't1r1-t2r2-t4r4' for 1T=1R / 2T=2R / 4T=4R), where T and R define the number of transmit and receive antenna ports at the UE side, respectively.

[0095] The indicated UE antenna switching capability 'xTyR' corresponds to a UE that is capable of SRS transmission on 'x' antenna ports over a total of 'y' antennas, where 'y' corresponds to all available UE receive antennas or a subset of all available UE receive antennas. Again, it can be seen that this restriction can result in suboptimal use of potential performance gains using DL transmission precoding.

[0096] It will also be appreciated that a UE is typically configured with a guard period of Y symbols, where in case SRS resources in a set are transmitted in the same slot, the UE does not transmit any other signals. A guard period is provided between SRS resources in the set. For example, for two sets of SRS resources for antenna switching located in two consecutive slots, if the UE is capable of transmitting SRS in all symbols in a slot, there is a guard period of Y symbols between the last OFDM symbol occupied by the set of SRS resources in the first slot and the first OFDM symbol occupied by the set of SRS resources in the second slot. Such a guard period allows for physical reconfiguration to different antenna port arrangements to be implemented at the UE. For an inter-set guard period, if the separation between sets of SRS resources is Y symbols, the UE does not transmit any other signals on any of the symbols of the separation.

[0097] Traditionally, SRS resources on all corresponding symbols before the gap / guard period are discarded, while SRS resources on all corresponding symbols after the gap are discarded, e.g., as a result of collision handling, the gap period is also discarded with the same priority and can be used for UL transmission.

[0098] According to Rel-17, the UE operation is such that the UE expects the same number of SRS ports to be configured for all SRS resources in a SRS resource set(s), with the higher layer parameter usage set to 'antennaSwitching'.

[0099] For 1T2R, 1T4R or 2T4R, or 1T6R or 1T8R, 2T6R, 2T8R, 4T8R, the UE does not expect multiple SRS resource sets to be configured or triggered in the same slot, with the higher layer parameter usage set to 'antennaSwitching'. For 1T=1R, 2T=2R or 4T=4R, the UE does not expect multiple SRS resource sets to be configured or triggered in the same symbol, with the higher layer parameter usage set to 'antennaSwitching'.

[0100] Rel-17 specification defines the way the antenna ports of a UL SRS resource are configured with repetition (and without SRS frequency hopping) as follows: When frequency hopping within a SRS resource in each slot is not configured (Nhop=0) R = Ns ), each antenna port of the SRS resource in each slot is mapped to the same set of subcarriers in all Ns symbols, where R is the SRS repetition factor.

[0101] When frequency hopping within a SRS resource in each slot is configured without repetition (Nhop=0 R = 1 ), each antenna port of the SRS resource in each slot is mapped to a different set of subcarriers in each OFDM symbol according to the SRS frequency hopping parameters SRS B , SRS C and skipb defined in clause 6.4.1.4 of this specification [4, TS 38.211], with the same transmission comb value assumed for different sets of subcarriers.

[0102] When both frequency hopping and repetition within a SRS resource in each slot are configured (Nhop>0 Ns ≥ 4 , R ≥ 2 ), each antenna port of the SRS resource in each slot is mapped to the same set of subcarriers within each set of R adjacent OFDM symbols, and according to the SRS frequency hopping parametersSRS B , SRS C and skipb hopping between sets of Ns, R may be divisible by Ns . R

[0103] In Rel-18, it is recognized that SRS enhancements for uplink MIMO can be addressed. In particular, it is recognized that enabling higher peak data rates for UL can play an important role in short range applications, such as: home entertainment, video surveillance / monitoring in industrial / medical / security, integrated access and backhaul (IAB), and other similar applications. This can be particularly applicable in cases where UE devices have less stringent requirements on power, form factor, and cost than traditional handheld UE devices.

[0104] In both frequency range 1 (FR1) and frequency range 2 (FR2), UL transmissions using more than 4 transmit antenna ports can be considered as a useful tool to bridge the gap between DL and UL spectral efficiency. Therefore, there is a need to develop methods and / or signaling solutions to support such UE configurations.

[0105] One goal of Rel-18 NR MIMO Evo DL UL is to address how to provide specification support for simultaneous multi-panel UL transmission for 2 panels (STx2P). In particular, the goal is to enhance the specification to enable 8Tx UL operation and support four (or more) layers in UL per UE. It is recognized that such enhancements can be particularly applicable for UEs taking the form of: customer premises equipment (CPE); fixed wireless access (FWA) devices; vehicular UE devices and industrial devices.

[0106] To support such enhancements, it has been agreed that for the maximum number of SRS resource sets with 8T8R and ‘ antennaSwitching ’ of SRS, the existing SRS resource set maximum number value (as provided in Rel-17 antenna switching nTnR) is used.

[0107] It is also agreed to support 8Tx antenna ports in Rel-18 for UL SRS using antenna switching. Based on this, a UE can be configured with one OFDM symbol for 8Tx UL SRS with antenna switching, as shown in Figure 1 . Figure 1 A configuration for Rel-18 UL SRS for a UE set to use 8T8R with antenna switching is schematically illustrated.

[0108] ​A UE can be configured to support more than one OFDM symbol with different antenna ports mapped to 8 TX UL SRS with antenna switching. In addition, one or more OFDM symbols can be configured for UL SRS with codebook. A UE can be configured with a single UL SRS resource in a SRS resource set, using 'codebook' or 'antennaSwitching', for 8TX PUSCH with 8 ports, TDM factor s>1, s=2, [4, 8], where a subset of antenna ports are mapped on m OFDM symbols (≥2) in a slot, where each of the m symbols / subset includes 8 / s different antenna ports.

[0109] When s subsets of ports are mapped to m (m≥2) OFDM symbols, a UE can be configured with a UL SRS resource set using 'codebook' or 'antennaSwitching' with TDM factor s>1, the OFDM symbols share the same frequency resources (i.e., resource elements), and are repeated in a slot according to the pattern {{1, 2, …, s}, …, {1, 2, …, s}}. The total number of symbols with TDM antenna ports and repeated SRS resources is the SRS TDM factor (S) times the SRS repetition factor (R).

[0110] In some cases, UL SRS can be dropped.

[0111] Rel-18 also supports UL SRS resource set configuration, using 'codebook / antenna switching', i.e., single UL SRS resource configuration, with multiple antenna ports (i.e., up to 8 antenna ports), where the UL SRS of antenna ports can be distributed across time in TDM manner over multiple OFDM symbols.

[0112] Figure 2 Illustrates the interaction between Physical Uplink Control Channel (PUCCH) and Sounding Reference Signal (SRS) in uplink (UL) SRS of a UE with 8 TDM SRS transmission ports, and SRS configuration with repetition factor of 4. Figure 2 Illustrates an example of overlapping with PUCCH (format 1 / 2 / 3) and periodic or semi-persistent UL SRS with 8 TDM antenna ports over two symbols, and repetition factor of 4.

[0113] In the example shown in Figure 2 , a UE is configured with a single UL SRS resource with 8 TX antenna ports, which are time division multiplexed (TDM), and repetition factor of 4. Figure 2Two slots are illustrated: 10a, 10b (slots n, n+1 respectively). In Figure 2 In the example shown in

[0114] Each slot 10 typically comprises 14 Orthogonal Frequency-Division Multiplexing (OFDM) symbols 20.

[0115] Figure 2 The SRS resource allocation in the arrangement of

[0116] Furthermore, in the example shown in Figure 2 The UL SRS resources are configured with comb-2, as schematically shown in relation to the physical resource blocks 40 (typically comprising 14 time blocks of 12 contiguous frequency subcarriers): the re- offsets of AP#0, AP#1, AP#2, AP#3 are set to 0, and the cyclic shifts (CS) = 0, 2, 4, 6; and the re- offsets of AP#4, AP#5, AP#6, AP#7 are set to 1, and the cyclic shifts (CS) = 0, 2, 4, 6, respectively.

[0117] As shown in Figure 2 The PUCCH transmission 50 (e.g. with 1 / 2 / 3 format) overlaps with the periodic / semi-persistent UL SRS transmission with repeated TDM antenna ports in slot n (10a). If the legacy UE behavior defined in the 3GPP specification is followed, the UE is configured to drop the entire UL SRS transmission deemed to collide with the overlapping PUCCH transmission 50 (i.e. the entire SRS transmission in slot 10a (slot n)). In other words, the UE is configured to prioritize the PUCCH transmission 50 over the UL SRS transmission, irrespective of the extent of the overlap. That is, whether the overlap is partial or full, the SRS transmission colliding with the resources for the PUCCH is dropped. It will be appreciated that this SRS dropping, particularly in the case of implementing single-resource UL SRS with repeated TDM antenna ports, can result in an overall increase in network operation latency, and represents an inefficient use of available wireless resources.

[0118] The arrangement recognizes that Rel-18 supports a single UL SRS resource configuration, in which up to 8 SRS antenna ports can be distributed across time in a TDM manner over multiple OFDM symbols. It can be recognized that overlap can occur between a scheduled PUCCH transmission and an aperiodic / periodic / semi-persistent single-resource UL SRS with, for example, repeated operation of TDM antenna ports. This scenario is schematically illustrated in Figure 2

[0119] ​The arrangements recognize that when, for example, PUCCH overlaps with an aperiodic / periodic / semi-persistent single resource UL SRS with TDM antenna ports with repetition (i.e., repetition factor > 1), there is still some flexibility in the definition of UE behavior in 3GPP standards.

[0120] The arrangements seek to provide mechanisms to support proper UE and network operation related to SRS techniques, where SRS resource sets use configurations that are codebook / antenna switching, non-codebook.

[0121] The related arrangements seek to provide a mechanism for supporting UE behavior regarding single resource SRS transmission of OFDM symbols associated with such single resource SRS when it is determined to overlap, collide, or collide with PUCCH transmission. According to the arrangements, the behavior of the UE is such that it is based at least in part on the extent to which the SRS and PUCCH resources are determined to overlap. For example, the extent of the overlap can be determined based on an evaluated number of non-overlapping (also referred to as free, unobstructed, or unobstructed) symbols N and / or a number of overlapping symbols M, where M = L - N, where the total number of symbols / transmission occasions L of a single SRS resource associated with TDM antenna ports and repetition (i.e., TDM factor times repetition factor = S x R = L).

[0122] For example, if the number of free (non-overlapping) symbols N associated with different TDM SRS antenna ports is determined to be less than the time domain multiplexing factor, i.e., N < S associated with the TDM factor S of the single resource SRS transmission, the UE can be configured to drop the entire SRS transmission (that is, it prioritizes the PUCCH transmission). It can be appreciated that this approach is appropriate because the information conveyed in any free SRS symbol can not be as useful for overall network operation.

[0123] As other examples, if the number of free (non-overlapping) symbols with different TDM SRS antenna ports is determined to be equal to or greater than the time domain multiplexing factor associated with the single resource SRS transmission TDM factor, i.e., N ≥ S, the UE can be configured to apply one or more predetermined set of transmission rules and drop the portion of the SRS transmission corresponding to the overlapping symbols (i.e., prioritize the PUCCH transmission on the overlapping symbols). However, the set of rules can be such that the UE can be configured in relation to the free (non-overlapping) symbols so that it transmits the portion of the SRS transmission corresponding to the non-overlapping symbols. The predetermined set of rules can define a condition for the UL SRS transmission so that when N ≥ S, the UE is configured to drop the SRS transmission in the overlapping M = L - N symbols and transmit the N symbols associated with the different TDM antenna ports in the total L symbols. Notably, the number of TDM SRS antenna ports associated with the different antenna ports needs to fully satisfy the condition N ≥ S to enable a single SRS resource transmission with non-overlapping symbols. It can be appreciated that this approach is suitable because the information conveyed in the free SRS symbols can be useful for the overall network operation.

[0124] In an alternative, if the number of free (non-overlapping) symbols is determined to be equal to or greater than the time domain multiplexing factor associated with the single resource SRS transmission TDM factor (N ≥ S), the UE can be configured with a set of rules to drop the portion of the SRS transmission corresponding to the overlapping symbols (i.e., prioritize the PUCCH transmission on the overlapping symbols), however, the UE can be configured in relation to the free (non-overlapping) symbols so that it uses the free symbols to transmit the dropped portion of the SRS transmission and the remaining portion of the SRS transmission in a defined manner to provide an equal number of repeated time domain multiplexed antenna ports in the duration of the single resource SRS transmission.

[0125] Having described the general overview of the arrangement, more details are provided in relation to some possible implementations.

[0126] According to one implementation of the arrangement, a set of transmission rules is defined in relation to a single resource UL SRS with TDM antenna ports and repetition that overlaps with a portion of a PUCCH transmission. Such a set of transmission rules can define an implicit indication method to trigger appropriate UE operations in relation to dropping and transmitting the single resource SRS transmission with TDM antenna ports and repetition when it is determined that the single resource SRS transmission overlaps with, for example, a portion of a PUCCH resource. It should be appreciated that the portion used in this context means that the PUCCH resource overlaps with a subset of SRS symbols in a slot, i.e., M = L - N symbols.

[0127] According to one possible set of transmission rules, in case it is determined that, for example, a PUCCH partially overlaps with a UL SRS with TDM antenna ports and repetition, it can be evaluated whether a first set of TDM antenna ports associated with a subset of single SRS resources / OFDM symbols covering different TDM antenna ports overlaps in time with, for example, a PUCCH resource. It can also be evaluated whether a second set of TDM antenna ports associated with a subset of single SRS resources / OFDM symbols does not overlap with a PUCCH resource, i.e., N non-overlapping symbols out of L symbols. In other words, it is evaluated whether there is a set of SRS resources that does not overlap in time with an assigned PUCCH resource, and to what extent.

[0128] If it is determined that a first set of TDM single SRS resources with repetition partially overlaps with a PUCCH resource, according to some implementations, the UE can be configured to drop single resource UL SRS transmissions with repetition of a first set of TDM antenna ports associated with overlapping subsets / OFDM symbols using codebook / non-codebook / antenna switching / beam management and / or PUSCH coherence assumption coherent / non-coherent with the overlapping subsets / OFDM symbols, and prioritize PUCCH resource transmissions in the first set.

[0129] If the number of remaining non-overlapping subsets / OFDM symbols of single SRS resource transmissions is determined to be greater than or equal to the TDM factor S, i.e., N > S, and if at least a different set of TDM antenna ports is set to partial coherence / non-coherence with the SRS resource set using codebook / antenna switching / beam management, and / or PUSCH transmission coherence associated with the subsets, in some implementations, the UE can perform transmissions of a second set of TDM antenna ports associated with the subsets / OFDM symbols without dropping any symbols of the second set.

[0130] If the number of remaining non-overlapping subsets / OFDM symbols of single SRS resource transmissions is determined to be greater than or equal to the TDM factor S, i.e., N > S, and if at least a different set of TDM antenna ports is set to full coherence, the set of antenna ports has SRS resource set using non-codebook / codebook, and / or PUSCH transmission coherence associated with the subsets, in some implementations, the UE can perform SRS transmissions with respect to a subset of a second set of TDM antenna ports associated with the subsets / OFDM symbols, and drop the remaining portion of the second set. The subset of the second set of TDM antenna ports can correspond to antenna ports associated with a full set of TDM antenna ports associated with contiguous subsets / OFDM symbols. For example, {1, 2, …, s}.

[0131] If the number of remaining non-overlapping subgroups / OFDM symbols for single SRS resource transmission is determined to be less than the TDM factor s, i.e., N < S, with full at least one different TDM antenna port set and PUSCH transmission coherence associated with subgroups set to full coherence / partial coherence / non-coherence, the UE can be configured to drop the entire single resource UL SRS transmission associated with the configured / indicated transmission occasion.

[0132] It should be appreciated that the implementation of the gNB determines whether and how the TDM antenna port sets associated with non-overlapping OFDM symbols are used.

[0133] It should also be appreciated that it is important for the gNB and the UE to agree on which TDM antenna ports are transmitted and which are not with respect to repetition.

[0134] It should also be appreciated that the described methods and mechanisms can be applied to UL SRS resource sets configured with usage: ‘codebook’ or ‘non-codebook’ or ‘antennaSwitching’ or ‘beamManagement’.

[0135] According to an alternative implementation of the arrangement, a set of transmission rules related to single resource UL SRS with TDM antenna ports and repetition is defined, which partially overlap with PUCCH transmission.

[0136] If it is determined that the first TDM single SRS resource set with repetition partially overlaps with a PUCCH resource, e.g., with 1 / 2 / 3 format, the UE can be configured to drop the single resource UL SRS transmission in the first TDM antenna port set with repetition associated with the overlapping subgroups / OFDM symbols in favor of the PUCCH resource transmission.

[0137] If the number of remaining non-overlapping subgroups / OFDM symbols for single SRS resource transmission is determined to be greater than or equal to the TDM factor s, and full at least one different TDM antenna port set and PUSCH transmission coherence associated with subgroups is set to full coherence / partial coherence / non-coherence, the UE can be configured to prioritize the transmission of SRS on the remaining non-overlapping subgroups / OFDM symbols dropping the TDM antenna ports (i.e., the ports of the first set, dropped in favor of PUCCH transmission). The UE can also be configured to transmit SRS related to the third TDM antenna port set, where the UE determines the third TDM antenna port set for single resource SRS transmission such that the first and third sets jointly define an equal number of repetitive antenna ports, all of which are TDM ports, within the duration of the single SRS resource with repetition.

[0138] If the number of remaining non-overlapping subgroups / OFDM symbols for single SRS resource transmission is determined to be less than the TDM factor s, and the full set of at least one different TDM antenna port set and PUSCH transmission coherence setting associated with the subgroup is set to fully coherent / partially coherent / non-coherent, the UE can be configured to drop the single resource UL SRS transmission associated with the configured / indicated transmission occasion by the UE.

[0139] To support the described arrangements, one new SRS resource specific RRC parameter can be defined that provides an indication of whether the UE and gNB enable the configured / indicated alternative set of rules to be used in relation to TDM antenna port and repeated single resource SRS transmission.

[0140] According to some implementations of the arrangements, other rules can also be applied. For example, according to one implementation, the UE can be configured to apply the dropping rules in conjunction with a transmission power limitation rule. For example, if the UE determines that it can multiplex the PUCCH and SRS after first applying sufficient transmission power for the PUCCH, because it is able to apply sufficient transmission power for the SRS transmission despite the potential power limitation, it can be configured to do so. In other words, if the UE determines that both the SRS and PUCCH can be transmitted with sufficient power (enough to cover the UL), the UE can be configured to not drop the SRS transmission despite the overlap.

[0141] In one possible implementation of the arrangements, the UE can be configured such that if the spatial relation (quasi-collocation (QCL) assumption of the uplink transmission) of the PUCCH transmission and the SRS transmission is different (e.g., if a different downlink reference signal (DL RS) is used as the spatial relation of the UL transmission), the SRS transmission on the symbol that overlaps with the PUCCH can be dropped, for example.

[0142] In one possible implementation of the example, if the UE does not support or is not capable of transmitting UL transmissions across multiple panels and has to select one panel for transmission, the UE can be configured (regardless of the above set of rules) such that the SRS transmission on the overlapping symbol is dropped, e.g., using the PUCCH.

[0143] In one possible example implementation of the arrangements, the set of dropping rules can be applied according to, for example, the SRS resource time type. For example, for aperiodic SRS, the UE can be configured such that the dropping rules are not applied. Alternatively, the PUCCH transmission can be dropped. Similarly, if the UE is configured to apply periodic SRS transmission, the set of dropping rules as described above can be applied with respect to the SRS transmission that occurs on the overlapping symbol.

[0144] In one possible example implementation of the arrangement, if it is determined that a transmission (e.g., a PUCCH transmission) is sent according to a repetition rule, the UE can be configured such that the dropping rule set is applied on a “per PUCCH transmission instance” basis. In other words, the dropping rule set is applied to each symbol in which the PUCCH transmission is repeated.

[0145] Figure 3 An example implementation of the arrangement is schematically illustrated. Figure 3 One slot 10 of an example implementation of the arrangement is schematically illustrated, in which a PUCCH 50 is scheduled to be transmitted by a UE in a way that will result in a partial overlap with a scheduled UL SRS with TDM antenna ports and repetition in symbol #2 60, as shown. In particular, Figure 3 A UE of the arrangement comprises a Rel-18 UE configured with a single UL SRS resource, with 8 TDM antenna ports, with a TDM factor = 2 on two different subgroups, and operating in a repetition manner (in this case, R = repetitionFactor = n4). The UE is configured to assume that the total number of UL SRS antenna ports per resource (defined by the information element ‘nmbSRS-Ports’) is evenly distributed over 8 consecutive OFDM symbols, and each symbol is associated with a set of TDM antenna ports with (nmbSRS-Ports / (Ns / R)) antenna ports, as defined by the Rel-17 information element “nmbOfSymbols”, where the starting OFDM symbol is defined by the information element, e.g., startPosition = 1.

[0146] In the example implementation shown in Figure 3 , the PUCCH transmission 50 is configured to partially overlap with a periodic / semi-persistent UL SRS transmission with TDM antenna ports. As shown in Figure 3 , the partial overlap occurs on the second symbol of the subset associated with the TDM factor. As a result, according to the rules set according to the arrangement, the UE is configured such that the total number of non-overlapping symbols / subgroups is determined to be 7 (out of the total 8 available symbols). The UE is further configured to evaluate whether the number of free (non-overlapping) symbols is greater than or equal to or less than the time domain multiplexing factor associated with the single resource SRS transmission. In this case, 7 > 4. Accordingly, the UE is configured to drop the single resource UL SRS transmission containing information related to the first set of TDM antenna ports that overlap with the PUCCH 50 in the slot 60, and prioritize the PUCCH resource transmission in that slot. By prioritizing the PUCCH transmission and dropping the SRS transmission in slot 2, the UE drops the transmission of UL SRS related to TDM antenna ports 4 to 7.

[0147] According to the rule set described in terms of the arrangement, the UE is configured to determine what action to take on the remaining set of SRS resources. Since in the illustrated case, the number of remaining non-overlapping subgroups / OFDM symbols for single SRS resource transmission is greater than or equal to the TDM factor of 4, and there is a full set of at least one different TDM antenna port set, the UE is configured to continue / reserve transmission of another TDM antenna port set associated with the subgroup / OFDM symbols without dropping the SRS. That is, in the implementation illustrated in Figure 3

[0148] It will be appreciated that this arrangement can enable reduced UL SRS latency and resource overhead compared to the conventional "drop" behavior. This arrangement can enable reduced computational complexity at the network scheduler. By allowing a degree of coexistence between SRS and PUCCH, particularly when SRS is determined to partially overlap with, for example, PUCCH, this arrangement can enable improved UL CSI and DL CSI acquisition.

[0149] It will be appreciated that the described arrangement can provide a UE device configured to: obtain, from a network, configuration information for a single resource sounding reference transmission. The UE can be configured to: determine, based on the configuration information, one or more overlapping symbols and one or more non-overlapping symbols of the single resource SRS transmission, wherein the single resource SRS transmission is to overlap with PUCCH transmission on the one or more overlapping symbols and not overlap with PUCCH transmission on the one or more non-overlapping symbols. The UE can be configured to: drop, based on the determination and a number of the one or more non-overlapping symbols, at least part of the single resource SRS transmission.

[0150] In a case where the UE determines that the number of non-overlapping symbols is less than a time domain multiplexing factor associated with the single resource SRS transmission, it can be configured to: drop, based on the determination that the number of non-overlapping symbols is less than the time domain multiplexing factor, the single resource SRS transmission.

[0151] where the UE determines that the number of non-overlapping symbols is greater than or equal to the time domain multiplexing factor associated with the single resource SRS transmission; the UE can be configured to: drop, based on the determination that the number of non-overlapping symbols is greater than or equal to the time domain multiplexing factor, the single resource SRS transmission on the one or more overlapping symbols; and transmit, based on the determination that the number of non-overlapping symbols is greater than or equal to the time domain multiplexing factor, the single resource SRS transmission to the network on the one or more non-overlapping symbols.

[0152] ​wherein the UE determines that the number of non-overlapping symbols is greater than or equal to a time domain multiplexing factor associated with the single resource SRS transmission; the UE can be configured to drop the single resource SRS transmission on the one or more overlapping symbols based on the determination that the number of non-overlapping symbols is greater than or equal to the time domain multiplexing factor; and transmit another, additional, reconfigured, or reformed SRS transmission to the network on the one or more non-overlapping symbols based on the determination that the number of non-overlapping symbols is greater than or equal to the time domain multiplexing factor.

[0153] Further, the another, additional, reconfigured, or reformed SRS transmission can define the same number of repeated time domain multiplexed antenna ports as the un-reformed SRS transmission, and these ports can be defined over the duration of the single resource SRS transmission and include information contained in the portion of the original single resource SRS transmission that was dropped on the one or more overlapping symbols.

[0154] The UE can be configured to obtain an indication or configuration from the network that indicates how the UE is to transmit the another, additional, reconfigured, or reformed SRS transmission on the one or more non-overlapping symbols.

[0155] Figure 4 Some components of a wireless communication network comprising nodes are schematically illustrated according to some arrangements; Figure 5 Steps of a method performed at a network node are schematically illustrated according to some arrangements.

[0156] Figure 4 Some components of a network comprising nodes are schematically illustrated according to some arrangements. The network 1000 comprises a plurality of network nodes 1200 in communication with a user equipment 1100.

[0157] The user equipment 1100 is in the form of an apparatus comprising circuitry 1110 configured to receive an indication of a configuration for a single resource sounding reference signal transmission; circuitry 1120 configured to determine transmission resources allocated to the single resource sounding reference signal transmission based on the indication; circuitry 1130 configured to receive an indication of transmission resources allocated to a physical uplink control channel transmission; circuitry 1140 configured to assess a degree of overlap between the transmission resources allocated to the physical uplink control channel transmission and the transmission resources allocated to the single resource sounding reference signal; and circuitry 1150 configured to select what is to be transmitted in the transmission resources allocated to the single resource sounding reference signal transmission based on the degree of overlap.

[0158] The network access node 1200 is in the form of an apparatus comprising circuitry 1210 configured to determine an indication of a configuration for single resource sounding reference signal transmission; the configuration comprising one or more conditions to be applied by the mobile network node to select what to transmit in transmission resources allocated to the single resource sounding reference signal transmission, the selection being based on an evaluated degree of overlap between transmission resources allocated to physical uplink control channel transmission and transmission resources allocated to the single resource sounding reference signal transmission; and circuitry 1220 configured to provide the determined indication to the mobile network node.

[0159] Figure 5 Steps of a method performed at some network node according to some arrangements are schematically illustrated.

[0160] The user equipment 1100 can be configured to perform a method comprising the following steps:

[0161] 5110: receiving an indication of a configuration for single resource sounding reference signal transmission;

[0162] 5120: based on the indication, determining transmission resources allocated to the single resource sounding reference signal transmission;

[0163] 5130: receiving an indication of transmission resources allocated to physical uplink control channel transmission;

[0164] 5140: evaluating a degree of overlap between transmission resources allocated to physical uplink control channel transmission and transmission resources allocated to the single resource sounding reference signal transmission; and

[0165] 5150: based on the degree of overlap, selecting what to transmit in transmission resources allocated to the single resource sounding reference signal transmission.

[0166] The network node 1200 can be configured to perform a method comprising the following steps:

[0167] 5210: determining an indication of a configuration for single resource sounding reference signal transmission; the configuration comprising one or more conditions to be applied by the mobile network node to select what to transmit in transmission resources allocated to the single resource sounding reference signal transmission, the selection being based on an evaluated degree of overlap between transmission resources allocated to physical uplink control channel transmission and transmission resources allocated to the single resource sounding reference signal transmission; and

[0168] 5220: providing the determined indication to the mobile network node.

[0169] Those skilled in the art will readily recognize that steps of various above-described methods can be performed by programmed computers. Herein, some embodiments are also intended to cover program storage devices, e.g., digital data storage media, which are machine or computer readable and encode machine- executable or computer-executable programs of instructions, wherein said instructions, when executed by machine or computer, perform some or all of the steps of the above-described methods. The program storage devices can be, e.g., digital memories, magnetic storage media such as magnetic disks and magnetic tapes, hard disk drives, or optically readable digital data storage media. The embodiments are also intended to cover computers programmed to perform said steps of the above-described methods when

[0170] The term "circuitry" as used in this application can refer to one or more or all of the following: (a) hardware-only circuit implementations (such as implementations in only analog and / or digital circuitry) and (b) combinations of hardware circuits and software, such as (as applicable): (i) a combination of analog and / or digital hardware circuit(s) with software / firmware and (ii) any portions of hardware processor(s) with software (including digital signal processors); and (c) hardware circuit(s) whether or not combined with software or firmware and / or to a portion of a hardware processor, such as a microprocessor or a portion of a microprocessor, that requires software (e.g., firmware) to operate, but when not in operation, the software can not be present.

[0171] This definition of circuitry applies to all uses of this term in this application, including in any claims. As a further example, as used in this application, the term circuitry also covers an implementation that has a hardware circuit or processor (or multiple processors) and software (or firmware) that works together to cause a device to perform various functions described herein, when the device is in operation. For example, if a system is capable of executing software that makes the system carry out various functions, the system's processor (or processors) and the software are technical

[0172] While example embodiments of the application have been described above with reference to various examples, it should be understood that many modifications can be made to the examples given without departing from the scope of the application as claimed.

[0173] The features described in the preceding description can be used in combinations other than the combinations explicitly described.

[0174] Although functions have been described with reference to certain features, those functions can be performed by other features whether described or not.

[0175] Although features have been described with reference to certain embodiments, those features can also be present in other embodiments whether described or not. While endeavoring in the foregoing specification to draw attention to those features of the application believed to be of particular importance it should be understood that the applicant claims protection for any patentable feature or combination of features referred to herein or in the accompanying drawings whether or not it has been specifically stated to be important.

Claims

1. A mobile network node, comprising: At least one processor; as well as At least one memory storing instructions, which, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the network node to at least: Receive instructions regarding the configuration for single-resource probe reference signal transmission; Based on the indication, the transmission resources allocated to the single resource probe reference signal transmission are determined; Receive an indication of the transmission resources allocated to the physical uplink control channel for transmission; Assess the degree of overlap between the transmission resources allocated to the physical uplink control channel transmission and the transmission resources allocated to the single resource sounding reference signal; as well as Based on the degree of overlap, select what to transmit in the transmission resources allocated to the single resource probe reference signal transmission.

2. The mobile network node of claim 1, wherein the configuration for single resource probe reference signal transmission includes: Configuration of time-division multiplexed antenna ports on multiple symbols.

3. The mobile network node according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein evaluating the degree of overlap includes: The number of overlapping and non-overlapping transmission resources is compared between the transmission resources allocated to the physical uplink control channel transmission and the transmission resources allocated to the single resource probe reference signal transmission.

4. The mobile network node according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the indication for the configuration of single resource probe reference signal transmission includes: An indication of the orthogonal frequency division multiplexing symbols allocated within the time slot for the transmission of the single resource probe reference signal.

5. The mobile network node according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the indication of transmission resources allocated to the physical uplink control channel transmission includes: An indication of the orthogonal frequency division multiplexing symbols allocated to the transmission of the physical uplink control channel within a time slot.

6. The mobile network node according to any of the preceding claims, wherein evaluating the degree of overlap includes: Determine whether the number of non-overlapping symbols is less than the time-domain multiplexing factor associated with the transmission of the single resource probe reference signal.

7. The mobile network node according to claim 6, wherein the time-domain multiplexing factor includes: An indication of a subset of antenna ports mapped to at least two symbols in a time slot that share the same frequency resources and have repetitions, wherein the total number of symbols having repetitions of probe reference signal resources allocated to time-division multiplexed antenna ports is given by multiplying the multiplexing factor by the repetition factor.

8. The mobile network node according to any one of claims 4 to 7, wherein if the number of overlapping symbols is evaluated to be greater than the number of non-overlapping signals, the selection includes: The physical uplink control channel transmission is transmitted in the overlapping symbols, and the transmission of the single resource probe reference transmission in the non-overlapping symbols is discarded.

9. The mobile network node according to any one of claims 4 to 8, wherein if the number of overlapping symbols is evaluated to be equal to or less than the number of non-overlapping symbols, the selection includes: The physical uplink control channel transmission is transmitted in the overlapping symbols, and at least a portion of the single resource probe reference transmission is transmitted in the non-overlapping symbols.

10. The mobile network node according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the selection includes: Selecting from the transmission resources allocated to the single resource probe reference signal transmission in the overlap, transmit the physical uplink control channel transmission, and Based on the assessed degree of overlap, the network node is made to: The single resource probe reference signal transmission is redefined to transmit within the non-overlapping transmission resources allocated to the single resource probe reference signal transmission; as well as In the non-overlapping transmission resources allocated to the single resource probe reference signal transmission, the redefined single resource probe reference signal is transmitted.

11. The mobile network node of claim 10, wherein the redefined single resource probe reference signal transmission comprises: The same number of repetitive time-domain multiplexed antenna ports as the received configuration used for single-resource probe reference signal transmission.

12. The mobile network node according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the mobile network node is configured to: Determine whether there is sufficient power available for transmission within the overlap between the transmission resources allocated to the physical uplink control channel transmission and the transmission resources allocated to the single resource probe reference signal transmission, for both the physical uplink control channel transmission and the single resource probe reference signal transmission; and wherein The selection of what to transmit from the transmission resources allocated to the single-resource probe reference signal transmission is based on the degree of overlap and the determination of whether sufficient power is available.

13. The mobile network node according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the mobile network node is configured to: Determine the spatial relationship between the physical uplink control channel transmission and the single resource probe reference signal transmission; and wherein The selection of what to transmit in the transmission resources allocated to the single-resource probe reference signal transmission is based on the determination of the degree of overlap and the spatial relationship.

14. The mobile network node according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the mobile network node is configured to: It is determined that the multi-panel uplink capability is enabled; and among them The selection of what to transmit in the transmission resources allocated to the single-resource probe reference signal transmission is based on the degree of overlap and whether multi-panel uplink capability is enabled.

15. A method for a mobile network node, comprising: Receive instructions regarding the configuration for single-resource probe reference signal transmission; Based on the indication, the transmission resources allocated to the single resource probe reference signal transmission are determined; Receive an indication of the transmission resources allocated to the physical uplink control channel for transmission; Assess the degree of overlap between the transmission resources allocated to the physical uplink control channel transmission and the transmission resources allocated to the single resource probe reference signal transmission; as well as Based on the degree of overlap, select what to transmit in the transmission resources allocated to the single resource probe reference signal transmission.

16. A network node, comprising: At least one processor; as well as At least one memory storing instructions, which, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the network node to at least: Instructions for determining the configuration for single-resource probe reference signal transmission; The configuration includes one or more conditions to be applied by the mobile network node to select what to transmit in the transmission resources allocated to the single resource probe reference signal transmission, the selection being based on the degree of overlap between the transmission resources allocated to the physical uplink control channel transmission and the transmission resources allocated to the single resource probe reference signal transmission. as well as The determined instruction is provided to the mobile network node.

17. A network node method, comprising: Instructions for determining the configuration for single-resource probe reference signal transmission; The configuration includes one or more conditions to be applied by the mobile network node to select what to transmit in the transmission resources allocated to the single resource probe reference signal transmission, the selection being based on the degree of overlap between the transmission resources allocated to the physical uplink control channel transmission and the transmission resources allocated to the single resource probe reference signal transmission. as well as The determined instruction is provided to the mobile network node.

18. A computer program product, when executed by a computer, operable to perform the method according to claim 15 or claim 17.

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