Reporting automatic gain control (AGC) information for carrier phase positioning

CN122826487APending Publication Date: 2026-09-25NOKIA TECHNOLOGIES OY
View PDF 0 Cites 0 Cited by

Patent Information

Application Number
CN202580018383.1
Authority / Receiving Office
CN · China
Patent Type
Applications(China)
Current Assignee / Owner
Priority Date
2024-03-06
Filing Date
2025-03-03
Publication Date
2026-09-25

AI Technical Summary

Technical Problem

例如,超可靠和低延时通信(URLLC)设备可能需要高可靠性和非常低的延时

✦ Generated by Eureka AI based on patent content.

Smart Images

  • Figure CN122826487A_ABST
    Figure CN122826487A_ABST
Patent Text Reader

Abstract

A method comprising: receiving, from an LMF, at least one of: a first request to apply a fixed automatic gain control (AGC) gain level for a plurality of symbols during reception of positioning reference signals for carrier phase measurements of at least one of a plurality of network nodes; or a second request to apply a same AGC gain level during reception of positioning reference signals for carrier phase measurements of or across a plurality of network nodes (310); performing at least one of: performing carrier phase measurements according to the first request for at least one of the plurality of network nodes, or performing a carrier phase difference measurement based on carrier phase measurements of at least two of the plurality of network nodes according to the second request (320); and reporting at least one of the carrier phase measurements or the carrier phase difference measurement to the LMF (330).
Need to check novelty before this filing date? Find Prior Art

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This manual relates to wireless communication. Background Technology

[0002] A communication system can be a facility that enables communication between two or more nodes or devices (such as fixed or mobile communication devices). Signals can be carried on wired or wireless carriers.

[0003] An example of a cellular communication system is the architecture standardized by the 3rd Generation Partnership Project (3GPP). Recent developments in this field are often referred to as Long Term Evolution (LTE) of Universal Mobile Telecommunications System (UMTS) radio access technology. E-UTRA (Evolved UMTS Terrestrial Radio Access) is the air interface for the 3GPP LTE upgrade path for mobile networks. In LTE, base stations or access points (APs), referred to as enhanced node APs (eNBs), provide radio access within a coverage area or cell. In LTE, mobile devices or mobile stations are referred to as User Equipment (UEs). LTE includes many improvements or developments. All aspects of LTE continue to improve.

[0004] The development of 5G New Radio (NR) is part of an ongoing evolution of mobile broadband to meet 5G requirements, similar to the early evolution of 3G and 4G wireless networks. Furthermore, in addition to mobile broadband, 5G also targets emerging use cases. The goal of 5G is to deliver significant improvements in wireless performance, which can include new levels of data rates, latency, reliability, and security. 5G NR can also be extended to efficiently connect massive Internet of Things (IoT) networks and can provide new types of mission-critical services. For example, ultra-reliable and low-latency communication (URLLC) devices may require high reliability and very low latency. 6G and other networks are also under development. Summary of the Invention

[0005] A method may include: receiving from a location management function (LMF) at least one of the following: a first request to apply a fixed automatic gain control (AGC) gain level to multiple symbols during the reception of a location reference signal for carrier phase measurements of at least one of a plurality of network nodes; or a second request to apply the same AGC gain level during the reception of a location reference signal for or across multiple network nodes for carrier phase measurements; performing at least one of the following: performing a carrier phase measurement for at least one of the plurality of network nodes according to the first request, or performing a carrier phase difference measurement based on carrier phase measurements of at least two of the plurality of network nodes according to the second request; and reporting at least one of the carrier phase measurement or the carrier phase difference measurement to the LMF.

[0006] An apparatus may include: at least one processor; and at least one memory storing instructions that, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the apparatus to at least: receive from a Location Management Function (LMF) at least one of the following: a first request to apply a fixed automatic gain control (AGC) gain level to multiple symbols during the reception of a location reference signal for carrier phase measurements of at least one of a plurality of network nodes; or a second request to apply the same AGC gain level during the reception of a location reference signal for or across multiple network nodes for carrier phase measurements; perform at least one of the following: perform a carrier phase measurement for at least one of the plurality of network nodes according to the first request, or perform a carrier phase difference measurement based on carrier phase measurements of at least two of the plurality of network nodes according to the second request; and report at least one of the carrier phase measurement or the carrier phase difference measurement to the LMF.

[0007] A method may include sending to a user equipment at least one of the following: a first request to apply a fixed automatic gain control (AGC) gain level to multiple symbols during the reception of a positioning reference signal for carrier phase measurements of at least one of multiple network nodes; or a second request to apply the same AGC gain level during the reception of a positioning reference signal for carrier phase measurements of or across multiple network nodes; and receiving at least one of a carrier phase measurement or a carrier phase difference measurement from the user equipment.

[0008] An apparatus may include: at least one processor; and at least one memory storing instructions that, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the apparatus to at least: send to a user equipment at least one of the following: a first request to apply a fixed automatic gain control (AGC) gain level for multiple symbols during the reception of a positioning reference signal for carrier phase measurements of at least one of multiple network nodes; or a second request to apply the same AGC gain level during the reception of a positioning reference signal for carrier phase measurements or across multiple network nodes; and receive from the user equipment at least one of a carrier phase measurement or a carrier phase difference measurement.

[0009] A method may include: receiving a request from a location management function (LMF) requesting the device to perform a measurement and / or correction of a phase offset caused by an automatic gain control (AGC) gain level, the phase offset being caused by the application of different AGC gain levels during the reception of a positioning reference signal for carrier phase measurements of multiple network nodes or across multiple network nodes; estimating the phase offset caused by the AGC gain level associated with the carrier phase measurements of multiple network nodes; and performing at least one of the following: correcting the phase offset caused by the AGC gain level in at least one of the carrier phase measurements or carrier phase difference measurements, and reporting the corrected carrier phase measurement or the corrected carrier phase difference measurement to the LMF; or reporting to the LMF at least one of the carrier phase measurements or the carrier phase difference measurement, and at least one of the phase offset caused by the AGC gain level applied during the carrier phase measurement or the estimated AGC gain level associated with the carrier phase measurement.

[0010] An apparatus may include: at least one processor; and at least one memory storing instructions that, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the apparatus to at least: receive a request from a Location Management Function (LMF) requesting the apparatus to perform a measurement and / or correction of a phase offset caused by an Automatic Gain Control (AGC) gain level, the phase offset being caused by the application of different AGC gain levels during the reception of a positioning reference signal for carrier phase measurements of multiple network nodes or across multiple network nodes; estimate the phase offset caused by the AGC gain level associated with the carrier phase measurements of the multiple network nodes; and perform at least one of the following: correcting the phase offset caused by the AGC gain level in at least one of the carrier phase measurements or carrier phase difference measurements, and reporting the corrected carrier phase measurement or corrected carrier phase difference measurement to the LMF; or reporting to the LMF at least one of the carrier phase measurements or carrier phase difference measurements, and at least one of the phase offset caused by the AGC gain level applied during the carrier phase measurement or the estimated AGC gain level associated with the carrier phase measurement.

[0011] A method may include: sending a request to a user equipment (UE) to perform a measurement and / or correction of a phase offset caused by an automatic gain control (AGC) gain level, the phase offset being caused by the UE applying different AGC gain levels during carrier phase measurements at multiple network nodes; and performing at least one of the following: receiving from the UE at least one of a carrier phase measurement or a carrier phase difference measurement, and at least one of a phase offset caused by an AGC gain level applied by the UE during the carrier phase measurement or an estimated AGC gain level associated with the carrier phase measurement, and performing compensation or correction for the AGC gain level in the at least one of the carrier phase measurement or the carrier phase difference measurement to obtain at least one of a calculated corrected carrier phase measurement or a calculated corrected carrier phase difference measurement; or receiving from the UE at least one of a corrected carrier phase measurement or a corrected carrier phase difference measurement, wherein the phase offset caused by the AGC gain level in the at least one of the carrier phase measurement or the carrier phase difference measurement has been corrected by the UE.

[0012] An apparatus may include: at least one processor; and at least one memory storing instructions that, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the apparatus to at least: send a request to a user equipment (UE) requesting the UE to perform a measurement and / or correction of a phase offset caused by an automatic gain control (AGC) gain level, the phase offset being due to the UE applying different AGC gain levels during carrier phase measurements at multiple network nodes; and perform at least one of: receiving at least one of a carrier phase measurement or a carrier phase difference measurement from the UE, and during the carrier phase measurement... The user equipment receives at least one of the phase offset caused by an AGC gain level applied by the user equipment or an estimated AGC gain level associated with a carrier phase measurement, and performs compensation or correction caused by the AGC gain level on at least one of the carrier phase measurement or carrier phase difference measurement to obtain at least one of the calculated corrected carrier phase measurement or calculated corrected carrier phase difference measurement; or receives at least one of the corrected carrier phase measurement or corrected carrier phase difference measurement from the user equipment, wherein the phase offset caused by the AGC gain level in at least one of the carrier phase measurement or carrier phase difference measurement has been corrected by the user equipment.

[0013] Other example embodiments are provided or described for each example method, including: components for performing any example method; a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium including instructions stored thereon, the instructions being configured, when executed by at least one processor, to cause a computing system to perform any example method; and an apparatus including at least one processor and at least one memory including computer program code, the at least one memory and the computer program code being configured, together with the at least one processor, to cause the apparatus to at least perform any example method.

[0014] Details of one or more examples of embodiments are set forth in the accompanying drawings and the following description. Other features will be apparent from the specification, drawings, and claims. Attached Figure Description

[0015] Figure 1 This is a block diagram of a wireless network according to an example embodiment.

[0016] Figure 2 This is a diagram illustrating the operation of automatic gain control according to an example embodiment.

[0017] Figure 3 This is a flowchart illustrating the operation of an apparatus (e.g., a UE, user equipment, or other apparatus) according to an example embodiment.

[0018] Figure 4 This is a flowchart illustrating the operation of the Location Management Function (LMF) according to an example embodiment.

[0019] Figure 5 This is a flowchart illustrating the operation of an apparatus (e.g., a UE or user equipment or other apparatus) according to another example embodiment.

[0020] Figure 6 This is a flowchart illustrating the operation of a location management function (LMF) according to another example embodiment.

[0021] Figure 7 This is a diagram illustrating operation according to an example embodiment.

[0022] Figure 8 This is a diagram illustrating operation according to another example embodiment.

[0023] Figure 9 This is a diagram illustrating the self-measurement or calibration of the phase shift caused by the AGC gain level in a UE according to an example embodiment for different AGC gain levels.

[0024] Figure 10This is a block diagram of a wireless station or node (e.g., UE, user equipment, AP, BS, eNB, gNB, RAN node, network node, TRP or other node) 1300 according to an example embodiment. Detailed Implementation

[0025] Figure 1 This is a block diagram of wireless network 130. Figure 1 In the wireless network 130, user equipment 131, 132, 133, and 135 may also be referred to as mobile stations (MS) or user equipment (UE), which may connect to (and communicate with) a base station (BS) 134, which may also be referred to as an access point (AP), an enhanced node B (eNB), a gNB, or a network node. The terms "user equipment" and "user equipment" (UE) are used interchangeably. A BS may also include or be referred to as a RAN (Radio Access Network) node, and may include a portion of a BS or a portion of a RAN node, such as (e.g., in the case of splitting a BS or splitting a gNB, such as a centralized unit (CU) and / or a distributed unit (DU)). At least a portion of the functionality of a BS (e.g., an access point (AP), a base station (BS), or (e) node B (eNB), gNB, RAN node) may also be performed by any node, server, or host operatively coupled to a transceiver (such as a remote wireless head). BS (or AP) 134 provides wireless coverage within cell 136, including to user equipment (or UE) 131, 132, 133, and 135. Although only four user equipment (or UE) are shown connected to or attached to BS 134, any number of user equipment can be provided. BS 134 is also connected to core network 150 via S1 interface 151. This is merely a simplified example of a wireless network, and other examples can be used.

[0026] A base station (e.g., BS 134) is an example of a radio access network (RAN) node within a wireless network. A BS (or RAN node) can be or may include (or alternatively be referred to as) such as an access point (AP), gNB, eNB, or a portion thereof (such as a central / centralized unit (CU) and / or distributed unit (DU) in the case of splitting a BS or gNB) or other network nodes.

[0027] Some functions of a communication network can be performed, at least in part, in a central / centralized unit (CU, e.g., server, host, or node) that is operatively coupled to distributed units (DUs, e.g., radio heads / nodes). Therefore, 5G network architectures can be based on a so-called CU-DU split. The gNB-CU (central node) can control multiple spatially separated gNB-DUs, at least acting as transmit / receive (Tx / Rx) nodes. In some examples, a gNB-DU (also called a DU) may include, for example, the Radio Link Control (RLC), Medium Access Control (MAC) layer, and Physical (PHY) layer, while the gNB-CU (also called a CU) may include layers above the RLC layer, such as the Packet Data Convergence Protocol (PDCP) layer, Radio Resource Control (RRC), and Internet Protocol (IP) layer. Other functional splits are also possible.

[0028] According to illustrative examples, a BS node (e.g., BS, eNB, gNB, CU / DU, etc.) or a Radio Point Access Network (RAN) can be part of a mobile telecommunications system. The RAN (Radio Access Network) can include one or more BS or RAN nodes implementing radio access technologies, for example, to allow one or more UEs to access the network or core network. Therefore, for example, the RAN (RAN node, such as BS or gNB) can reside between one or more user equipments or UEs and the core network. According to example embodiments, each RAN node (e.g., BS, eNB, gNB, CU / DU, etc.) or BS can provide one or more wireless communication services for one or more UEs or user equipments, for example, to allow the UE to wirelessly access the network via the RAN node. Each RAN node or BS can perform or provide wireless communication services, for example, allowing the UE or user equipment to establish a wireless connection to the RAN node, and to send data to one or more UEs and / or receive data from one or more UEs. For example, after establishing a connection to the UE, the RAN node or network node (e.g., BS, eNB, gNB, CU / DU, etc.) can forward data received from the network or core network to the UE, and / or forward data received from the UE to the network or core network. RAN nodes or network nodes (e.g., BS, eNB, gNB, CU / DU, etc.) can perform various other radio functions or services, such as broadcasting control information (e.g., system information or on-demand system information) to the UE, paging the UE when data to be delivered to the UE is available, assisting the UE in handover between cells, scheduling resources for uplink data transmission from the UE and downlink data transmission to the UE, sending control information to configure one or more UEs, etc. These are just a few examples of one or more functions that a RAN node or BS can perform.

[0029] User equipment or user node (user terminal, user equipment (UE), mobile terminal, handheld wireless device, etc.) can refer to portable computing devices that operate with or without a subscriber identification module (SIM), including but not limited to the following types of devices: mobile station (MS), mobile phone, cellular phone, smartphone, personal digital assistant (PDA), handheld device, device using a wireless modem (alarm or measuring device, etc.), laptop and / or touchscreen computer, tablet computer, tablet phone, game console, laptop, vehicle, sensor and multimedia device (by way of example), or any other wireless device. It should be understood that user equipment can also be (or may include) a virtually exclusive uplink-only device, an example of which is a camera or camcorder that loads images or video clips onto the network.

[0030] Furthermore, user nodes may include user equipment (UE), user terminals, mobile terminals, mobile stations, mobile nodes, subscriber equipment, subscriber nodes, subscriber terminals, or other user nodes. For example, a user node may be used for wireless communication with one or more network nodes (e.g., gNB, eNB, BS, AP, CU, DU, CU / DU) and / or with one or more other user nodes, regardless of the technology or radio access technology (RAT). In LTE (as an illustrative example), the core network 150 may be referred to as the evolved packet core (EPC), which may include a mobility management entity (MME) capable of handling or assisting user equipment mobility / handover between BSs, one or more gateways capable of forwarding data and control signals between the BS and a packet data network or the Internet, and other control functions or blocks. Other types of wireless networks (such as 5G, which may be referred to as New Radio (NR)) may also include a core network.

[0031] Furthermore, the technologies described herein can be applied to various types of user equipment or data service types, or to user equipment that can have multiple applications running on it, which can be different data service types. New 5G (NR) development can support multiple different applications or multiple different data service types, such as: Machine-Type Communication (MTC), Enhanced Machine-Type Communication (eMTC), Internet of Things (IoT), and / or Narrowband IoT user equipment, Enhanced Mobile Broadband (eMBB), and Ultra-Reliable and Low-Latency Communication (URLLC). Many of these new 5G (NR) related applications typically require higher performance than previous wireless networks.

[0032] The Internet of Things (IoT) can refer to a growing set of objects that may possess Internet or network connectivity, enabling them to send and receive information from other network devices. For example, many sensor-type applications or devices can monitor physical conditions or states and, for instance, send reports to servers or other network devices when events occur. Machine-type communication (MTC or machine-to-machine communication) can be characterized, for example, through fully automated data generation, exchange, processing, and actuation between intelligent machines, with or without human intervention. Enhanced Mobile Broadband (eMBB) can support data rates significantly higher than those currently available in LTE.

[0033] Ultra-Reliable and Low-Latency Communication (URLLC) is a new type of data service or a new use case that can be supported for new radio (5G) systems. This enables emerging new applications and services such as industrial automation, autonomous driving, vehicle safety, and eHealth services. 3GPP aims to provide reliable connections, corresponding to a block error rate (BLER) of 10⁻⁵ and U-plane (user / data plane) latency of up to 1 ms, as an illustrative example. Therefore, for example, URLLC user equipment / UEs may require significantly lower block error rates and lower latency than other types of user equipment / UEs (with or without the need for high reliability simultaneously). Thus, for example, a URLLC UE (or URLLC applications on a UE) may require shorter latency compared to an eMBB UE (or an eMBB application running on a UE).

[0034] The technologies described herein can be applied to a variety of wireless technologies or wireless networks, such as 5G (New Radio (NR)), cmWave and / or mmWave band networks, IoT, MTC, eMTC, eMBB, URLLC, 6G, etc., or any other wireless network or wireless technology. These example networks, technologies, or data service types are provided as illustrative examples only.

[0035] Carrier phase-based positioning (carrier phase measurement-based) is a promising technique already used in GPS / GNSS for centimeter-level accuracy. Carrier phase measurements can be used to estimate the range (or distance) between a transmitter and receiver at the granularity of the carrier wavelength. The range (distance) between the transmitter and receiver (e.g., between a gNB and a UE) can be determined using the carrier wavelength (…). It is expressed as a fraction and an integer multiple of ), that is,

[0036] in This refers to the carrier phase measured in the loop. Note that in the ranging expression above, the receiver can only measure the fractional phase term. And integer values N It cannot be directly measured. The integer part requires some indirect methods to solve, therefore N This is known as integer ambiguity.

[0037] In addition to determining the range or distance between the UE and the gNB, carrier phase measurements can be used to perform UE localization (e.g., to determine the UE's location or orientation). For example, determining the range or distance between the gNB and the UE may require only one carrier phase (or reference signal carrier phase (RSCP)) measurement, while UE localization based on carrier phase measurements may be performed based on multiple (two or more) carrier phase measurements (e.g., based on RSCP1 relative to gNB1 and RSCP2 relative to gNB2).

[0038] For from the first i The PRS (Positioning Reference Signal) resources transmitted by the gNB, and using expression (1), the first k The measurement phase of a UE can be expressed as follows:

[0039] in Indicates time in the period t Phase measurement at point 1 Indicates the first k The UE and the first i The actual geographical distance between gNBs Is with the first i The wavelength associated with each gNB, This represents the integer ambiguity of the propagation wavelength. In expression (2), the symbol... and Used to respectively indicate that due to the first k The UE and the first i Phase shift caused by gNB. For example, phase shift can be caused by time shift, frequency shift, LO (local oscillator) initial phase, etc.

[0040] In order to use (2) to calculate the UE position (or orientation), the phase offset needs to be removed. and This is accomplished using single-difference phase measurements and double-difference phase measurements.

[0041] a) Single-difference phase measurement Therefore, the first k The UE uses additional gNB measurements. Assuming the use of the first... j The gNB, and at time t2 for the first gNB. j The PRS sent by the gNB in ​​the 1st k The measured phase at each UE is

[0042] Assuming at the same time (i.e., ) Measurement of the first i The and the first j Each gNB phase, a single-difference phase, that is, from minus As follows (time symbols are omitted in the expressions below). t (to reduce the expression):

[0043] in , ,and Even in single-difference phase, phase shift still exists due to gNB, which can be removed by calculating double-difference phase. Note that single-difference phase is also known as reference signal carrier phase difference (RSCPD).

[0044] b) Double-difference phase measurement For this purpose, an additional reference UE (e.g., a positioning reference unit (PRU)) is used. Assume the... p The UE is a PRU. Under similar conditions, for the UE... p The single-difference phase measurement of a PRU (as in expression (4)) can be written as (5) Note that under similar conditions (e.g., UE phase measurements at the same time). and Use the same value. They can be obtained as follows from... minus To eliminate:

[0045] in , ,and

[0046] Here, expression (6) now does not have the initial phase offset between the UE and gNB. Therefore, the UE position can be estimated by using single-difference and double-difference phases in the CPP (Carrier Phase Positioning) method to achieve target positioning accuracy (e.g., within the centimeter range).

[0047] Therefore, expression (2) is RSCP (or carrier phase measurement). Expression (4) is RSCPD (or carrier phase difference measurement, which may be the difference between two carrier phase measurements). For example, the UE may measure the carrier phase from (or relative to) gNBi (RSCPi) and measure the carrier phase from (or relative to) gNBj (RSCPj). RSCPi - RSCPj = RSCPD. In UE-assisted mode, the UE may calculate RSCPi and RSCPj. The UE may optionally calculate RSCPD, and using the LPP protocol, the UE reports RSCPi, RSCPj, and / or RSCPD to the Location Management Function (LMF). Using the LPP protocol, the UE may report this information to the LMF, and this information is transparent / encapsulated, so the connected or serving gNB only forwards this information from the UE to the LMF.

[0048] Expression (2) is (based on the received downlink positioning reference signal (DL PRS) received by the UE) by the first k The UE from the first i Carrier phase measurement (RSCP) is performed on each gNB. In expression (2), and They are respectively due to the first k The UE and the first i The phase offset caused by the gNB. As mentioned above, in order to improve the accuracy of UE positioning based on carrier phase positioning, these phase offsets between the UE and the gNB should be removed. Expression (3) is for the UE relative to the first gNB. j The RSCP of the gNB. Expression (4) shows the RSCP based on the first gNB. i The and the first j The RSCP of each gNB is subtracted (e.g., RSCPi - RSCPj) to obtain RSCPD. This removes the phase offset caused by the UE. This process is repeated for the reference UE, reference gNB, or positioning reference unit (PRU) but not the UE via expressions (5) and (6) to remove the phase offset caused by the gNB.

[0049] In the example embodiment, ideal or more accurate RSCP cancellation can be achieved if the UE can measure the carrier phase (RSCP) from two gNBs (e.g., from gNBi and gNBj) at the same (or approximately the same) time, because the channel is time-varying. Furthermore, due to the local oscillator (LO) and other radio frequency (RF) components, the UE phase offset (in expression (2)) is also affected. The gain level can vary over time. Furthermore, the UE can use different Automatic Gain Control (AGC) gain levels for phase measurements of gNBi and gNBj, for example, due to potentially different channel conditions during these different phase measurements of gNBi and gNBj. The UE may use different AGC gain levels to measure RSCPi and RSCPj, which can introduce a phase shift caused by the AGC gain level in the RSCP (carrier phase measurement) for RSCPi and RSCPj. Even if the UE measures RSCP (carrier phase measurement) for gNBi and gNBj within the same time window, the UE can still typically use different AGC gain levels for RSCPi and RSCPj (e.g., due to different channel conditions during PRS reception from different gNBs), resulting in a phase shift or error caused by that AGC gain level. In this case, the UE used for the two RSCP measurements... The phase offset will be different and cannot be removed by the RSCPD calculation at expression (4), resulting in inaccuracies or introducing inaccuracies into the RSCPD measurement and UE positioning calculation (which is based on two RSCPD measurements and / or four RSCP measurements).

[0050] Automatic gain control (AGC) is a crucial function in the UE RF (radio frequency) receiver front-end used to adjust the strength of the received signal before it is input to the analog-to-digital converter (ADC). AGC ensures that the signal level at the ADC input is within the required dynamic range of the ADC to maintain good signal quality after analog-to-digital conversion (e.g., maintaining a good signal-to-interference-plus-noise ratio (SINR)), such as minimizing ADC quantization error or saturation. Generally, AGC (or its algorithm) continuously monitors the received signal level in the RF receiver front-end, compares it to a predefined threshold, and adjusts the receiver gain accordingly, for example, for each OFDM symbol of the received positioning reference signal. For instance, if the received signal exceeds the maximum threshold signal level of the accepted ADC (or the received signal power or amplitude is greater than the threshold), AGC (or its algorithm) will attenuate the receiver gain stage (reducing the received signal amplitude or power) and vice versa. If the received signal is weak (e.g., the signal amplitude or power is less than the threshold), AGC will boost or increase the receiver gain stage (increasing the received signal amplitude).

[0051] Figure 2This is a diagram illustrating the operation of Automatic Gain Control (AGC) according to an example embodiment. As an example AGC, the gain adjustment of the AGC can follow a discrete gain state approach; for example, the AGC algorithm can apply a specific (or different) gain value for each signal level threshold. For example, if the received signal (e.g., amplitude or power) is less than an external threshold low, the AGC increases the gain by D steps; if the received signal is greater than the external threshold low but less than the internal threshold low, the AGC increases the gain by C steps (which is less than D steps); if the received signal is between the internal threshold low and the internal threshold high, the AGC does not apply a gain change (no gain level adjustment is applied to the received signal); if the received signal is greater than the internal threshold high but less than the external threshold high, the AGC decreases the gain by B steps; and if the received signal is greater than the external threshold high, the AGC decreases the gain by A steps, for example, where A, B, C, and D are integers. This illustrates an example of how the AGC adjusts the gain level (and thus increases or decreases the amplitude or power of the received signal) based on the amplitude or power of a signal that may have been attenuated based on channel conditions.

[0052] Phase measurement may include receiving a Positioning Reference Signal (PRS) and calculating the carrier phase. The reception of PRS from different gNBs may occur at different measurement time instances. Therefore, as noted, the UE may use different Automatic Gain Control (AGC) gain levels for phase measurements (RSCP) for gNBi and gNBj, for example, due to potentially different channel conditions during these different phase measurement time instances for gNBi and gNBj. The UE may use different AGC gain levels to measure RSCPi and RSCPj, which may introduce a phase offset caused by the AGC gain level in the RSCP (carrier phase measurement) for RSCPi and RSCPj, typically leading to errors or inaccuracies in UE positioning.

[0053] Various example embodiments are described, for example, relating to or used for: 1) The UE receives a request to apply a fixed AGC gain level during the reception of a Positioning Reference Signal (PRS) for Carrier Phase Measurement (RSCP) and / or a request to apply the same AGC gain level during the reception of a PRS for Carrier Phase Difference Measurement (RSCPD) (e.g., RSCPi and RSCPj), and reports at least one of the carrier phase measurement or carrier phase difference measurement to the LMF; and / or, 2) Used by the UE to estimate the phase offset caused by the AGC gain level associated with the carrier phase measurement (e.g., associated with RSCPi and RSCPj), then the UE corrects the phase offset caused by the AGC gain level in the carrier phase measurement and the carrier phase difference measurement, and then reports the corrected carrier phase measurement and / or the corrected carrier phase difference measurement to the LMF, or the UE reports the phase offset caused by the AGC gain level to the LMF, for example, to allow the LMF to correct the phase offset caused by these AGC gain levels in one or more of the carrier phase measurement and / or the carrier phase difference measurement.

[0054] Figure 3 This is a flowchart illustrating the operation of an apparatus (e.g., a UE, user equipment, or other device) according to an example embodiment. Operation 310 includes receiving from a Location Management Function (LMF) at least one of the following: a first request to apply a fixed automatic gain control (AGC) gain level to multiple symbols during the reception of a location reference signal for carrier phase measurements of at least one of a plurality of network nodes; or a second request to apply the same AGC gain level during the reception of a location reference signal for or across multiple network nodes for carrier phase measurements. Operation 320 includes performing at least one of the following: performing a carrier phase measurement for at least one of the plurality of network nodes according to the first request, or performing a carrier phase difference measurement based on carrier phase measurements of at least two of the plurality of network nodes according to the second request. Furthermore, operation 330 includes reporting at least one of the carrier phase measurement or the carrier phase difference measurement to the LMF.

[0055] about Figure 3 The method may further include determining, based on at least one of the capabilities of the device or channel conditions, at least one of the following: whether the device can apply a fixed automatic gain control (AGC) gain level for multiple symbols during reception of a positioning reference signal for carrier phase measurement, or whether the device can apply the same AGC gain level during reception of a positioning reference signal for carrier phase difference measurement.

[0056] about Figure 3 The method may further include, based on the determination, sending an indication to the LMF indicating at least one of the following: whether the device can apply a fixed automatic gain control (AGC) gain level for multiple symbols during the reception of a positioning reference signal for a carrier phase measurement, or whether the device can apply the same AGC gain level during the reception of a positioning reference signal for a carrier phase difference measurement.

[0057] about Figure 3The method may further include: reporting to the LMF one or more AGC gain levels applied by the device for at least one of a carrier phase measurement or a carrier phase difference measurement.

[0058] about Figure 3 The method may include: wherein if the device cannot apply a fixed automatic gain control (AGC) gain level for multiple symbols during reception of a positioning reference signal for carrier phase measurement, then one or more AGC gain levels include multiple AGC gain levels used for multiple symbols during reception of the positioning reference signal for carrier phase measurement; and if the device is able to apply a fixed automatic gain control (AGC) gain level for multiple symbols during reception of the positioning reference signal for carrier phase measurement, then one or more AGC gain levels include a fixed AGC gain level.

[0059] about Figure 3 The method may include: wherein if the apparatus cannot apply the same AGC gain level during the reception of a positioning reference signal for a carrier phase measurement for a carrier phase difference measurement, then one or more AGC gain levels include multiple AGC gain levels used during the reception of a positioning reference signal for a carrier phase measurement for a carrier phase difference measurement; and if the apparatus can apply the same AGC gain level during the reception of a positioning reference signal for a carrier phase measurement for a carrier phase difference measurement, then one or more AGC gain levels include the same AGC gain level.

[0060] about Figure 3 The method, wherein reporting one or more AGC gain levels includes: informing the LMF that one or more AGC gain levels used in previous instances of carrier phase measurement or carrier phase difference measurement are applied.

[0061] about Figure 3 The method may further include: receiving an indication from an LMF of a group of network nodes, wherein the apparatus may apply the same AGC gain level to the group of network nodes during the reception of a positioning reference signal for a carrier phase difference measurement for multiple network nodes or for a carrier phase measurement across multiple network nodes.

[0062] about Figure 3 The method may further include: receiving from the LMF an indication of an applied AGC gain level, the AGC gain level being used by the device during the reception of a positioning reference signal for a carrier phase measurement for one or more other network nodes, or during the reception of a positioning reference signal for a reference network node or a serving network node.

[0063] about Figure 3The method may further include: reporting to the LMF at least one of first AGC behavior information associated with a carrier phase measurement or second AGC behavior information associated with a carrier phase difference measurement, the first AGC behavior information indicating whether a fixed automatic gain control (AGC) gain level was applied during the reception of a positioning reference signal for a carrier phase measurement, and the second AGC behavior information indicating whether the same AGC gain level was applied during the reception of a positioning reference signal for a carrier phase difference measurement.

[0064] Figure 4 This is a flowchart illustrating the operation of a Location Management Function (LMF) according to an example embodiment. Operation 410 includes sending to the user equipment at least one of the following: a first request to apply a fixed automatic gain control (AGC) gain level for multiple symbols during the reception of a location reference signal for carrier phase measurements of at least one of multiple network nodes; or a second request to apply the same AGC gain level during the reception of a location reference signal for or across multiple network nodes for carrier phase measurements. Operation 420 includes receiving at least one of a carrier phase measurement or a carrier phase difference measurement from the user equipment.

[0065] about Figure 4 The method may further include receiving an indication of at least one of the following: whether the user equipment can apply a fixed automatic gain control (AGC) gain level for multiple symbols during the reception of a positioning reference signal for a carrier phase measurement, or whether the user equipment can apply the same AGC gain level during the reception of a positioning reference signal for a carrier phase difference measurement.

[0066] about Figure 4 The method may further include: receiving from the user equipment an indication of one or more AGC gain levels applied by the user equipment for at least one of a carrier phase measurement or a carrier phase difference measurement.

[0067] about Figure 4 The method may include: wherein if the user equipment cannot apply a fixed automatic gain control (AGC) gain level for multiple symbols during the reception of a positioning reference signal for carrier phase measurement, then one or more AGC gain levels include multiple AGC gain levels used for multiple symbols during the reception of the positioning reference signal for carrier phase measurement, and if the user equipment can apply a fixed automatic gain control (AGC) gain level for multiple symbols during the reception of the positioning reference signal for carrier phase measurement, then one or more AGC gain levels include a fixed AGC gain level.

[0068] about Figure 4The method may include: wherein if the user equipment cannot apply the same AGC gain level during the reception of a positioning reference signal for a carrier phase measurement for a carrier phase difference measurement, then one or more AGC gain levels include multiple AGC gain levels used during the reception of the positioning reference signal for a carrier phase measurement for a carrier phase difference measurement; and if the user equipment can apply the same AGC gain level during the reception of the positioning reference signal for a carrier phase measurement for a carrier phase difference measurement, then one or more AGC gain levels include the same AGC gain level.

[0069] about Figure 4 The method, wherein receiving an indication of one or more AGC gain levels may include: receiving an indication that one or more AGC gain levels used in a previous instance of carrier phase measurement or carrier phase difference measurement are applied.

[0070] about Figure 4 The method may further include: sending an indication to a user equipment of a group of network nodes, wherein the user equipment may apply the same AGC gain level to the group of network nodes during the reception of a positioning reference signal for a carrier phase difference measurement for multiple network nodes or for a carrier phase measurement across multiple network nodes.

[0071] about Figure 4 The method may further include: sending to the user equipment an indication of the user equipment applying an AGC gain level, the AGC gain level being used by the user equipment during the reception of a positioning reference signal for a carrier phase measurement for one or more other network nodes, or during the reception of a positioning reference signal for a reference network node or a serving network node.

[0072] about Figure 4 The method may further include: receiving from a user equipment at least one of first AGC behavior information associated with a carrier phase measurement or second AGC behavior information associated with a carrier phase difference measurement, wherein the first AGC behavior information indicates whether a fixed automatic gain control (AGC) gain level is applied during the reception of a positioning reference signal for a carrier phase measurement, and the second AGC behavior information indicates whether the same AGC gain level is applied during the reception of a positioning reference signal for a carrier phase difference measurement.

[0073] about Figure 4 The method may further include: estimating the location of the user equipment based at least on carrier phase difference measurements.

[0074] about Figure 4The method may further include performing at least one of the following: adjusting or filtering one or more of the carrier phase measurement or carrier phase difference measurement based on the AGC gain level of the user equipment, wherein the position of the user equipment is estimated based at least on the adjusted or filtered carrier phase measurement or carrier phase difference measurement; or sending a request to the user equipment to re-execute or re-determine the carrier phase measurement and determine the carrier phase difference measurement.

[0075] Figure 5 This is a flowchart illustrating the operation of an apparatus (e.g., a UE or user equipment or other apparatus) according to another example embodiment. Operation 510 includes receiving a request from a Location Management Function (LMF) requesting the apparatus to perform a measurement and / or correction of a phase offset caused by an Automatic Gain Control (AGC) gain level, which is due to the application of different AGC gain levels during the reception of a positioning reference signal for carrier phase measurements of multiple network nodes or across multiple network nodes. Operation 520 includes estimating the phase offset caused by the AGC gain level associated with the carrier phase measurements of the multiple network nodes. Furthermore, operation 530 includes performing at least one of the following: correcting the phase offset caused by the AGC gain level in at least one of the carrier phase measurements or carrier phase difference measurements, and reporting the corrected carrier phase measurement or corrected carrier phase difference measurement to the LMF; or reporting to the LMF at least one of the carrier phase measurements or carrier phase difference measurements, and at least one of the AGC gain level applied during the carrier phase measurement or the estimated phase offset caused by the AGC gain level associated with the carrier phase measurement.

[0076] about Figure 5 The method, wherein performing the correction and reporting or at least one of the reporting may include: correcting the phase offset caused by the AGC gain level in at least one of the carrier phase measurement or carrier phase difference measurement; and reporting the corrected carrier phase measurement or at least one of the corrected carrier phase difference measurement to the LMF.

[0077] about Figure 5 The method, wherein performing the correction and reporting or at least one of the reporting may include: reporting at least one of the carrier phase measurement or carrier phase difference measurement to the LMF, and at least one of the phase offset caused by the AGC gain level applied during the carrier phase measurement or the estimated AGC gain level associated with the carrier phase measurement.

[0078] about Figure 5The method may further include: receiving a request from an LMF requesting the device to report its ability to measure, report, and / or correct phase offsets caused by AGC gain levels during carrier phase measurements at multiple network nodes; and sending a response to the LMF indicating the device's ability to measure, report, and / or correct phase offsets caused by AGC gain levels during carrier phase measurements at multiple network nodes.

[0079] about Figure 5 The method may further include: receiving auxiliary data from an LMF, the auxiliary data including a path loss range for each of a plurality of network nodes for calibrating and / or estimating an AGC gain level and / or a phase offset caused by an AGC gain level; and wherein the estimation of the phase offset caused by an AGC gain level is based at least in part on the path loss range for each network node.

[0080] Figure 6 This is a flowchart illustrating the operation of a Location Management Function (LMF) according to another example embodiment. Operation 610 includes sending a request to the User Equipment (UE) to perform a measurement and / or correction of a phase offset caused by an Automatic Gain Control (AGC) gain level, which is caused by the UE applying different AGC gain levels during carrier phase measurements at multiple network nodes. In addition, operation 620 includes performing at least one of the following: receiving at least one of a carrier phase measurement or a carrier phase difference measurement from the user equipment, and at least one of a phase offset caused by an AGC gain level applied by the user equipment or an estimated AGC gain level associated with the carrier phase measurement during the carrier phase measurement, and performing compensation or correction caused by the AGC gain level on at least one of the carrier phase measurement or the carrier phase difference measurement to obtain at least one of the calculated corrected carrier phase measurement or the calculated corrected carrier phase difference measurement; or receiving at least one of the corrected carrier phase measurement or the corrected carrier phase difference measurement from the user equipment, wherein the phase offset caused by the AGC gain level in at least one of the carrier phase measurement or the carrier phase difference measurement has been corrected by the user equipment.

[0081] about Figure 6The method, wherein performing the reception and correction or at least one of the reception may include: receiving at least one of a carrier phase measurement or a carrier phase difference measurement from a user equipment, and at least one of a phase offset caused by an AGC gain level applied by the user equipment or an estimated AGC gain level associated with the carrier phase measurement during the carrier phase measurement, and performing compensation or correction caused by the AGC gain level on at least one of the carrier phase measurement or the carrier phase difference measurement to obtain at least one of a calculated corrected carrier phase measurement or a calculated corrected carrier phase difference measurement.

[0082] about Figure 6 The method, wherein performing the reception and correction or at least one of the reception includes: receiving at least one of a corrected carrier phase measurement or a corrected carrier phase difference measurement from a user equipment, wherein the phase offset caused by the AGC gain level in the at least one of the carrier phase measurement or carrier phase difference measurement has been corrected by the user equipment.

[0083] about Figure 6 The method may further include: sending a request to a user equipment (UE) requesting the UE to report its ability to measure, report, and / or correct phase offsets caused by AGC gain levels during carrier phase measurements at multiple network nodes; and receiving a response from the UE indicating the UE's ability to measure, report, and / or correct phase offsets caused by AGC gain levels during carrier phase measurements at multiple network nodes.

[0084] about Figure 6 The method may further include: sending auxiliary data to a user equipment, the auxiliary data including, for each of a plurality of network nodes, a path loss range for calibrating and / or estimating the AGC gain level and / or the phase offset caused by the AGC gain level.

[0085] about Figure 6 The method may further include estimating the location of the user equipment based on at least one of: 1) at least one of a received calibrated carrier phase measurement or a received calibrated carrier phase difference measurement received from the user equipment, or 2) at least one of a calculated calibrated carrier phase measurement or a calculated calibrated carrier phase difference measurement.

[0086] Figure 7This is a diagram illustrating operation according to an example embodiment. UE 710 can communicate with serving gNB 712 and Location Management Function (LMF) 716. Other (or neighboring) gNBs 714 are also shown. LMF 716 can be an entity in the core network, cloud, or other location responsible for managing location or positioning services for the UE or other nodes or devices. LMF 716 can, for example, estimate or determine the UE's location or orientation based on measurements or other information received from one or more UEs or other nodes or devices. LMF 716 can configure and / or manage one or more UEs to perform one or more measurements and report to the LMF to support or perform UE positioning.

[0087] exist Figure 7 At step 1, the LMF 716 configures (e.g., the LMF sends a message to the UE via the serving gNB 712 to configure) the UE to initiate or perform carrier phase positioning, for example, including configuring the UE to perform and report carrier phase measurements (RSCP), carrier phase difference measurements (RSCPD), UE behavior information regarding the use of AGC gain levels applied by the UE, and / or other information that can be used for carrier phase positioning for one or more gNBs.

[0088] exist Figure 7At step 2, the UE receives from LMF 716 at least one of the following: a first request to apply a fixed automatic gain control (AGC) gain level for multiple (e.g., PFDM) symbols during the reception of a positioning reference signal (PRS) for carrier phase measurements (e.g., RSCP) for at least one gNB; and / or a second request to apply the same AGC gain level during the reception of positioning reference signals (e.g., for carrier phase difference measurements or PSCPD) for carrier phase measurements (e.g., RSCPi and RSCPj for gNBi and gNBj, respectively) for or across multiple gNBs or network nodes. The first and second requests may be received as separate requests or as a single request. Furthermore, in some cases, the UE 710 may receive only the second request, which may also implicitly request the UE to apply the same automatic gain control gain level for multiple (e.g., OFDM) symbols during the reception of the positioning reference signal (PRS) for carrier phase measurements. Additionally, the LMF 716 can instruct the UE 710 to use the same AGC gain level during reception of the PRS for carrier phase measurements of an adjacent (or neighboring) gNB 714 as it does for a reference gNB (e.g., serving gNB 712). Furthermore, the LMF 716 can instruct the UE 710 to apply the same AGC gain level to a group of gNBs during reception of the PRS signal for carrier phase measurements (for RSCP measurements). For example, regarding a group of gNBs to which the same AGC gain level can be applied for RSCP measurements, the LMF 716 can derive a group of gNBs with approximate UE location / distance knowledge relative to the gNBs and use a specific path loss model where the same AGC level applies within a specific margin. For example, the LMF 716 can instruct a group of gNBs with approximately the same path loss or signal attenuation to the UE (e.g., within each other's thresholds) such that the UE 710 can apply the same AGC gain level during reception of the PRS signal for carrier phase measurements.

[0089] The application of UE ranging may only require one RSCP measurement from the UE, and the UE 710 can eliminate the phase offset error caused by the AGC gain level during the reception of the symbol of the PRS signal for the RSCP (carrier phase) measurement by applying a fixed AGC gain level.

[0090] exist Figure 7 In steps 3 and 4, the serving gNB 712 and the neighboring gNB 714 send downlink location reference signals (DLPRS), which are received by the UE 710.

[0091] exist Figure 7 At step 5, based on the DL PRS signal, UE 710 performs a carrier phase measurement (RSCP) for each gNB, for example, measuring RSCPi for gNBi and RSCPj for gNBj based on the DL PRS signal received from each gNB. UE 710 may determine, based on at least one of its capabilities or channel conditions, whether UE 710 can apply a fixed automatic gain control (AGC) gain level for multiple symbols during the reception of the positioning reference signal for the carrier phase measurement, or whether UE 710 can apply the same AGC gain level during the reception of the positioning reference signal for the carrier phase difference measurement.

[0092] exist Figure 7 At step 6, UE 710 can determine, for each gNB, the AGC gain level to be applied during the reception (and / or measurement) of the PRS signal for each carrier phase measurement (for each RSCP measurement), including whether to use one AGC level for the DL PRS for each RSCP measurement or to use multiple AGC gain levels for each RSCP measurement. The DL PRS may include multiple Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiplexing (OFDM) symbols, and when receiving these OFDM symbols for the RSCP measurement, UE 710 may apply the same AGC gain level, or when receiving these OFDM symbols for the PRS for the RSCP measurement, UE 710 may apply different AGC gain levels, for example, based on UE capabilities and / or channel conditions.

[0093] exist Figure 7At step 7, UE 710 reports the RSCP measurement for each gNB to the LMF (via serving gNB 712). For example, for the gNB for which UE 710 measures RSCPp, UE 710 can report RSCPi (carrier phase measurement) for gNBi, RSCPj for gNBj, and so on. At step 8, UE 710 reports its AGC behavior for each RSCP measurement. This includes whether UE 710 applies a single AGC gain level or multiple AGC gain levels during the reception of the PRS for each RSCP measurement, and the AGC gain level applied by UE 710 during the reception of the PRS for the RSCP measurement. Therefore, for example, UE 710 can report (e.g., for each carrier phase measurement) the carrier phase measurement (RSCP) and first AGC behavior information associated with the carrier phase measurement to the LMF 716, which indicates whether a fixed AGC gain level was applied during the reception of the PRS for the carrier phase measurement. As noted, UE 710 can report the AGC gain level applied during PRS reception for RSCP measurements. UE 710 can, for example, indicate that one or more AGC gain levels applied during PRS reception for RSCP measurements are the same as one or more AGC gain levels applied by UE 710 during PRS reception for a previous RSCP measurement instance.

[0094] exist Figure 7 In step 9, UE 710 can, for example, be based on... Figure 7In step 5, the carrier phase measurements (e.g., RSCPi, RSCPj) for multiple network nodes or gNBs are measured or determined to determine one or more carrier phase difference measurements (RSCPD). As described above, in step 2, UE 710 may receive a second request to apply the same AGC gain level during the reception of PRS for carrier phase measurements (e.g., RSCPi and RSCPj for gNBi and gNBj respectively) for or across multiple gNBs (e.g., gNBi, gNBj, which may be serving gNB 712 and neighboring gNB 714) (e.g., for carrier phase difference measurement or RSCPD). As described above, UE may use different AGC gain levels to measure RSCPi and RSCPj, which may introduce phase offset caused by the AGC gain level in the RSCP (carrier phase measurement) for RSCPi and RSCPj, which may cause errors in RSCPD and thus generally lead to errors or inaccuracies in UE positioning. Therefore, to the extent that UE 710 can apply the same AGC gain level for multiple RSCP measurements (e.g., during the reception of PRS for measurements of RSCPi and RSCPj), this can eliminate the phase offset caused by the AGC gain level in RSCPD, thereby improving the accuracy of UE positioning. For example, UE 710 can determine whether it can use the same AGC gain level during the reception of PRS for measurements of RSCPi and RSCPj (e.g., for performing carrier phase measurements for serving gNB 712 and neighboring gNB 714). If the UE cannot apply the same AGC gain level for these two RSCP measurements, then the UE can apply different AGC gain levels during the reception of PRS for these two RSCP measurements.

[0095] exist Figure 7 At step 10, for each RSCPD (carrier phase difference) measurement, UE 710 can determine the AGC gain level applied during the reception of the PRS for the RSCP (carrier phase measurements) (e.g., RSCPi and RSCPj) used to measure the serving gNB 712 and neighboring gNB 714. If UE 710 has the capability to apply the same AGC gain level during the reception of the PRS for the RSCPi and RSCPj measurements for the PSCPD, then the applied AGC gain level can be a single (identical) gain level. Otherwise, the applied AGC gain level can be multiple (or several) AGC gain levels applied by UE 710 for the RSCP measurement of the RSCPD.

[0096] exist Figure 7At step 11, UE 710 reports one or more RSCPD measurements to LMF 716. UE 710 may also report RSCP measurements if they were not previously reported to LMF 716. Figure 7 At step 12, UE 710 may report second AGC behavior information associated with the carrier phase difference measurement to LMF 716. This second AGC behavior information indicates whether the same AGC gain level is applied during the reception of the PRS for the carrier phase difference measurement (RSCPD) of the carrier phase (RSCPi, RSCPj). One or more AGC gain values ​​applied by the UE during the reception of the PRS for the RSCP measurement of RSCPD may be reported to LMF 716. Furthermore, for example, RSCP measurements (reported by UE 710 to LMF 716 at step 7, e.g., RSCPi, RSCPj), RSCPD measurements (reported by UE 710 to LMF 716 at step 11), and / or AGC behavior information (e.g., reported by UE 710 to LMF 716 at steps 8 and 12) may be reported by UE 710 to LMF 716 within one or more messages or signals (e.g., via service gNB 712).

[0097] exist Figure 7 At step 13, LMF 716 can estimate the UE's location (e.g., estimate or determine the UE location for UE 710) based on the reported RSCP measurements, RSCPD, and / or the reported behavioral information. For example, at step 13, if the same AGC gain level is applied to the RSCP measurements (RSCPi, RSCPj) for RSCPD, LMF 716 can estimate the UE's location. Therefore, for example, if second AGC behavioral information for RSCPD indicates that UE 710 applied the same AGC gain level during the reception of the PRS for carrier phase measurements (e.g., RSCPI, RSCPj) for carrier phase difference measurements (RSCPD), LMF 716 can estimate the location of UE 710 at least based on the carrier phase difference measurements (RSCPD).

[0098] In addition, for example, in Figure 7At step 14, if UE 710 applies different AGC gain levels during PRS reception of multiple RSCP measurements for RSCPD, then LMF 716 may take one or more additional actions. For example, if second AGC behavior information for carrier phase difference measurement (RSCPD) indicates that UE does not apply the same AGC gain level during PRS reception of carrier phase measurements (e.g., RSCPI, RSCPj) for carrier phase difference measurement (RSCPD), then LMF 716 may perform at least one of the following: 1) adjust or filter one or more of the carrier phase measurements (RSCPi, RSCPj) or carrier phase difference measurements (RSCPj) based on the UE's AGC gain level, and then determine the UE's position based at least on the adjusted or filtered carrier phase measurements or carrier phase difference measurements; and / or 2) send a request to UE 710 to re-execute or re-determine the carrier phase measurements (RSCPi, RSCPj) and determine (e.g., updated) the carrier phase difference measurement (RSCPD).

[0099] Figure 8 This is a diagram illustrating operation according to another example embodiment. According to the example embodiment, refer to... Figure 8 If UE 710 cannot (e.g., possibly due to its capabilities and / or due to channel conditions) apply the same AGC gain level to the RSCP measurements for the RSCPD measurements, the UE can estimate the phase offset caused by the AGC gain level associated with each carrier phase measurement (e.g., associated with RSCPi and RSCPj). The UE can then: 1) correct the phase offset caused by the AGC gain level in the carrier phase measurements (RSCPi, RSCPj) and / or carrier phase difference (RSCPD) measurements, and then report the corrected RSCP measurements and / or corrected RSCPD measurements to LMF 716; or 2) report the estimated phase offset caused by the AGC gain level for each carrier phase (RSCPi, RSCPj) to LMF 716 (e.g., possibly with RSCP and RSCPD measurements), for example, to allow LMF 716 to correct the phase offset caused by these AGC gain levels in the RSCP and / or RSCPD measurements. As an illustrative example, UE 710 can estimate the phase offset caused by the AGC gain level for RSCPi and the offset caused by the AGC gain level for RSCPj, and UE 710 or LMF 716 can subtract these two offsets caused by the AGC gain level before determining RSCPD to measure from RSCPD or remove the offset error caused by the AGC gain level from RSCPi and RSCPj.

[0100] exist Figure 8At step 1, the LMF 716 can initiate a request to the UE 710 for carrier phase positioning, or can configure the UE 710 for carrier phase positioning. At step 2, the UE 710 can receive a request from the LMF 716 requesting the UE to report its ability to perform measurements (e.g., self-measurement or calibration), report and / or correct phase offsets caused by AGC gain levels during carrier phase (RSCP) measurements at multiple gNBs or network nodes. AGC gain level-induced phase offset calibration can be, or can include, e.g., estimating the phase offset caused by the AGC gain level for each gain level based on UE self-measurement. At step 3, the UE 710 can report or send a response to the LMF 716 indicating the UE's ability to perform measurements (e.g., UE self-measurement or calibration), report and / or correct phase offsets caused by AGC gain levels during carrier phase measurements.

[0101] exist Figure 8 At step 5, UE 710 may receive from LMF 716 a request to perform a phase offset measurement and / or correction for the AGC gain level in relation to the RSCPD measurement. For example, UE 710 may receive a request from LMF 716 requesting the UE to perform a measurement and / or correction for the phase offset caused by the AGC gain level, which is due to the application of different AGC gain levels during the reception of the PRS for carrier phase measurements or across multiple network nodes.

[0102] exist Figure 8 At step 6, UE 710 can perform a self-measurement (calibration) of the phase offset caused by the AGC gain level for different gain levels applied by AGC. This self-measurement or calibration may include UE 710 estimating the phase offset caused by the AGC gain level for each of a plurality of gain levels (e.g., see [link to relevant documentation]). Figure 2 Examples of different gain levels that can be applied based on the power or amplitude of the received signal, such as gain levels A, B, C, D, etc. The UE 710 can estimate these phase offsets periodically or periodically (e.g., when the UE or device is not used to transmit or receive signals), or the UE 710 can estimate these phase offsets in advance and store them in memory for future use. Alternatively, these phase offsets can be estimated by the system or during post-production or manufacturing testing of the UE's device and then stored in the UE's memory.

[0103] Figure 9This is a diagram illustrating a UE performing a self-measurement or calibration of the phase shift caused by different AGC gain levels for different AGC gain levels according to an example embodiment. The UE 710 may include a transmitter 910, an AGC 920, and a receiver 930. When operating in loopback (or self-test) mode, the transmitter 910 generates a signal of level X dBm, which is input to the AGC 920. The AGC 920 detects the power or amplitude (X dBm) of the received signal and applies an AGC gain level (e.g., gain level A, B, C, or D, as an illustrative example, such as...). Figure 2 (As shown). The AGC 920 outputs a phase-shifted signal 922 based on the phase shift caused by the AGC gain level (e.g., different phase shifts caused by different gain levels applied by the AGC 920). The receiver 930 detects or estimates the phase shift in signal 922 by comparing (or subtracting) the phase of the signal 922 output by the AGC 920 with the phase of the training signal 912. This process can be repeated for each of several different signal levels and / or for different AGC gain levels. If the UE 710 is provided with auxiliary information, such as path loss range (e.g., which can provide an indication of the possible signal attenuation that the signal may experience between the gNB and the UE 710, thus indicating the most likely AGC gain level to be used), the UE may need to perform phase shift calibration or self-measurement only for a subset or some of the AGC gain levels. If no auxiliary information about the gNB is provided to the UE 710, the UE 710 can perform a self-measurement of the phase offset caused by the AGC gain level for all its gain levels or for a set of gain levels that the UE can select without auxiliary information. Therefore, for example, the LMF 716 can provide the UE 710 with auxiliary information (such as path loss range) for one or more gNBs to allow the UE to reduce the number of estimated gain levels for which the UE will perform the phase offset caused by the AGC gain level. For example, the LMF 716 can derive the path loss range based on a coarse UE location and path loss model or based on available previous RSRP / RSPP measurements of the UE relative to the gNB.

[0104] exist Figure 8 At step 7, the UE can perform carrier phase (RSCP) measurement and carrier phase difference (RSCPD) measurement based on the PRS signal received by the UE from the gNB. UE 710 can also determine the AGC gain level applied during the reception of the PRS signal for each RSCP measurement (for each gNB). This can be performed for multiple gNBs (e.g., gNBi, gNBj, ...).

[0105] Figure 8Steps 8 through 10 describe an embodiment in which the UE 710 compensates for (or corrects) the phase offset caused by the AGC gain level in the RSCP and / or RSCPD measurements. Steps 11 through 13 describe another embodiment in which the UE 710 provides the LMF 716 with the estimated phase offset caused by the AGC gain level for each RSCP measurement, and the LMF 716 corrects or compensates for the phase offset caused by the AGC gain level in the RSCP and / or RSCPD measurements.

[0106] exist Figure 8 At step 9, UE 710 can, for example, estimate the phase offset caused by the AGC gain level associated with the carrier phase (RSCPi, RSCPj, etc.) measurements of multiple gNBs (or network nodes) based on the AGC gain level applied during PRS reception for the RSCP measurement and the self-measured value of the phase offset stored for each AGC gain level. For example, the UE can determine the offset caused by the AGC gain level corresponding to the AGC gain level applied during PRS reception for the RSCP measurement. Furthermore, at step 9, for each RSCP measurement and / or RSCPD measurement, UE 710 can compensate for (or correct) the phase offset caused by the AGC gain level for the RSCP measurement and / or RSCPD measurement. For example, the phase offset caused by the AGC gain level corresponding to the gain level applied for the RSCP measurement can be subtracted from the phase of the RSCP, or the two phase offsets of RSCPi and RSCPj can be subtracted for RSCPD, for example, to compensate for (or correct) the phase offset caused by the AGC gain level. Therefore, at step 9, UE 710 can correct the phase offset caused by the AGC gain level in the carrier phase measurements (e.g., RSCPi, RSCPj) and / or carrier phase difference measurements (RSCPD), and at step 10, UE 710 can report the corrected carrier phase measurements (corrected RSCPi and corrected RSCPj) and / or corrected carrier phase difference measurements (corrected RSCPD) to LMF 716.

[0107] At step 12, the UE 710 may report to the LMF 716 the measured (but not yet corrected, because in this embodiment, for example, the UE may not have or be able to perform phase offset correction) RSCP and / or RSCPD measurements, the applied AGC gain level, and / or the phase offset caused by the associated (or corresponding) AGC gain level for each RSCP measurement, for example, to allow the LMF 716 to correct (or compensate) the phase offset caused by the AGC gain level in the RSCP and / or RSCPD measurements. Figure 8At step 13, the LMF 716 can perform compensation or correction caused by the AGC gain level on the carrier phase (e.g., RSCPi, RSCPj) measurement and / or carrier phase difference (RSCPD) measurement to obtain the calculated corrected carrier phase measurement and the calculated corrected carrier phase difference measurement.

[0108] At step 14, the LMF 716 can estimate the UE location, for example, based on calibrated (calibrated by the UE or LMF) RSCP and / or RSCPD measurements.

[0109] Some examples will be described: Example 1. An apparatus comprising: at least one processor; and at least one memory storing instructions that, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the apparatus to at least: receive from a location management function (LMF) at least one of the following: during the reception of a location reference signal for carrier phase measurements of at least one of a plurality of network nodes, a first request to apply a fixed automatic gain control (AGC) gain level for a plurality of symbols; or during the reception of a location reference signal for carrier phase measurements of or across a plurality of network nodes, a second request to apply the same AGC gain level; perform at least one of the following: perform a carrier phase measurement for at least one of the plurality of network nodes according to the first request, or perform a carrier phase difference measurement based on carrier phase measurements of at least two of the plurality of network nodes according to the second request; and report at least one of the carrier phase measurement or the carrier phase difference measurement to the LMF.

[0110] Example 2. The apparatus according to Example 1, wherein the apparatus is further configured to: determine, based on at least one of the apparatus's capabilities or channel conditions, whether the apparatus can apply a fixed automatic gain control (AGC) gain level for multiple symbols during reception of a positioning reference signal for carrier phase measurement, or whether the apparatus can apply the same AGC gain level during reception of a positioning reference signal for carrier phase difference measurement.

[0111] Example 3. The apparatus according to Example 2, wherein the apparatus is further configured to: based on the determination, send to the LMF an indication indicating at least one of the following: whether the apparatus can apply a fixed automatic gain control (AGC) gain level for multiple symbols during reception of a positioning reference signal for carrier phase measurement, or whether the apparatus can apply the same AGC gain level during reception of a positioning reference signal for carrier phase difference measurement.

[0112] Example 4. The apparatus according to any one of Examples 1 to 3, wherein the apparatus is further configured to: report to the LMF one or more AGC gain levels applied by the apparatus for at least one of a carrier phase measurement or a carrier phase difference measurement.

[0113] Example 5. The apparatus according to Example 4, wherein if the apparatus cannot apply a fixed automatic gain control (AGC) gain level for multiple symbols during reception of a positioning reference signal for carrier phase measurement, then one or more AGC gain levels include multiple AGC gain levels used for multiple symbols during reception of a positioning reference signal for carrier phase measurement, and if the apparatus can apply a fixed automatic gain control (AGC) gain level for multiple symbols during reception of a positioning reference signal for carrier phase measurement, then one or more AGC gain levels include a fixed AGC gain level.

[0114] Example 6. The apparatus according to any one of Examples 4 or 5, wherein if the apparatus cannot apply the same AGC gain level during the reception of a positioning reference signal for a carrier phase measurement for a carrier phase difference measurement, then one or more AGC gain levels include multiple AGC gain levels used during the reception of a positioning reference signal for a carrier phase measurement for a carrier phase difference measurement, and if the apparatus can apply the same AGC gain level during the reception of a positioning reference signal for a carrier phase measurement for a carrier phase difference measurement, then one or more AGC gain levels include the same AGC gain level.

[0115] Example 7. The apparatus according to Example 4, wherein when reporting one or more AGC gain levels, the apparatus is further configured to: indicate to the LMF that one or more AGC gain levels used in a previous instance of carrier phase measurement or carrier phase difference measurement are applied.

[0116] Example 8. An apparatus according to any one of Examples 1 to 7, wherein the apparatus is further configured to: receive an indication from an LMF of a group of network nodes, the apparatus being able to apply the same AGC gain level to the group of network nodes during reception of a positioning reference signal for a carrier phase difference measurement for multiple network nodes or for a carrier phase measurement across multiple network nodes.

[0117] Example 9. The apparatus according to any one of Examples 1 to 8, wherein the apparatus is further configured to: receive from the LMF an indication of applying an AGC gain level, the AGC gain level being used by the apparatus during the reception of a positioning reference signal for a carrier phase measurement for one or more other network nodes, or during the reception of a positioning reference signal for a carrier phase measurement for a reference network node or a serving network node.

[0118] Example 10. The apparatus according to any one of Examples 1 to 9, wherein the apparatus is further configured to: report to the LMF at least one of first AGC behavior information associated with a carrier phase measurement or second AGC behavior information associated with a carrier phase difference measurement, the first AGC behavior information indicating whether a fixed automatic gain control (AGC) gain level was applied during reception of a positioning reference signal for a carrier phase measurement, and the second AGC behavior information indicating whether the same AGC gain level was applied during reception of a positioning reference signal for a carrier phase difference measurement.

[0119] Example 11. A method performed by an apparatus such as a user equipment, comprising: receiving from a location management function (LMF) at least one of the following: during the reception of a location reference signal for carrier phase measurements of at least one of a plurality of network nodes, a first request to apply a fixed automatic gain control (AGC) gain level for a plurality of symbols; or during the reception of a location reference signal for carrier phase measurements of or across a plurality of network nodes, a second request to apply the same AGC gain level; performing at least one of the following: performing a carrier phase measurement for at least one of the plurality of network nodes according to the first request, or performing a carrier phase difference measurement based on carrier phase measurements of at least two of the plurality of network nodes according to the second request; and reporting at least one of the carrier phase measurement or the carrier phase difference measurement to the LMF.

[0120] Example 12. The method according to Example 11 further includes: determining, based on at least one of the device's capabilities or channel conditions, whether the device can apply a fixed automatic gain control (AGC) gain level for multiple symbols during reception of a positioning reference signal for a carrier phase measurement, or whether the device can apply the same AGC gain level during reception of a positioning reference signal for a carrier phase difference measurement.

[0121] Example 13. The method according to Example 12 further includes: based on the determination, sending an indication to the LMF indicating at least one of the following: whether the device can apply a fixed automatic gain control (AGC) gain level for multiple symbols during the reception of a positioning reference signal for a carrier phase measurement, or whether the device can apply the same AGC gain level during the reception of a positioning reference signal for a carrier phase difference measurement.

[0122] Example 14. The method according to any one of Examples 11 to 13 further includes: reporting to the LMF one or more AGC gain levels applied by the device for at least one of a carrier phase measurement or a carrier phase difference measurement.

[0123] Example 15. The method according to Example 14, comprising: wherein if the apparatus cannot apply a fixed automatic gain control (AGC) gain level for multiple symbols during reception of a positioning reference signal for carrier phase measurement, then one or more AGC gain levels include multiple AGC gain levels used for multiple symbols during reception of the positioning reference signal for carrier phase measurement, and if the apparatus is able to apply a fixed automatic gain control (AGC) gain level for multiple symbols during reception of the positioning reference signal for carrier phase measurement, then one or more AGC gain levels include a fixed AGC gain level.

[0124] Example 16. A method according to any one of Examples 14 or 15, comprising: wherein if the apparatus cannot apply the same AGC gain level during reception of a positioning reference signal for a carrier phase measurement for a carrier phase difference measurement, then one or more AGC gain levels include a plurality of AGC gain levels used during reception of a positioning reference signal for a carrier phase measurement for a carrier phase difference measurement; and if the apparatus is able to apply the same AGC gain level during reception of a positioning reference signal for a carrier phase measurement for a carrier phase difference measurement, then one or more AGC gain levels include the same AGC gain level.

[0125] Example 17. The method according to Example 14, wherein reporting one or more AGC gain levels includes: indicating to the LMF that one or more AGC gain levels used in a previous instance of carrier phase measurement or carrier phase difference measurement are applied.

[0126] Example 18. The method according to any one of Examples 11 to 17 further includes: receiving an indication from the LMF of a group of network nodes, the means of which may apply the same AGC gain level to the group of network nodes during the reception of a positioning reference signal for a carrier phase difference measurement for multiple network nodes or for a carrier phase measurement across multiple network nodes.

[0127] Example 19. The method according to any one of Examples 11 to 18 further includes: receiving from the LMF an indication of an applied AGC gain level, the AGC gain level being used by the device during the reception of a positioning reference signal for a carrier phase measurement for a reference network node or a serving network node during the reception of a positioning reference signal for a carrier phase measurement for one or more other network nodes.

[0128] Example 20. The method according to any one of Examples 11 to 19 further includes: reporting to the LMF at least one of first AGC behavior information associated with a carrier phase measurement or second AGC behavior information associated with a carrier phase difference measurement, the first AGC behavior information indicating whether a fixed automatic gain control (AGC) gain level was applied during reception of a positioning reference signal for a carrier phase measurement, and the second AGC behavior information indicating whether the same AGC gain level was applied during reception of a positioning reference signal for a carrier phase difference measurement.

[0129] Example 21. An apparatus comprising: at least one processor; and at least one memory storing instructions that, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the apparatus to at least: send to a user equipment at least one of the following: during the reception of a positioning reference signal for carrier phase measurements of at least one of a plurality of network nodes, a first request to apply a fixed automatic gain control (AGC) gain level for a plurality of symbols; or during the reception of a positioning reference signal for carrier phase measurements of or across a plurality of network nodes, a second request to apply the same AGC gain level; and receive from the user equipment at least one of a carrier phase measurement or a carrier phase difference measurement.

[0130] Example 22. The apparatus according to Example 21, wherein the apparatus is further configured to: receive an indication indicating at least one of the following: whether the user equipment can apply a fixed automatic gain control (AGC) gain level for multiple symbols during the reception of a positioning reference signal for a carrier phase measurement, or whether the user equipment can apply the same AGC gain level during the reception of a positioning reference signal for a carrier phase difference measurement.

[0131] Example 23. An apparatus according to any one of Examples 21 to 22, wherein the apparatus is further configured to: receive from the user equipment an indication of one or more AGC gain levels applied by the user equipment for at least one of a carrier phase measurement or a carrier phase difference measurement.

[0132] Example 24. The apparatus according to Example 23, wherein if the user equipment cannot apply a fixed automatic gain control (AGC) gain level for multiple symbols during the reception of a positioning reference signal for carrier phase measurement, then one or more AGC gain levels include multiple AGC gain levels used for multiple symbols during the reception of the positioning reference signal for carrier phase measurement, and if the user equipment can apply a fixed automatic gain control (AGC) gain level for multiple symbols during the reception of the positioning reference signal for carrier phase measurement, then one or more AGC gain levels include a fixed AGC gain level.

[0133] Example 25. The apparatus according to any one of Examples 23 or 24, wherein if the user equipment cannot apply the same AGC gain level during the reception of a positioning reference signal for a carrier phase measurement for a carrier phase difference measurement, then one or more AGC gain levels include multiple AGC gain levels used during the reception of a positioning reference signal for a carrier phase measurement for a carrier phase difference measurement, and if the user equipment can apply the same AGC gain level during the reception of a positioning reference signal for a carrier phase measurement for a carrier phase difference measurement, then one or more AGC gain levels include the same AGC gain level.

[0134] Example 26. The apparatus according to Example 23, wherein when receiving an indication of one or more AGC gain levels, the apparatus is configured to: receive an indication that one or more AGC gain levels used in a previous instance of carrier phase measurement or carrier phase difference measurement are applied.

[0135] Example 27. An apparatus according to any one of Examples 21 to 26, wherein the apparatus is further configured to: send an instruction to a set of network nodes to a user equipment, the user equipment being able to apply the same AGC gain level to the set of network nodes during reception of a positioning reference signal for a carrier phase difference measurement for multiple network nodes or for a carrier phase measurement across multiple network nodes.

[0136] Example 28. The apparatus according to any one of Examples 21 to 27, wherein the apparatus is further configured to: send to the user equipment an indication that the user equipment applies an AGC gain level, the AGC gain level being used by the user equipment during the reception of a positioning reference signal for a carrier phase measurement for one or more other network nodes, during the reception of a positioning reference signal for a carrier phase measurement for a reference network node or a serving network node.

[0137] Example 29. An apparatus according to any one of Examples 21 to 28, wherein the apparatus is further configured to: receive from a user equipment at least one of first AGC behavior information associated with a carrier phase measurement or second AGC behavior information associated with a carrier phase difference measurement, the first AGC behavior information indicating whether a fixed automatic gain control (AGC) gain level was applied during reception of a positioning reference signal for a carrier phase measurement, and the second AGC behavior information indicating whether the same AGC gain level was applied during reception of a positioning reference signal for a carrier phase difference measurement.

[0138] Example 30. The apparatus according to any one of Examples 21 to 29, wherein the apparatus is further configured to estimate the location of the user equipment based at least on carrier phase difference measurements.

[0139] Example 31. The apparatus of Example 30, wherein the apparatus is further configured to perform at least one of the following: adjusting or filtering one or more of a carrier phase measurement or a carrier phase difference measurement based on the AGC gain level of the user equipment, and wherein the position of the user equipment is estimated based at least on the adjusted or filtered carrier phase measurement or the carrier phase difference measurement; or sending a request to the user equipment to re-execute or re-determine the carrier phase measurement and determine the carrier phase difference measurement.

[0140] Example 32. A method performed by an apparatus such as an LMF, comprising: sending to a user equipment at least one of the following: during the reception of a positioning reference signal for a carrier phase measurement of at least one of a plurality of network nodes, a first request to apply a fixed automatic gain control (AGC) gain level for a plurality of symbols; or during the reception of a positioning reference signal for a carrier phase measurement or across a plurality of network nodes, a second request to apply the same AGC gain level; and receiving from the user equipment at least one of a carrier phase measurement or a carrier phase difference measurement.

[0141] Example 33. The method according to Example 32 further includes: receiving an indication of at least one of the following: whether the user equipment can apply a fixed automatic gain control (AGC) gain level for multiple symbols during the reception of a positioning reference signal for a carrier phase measurement, or whether the user equipment can apply the same AGC gain level during the reception of a positioning reference signal for a carrier phase difference measurement.

[0142] Example 34. The method according to any one of Examples 32 to 33 further includes: receiving from the user equipment an indication of one or more AGC gain levels applied by the user equipment for at least one of a carrier phase measurement or a carrier phase difference measurement.

[0143] Example 35. The method according to Example 34, comprising: wherein if the user equipment cannot apply a fixed automatic gain control (AGC) gain level for multiple symbols during reception of a positioning reference signal for carrier phase measurement, then one or more AGC gain levels include multiple AGC gain levels used for multiple symbols during reception of the positioning reference signal for carrier phase measurement, and if the user equipment is able to apply a fixed automatic gain control (AGC) gain level for multiple symbols during reception of the positioning reference signal for carrier phase measurement, then one or more AGC gain levels include a fixed AGC gain level.

[0144] Example 36. The method according to any one of Examples 34 or 35, comprising: wherein if the user equipment cannot apply the same AGC gain level during reception of a positioning reference signal for a carrier phase measurement for a carrier phase difference measurement, then one or more AGC gain levels include multiple AGC gain levels used during reception of the positioning reference signal for a carrier phase measurement for a carrier phase difference measurement; and if the user equipment can apply the same AGC gain level during reception of the positioning reference signal for a carrier phase measurement for a carrier phase difference measurement, then one or more AGC gain levels include the same AGC gain level.

[0145] Example 37. The method according to Example 34, wherein receiving an indication of one or more AGC gain levels includes: receiving an indication that one or more AGC gain levels used in a previous instance of carrier phase measurement or carrier phase difference measurement are applied.

[0146] Example 38. The method according to any one of Examples 32 to 37 further includes: sending an indication to a set of network nodes to a user equipment, which may apply the same AGC gain level to the set of network nodes during the reception of a positioning reference signal for a carrier phase difference measurement for multiple network nodes or for a carrier phase measurement across multiple network nodes.

[0147] Example 39. The method according to any one of Examples 32 to 38 further includes: sending to the user equipment an indication that the user equipment applies an AGC gain level, the AGC gain level being used by the user equipment during the reception of a positioning reference signal for a carrier phase measurement for one or more other network nodes during the reception of a positioning reference signal for a reference network node or a serving network node.

[0148] Example 40. The method according to any one of Examples 32 to 39 further includes: receiving from a user equipment at least one of first AGC behavior information associated with a carrier phase measurement or second AGC behavior information associated with a carrier phase difference measurement, the first AGC behavior information indicating whether a fixed automatic gain control (AGC) gain level was applied during reception of a positioning reference signal for a carrier phase measurement, and the second AGC behavior information indicating whether the same AGC gain level was applied during reception of a positioning reference signal for a carrier phase difference measurement.

[0149] Example 41. The method according to any one of Examples 32 to 40 further includes: estimating the location of the user equipment based at least on carrier phase difference measurements.

[0150] Example 42. The method according to Example 41 further includes performing at least one of the following: adjusting or filtering one or more of the carrier phase measurement or carrier phase difference measurement based on the AGC gain level of the user equipment, wherein the position of the user equipment is estimated based at least on the adjusted or filtered carrier phase measurement or carrier phase difference measurement; or sending a request to the user equipment to re-perform or re-determine the carrier phase measurement and determine the carrier phase difference measurement.

[0151] Example 43. An apparatus comprising: at least one processor; and at least one memory storing instructions that, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the apparatus to at least: receive a request from a location management function (LMF) requesting the apparatus to perform a measurement and / or correction of a phase offset caused by an automatic gain control (AGC) gain level, the phase offset being caused by the application of different AGC gain levels during the reception of a positioning reference signal for carrier phase measurements of multiple network nodes or across multiple network nodes; estimate the phase offset caused by the AGC gain level associated with the carrier phase measurements of the multiple network nodes; and perform at least one of the following: correcting the phase offset caused by the AGC gain level in at least one of the carrier phase measurements or carrier phase difference measurements, and reporting the corrected carrier phase measurement or corrected carrier phase difference measurement to the LMF; or reporting to the LMF at least one of the carrier phase measurements or carrier phase difference measurements, and at least one of the AGC gain level applied during the carrier phase measurement or the estimated phase offset caused by the AGC gain level associated with the carrier phase measurement.

[0152] Example 44. The apparatus according to Example 43, wherein when performing at least one of the correction and reporting or the reporting, the apparatus is caused to: correct the phase shift caused by the AGC gain level in at least one of the carrier phase measurement or the carrier phase difference measurement; and report at least one of the corrected carrier phase measurement or the corrected carrier phase difference measurement to the LMF.

[0153] Example 45. The apparatus according to Example 43, wherein when performing at least one of the correction and reporting or the reporting, the apparatus is made to: report to the LMF at least one of a carrier phase measurement or a carrier phase difference measurement, and at least one of a phase offset caused by an AGC gain level applied during the carrier phase measurement or an estimated AGC gain level associated with the carrier phase measurement.

[0154] Example 46. An apparatus according to any one of Examples 43 to 45, wherein the apparatus is further configured to: receive a request from an LMF requesting the apparatus to report its ability to perform measurement, reporting, and / or correction of phase offset caused by AGC gain level during carrier phase measurements at multiple network nodes; and send a response to the LMF indicating the apparatus's ability to perform measurement, reporting, and / or correction of phase offset caused by AGC gain level during carrier phase measurements at multiple network nodes.

[0155] Example 47. An apparatus according to any one of Examples 43 to 46, wherein the apparatus is further configured to: receive auxiliary data from an LMF, the auxiliary data including, for each of a plurality of network nodes, a path loss range for calibrating and / or estimating the AGC gain level and / or the phase offset caused by the AGC gain level; and wherein the estimation of the phase offset caused by the AGC gain level is based at least in part on the path loss range for each network node.

[0156] Example 48. A method performed by a means such as a user equipment, comprising: receiving a request from a location management function (LMF) requesting the means to perform a measurement and / or correction of a phase offset caused by an automatic gain control (AGC) gain level, the phase offset being caused by the application of different AGC gain levels during the reception of a positioning reference signal for carrier phase measurements for or across multiple network nodes; estimating the phase offset caused by the AGC gain level associated with the carrier phase measurements of the multiple network nodes; and performing at least one of the following: correcting the phase offset caused by the AGC gain level in at least one of the carrier phase measurements or carrier phase difference measurements, and reporting the corrected carrier phase measurement or the corrected carrier phase difference measurement to the LMF; or reporting to the LMF at least one of the carrier phase measurements or the carrier phase difference measurement, and at least one of the phase offset caused by the AGC gain level applied during the carrier phase measurement or the estimated AGC gain level associated with the carrier phase measurement.

[0157] Example 49. The method according to Example 48, wherein performing at least one of the correction and reporting or the reporting comprises: correcting the phase offset caused by the AGC gain level in at least one of the carrier phase measurement or the carrier phase difference measurement; and reporting at least one of the corrected carrier phase measurement or the corrected carrier phase difference measurement to the LMF.

[0158] Example 50. The method according to Example 48, wherein performing the correction and reporting or at least one of the reporting includes: reporting at least one of a carrier phase measurement or a carrier phase difference measurement to the LMF, and at least one of a phase offset caused by an AGC gain level applied during the carrier phase measurement or an estimated AGC gain level associated with the carrier phase measurement.

[0159] Example 51. The method according to any one of Examples 48 to 50 further includes: receiving a request from the LMF requesting the device to report its ability to perform measurement, reporting, and / or correction of phase offset caused by AGC gain level during carrier phase measurements at multiple network nodes; and sending a response to the LMF indicating the device's ability to perform measurement, reporting, and / or correction of phase offset caused by AGC gain level during carrier phase measurements at multiple network nodes.

[0160] Example 52. The method according to any one of Examples 48 to 51 further includes: receiving auxiliary data from the LMF, the auxiliary data including a path loss range for each of a plurality of network nodes for calibrating and / or estimating the AGC gain level and / or the phase offset caused by the AGC gain level; and wherein the estimation of the phase offset caused by the AGC gain level is based at least in part on the path loss range for each network node.

[0161] Example 53. An apparatus comprising: at least one processor; and at least one memory storing instructions that, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the apparatus to at least: send a request to a user equipment (UE) requesting the UE to perform a measurement and / or correction of a phase offset caused by an automatic gain control (AGC) gain level, the phase offset being caused by the UE applying different AGC gain levels during carrier phase measurements at multiple network nodes; and perform at least one of: receiving at least one of a carrier phase measurement or a carrier phase difference measurement from the UE, and in the carrier phase measurement... During the period, at least one of the phase offset caused by the AGC gain level applied by the user equipment or the estimated AGC gain level associated with the carrier phase measurement is received, and compensation or correction caused by the AGC gain level is performed on at least one of the carrier phase measurement or the carrier phase difference measurement to obtain at least one of the calculated corrected carrier phase measurement or the calculated corrected carrier phase difference measurement; or at least one of the corrected carrier phase measurement or the corrected carrier phase difference measurement is received from the user equipment, wherein the phase offset caused by the AGC gain level in at least one of the carrier phase measurement or the carrier phase difference measurement has been corrected by the user equipment.

[0162] Example 54. The apparatus according to Example 53, wherein when performing the receiving and correction or at least one of the receiving, the apparatus is further configured to: receive from the user equipment at least one of a carrier phase measurement or a carrier phase difference measurement, and at least one of a phase offset caused by an AGC gain level applied by the user equipment or an estimated AGC gain level associated with the carrier phase measurement during the carrier phase measurement, and perform compensation or correction caused by the AGC gain level on at least one of the carrier phase measurement or the carrier phase difference measurement to obtain at least one of a calculated corrected carrier phase measurement or a calculated corrected carrier phase difference measurement.

[0163] Example 55. The apparatus according to Example 53, wherein when performing the receiving and correction or at least one of the receiving, the apparatus is further configured to: receive from the user equipment at least one of a corrected carrier phase measurement or a corrected carrier phase difference measurement, wherein the phase offset caused by the AGC gain level in the at least one of the carrier phase measurement or the carrier phase difference measurement has been corrected by the user equipment.

[0164] Example 56. An apparatus according to any one of Examples 53 to 55, wherein the apparatus is further configured to: send a request to a user equipment requesting the user equipment to report its ability to measure, report, and / or correct phase offsets caused by AGC gain levels during carrier phase measurements at multiple network nodes; and receive a response from the user equipment indicating the user equipment's ability to measure, report, and / or correct phase offsets caused by AGC gain levels during carrier phase measurements at multiple network nodes.

[0165] Example 57. An apparatus according to any one of Examples 53 to 56, wherein the apparatus is further configured to: transmit auxiliary data to a user equipment, the auxiliary data including, for each of a plurality of network nodes, a path loss range for calibrating and / or estimating the AGC gain level and / or the phase offset caused by the AGC gain level.

[0166] Example 58. The apparatus according to any one of Examples 53 to 57, wherein the apparatus is further configured to estimate the location of the user equipment based on at least one of: 1) at least one of a received corrected carrier phase measurement or a received corrected carrier phase difference measurement received from the user equipment, or 2) at least one of a calculated corrected carrier phase measurement or a calculated corrected carrier phase difference measurement.

[0167] Example 59. A method performed by an apparatus such as an LMF, comprising: sending a request to a user equipment (UE) to perform a measurement and / or correction of a phase offset caused by an automatic gain control (AGC) gain level, the phase offset being caused by the UE being due to different AGC gain levels applied during carrier phase measurements at multiple network nodes; and performing at least one of the following: receiving from the UE at least one of a carrier phase measurement or a carrier phase difference measurement, and at least one of a phase offset caused by an AGC gain level applied by the UE during the carrier phase measurement or an estimated AGC gain level associated with the carrier phase measurement, and performing compensation or correction caused by the AGC gain level on at least one of the carrier phase measurement or the carrier phase difference measurement to obtain at least one of a calculated corrected carrier phase measurement or a calculated corrected carrier phase difference measurement; or receiving from the UE at least one of a corrected carrier phase measurement or a corrected carrier phase difference measurement, wherein the phase offset caused by the AGC gain level in at least one of the carrier phase measurement or the carrier phase difference measurement has been corrected by the UE.

[0168] Example 60. The method according to Example 59, wherein performing the reception and correction or at least one of the reception comprises: receiving at least one of a carrier phase measurement or a carrier phase difference measurement from a user equipment, and at least one of a phase offset caused by an AGC gain level applied by the user equipment or an estimated AGC gain level associated with the carrier phase measurement during the carrier phase measurement, and performing compensation or correction caused by the AGC gain level on at least one of the carrier phase measurement or the carrier phase difference measurement to obtain at least one of a calculated corrected carrier phase measurement or a calculated corrected carrier phase difference measurement.

[0169] Example 61. The method according to Example 59, wherein performing the reception and correction or at least one of the reception comprises: receiving at least one of a corrected carrier phase measurement or a corrected carrier phase difference measurement from a user equipment, wherein the phase offset caused by the AGC gain level in the at least one of the carrier phase measurement or carrier phase difference measurement has been corrected by the user equipment.

[0170] Example 62. The method according to any one of Examples 59 to 61 further includes: sending a request to the user equipment requesting the user equipment to report its ability to perform measurement, reporting, and / or correction of phase offset caused by AGC gain level during carrier phase measurements at multiple network nodes; and receiving a response from the user equipment indicating the user equipment's ability to perform measurement, reporting, and / or correction of phase offset caused by AGC gain level during carrier phase measurements at multiple network nodes.

[0171] Example 63. The method according to any one of Examples 59 to 62 further includes: sending auxiliary data to the user equipment, the auxiliary data including, for each of a plurality of network nodes, a path loss range for calibrating and / or estimating the AGC gain level and / or the phase offset caused by the AGC gain level.

[0172] Example 64. The method according to any one of Examples 59 to 63 further includes: estimating the location of the user equipment based on at least one of: 1) at least one of a received corrected carrier phase measurement or a received corrected carrier phase difference measurement received from the user equipment, or 2) at least one of a calculated corrected carrier phase measurement or a calculated corrected carrier phase difference measurement.

[0173] Figure 10 This is a block diagram of a wireless station or node (e.g., UE, user equipment, AP, BS, eNB, gNB, RAN node, network node, TRP, or other node) 1300 according to an example embodiment. The wireless station 1300 may include, for example, one or more (e.g., such as...) Figure 10 The two RF (radio frequency) or wireless transceivers 1302A and 1302B shown include a transmitter for transmitting signals and a receiver for receiving signals. The wireless station also includes a processor or control unit / entity (controller) 1304 to execute instructions or software and control the transmission and reception of signals, and a memory 1306 to store data and / or instructions.

[0174] Processor 1304 may also make decisions or determinations, generate frames, packets, or messages for transmission, decode received frames or messages for further processing, and perform other tasks or functions described herein. Processor 1304 may be a baseband processor, which, for example, can generate messages, packets, frames, or other signals for transmission via wireless transceiver 1302 (1302A or 1302B). Processor 1304 may control the transmission of signals or messages on a wireless network and may control the reception of signals or messages via a wireless network (e.g., after down-conversion by wireless transceiver 1302). Processor 1304 may be programmable and capable of executing software or other instructions stored in memory or other computer media to perform the various tasks and functions described above, such as one or more of the tasks or methods described above. Processor 1304 may be (or may include) hardware, programmable logic, a programmable processor executing software or firmware, and / or any combination of these. For example, using other terminology, processor 1304 and transceiver 1302 may be considered together as a wireless transmitter / receiver system.

[0175] In addition, refer to Figure 10The controller (or processor) 1308 can execute software and instructions, and can provide overall control for station 1300, and can provide... Figure 10 Other systems, not shown, provide control, such as controlling input / output devices (e.g., a display, a keypad), and / or can execute software for one or more applications that can be provided on the wireless station 1300, such as an email program, an audio / video application, a word processor, a VoIP application, or other applications or software.

[0176] In addition, a storage medium may be provided that includes stored instructions, which, when executed by a controller or processor, may cause the processor 1304 or other controller or processor to perform one or more of the functions or tasks described above.

[0177] According to another example embodiment, the RF or wireless transceiver 1302A / 1302B can receive signals or data and / or transmit or send signals or data. The processor 1304 (and possibly the transceiver 1302A / 1302B) can control the RF or wireless transceiver 1302A or 1302B to receive, transmit, broadcast, or transmit signals or data.

[0178] Example embodiments are provided or described for each example method, including: apparatus (e.g., Figure 10 (of 1300), including components for performing any method (e.g., Figure 10 The processor 1304, RF transceiver 1302A and / or 1302B and / or memory 1306; non-transitory computer-readable storage medium (e.g., Figure 10 The memory 1306 includes instructions stored thereon, which are processed by at least one processor. Figure 10 The processor 1304 is configured to enable the computing system (e.g., Figure 10 (1300) executes any example method; and the device (e.g., Figure 10 The 1300), including at least one processor (e.g., Figure 10 The processor 1304) and at least one memory including computer program code (e.g., Figure 10 The memory (1306) and computer program code are configured together with at least one processor (1304) to enable the device (e.g., 1300) to perform at least any of the example methods.

[0179] Embodiments of the various technologies described herein can be implemented in digital electronic circuits or in computer hardware, firmware, software, or combinations thereof. Embodiments can be implemented as computer program products, i.e., computer programs tangibly embodied in an information carrier (e.g., in a machine-readable storage device or in a propagating signal) for execution by or control of a data processing apparatus (e.g., a programmable processor, a computer, or multiple computers). Embodiments can also be provided on a computer-readable medium or a computer-readable storage medium, which may be a non-transitory medium. Embodiments of the various technologies may also include embodiments provided via transient signals or media, and / or program and / or software embodiments downloadable via the Internet or other networks (wired and / or wireless networks). Furthermore, embodiments can be provided via machine-type communication (MTC) and also via the Internet of Things (IoT).

[0180] As used in this application, the term "circuit system" or "circuit" means all of the following: (a) a circuit implementation that is only hardware, such as an implementation in analog and / or digital circuits only; and (b) a combination of circuits and software (and / or firmware), such as (where applicable): (i) a combination of processors, or (ii) a portion of processor / software, including digital signal processors, software, and memory that work together to enable a device to perform various functions; and (c) a circuit, such as a microprocessor or a portion of a microprocessor, which requires software or firmware to operate, even if the software or firmware does not physically exist. This definition of "circuit" applies to all uses of the term in this application. As another example, as used in this application, the term "circuit" will also cover only an implementation of a processor (or a plurality of processors) or a portion of a processor and its (or its) accompanying software and / or firmware. The term "circuit" will also cover, for example and if applicable, baseband integrated circuits or application processor integrated circuits for mobile phones or similar integrated circuits in servers, cellular network devices, or other network devices.

[0181] Computer programs can be in the form of source code, object code, or some intermediate form, and they can be stored on some kind of carrier, distribution medium, or computer-readable medium, which can be any entity or device capable of carrying the program. Such carriers include, for example, recording media, computer memory, read-only memory, optoelectronic and / or electrical carrier signals, telecommunication signals, and software distribution packages. Depending on the required processing power, a computer program can be executed in a single electronic digital computer or can be distributed across multiple computers.

[0182] Furthermore, embodiments of the various technologies described herein can utilize network-physical systems (CPS) (systems that control collaborative computing elements of physical entities). CPS embodiments can be implemented and utilize a large number of interconnected ICT devices (sensors, actuators, processors, microcontrollers, etc.) embedded in physical objects at different locations. Mobile network-physical systems, which are inherently mobile physical systems, are a subcategory of network-physical systems. Examples of mobile physical systems include mobile robots and electronic devices transported by humans or animals. The growing popularity of smartphones has increased interest in the field of mobile network-physical systems. Therefore, various embodiments of the technologies described herein can be provided via one or more of these technologies.

[0183] Computer programs (such as those described above) can be written in any programming language (including compiled or interpreted languages) and can be deployed in any form, including as standalone programs or as modules, components, subroutines, or other units or parts thereof adapted to a computing environment. Computer programs can be deployed to execute on one or more computers at a single site, or distributed across multiple sites and interconnected via a communication network.

[0184] The method steps can be executed by one or more programmable processors that execute a computer program or a portion thereof to perform a function by manipulating input data and generating output. The method steps can also be executed by special-purpose logic circuitry, and the apparatus can be implemented as special-purpose logic circuitry, such as an FPGA (Field-Programmable Gate Array) or an ASIC (Application-Specific Integrated Circuit).

[0185] For example, processors suitable for executing computer programs include general-purpose and special-purpose microprocessors, as well as any type of digital computer, chip, or chipset and any one or more processors. Typically, a processor receives instructions and data from read-only memory or random access memory, or both. Computer components may include at least one processor for executing instructions and one or more memory devices for storing instructions and data. Typically, a computer may also include, or be operatively coupled to, receiving data from or transferring data to, or both to, one or more mass storage devices (e.g., magnetic disks, magneto-optical disks, or optical disks) for storing data. Information carriers suitable for embodying computer program instructions and data include all forms of non-volatile memory, including, for example, semiconductor memory devices such as EPROM, EEPROM, and flash memory devices; magnetic disks, such as internal hard disks or removable disks; magneto-optical disks; and CD-ROM and DVD-ROM disks. Processors and memory may be supplemented by or incorporated into special-purpose logic circuitry.

[0186] To provide interaction with the user, the embodiments can be implemented on a computer having a display device for displaying information to the user, such as a cathode ray tube (CRT) or liquid crystal display (LCD) monitor, and a user interface through which the user can provide input to the computer, such as a keyboard and a pointing device, such as a mouse or trackball. Other types of devices can also be used to provide interaction with the user; for example, the feedback provided to the user can be any form of sensory feedback, such as visual feedback, auditory feedback, or tactile feedback; and input from the user can be received in any form, including acoustic, voice, or tactile input.

[0187] The embodiments can be implemented in a computing system that includes backend components (e.g., as a data server), or middleware components (e.g., an application server), or frontend components (e.g., a client computer having a graphical user interface or web browser through which a user can interact with the embodiments), or any combination of such backend, middleware, or frontend components. The components can be interconnected via digital data communication (e.g., a communication network) of any form or medium. Examples of communication networks include local area networks (LANs) and wide area networks (WANs), such as the Internet.

[0188] While certain features of the embodiments have been shown as described herein, many modifications, substitutions, alterations, and equivalents will now occur to those skilled in the art. Therefore, it should be understood that the appended claims are intended to cover all such modifications and variations falling within the true spirit of the various embodiments.

Claims

1. An apparatus comprising: At least one processor; as well as At least one memory storing instructions that, when executed by at least one processor, cause the device to at least: Receive at least one of the following from the Location Management Function (LMF): during the reception of a location reference signal for carrier phase measurement of at least one of a plurality of network nodes, a first request to apply a fixed automatic gain control (AGC) gain level to a plurality of symbols; Alternatively, during the reception of a positioning reference signal for carrier phase measurements across multiple network nodes, a second request with the same AGC gain level may be applied. Perform at least one of the following: perform a carrier phase measurement for at least one of the plurality of network nodes according to the first request, or perform a carrier phase difference measurement based on the carrier phase measurements of at least two of the plurality of network nodes according to the second request; and Report at least one of the carrier phase measurement or the carrier phase difference measurement to the LMF.

2. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the apparatus is further configured to: Based on at least one of the device's capabilities or channel conditions, determine at least one of the following: whether the device is able to apply a fixed automatic gain control (AGC) gain level for multiple symbols during reception of the positioning reference signal for the carrier phase measurement, or whether the device is able to apply the same AGC gain level during reception of the positioning reference signal for the carrier phase measurement for the carrier phase difference measurement.

3. The apparatus of claim 2, wherein the apparatus is further configured to: based on the determination, send to the LMF an indication indicating at least one of the following: whether the apparatus is capable of applying a fixed automatic gain control (AGC) gain level for the plurality of symbols during reception of the positioning reference signal for the carrier phase measurement, or whether the apparatus is capable of applying the same AGC gain level during reception of the positioning reference signal for the carrier phase difference measurement.

4. The apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the apparatus is further configured to: Report to the LMF one or more AGC gain levels applied by the device for at least one of the carrier phase measurement or the carrier phase difference measurement.

5. The apparatus of claim 4, wherein if the apparatus cannot apply a fixed automatic gain control (AGC) gain level for the plurality of symbols during reception of the positioning reference signal for the carrier phase measurement, the one or more AGC gain levels include a plurality of AGC gain levels used for the plurality of symbols during reception of the positioning reference signal for the carrier phase measurement, and if the apparatus can apply a fixed automatic gain control (AGC) gain level for the plurality of symbols during reception of the positioning reference signal for the carrier phase measurement, the one or more AGC gain levels include the fixed AGC gain level.

6. The apparatus of any one of claims 4 or 5, wherein if the apparatus cannot apply the same AGC gain level during reception of the positioning reference signal for the carrier phase measurement for the carrier phase difference measurement, the one or more AGC gain levels include a plurality of AGC gain levels used during reception of the positioning reference signal for the carrier phase measurement for the carrier phase difference measurement, and if the apparatus is able to apply the same AGC gain level during reception of the positioning reference signal for the carrier phase measurement for the carrier phase difference measurement, the one or more AGC gain levels include the same AGC gain level.

7. The apparatus of claim 4, wherein when the one or more AGC gain levels are reported, the apparatus is configured to indicate to the LMF that one or more AGC gain levels used in a previous instance of carrier phase measurement or carrier phase difference measurement are applied.

8. The apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the apparatus is further configured to: The device receives an instruction for a group of network nodes from the LMF, and is able to apply the same AGC gain level to the group of network nodes during the reception of a positioning reference signal for the carrier phase difference measurement for the plurality of network nodes or for the carrier phase measurement across the plurality of network nodes.

9. The apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the apparatus is further configured to: The device receives an indication of the applied AGC gain level from the LMF, the AGC gain level being used by the device during the reception of a positioning reference signal for a carrier phase measurement for one or more other network nodes, or during the reception of a positioning reference signal for a reference network node or a serving network node.

10. The apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the apparatus is further configured to: The system reports to the LMF at least one of a first AGC behavior information associated with the carrier phase measurement or a second AGC behavior information associated with the carrier phase difference measurement, wherein the first AGC behavior information indicates whether a fixed automatic gain control (AGC) gain level was applied during the reception of a positioning reference signal for the carrier phase measurement, and the second AGC behavior information indicates whether the same AGC gain level was applied during the reception of a positioning reference signal for the carrier phase difference measurement.

11. An apparatus comprising: At least one processor; as well as At least one memory storing instructions that, when executed by at least one processor, cause the device to at least: Send to the user equipment at least one of the following: during the reception of a positioning reference signal for carrier phase measurement of at least one of a plurality of network nodes, a first request to apply a fixed automatic gain control (AGC) gain level for a plurality of symbols; or during the reception of a positioning reference signal for carrier phase measurement of the plurality of network nodes or across the plurality of network nodes, a second request to apply the same AGC gain level. as well as Receive at least one of the carrier phase measurement or the carrier phase difference measurement from the user equipment.

12. The apparatus of claim 11, wherein the apparatus is further configured to: The receiving instruction indicates at least one of the following: whether the user equipment is able to apply a fixed automatic gain control (AGC) gain level for the plurality of symbols during the reception of the positioning reference signal for the carrier phase measurement, or whether the user equipment is able to apply the same AGC gain level during the reception of the positioning reference signal for the carrier phase difference measurement.

13. The apparatus according to any one of claims 11 to 12, wherein the apparatus is further configured to: The user equipment receives an indication of one or more AGC gain levels applied by the user equipment for at least one of the carrier phase measurement or the carrier phase difference measurement.

14. The apparatus of claim 13, wherein if the user equipment cannot apply a fixed automatic gain control (AGC) gain level for the plurality of symbols during reception of the positioning reference signal for the carrier phase measurement, the one or more AGC gain levels include a plurality of AGC gain levels used for the plurality of symbols during reception of the positioning reference signal for the carrier phase measurement, and if the user equipment is able to apply a fixed automatic gain control (AGC) gain level for the plurality of symbols during reception of the positioning reference signal for the carrier phase measurement, the one or more AGC gain levels include the fixed AGC gain level.

15. The apparatus of any one of claims 13 or 14, wherein if the user equipment cannot apply the same AGC gain level during reception of the positioning reference signal for the carrier phase measurement for the carrier phase difference measurement, the one or more AGC gain levels include a plurality of AGC gain levels used during reception of the positioning reference signal for the carrier phase measurement for the carrier phase difference measurement, and if the user equipment is able to apply the same AGC gain level during reception of the positioning reference signal for the carrier phase measurement for the u-carrier phase difference measurement, the one or more AGC gain levels include the same AGC gain level.

16. The apparatus of claim 13, wherein when receiving an indication of the one or more AGC gain levels, the apparatus is configured to: receive an indication that one or more AGC gain levels used in a previous instance of carrier phase measurement or carrier phase difference measurement are applied.

17. The apparatus according to any one of claims 11 to 16, wherein the apparatus is further configured to: Sending instructions to a group of network nodes, the user equipment is able to apply the same AGC gain level to the group of network nodes during the reception of a positioning reference signal for the carrier phase difference measurement for the plurality of network nodes or for the carrier phase measurement across the plurality of network nodes.

18. The apparatus according to any one of claims 11 to 17, wherein the apparatus is further configured to: Send an instruction to the user equipment to apply an AGC gain level to the user equipment, the AGC gain level being used by the user equipment during the reception of a positioning reference signal for a carrier phase measurement for one or more other network nodes, or during the reception of a positioning reference signal for a reference network node or a serving network node.

19. The apparatus according to any one of claims 11 to 18, wherein the apparatus is further configured to: The user equipment receives at least one of a first AGC behavior information associated with the carrier phase measurement or a second AGC behavior information associated with the carrier phase difference measurement, wherein the first AGC behavior information indicates whether a fixed automatic gain control (AGC) gain level was applied during the reception of the positioning reference signal for the carrier phase measurement, and the second AGC behavior information indicates whether the same AGC gain level was applied during the reception of the positioning reference signal for the carrier phase difference measurement.

20. The apparatus according to any one of claims 11 to 19, wherein the apparatus is further configured to: The location of the user equipment is estimated based at least on the carrier phase difference measurement.

21. The apparatus of claim 20, wherein the apparatus is further configured to perform at least one of the following: The carrier phase measurement or the carrier phase difference measurement is adjusted or filtered based on the AGC gain level of the user equipment, and the position of the user equipment is estimated based at least on the adjusted or filtered carrier phase measurement or carrier phase difference measurement; or Send a request to the user equipment to re-execute or re-determine the carrier phase measurement and determine the carrier phase difference measurement.

22. An apparatus comprising: A component for receiving at least one of the following from a location management function (LMF): a first request to apply a fixed automatic gain control (AGC) gain level to multiple symbols during the reception of a location reference signal for carrier phase measurement of at least one of multiple network nodes; or a second request to apply the same AGC gain level during the reception of a location reference signal for carrier phase measurement of multiple network nodes or across multiple network nodes. A component for performing at least one of the following: performing a carrier phase measurement for at least one of a plurality of network nodes according to the first request, or performing a carrier phase difference measurement based on the carrier phase measurements of at least two of the plurality of network nodes according to the second request; as well as A component for reporting at least one of the carrier phase measurement or the carrier phase difference measurement to the LMF.

23. An apparatus comprising: A component for sending at least one of the following to a user equipment: a first request to apply a fixed automatic gain control (AGC) gain level to multiple symbols during the reception of a positioning reference signal for carrier phase measurement of at least one of multiple network nodes; or a second request to apply the same AGC gain level during the reception of a positioning reference signal for carrier phase measurement of the multiple network nodes or across the multiple network nodes. as well as A component for receiving at least one of the carrier phase measurement or the carrier phase difference measurement from the user equipment.

24. A method comprising: Receive at least one of the following from the Location Management Function (LMF): during the reception of a location reference signal for carrier phase measurement of at least one of a plurality of network nodes, a first request to apply a fixed automatic gain control (AGC) gain level to a plurality of symbols; Alternatively, during the reception of a positioning reference signal for carrier phase measurements across multiple network nodes, a second request with the same AGC gain level may be applied. Perform at least one of the following: perform a carrier phase measurement for at least one of the plurality of network nodes according to the first request, or perform a carrier phase difference measurement based on the carrier phase measurements of at least two of the plurality of network nodes according to the second request; and Report at least one of the carrier phase measurement or the carrier phase difference measurement to the LMF.

25. A method comprising: Send to the user equipment at least one of the following: during the reception of a positioning reference signal for carrier phase measurement of at least one of a plurality of network nodes, a first request to apply a fixed automatic gain control (AGC) gain level for a plurality of symbols; or during the reception of a positioning reference signal for carrier phase measurement of the plurality of network nodes or across the plurality of network nodes, a second request to apply the same AGC gain level. as well as Receive at least one of the carrier phase measurement or the carrier phase difference measurement from the user equipment.

26. A computer-readable storage medium comprising instructions stored thereon, the instructions, when executed by at least one processor, causing a computer system to perform: Receive at least one of the following from the Location Management Function (LMF): during the reception of a location reference signal for carrier phase measurement of at least one of a plurality of network nodes, a first request to apply a fixed automatic gain control (AGC) gain level to a plurality of symbols; Alternatively, during the reception of a positioning reference signal for carrier phase measurements across multiple network nodes, a second request with the same AGC gain level may be applied. Perform at least one of the following: perform a carrier phase measurement for at least one of the plurality of network nodes according to the first request, or perform a carrier phase difference measurement based on the carrier phase measurements of at least two of the plurality of network nodes according to the second request; and Report at least one of the carrier phase measurement or the carrier phase difference measurement to the LMF.

27. A computer-readable storage medium comprising instructions stored thereon, the instructions, when executed by at least one processor, causing a computer system to perform: Send to the user equipment at least one of the following: during the reception of a positioning reference signal for carrier phase measurements of at least one of a plurality of network nodes, a first request to apply a fixed automatic gain control (AGC) gain level for multiple symbols; or during the reception of a positioning reference signal for carrier phase measurements of the plurality of network nodes or across the plurality of network nodes, a second request to apply the same AGC gain level; and Receive at least one of the carrier phase measurement or the carrier phase difference measurement from the user equipment.