Apparatus relating to maximum sensitivity degradation and corresponding method

Abstract

The present disclosure provides an apparatus and a corresponding method related to maximum sensitivity reduction degradation, the apparatus configured to: enter a test mode; and determining a maximum sensitivity degradation (MSD) value for a multi-carrier communication mode supported by the device, wherein the MSD value is determined according to the radiation performance test.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] Various example embodiments relate to apparatuses and corresponding methods for determination of maximum sensitivity degradation (MSD) values. BACKGROUND

[0002] Multi-carrier communication modes supported by a user equipment (UE) include carrier aggregation (CA) and dual connectivity (DC). The use of this multi-carrier communication mode can depend on the relevant capabilities of the UE including the MSD of the UE; that is, how the receiver of the UE is affected by interference or noise from its own transmitter for a given communication mode. SUMMARY

[0003] According to a first example embodiment, there is provided an apparatus configured to: enter a test mode; and determine a maximum sensitivity degradation, MSD, value for a multi-carrier communication mode supported by the apparatus, wherein the MSD value is determined in accordance with a radiated performance test.

[0004] The MSD value can be determined in accordance with a radiated performance test when the antenna(s) associated with the corresponding multi-carrier communication mode are active during the test mode.

[0005] The MSD value can be determined when the transmitter of the apparatus is operating at maximum output power in an environment isolated from any network, wherein the apparatus is in a state that has not yet been configured or controlled by a network.

[0006] The MSD value can also be determined when the transmitter of the apparatus is operating at maximum bandwidth.

[0007] The MSD value can be determined based on a measurement of a received signal strength indication, RSSI, value compared to a noise level.

[0008] A plurality of MSD values can be determined for the corresponding multi-carrier communication mode supported by the apparatus, the plurality of MSD values including different antenna configuration permutations for otherwise identical multi-carrier communication modes.

[0009] Furthermore, a plurality of MSD values can be determined for the same multi-carrier communication mode, the plurality of MSD values including one MSD value determined in accordance with a radiated performance test and at least another MSD value not determined in accordance with a radiated performance test.

[0010] The apparatus can also be configured to store the MSD value(s) in a non-transitory memory of the apparatus. In this case, the apparatus can also be configured to use the stored MSD value(s) to select a multi-carrier communication mode or an antenna configuration for a multi-carrier communication mode.

[0011] The apparatus can also be configured to send the MSD value(s) to a network.

[0012] The test mode can be a factory test mode that is disabled when the apparatus leaves the factory or is in field operation.

[0013] The apparatus can also be configured to cooperate with an external test computer to perform the radiation performance test. In this case, the apparatus can also be configured to receive information from the external test computer specifying conditions for the radiation performance test, the information including at least one of: a multi-carrier communication mode configuration(s); different antenna configuration permutations for the multi-carrier communication mode configuration(s); transmitter and receiver bandwidth configuration(s); and transmitter power.

[0014] The apparatus can be a user equipment.

[0015] The apparatus can include at least one processor; and at least one memory storing instructions that, when executed by the at least one processor, cause performance of the apparatus.

[0016] According to a second example embodiment, there is provided a method comprising: entering a test mode; and determining a maximum sensitivity degradation, MSD, value for a multi-carrier communication mode supported by the apparatus, wherein the MSD value is determined in accordance with a radiation performance test.

[0017] The MSD value can be determined in accordance with a radiation performance test when an antenna(s) associated with the corresponding multi-carrier communication mode is active during the test mode.

[0018] The MSD value can be determined when a transmitter of the apparatus is operating at maximum output power in an environment isolated from any network, wherein the apparatus is in a state that has not yet been configured or controlled by the network.

[0019] The MSD value can also be determined when a transmitter of the apparatus is operating at maximum bandwidth.

[0020] The MSD value can be determined based on a received measurement of a received signal strength indication, RSSI, value compared to a noise level.

[0021] A plurality of MSD values can be determined for a corresponding multi-carrier communication mode supported by the apparatus, the plurality of MSD values including different antenna configuration permutations for otherwise identical multi-carrier communication modes.

[0022] Furthermore, a plurality of MSD values can be determined for the same multi-carrier communication mode, the plurality of MSD values including one MSD value determined in accordance with a radiation performance test and at least another MSD value not determined in accordance with a radiation performance test.

[0023] The method can further include storing the MSD value(s) in a non-transitory memory of the device. In this case, the method can further include using the stored MSD value(s) to select a multi-carrier communication mode or an antenna configuration for a multi-carrier communication mode.

[0024] The method can further include transmitting the MSD value(s) to a network.

[0025] The test mode can be a factory test mode that is disabled when the device leaves the factory or is in field operation.

[0026] The method can further include cooperating with an external test computer to perform the radiation performance test. In this case, the method can further include receiving information from the external test computer specifying conditions for the radiation performance test, the information including at least one of: a multi-carrier communication mode configuration; different antenna configuration permutations for the multi-carrier communication mode configuration; transmitter and receiver bandwidth configurations; and transmitter power.

[0027] The method can be implemented with a user equipment.

[0028] The method can be performed by a device including at least one processor; and at least one memory storing instructions that, when executed by the at least one processor, cause performance by the device.

[0029] According to a third example embodiment, a device includes circuitry configured to enter a test mode; and circuitry configured to determine a maximum sensitivity degradation, MSD, value for a multi-carrier communication mode supported by the device, wherein the MSD value is determined according to a radiation performance test.

[0030] According to a fourth example embodiment, a non-transitory computer readable medium includes program instructions that, when executed by a device, cause the device to perform at least the following: enter a test mode; and determine a maximum sensitivity degradation, MSD, value for a multi-carrier communication mode supported by the device, wherein the MSD value is determined according to a radiation performance test.

[0031] According to a fifth example embodiment, a computer program is provided that includes instructions that, when executed by a device, cause the device to perform at least the following: enter a test mode; and determine a maximum sensitivity degradation, MSD, value for a multi-carrier communication mode supported by the device, wherein the MSD value is determined according to a radiation performance test.

[0032] According to some aspects, the subject matter of independent claims is provided. Some further aspects are defined in the dependent claims. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0033] Example embodiments will now be described with reference to the drawings, in which: Figure 1 An example embodiment of factory settings for MSD determination is illustrated; Figure 2 An example embodiment of list MSD data is illustrated; Figure 3 An example embodiment of factory method for MSD determination is illustrated; Figure 4 An example embodiment of signaling between UE and network is illustrated; Figure 5 Another example embodiment of factory method for MSD determination is illustrated; Figure 6 An example embodiment of UE method is illustrated; Figure 7 An example embodiment of network method is illustrated; and Figure 8 is a simplified block diagram illustrating a device suitable for implementing example embodiments of the present disclosure. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0034] The principles of the present disclosure will now be described with reference to some example embodiments. It should be understood that these example embodiments are described for illustrative purposes only and help the skilled person to understand and implement the present disclosure, without indicating any limitation to the scope of the present disclosure. The present disclosure described herein can be implemented in various ways other than those described below.

[0035] The terminology used herein to describe embodiments is not intended to limit the scope. The articles "a," "an," and "the" are singular in the sense that they have one single referent, however the use of the singular herein does not exclude the presence of more than one of the referred to entity. In other words, unless the context clearly allows for it, an element referred to in the singular can comprise one or more of them. It will also be understood that the terms "comprises", "comprising", "includes", and / or "including" when used herein, specify the presence of stated features, items, steps, operations, elements, and / or components but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, items, steps, operations, elements, components, and / or groups thereof.

[0036] Unless otherwise defined, all terms (including technical and scientific terms) used herein are to be interpreted as is customary in the art. It will be further understood that the terms used herein are to be interpreted as generally accepted in the art, unless otherwise defined, and not in an idealized or overly formal sense.

[0037] Carrier aggregation (CA) allows a UE to transmit and receive data on multiple component carriers (CCs) simultaneously, enabling the UE to utilize all available spectrum resources. For example, in the 3GPP case, in NR, there can be up to 32 CCs aggregated for a UE. Each of the CCs can belong to a different technology (e.g., frequency division duplex (FDD) and time division duplex (TDD)), can belong to a different frequency band, and have different numerologies. The CCs in CA can be collocated or not collocated.

[0038] Dual connectivity (DC) allows a UE to transmit and receive data on multiple component carriers from two cell groups (CGs) via a master node (MN) and a secondary node (SN). With evolved UMTS terrestrial radio access (E-UTRA) dual connectivity (EN-DC), a UE can be connected to both a long term evolution (LTE) E-UTRA and a 5G NR node. The core network (CN) is either a LTE evolved packet core (EPC) or a 5G core. This is later extended so that both cells can belong to 5G NR, in which case the CN is only a 5G core. These individual options belong to the general term multi radio dual connectivity (MR-DC). MR-DC is a generalization of dual connectivity within E-UTRA. MR-DC can provide a UE with more resources for higher throughput. More generally, MR-DC helps operators improve mobility robustness and handover in macro / micro cell deployments. It can also help to migrate networks from 4G to 5G. 5G new radio dual connectivity (NR-DC) is a 5G connectivity option in which one 5G user equipment (UE) is connected to a 5G network via both a MN (master node) and a SN (secondary node). The UE serving cell in the MN defines the master cell group (MCG), while the UE serving cell in the SN defines the secondary cell group (SCG). DC allows a UE to transmit and receive data on multiple component carriers from two cell groups via a master node (MN) and a secondary node (SN).

[0039] When a UE operates with more than one transceiver active at different spectrum allocations in CA or DC, the UE radio hardware can cause self-interference. Transmitter spectrum content, harmonic response, or harmonic products can produce interference within the active receive band of the same UE. Coupling of signals transmitted to receivers occurs through the circuit board (i.e., wired) and through the antenna (i.e., wireless), and the impact of the interference depends on the UE design.

[0040] Currently, in 5G NR, when a UE first connects to the network, if the UE has multi-connectivity (CA / DC) capability, the UE can be configured to operate in multi-connectivity mode. Some of the configurations involve static configuration for resources for the UE. To address operator concerns that the self-interference performance of the UE can deviate from the agreed specification in any given multi-carrier configuration, a metric indicating the self-interference performance of the UE is used. This metric (Maximum Sensitivity Degradation (MSD)) can allow the UE to inform the network of improved MSD performance relative to the specification, including on RX victim, TX aggressor(s), MSD type, power class, and MSD class. For example, as shown in the following message format: LowerMSD-r18 ::= SEQUENCE { aggressorband1-r18 FreqBandIndicatorNR optional, aggressorband2-r18 FreqBandIndicatorNR optional, msdType-r18 ENUMERATED {harmonic, harmonic mixing, cross bandisolation, IMD2, IMD3, IMD4, IMD5,ALL} optional, msdPowerClass-r18 ENUMERATED {pc1dot5, pc2, pc3} optional, msdClass-r18 ENUMERATED { classI, classII, classIII, classIV,classV, classVI, classVII, classVIII} optional }

[0041] The MSD value can be found in the msdClass as shown in Table 1 below, where a step of at least 3dB is defined: Table 1 Low MSD capability classes

[0042] There are different types of sources in the UE that cause self-interference, but they can be considered to belong to two different groups. Table 2 documents those cases where only one UL component carrier is used in the band combination, and those cases with two uplink component carriers, also showing the relationship. UL2 / DL1 means that the second harmonic (2) of the uplink can match the fundamental (1) of the downlink: Table 2: MSD types and combinations causing self-interference

[0043] As the harmonics of the uplink fall within the other DL component carrier bandwidth at the base carrier frequency of the downlink band, the UL harmonics can cause self-interference in the other DL component carriers.

[0044] Harmonic mixing can cause self-interference when the combination of the UL fundamental / harmonics coincides with the DL harmonics of the other DL components.

[0045] Cross-band is a representation of self-interference when the output spectrum of the UL component carrier falls within the DL component carrier bandwidth. This can be considered as an adjacent channel leakage of the transmitter, where the leakage depends on the non-linear behavior of the power amplifier.

[0046] Intermodulation distortion (IMD) occurs when two UL component carriers intermodulate (mix), and the product of the mixing of the UL component carriers falls within the receiver band of one or the other DL component carrier bandwidth at the base carrier frequency of the downlink band. Special cases of IMD (non-continuous UL CA and third order beat interference) also belong to this category.

[0047] Conventionally, the UE providing the MSD value is determined by factory analysis of a representative sample of the same type of UE, where the analysis is performed with the UE antenna isolated to be in a connected state (i.e., not active). The current 3GPP measurement procedure for MSD follows 3GPP TS 38.521, and in particular, when determining MSD, as shown in 3GPP TS 38.508-1 [5] Annex A, Figure A.3.1.1.3 for TE plots and Section A.3.2 for UE plots, there are specific connection requirements regarding antenna isolation. With this connection requirement, when each SS NR / LTE is connected by RX and TX, it will depend on the routing of the carrier to the connection pins of the antenna used to make the measurement. If these pins do not have a combined relationship of all signals in the case of CA / DC, there is no approximate path in this setup that allows antenna isolation. As such, the 3GPP procedure and the consistency requirements for MSD will never be consistent with the actual UE antenna isolation performance. Since the MSD parameter lowerMSD must be proven under testing, the UE vendor must determine the msdClass in the ongoing test to determine the actual performance in the ongoing state. This determines the lowerMSD capability value of the msdClass, and is different from the performance in the radiated (actually used in the network) state.

[0048] Currently, for UE static reporting of MSD, the UE implements a table of all MSD results regarding which MSD is the worst for a given configuration that is authorized. An example is Figure 2Part 20 of the table shown in the middle. The UE uses the configuration information to traverse the table and identify the worst case applicable in the current configuration among all relevant MSD types. It must have the channel information and allocation to distinguish the MSD types as they do not usually coexist for CA combinations. Only through the frequencies allocated to the component carriers does the UE know what is relevant.

[0049] A standardized message format using MAC CE for faster exchange of MSD values can be used instead of the RRC based approach. The MAC CE format can replace the need to exchange all MSD and CA configuration data in the UE capability enquiry by allowing the UE to only convey the relevant MSD information for a CA in the MAC CE to reduce the overhead.

[0050] MSD refers to a specified sensitivity degradation the UE is allowed to have in a DL frequency band in a CA / DC band combination, where the UE self-interference from the uplink falls into its active DL band. The specified MSD value is a static value per frequency band combination, so the gNB will have to assume that the value is always present and if the CA configuration is used, the gNB can have to adjust its UL or DL transmission according to the MSD value, e.g. reduce MCS, power up, avoid UL transmission while the UE is receiving in the DL, or avoid utilizing the CA configuration at all. MSD also occurs in case of a single UL CC and the number of bands affected is worsened with UL CA. Conventionally, the MSD value would be measured by receiving a reference signal under interference conditions, typically 1 dB SNR.

[0051] Figure 1 An example embodiment of a factory setup 10 for MSD determination is illustrated. A mobile phone 13 - Device Under Test (DUT) - is provided under the control of a test computer 11 and in a shielded environment 12 for avoiding unwanted signal distortion in the air. Although a mobile phone, e.g. a smartphone, is illustrated, any UE can be similarly tested, such as a tablet, a computer, a smartwatch, or any handheld, portable, wearable device, etc.

[0052] The mobile phone 13 is capable of determining the self-interference in the RX band with active TX signal on the antenna(s) for the corresponding CA / DC band combination supported by the phone. Thereby, a corresponding radiated MSD (rMSD) level can be determined. I.e. the setup 10 can take the impact of antenna isolation into account, identifying non-continuous / rMSD performance instead of continuous MSD capability signaled with the conventional msdClass signal.

[0053] As Figure 2As shown, the MSD factory setup 10 will produce data that can be tabulated in a conventional manner (e.g., table portion 20 as discussed above), but with added rMSD values in portion 21 that characterize the radiated performance of the phone 13 for the corresponding CA / DC band combination.

[0054] The following Table 3 shows interference for various NR CA band combination examples (CA_nX-nY) and NR Rx band (nZ) combinations: Table 3 Interference for various NR CA band combinations (CA_nX-nY) and NR Rx band (nZ) combinations

[0055] In Table 3, the interference information includes uplink harmonic (UH), harmonic mixing (MH), and cross-band interference (CBI), intermodulation distortion (IMD) order, and IMD network control (NC) uplink carrier aggregation (ULCA). Note that Table 2 and Table 3 are examples with respect to 2x CA bands and the listed interference types. In practice, for a real device, those tables reflect for the CA combinations supported by the particular UE. The tables scale with the number of uplink antennas supported.

[0056] For the corresponding CA / DC band combination, one or more of the following advantages can be produced using rMSD. First, the rMSD value will reflect the antenna characteristic(s) of the actual DUT, whereas the conventional MSD value is based on non-active connected antenna(s). In addition, the conventional MSD value is based on a value determined through analysis of a representative sample of devices of the same type, as the conventional MSD value is determined on a device that is modified to provide specific connection requirements with respect to antenna isolation as discussed above. With the above setup 10, a unique rMSD value specific to the actual DUT is determined, and this unique rMSD value can be used in the field. This avoids the influence of variations due to manufacturing defects, and variations within acceptable manufacturing tolerances. Second, with the above setup 10, the determination of the rMSD value can be relatively straightforward, requiring no or little external equipment, and performed as fast as the UE can reconfigure the radio and measure the receiver power of the victim band.

[0057] Figure 3An example embodiment of a factory method for rMSD determination is illustrated. In this method, the mobile phone 13 is placed in a dedicated test mode to avoid normal NR operation. The test computer 11 provides test data to the mobile phone 13 (i.e. DUT) including a test list of CA / DC band combinations to be tested, receiver bands, BW configurations, antenna ports, and TX power levels. This test data is used to configure the mobile phone 13 for testing. The test is performed in the mobile phone whereby all CA / DC combinations for all available antenna configurations are cycled and the resulting interference levels are measured by the NR receiver. Since the interfering signals cannot be decoded, the measurements can be made in the form of RSSI measurements and the measured RSSI levels can be compared to the noise floor for rMSD level calculation. The results are tabulated in a 3D calibrated rMSD table as shown in Figure 2 When tested, the tabulated data is stored and optionally provided to the test computer 11.

[0058] The scope of involvement of the test computer 11 can vary. The test scheduling and mobile phone 13 configuration for various CA / DC band combinations can be fully under the control of the test computer. Alternatively, the test computer can simply initiate the test mode of the mobile phone for the same functionality. It is conceivable that the mobile phone can be able to determine rMSD values for various CA / DC band combinations in a fully independent configuration.

[0059] Figure 4 An example embodiment of UE-Network (NW) signaling in the field is illustrated where the UE has rMSD values supported by the UE for all available CA / DC band combinations stored in a file. As described above, such rMSD values can be signaled by the UE to the NW to inform the NW of improved MSD performance relative to the specification including: RX victim, TX aggressor(s), MSD type, power class, and a (new) MSD level table mapping the "radiated" MSD levels for each enumerated class and will include the affected CA / DC combinations.

[0060] Step 1. As usual, the NW sends a System Information Block (SIB) to the UE including a list of per-band channel ranges and potential CA combinations.

[0061] Step 2. The NW sends a "UE capability query" to the UE.

[0062] Step 3. In response, the UE sends to the NW a "UE capability enquiry information" including a MSD class table containing the rMSD level. The extension of the regular UE capability information message can be defined by a new structure of LowerMSD-r20 and is introduced into the RRC message UECapabilityInformation as follows (bold and underlined enhancements): LowerMSD-r20 ::= SEQUENCE { aggressorband1-r20 FreqBandIndicatorNR OPTIONAL, aggressorband2-r20 FreqBandIndicatorNR OPTIONAL, msdType-r20 ENUMERATED {harmonic, harmonic mixing, cross bandisolation, IMD2, IMD3, IMD4, IMD5,ALL} OPTIONAL, msdPowerClass-r20 ENUMERATED {pc1dot5, pc2, pc3} OPTIONAL, msdClassCalibrated-r20 ENUMERATED { classI, classII, classIII,classIV, classV, classVI, classVII, classVIII, classIX, classX, classXI,classXII, classXIII, classXIV, classXV, classXVI} OPTIONAL } RF-Parameters ::= SEQUENCE { supportedBandListNR SEQUENCE (SIZE (1..maxBands)) OF BandNR, supportedBandCombinationList BandCombinationList OPTIONAL, appliedFreqBandListFilter FreqBandList OPTIONAL, ..., ..., [[ lowerMSD-r20 SEQUENCE (SIZE (1..maxLowerMSD-r20)) OF LowerMSD-r20 OPTIONAL ]] … }

[0063] The rMSD values can be found in the updated (compared to Table 1) lower MSD capability levels as shown in Table 5 below: Table 5 Revised lower MSD capability classes

[0064] Note that the capability exchange will only apply to the one uplink antenna that will be selected as the worst one among all uplink antennas configuration to ensure compliance data regardless of any uplink antenna selection. It is not possible to exchange data for each uplink antenna configuration because only the UE knows the exact antenna being used and the network has no information of the UE physical antenna selection.

[0065] Step 4. RRC release.

[0066] Step 5. UE preparation (1): The UE can prepare the MSD values based on the collected information for future use.

[0067] Step 6. RRC setup / reconfiguration.

[0068] Step 7. UE preparation (2): The UE can evaluate if the MSD performance is better than the values specified in the specification and reported in the UE capability information right after setting up the RRC connected mode or at reconfiguration. If yes, the new values can be reported as MAC CE.

[0069] Regarding the UE antenna selection, the UE can be limited to signal only one MSD value (not for each available / potential uplink antenna). If the UE has determined that one of the uplink antennas can have the smallest path loss but also the biggest impact of self-interference, it can be requested by the NW to use that antenna. However, since the NW does not consider the self-interference in the SRS switching procedure and does not consider that if the UE selects the antenna with the smallest path loss, it can cause downlink carrier failure, the UE can change the uplink antenna to one with more path loss but with less self-interference.

[0070] Regarding run-time update of the MSD value for the radiation, to support MSD values with different MSD values with respect to the uplink antenna selection, optionally, there can be extended signaling to indicate whether the MSD value is a static radiation value or a run-time determined MSD value, instead of not allowing the exchange of the flexibility of the UE capability to track the uplink antenna configuration. For example, with MAC CE messaging.

[0071] Step 8. MAC CE (1) can convey the selected MSD value, optionally a corresponding indication of how the MSD value was determined (e.g. static / run-time), and optionally the interference type / source / order.

[0072] Step 9. UE evaluation. While in connected mode, the UE can determine whether the actual channel conditions allow the UE to perform better than previously reported about the MSD. One reason can be that the interference only partially overlaps with the Rx channel. If so, the UE can determine the uplink antenna impact(s) and determine whether to follow the SRS selection or select the uplink antenna(s) with less self-interference impact.

[0073] Step 10. MAC CE (2) conveys the updated MSD information including the possibility of alternative MSD values and auxiliary information such as the interference type / source / order, whether there is full / partial interference overlap, etc.

[0074] Figure 5 Another example embodiment of a factory method for MSD determination is illustrated, the factory method comprising: entering (step 501) a test mode; and determining (step 502) a maximum sensitivity degradation MSD value for a multicarrier communication mode supported by the device, wherein the MSD value is determined according to a radiation performance test.

[0075] Figure 6 An example embodiment of a UE method is illustrated, the UE method comprising: determining (step 601), by the device, a MSD value for a multicarrier communication mode supported by the device, wherein the MSD value is determined according to a radiation performance test; and sending (step 602), by the device, the MSD value to a network.

[0076] Figure 7 An example embodiment of a network method is illustrated, the network method comprising: receiving (step 701), by the device, a MSD value of a UE for a multicarrier communication mode supported by the UE, wherein the MSD value is determined by the UE according to a radiation performance test, and modulating (step 702) communication with the UE based on the MSD value.

[0077] Figure 8is a simplified block diagram of a device 800 suitable for implementing example embodiments of the present disclosure. The device 800 can be implemented at or as part of a UE device or a cell of a providing device.

[0078] As shown, the device 800 includes a processor 810, a memory 820 coupled to the processor 810, a communication module 830 coupled to the processor 810, and a communication interface (not shown) coupled to the communication module 830. The memory 820 stores at least a program 840. The communication module 830 is for bidirectional communication, e.g., via multiple antennas. The communication interface can represent any interface needed for communication.

[0079] It is assumed that the program 840 includes program instructions that, when executed by the associated processor 810, enable the device 800 to operate in accordance with the example embodiments of the present disclosure, as discussed herein with reference to the example embodiments. Figures 1 to 8 The example embodiments discussed herein can be implemented by computer software executable by the processor 810 of the device 800, or by hardware, or by a combination of software and hardware. The processor 810 can be configured to implement various example embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0080] The memory 820 can be of any type suitable to the local technical network and can be implemented using any suitable data storage technology, such as non-transitory computer readable storage media, semiconductor-based memory devices, magnetic memory devices and systems, optical memory devices and systems, fixed memory, and removable memory, as non-limiting examples. Although only one memory 820 is shown in the device 800, there can be several physically different memory modules in the device 800. Although only one memory 820 is shown in the device 800, there can be several physically different memory modules in the device 800. The processor 810 can be of any type suitable to the local technical network, and can include one or more of general purpose computers, special purpose computers, microprocessors, digital signal processors (DSPs), and processors based on multi-core processor architectures, as non-limiting examples. The device 800 can have multiple processors such as application specific integrated circuit chips that are time-slaved to a clock that is synchronized with a master processor.

[0081] The term "circuitry" as used in this application refers to any 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 portion of hardware processor(s) with software (including digital signal processors) software, and memory(ies) that work together to cause an apparatus, such as a mobile phone or server, to perform various functions) and hardware circuitry and / or processor(s), such as microprocessors or a portion thereof, that requires software (e.g., firmware) for operation, but software can not be present when it is not needed for operation.

[0082] 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 is a hardware circuit or processor (or multiple processors) or hardware circuit or processor's portion and its accompanying software, firmware, or programmable logic when appropriate. For example, if a particular

[0083] In general, the various example embodiments of the disclosure can be implemented in hardware or special-purpose circuits, software, logic or any combination thereof. Some aspects can be implemented in hardware, while other aspects can be implemented in firmware or software which can be executed by a controller, microprocessor or other computing device. While various aspects of example embodiments of the disclosure can be illustrated and described as block diagrams, flow charts, or using some other pictorial representation, it is well understood that these blocks, apparatus, systems, techniques or methods described herein can be implemented in hardware, software, firmware, special purpose circuits or logic, general purpose hardware or control or other computing devices.

[0084] The disclosure also provides at least one computer program product tangibly embodied on a non-transitory computer readable storage medium. The computer program product includes computer executable instructions, such as those included in program modules, executed by devices in a target real or virtual processor to perform the methods of Figure 5 and Figure 6 Generally, program modules include routines, programs, libraries, objects, classes, components, data structures, etc. that perform particular tasks or implement particular abstract data types. The functionality of the program modules can be combined or split between program modules as desired in various example embodiments. Machine executable instructions for program modules can be executed within the local or distributed device. In a distributed device, program modules can be located in both local and remote memory storage devices.

[0085] Program code for carrying out methods of the present disclosure can be written in any combination of one or more programming languages. The program code can be provided to a processor or controller of a general purpose computer, special purpose computer, or other programmable data processing apparatus to produce a machine, such that the program code, when executed by the processor or controller, causes the machine to implement the functions / acts specified in the flowcharts and / or block diagrams. The program code can be executed entirely on a machine, partially on a machine, as a stand-alone software package, partially on a machine and partially on a remote machine, or entirely on a remote machine or server.

[0086] In the context of the present disclosure, computer program code or related data can be carried by any suitable carrier to enable a device, apparatus, or processor to perform the various processes and operations as described above. Examples of carriers include signals, computer readable media.

[0087] The computer readable medium can be a computer readable signal medium or a computer readable storage medium. The computer readable medium can include, but is not limited to, electronic, magnetic, optical, electromagnetic, infrared, or semiconductor system, apparatus, or device, or any suitable combination of the foregoing. More specific examples of the computer readable storage medium would include an electrical connection having one or more wires, a portable computer diskette, a hard disk, a random access memory (RAM), a read-only memory (ROM), an erasable programmable read-only memory (EPROM or Flash memory), an optical fiber, a portable compact disc read-only memory (CD-ROM), a digital versatile disc (DVD), an optical storage device, a magnetic storage device, or any suitable combination of the foregoing.

[0088] Various example embodiments of the present technology have been described. In addition to or as an alternative to the examples described above, the following examples are described. The features described in any of the following examples can be used with any other example described herein. Abbreviations BW bandwidth CA carrier aggregation CC carrier component DL downlink EIRP effective isotropic radiated power gNB 5G NodeB IMD intermodulation distortion MAC medium access control MAC CE MAC control element MSD maximum sensitivity degradation NW network RRC radio resource control RSSI received signal strength indicator UE user equipment UL uplink ULCA uplink carrier aggregation

Claims

1. An apparatus for communication, comprising at least one processor; and at least one memory storing instructions, said instructions, when executed by said at least one processor, causing the apparatus to: Enter test mode; and The maximum sensitivity degradation (MSD) value for the multi-carrier communication mode supported by the device is determined, wherein the MSD value is determined based on radiation performance testing. Among them, multiple MSD values ​​for the corresponding multicarrier communication mode supported by the device are determined.

2. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the MSD value is determined according to the radiation performance test when the antenna associated with the corresponding multicarrier communication mode is active during the test mode.

3. The apparatus of claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the MSD value is determined when the transmitter of the apparatus is operating at maximum output power in an environment isolated from any network, wherein the apparatus is in a state not yet configured or controlled by the network.

4. The apparatus of claim 3, wherein the MSD value is determined when the transmitter of the apparatus operates at maximum bandwidth.

5. The apparatus according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the MSD value is determined based on a measurement of the received signal strength relative to the noise level, indicating the RSSI value.

6. The apparatus according to any preceding claim, wherein the plurality of MSD values ​​comprises: Those values ​​for different antenna configurations of the multi-carrier communication mode, which are otherwise identical.

7. The apparatus according to any preceding claim, wherein a plurality of MSD values ​​for the same multicarrier communication mode are determined, the plurality of MSD values ​​including: An MSD value determined based on the radiation performance test, and at least another MSD value not determined based on the radiation performance test.

8. The apparatus according to any of the preceding claims is further configured to store the MSD value in a non-transient memory of the apparatus.

9. The apparatus of claim 8 is further configured to: select a multi-carrier communication mode or an antenna configuration for the multi-carrier communication mode using the stored MSD value.

10. The apparatus according to any of the preceding claims is further configured to: transmit the MSD value to a network.

11. The apparatus according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the test mode is a factory test mode, which is deenabled when the apparatus leaves the factory or is operated in the field.

12. The apparatus according to any of the preceding claims is further configured to: cooperate with an external test computer to perform the radiation performance test.

13. The apparatus of claim 12, further configured to: receive from the external test computer information specifying conditions for the radiation performance test, the information including at least one of the following: Multi-carrier communication mode configuration; Different antenna configurations for multi-carrier communication mode configuration; Transmitter and receiver bandwidth configuration; and Transmitter power.

14. The apparatus according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the apparatus is a user equipment.

15. A method for communication, comprising: Enter test mode; as well as The maximum sensitivity degradation (MSD) value for the multi-carrier communication mode supported by the device is determined, wherein the MSD value is determined based on radiation performance testing. Among them, multiple MSD values ​​for the corresponding multicarrier communication mode supported by the device are determined.

16. A means for communication, comprising: Components used to enter test mode; as well as A component for determining the maximum sensitivity degradation MSD value for a multi-carrier communication mode supported by the device, wherein the MSD value is determined based on radiation performance testing. Among them, multiple MSD values ​​for the corresponding multicarrier communication mode supported by the device are determined.

Images