Methods, apparatuses and computer programs

Abstract

An apparatus is provided that includes means for receiving a configuration from a network node, the configuration including a condition related to switching between a set of uplink sounding reference signal, SRS, resources to be used for uplink, UL, transmissions; and means for performing at least one measurement of at least one reference signal. The apparatus further includes means for determining, based on the at least one measurement, whether the condition has been met; and means for sending, based on the determination, a request to the network node related to performing a switch from at least one first set of UL SRS resources to at least one second set of UL SRS resources to be used for uplink transmissions, wherein the at least one first set of UL SRS resources and the at least one second set of UL SRS resources are different.

Description

Cross-references to related applications

[0001] This application claims the benefit of GB application No. 2404475.2, filed on March 28, 2024, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. Technical Field

[0002] Various examples of this disclosure relate to methods, apparatus, and computer programs for communication networks. Background Technology

[0003] A communication network can be viewed as a facility that enables communication between two or more communication devices, or provides communication devices with access to a data network. Mobile or wireless communication networks are an example of communication networks. Communication devices may be served by application servers.

[0004] Such communication networks operate according to standards provided by organizations such as 3GPP (3rd Generation Partnership Project) or ETSI (European Telecommunications Standards Institute). An example of such a standard is the so-called 5G (fifth generation) standard provided by 3GPP. Summary of the Invention

[0005] Examples of aspects of this disclosure will be described with reference to certain aspects. These aspects are not intended to indicate key or essential features of embodiments of this disclosure, nor are they intended to limit its scope. Other features, aspects, and elements will be apparent to those skilled in the art in light of this disclosure. For example, it should be understood that further aspects may be provided by combination of any two or more aspects described below.

[0006] According to one aspect, an apparatus is provided, comprising: components for receiving configuration from a network node, the configuration including conditions related to switching between uplink sounding reference signal (SRS) resource sets to be used for uplink UL transmission; components for performing at least one measurement on at least one reference signal; components for determining, based on the at least one measurement, whether the conditions have been met; and components for sending a request to the network node based on the determination, the request relating to performing a switch from at least one first UL SRS resource set to at least one second UL SRS resource set, the first UL SRS resource set and the at least one second UL SRS resource set being used for uplink transmission, wherein the at least one first UL SRS resource set and the at least one second UL SRS resource set are different.

[0007] In some examples, one of the following is true: at least one first UL SRS resource set includes a single UL SRS resource set, and at least one second UL SRS resource set includes multiple UL SRS resource sets; at least one first UL SRS resource set includes multiple UL SRS resource sets, and at least one second UL SRS resource set includes a single UL SRS resource set; at least one first UL SRS resource set includes a single UL SRS resource set, and at least one second UL SRS resource set includes a single UL SRS resource set; or at least one first UL SRS resource set includes multiple UL SRS resource sets, and at least one second UL SRS resource set includes multiple UL SRS resource sets.

[0008] In some examples, at least one first UL SRS resource set is associated with at least one antenna panel of the device, and at least one second UL SRS resource set is associated with at least one other antenna panel of the device.

[0009] In some examples, the device includes components for providing network nodes with capability indications for event-based switching of antenna panels used for transmissions via uplink channels.

[0010] In some examples, the capability is indicated as being associated with the Physical Uplink Shared Channel (PUSCH) or the Physical Uplink Control Channel (PUCCH), or as a capability for both PUSCH and PUCCH.

[0011] In some examples, the apparatus includes a component for switching from at least one first UL SRS resource set to at least one second UL SRS resource set upon receiving an instruction from a network node for uplink transmission.

[0012] In some examples, the apparatus includes components for performing uplink transmissions to network nodes based on at least one second UL SRS resource set.

[0013] In some examples, the apparatus includes: a component for performing uplink transmissions to network nodes based on at least one second UL SRS resource set, wherein the uplink transmissions performed are simultaneous multi-panel transmissions.

[0014] In some examples, the components for performing at least one measurement on at least one reference signal include: components for performing at least one measurement on at least one downlink reference signal resource; and components for comparing at least one measurement with at least one previous measurement, wherein the at least one previous measurement is associated with a measurement previously performed on the downlink reference signal resource.

[0015] In some examples, at least one reference signal includes: a non-zero power channel state information reference signal and a synchronization signal block.

[0016] In some examples, conditions are associated with events, where a request provided to a network node is associated with an event that has been triggered.

[0017] In some examples, the condition includes: the power-related measurement of the first set of reference signals is higher than the power-related measurement of the second set of reference signals by a threshold.

[0018] In some examples, the condition includes: the difference between the highest measured value related to the power of the first set of reference signals and the lowest measured value related to the measured power of the first set of reference signals is less than a threshold difference.

[0019] In some examples, power-related measurements include at least one of the following: L1-RSRP value or L1-SINR value.

[0020] In some examples, the threshold and threshold difference are received from the network node. In some examples, the threshold and threshold difference are included in the configuration.

[0021] In some examples, the component for determining whether a condition has been met based on at least one measurement includes: a component for determining whether the condition has been met for a plurality of candidate UL SRS resource sets based on at least one measurement; and a component for selecting at least one second UL SRS resource set from the UL SRS resource sets from which the condition has been met in the plurality of candidate UL SRS resource sets, wherein the selection is based on at least one measurement.

[0022] In some examples, the device is a communication device.

[0023] In some examples, the communication device is a user equipment.

[0024] According to one aspect, an apparatus is provided, comprising: components for providing configuration to a communication device, the configuration including conditions related to switching between uplink sounding reference signal (SRS) resource sets to be used for uplink UL transmission; and components for receiving a request from the communication device related to performing a switch from at least one first UL SRS resource set to at least one second UL SRS resource set, the at least one first UL SRS resource set and the at least one second UL SRS resource set to be used for uplink transmission, wherein the at least one first UL SRS resource set and the at least one second UL SRS resource set are different.

[0025] In some examples, the apparatus includes a component for switching from at least one first UL SRS resource set to at least one second UL SRS resource set based on the request to provide an indication to the communication device for uplink transmission.

[0026] In some examples, one of the following is true: at least one first UL SRS resource set includes a single UL SRS resource set, and at least one second UL SRS resource set includes multiple UL SRS resource sets; at least one first UL SRS resource set includes multiple UL SRS resource sets, and at least one second UL SRS resource set includes a single UL SRS resource set; at least one first UL SRS resource set includes a single UL SRS resource set, and at least one second UL SRS resource set includes a single UL SRS resource set; or at least one first UL SRS resource set includes multiple UL SRS resource sets, and at least one second UL SRS resource set includes multiple UL SRS resource sets.

[0027] In some examples, at least one first UL SRS resource set is associated with at least one antenna panel of the communication device, and at least one second UL SRS resource set is associated with at least one other antenna panel of the communication device.

[0028] In some examples, the apparatus includes a component for receiving an event-based indication of the ability of an antenna panel of a communication device to switch over using an uplink channel for transmission.

[0029] In some examples, this capability indication is used for one of the following: PUSCH, PUCCH, or both PUSCH and PUCCH.

[0030] In some examples, the apparatus includes a component for receiving uplink transmissions from a communication device based on at least one second UL SRS resource set.

[0031] In some examples, the apparatus includes a component for receiving simultaneous multi-panel transmissions from a communication device based on at least one second UL SRS resource set.

[0032] In some examples, the apparatus includes a component for transmitting at least one downlink reference signal to a communication device.

[0033] In some examples, the device is a network node.

[0034] In some examples, the network node is the base station.

[0035] According to one aspect, a method is provided, the method comprising: receiving configuration from a network node, the configuration including conditions relating to a handover between UL SRS resource sets to be used for uplink transmission; performing at least one measurement on at least one reference signal; determining, based on the at least one measurement, whether the conditions have been met; and, based on the determination, sending a request to the network node, the request relating to performing a handover from at least one first UL SRS resource set to at least one second UL SRS resource set, the first UL SRS resource set and the at least one second UL SRS resource set to be used for uplink transmission, wherein the at least one first UL SRS resource set and the at least one second UL SRS resource set are different.

[0036] In some examples, one of the following is true: at least one first UL SRS resource set includes a single UL SRS resource set, and at least one second UL SRS resource set includes multiple UL SRS resource sets; at least one first UL SRS resource set includes multiple UL SRS resource sets, and at least one second UL SRS resource set includes a single UL SRS resource set; at least one first UL SRS resource set includes a single UL SRS resource set, and at least one second UL SRS resource set includes a single UL SRS resource set; or at least one first UL SRS resource set includes multiple UL SRS resource sets, and at least one second UL SRS resource set includes multiple UL SRS resource sets.

[0037] In some examples, at least one first UL SRS resource set is associated with at least one antenna panel of the device, and at least one second UL SRS resource set is associated with at least one other antenna panel of the device.

[0038] In some examples, the method includes providing network nodes with an event-based indication of the ability to switch antenna panels for transmission using the uplink channel.

[0039] In some examples, the capability is indicated as being related to PUSCH or PUCCH, or as a capability targeting both PUSCH and PUCCH.

[0040] In some examples, the method includes receiving from a network node an indication to switch from at least one first UL SRS resource set for uplink transmission to at least one second UL SRS resource set.

[0041] In some examples, the method includes performing uplink transmissions to network nodes based on at least one second UL SRS resource set.

[0042] In some examples, the method includes: performing an uplink transmission to a network node based on at least one second UL SRS resource set, wherein the uplink transmission being performed is a simultaneous multi-panel transmission.

[0043] In some examples, performing at least one measurement on at least one reference signal includes: performing at least one measurement on at least one downlink reference signal resource; and comparing at least one measurement with at least one previous measurement, wherein the at least one previous measurement is associated with a measurement previously performed on the downlink reference signal resource.

[0044] In some examples, at least one reference signal includes: a non-zero power channel state information reference signal and a synchronization signal block.

[0045] In some examples, conditions are associated with events, where a request provided to a network node is associated with an event that has been triggered.

[0046] In some examples, the condition includes: the power-related measurement of the first set of reference signals is greater than a threshold value of the power-related measurement of the second set of reference signals.

[0047] In some examples, the condition includes: the difference between the highest measured value related to the power of the first set of reference signals and the lowest measured value related to the power of the first set of reference signals is less than a threshold difference.

[0048] In some examples, power-related measurements include at least one of the following: L1-RSRP value or L1-SINR value.

[0049] In some examples, the threshold and threshold difference are received from the network node. In some examples, the threshold and threshold difference are included in the configuration.

[0050] In some examples, determining whether a condition has been met based on at least one measurement includes: determining whether a condition has been met for a plurality of candidate UL SRS resource sets based on at least one measurement; and selecting at least one second UL SRS resource set from the UL SRS resource sets for which the condition has been met, wherein the selection is based on at least one measurement.

[0051] In some examples, the method is executed by the communication device.

[0052] In some examples, the communication device is a user equipment.

[0053] According to one aspect, a method is provided, the method comprising: providing a configuration to a communication device, the configuration including conditions relating between UL SRS resource sets to be used by the communication device for uplink transmission; and receiving a request from the communication device relating to performing a switch from at least one first UL SRS resource set to at least one second UL SRS resource set, the first UL SRS resource set and the at least one second UL SRS resource set to be used for uplink transmission, wherein the at least one first UL SRS resource set and the at least one second UL SRS resource set are different.

[0054] In some examples, the method includes: providing a communication device with an indication to switch from at least one first UL SRS resource set for uplink transmission to at least one second UL SRS resource set based on the request.

[0055] In some examples, one of the following is true: at least one first UL SRS resource set includes a single UL SRS resource set, and at least one second UL SRS resource set includes multiple UL SRS resource sets; at least one first UL SRS resource set includes multiple UL SRS resource sets, and at least one second UL SRS resource set includes a single UL SRS resource set; at least one first UL SRS resource set includes a single UL SRS resource set, and at least one second UL SRS resource set includes a single UL SRS resource set; or at least one first UL SRS resource set includes multiple UL SRS resource sets, and at least one second UL SRS resource set includes multiple UL SRS resource sets.

[0056] In some examples, at least one first UL SRS resource set is associated with at least one antenna panel of the communication device, and at least one second UL SRS resource set is associated with at least one other antenna panel of the communication device.

[0057] In some examples, the method includes receiving an event-based indication of the ability of the communication device to switch its antenna panel for transmission using the uplink channel.

[0058] In some examples, this capability indication is used for one of the following: PUSCH, PUCCH, or both PUSCH and PUCCH.

[0059] In some examples, the method includes receiving uplink transmissions from a communication device based on at least one second UL SRS resource set.

[0060] In some examples, the method includes receiving simultaneous multi-panel transmissions from a communication device based on at least one second UL SRS resource set.

[0061] In some examples, the method includes sending at least one downlink reference signal to the communication device.

[0062] In some examples, this method is executed by a network node.

[0063] In some examples, the network node is the base station.

[0064] According to one aspect, an apparatus is provided, comprising: at least one processor and at least one memory storing instructions, which, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the apparatus to perform: receiving a configuration from a network node, the configuration including conditions related to switching between uplink probe reference signal (SRS) resource sets to be used for uplink UL transmission; performing at least one measurement on at least one reference signal; determining, based on the at least one measurement, whether the conditions have been met; and, based on the determination, sending a request to the network node related to performing a switch from at least one first UL SRS resource set to at least one second UL SRS resource set, the at least one first UL SRS resource set and the at least one second UL SRS resource set to be used for uplink transmission, wherein the at least one first UL SRS resource set and the at least one second UL SRS resource set are different.

[0065] In some examples, one of the following is true: at least one first UL SRS resource set includes a single UL SRS resource set, and at least one second UL SRS resource set includes multiple UL SRS resource sets; at least one first UL SRS resource set includes multiple UL SRS resource sets, and at least one second UL SRS resource set includes a single UL SRS resource set; at least one first UL SRS resource set includes a single UL SRS resource set, and at least one second UL SRS resource set includes a single UL SRS resource set; or at least one first UL SRS resource set includes multiple UL SRS resource sets, and at least one second UL SRS resource set includes multiple UL SRS resource sets.

[0066] In some examples, at least one first UL SRS resource set is associated with at least one antenna panel of the device, and at least one second UL SRS resource set is associated with at least one other antenna panel of the device.

[0067] In some examples, the device is made to perform: providing a capability indication to a network node for an event-based antenna panel switching of a transmission using an uplink channel.

[0068] In some examples, the capability is indicated as being related to PUSCH or PUCCH, or as a capability targeting both PUSCH and PUCCH.

[0069] In some examples, the device is made to perform: receiving from a network node an instruction to switch from at least one first UL SRS resource set for uplink transmission to at least one second UL SRS resource set.

[0070] In some examples, the device is made to perform: uplink transmission to a network node based on at least one second UL SRS resource set.

[0071] In some examples, the device is made to perform: an uplink transmission to a network node based on at least one second UL SRS resource set, wherein the uplink transmission being performed is a simultaneous multi-panel transmission.

[0072] In some examples, performing at least one measurement on at least one reference signal includes: performing at least one measurement on at least one downlink reference signal resource; and comparing at least one measurement with at least one previous measurement, wherein the at least one previous measurement is associated with a measurement previously performed on the downlink reference signal resource.

[0073] In some examples, at least one reference signal includes: a non-zero power channel state information reference signal and a synchronization signal block.

[0074] In some examples, conditions are associated with events, where a request provided to a network node is associated with an event that has been triggered.

[0075] In some examples, the condition includes: the power-related measurement of the first set of reference signals is greater than a threshold value of the power-related measurement of the second set of reference signals.

[0076] In some examples, the condition includes: the difference between the highest measured value related to the power of the first set of reference signals and the lowest measured value related to the power of the first set of reference signals is less than a threshold difference.

[0077] In some examples, power-related measurements include at least one of the following: L1-RSRP value or L1-SINR value.

[0078] In some examples, the threshold and threshold difference are received from the network node. In some examples, the threshold and threshold difference are included in the configuration.

[0079] In some examples, determining whether a condition has been met based on at least one measurement includes: determining whether a condition has been met for a plurality of candidate UL SRS resource sets based on at least one measurement; and selecting at least one second UL SRS resource set from the UL SRS resource sets for which the condition has been met, wherein the selection is based on at least one measurement.

[0080] In some examples, the device is a communication device.

[0081] In some examples, the communication device is a user equipment.

[0082] According to one aspect, an apparatus is provided, the apparatus comprising: at least one processor and at least one memory storing instructions, the instructions, when executed by the at least one processor, causing the apparatus to: provide a configuration to a communication device, the configuration including conditions relating to a handover between uplink sounding reference signal (SRS) resource sets to be used for uplink UL transmission; and receive a request from the communication device relating to performing a handover from at least one first UL SRS resource set to at least one second UL SRS resource set, the at least one first UL SRS resource set and the at least one second UL SRS resource set to be used for uplink transmission, wherein the at least one first UL SRS resource set and the at least one second UL SRS resource set are different.

[0083] In some examples, the device is made to perform: based on the request, provide the communication device with an indication to switch from at least one first UL SRS resource set for uplink transmission to at least one second UL SRS resource set.

[0084] In some examples, one of the following is true: at least one first UL SRS resource set includes a single UL SRS resource set, and at least one second UL SRS resource set includes multiple UL SRS resource sets; at least one first UL SRS resource set includes multiple UL SRS resource sets, and at least one second UL SRS resource set includes a single UL SRS resource set; at least one first UL SRS resource set includes a single UL SRS resource set, and at least one second UL SRS resource set includes a single UL SRS resource set; or at least one first UL SRS resource set includes multiple UL SRS resource sets, and at least one second UL SRS resource set includes multiple UL SRS resource sets.

[0085] In some examples, at least one first UL SRS resource set is associated with at least one antenna panel of the communication device, and at least one second UL SRS resource set is associated with at least one other antenna panel of the communication device.

[0086] In some examples, the device is made to perform: receive an event-based handover indication of the ability of the communication device to use the uplink channel for transmission via the antenna panel of the communication device.

[0087] In some examples, this capability indication is used for one of the following: PUSCH, PUCCH, or both PUSCH and PUCCH.

[0088] In some examples, the device is made to perform: receiving uplink transmissions from a communication device based on at least one second UL SRS resource set.

[0089] In some examples, the device is made to perform: receiving simultaneous multi-panel transmissions from a communication device based on at least one second UL SRS resource set.

[0090] In some examples, the device is made to perform: send at least one downlink reference signal to the communication device.

[0091] In some examples, the device is a network node.

[0092] In some examples, the network node is the base station.

[0093] According to one aspect, an apparatus is provided, comprising: a circuit system configured to perform: receiving configuration from a network node, the configuration including conditions related to switching between UL SRS resource sets to be used for uplink transmission; a circuit system configured to perform: performing at least one measurement on at least one reference signal; a circuit system configured to perform: determining, based on the at least one measurement, whether the conditions have been met; and a circuit system configured to perform: sending a request to the network node based on the determination, the request relating to performing a switch from at least one first UL SRS resource set to at least one second UL SRS resource set, the at least one first UL SRS resource set and the at least one second UL SRS resource set to be used for uplink transmission, wherein the at least one first UL SRS resource set and the at least one second UL SRS resource set are different.

[0094] According to one aspect, an apparatus is provided, comprising: a circuit system configured to perform: providing configuration to a communication device, the configuration including conditions relating to a handover between UL SRS resource sets to be used by the communication device for uplink transmission; and a circuit system configured to perform: receiving a request from the communication device relating to performing a handover from at least one first UL SRS resource set to at least one second UL SRS resource set, the at least one first UL SRS resource set and the at least one second UL SRS resource set to be used for uplink transmission, wherein the at least one first UL SRS resource set and the at least one second UL SRS resource set are different.

[0095] According to one aspect, a computer program is provided, including instructions that, when executed by a device, cause the device to at least: receive a configuration from a network node, the configuration including conditions related to a handover between ULSRS resource sets to be used for uplink transmission; perform at least one measurement on at least one reference signal; determine, based on the at least one measurement, whether the conditions have been met; and based on the determination, send a request to the network node related to performing a handover from at least one first ULSRS resource set to at least one second ULSRS resource set, the at least one first ULSRS resource set and the at least one second ULSRS resource set to be used for uplink transmission, wherein the at least one first ULSRS resource set and the at least one second ULSRS resource set are different.

[0096] According to one aspect, a computer program is provided, including instructions that, when executed by a device, cause the device to at least: provide a configuration to a communication device, the configuration including conditions relating to a handover between UL SRS resource sets to be used for uplink transmission; and receive a request from the communication device relating to performing a handover from at least one first UL SRS resource set to at least one second UL SRS resource set, the at least one first UL SRS resource set and the at least one second UL SRS resource set to be used for uplink transmission, wherein the at least one first UL SRS resource set and the at least one second UL SRS resource set are different.

[0097] A non-transitory computer-readable medium includes program instructions that, when executed by a device, cause the device to perform the methods described herein.

[0098] An electronic device may include the means as described herein.

[0099] Various other aspects and embodiments are also described in the following detailed description and the appended claims.

[0100] The subject matter of the independent claims is provided according to several aspects. Several other aspects are defined in the dependent claims. Embodiments that do not fall within the scope of the claims are to be interpreted as examples that aid in understanding this disclosure. List of abbreviations: AF: Application Functions AMF: Access and Mobility Management Function AN: Access Network BS: Base Station CSI: Channel State Information CN: Core Network DCI: Downlink Control Information DL: Downlink eNB: eNodeB gNB: gNodeB IIoT: Industrial Internet of Things L1: Level 1 LTE: Long Term Evolution MAC: Media Access Control MIMO: Multiple Input Multiple Output MS: Mobile Station NEF: Network Exposure Function NG-RAN: Next Generation Radio Access Network NF: Network Functions NR: New Radio NRF: Network Repository Functionality NW: Network PCF: Policy Control Function PLMN: Public Land Mobile Network PDCCH: Physical Downlink Control Channel PUCCH: Physical Uplink Control Channel PUCCH: Physical Uplink Shared Channel RAN: Radio Access Network RF: Radio Frequency RRC: Radio Resource Control RS: Reference signal SMF: Session Management Function STxMP: Simultaneous Multi-panel SDM: Space Division Multiplexing SFN: Single-Frequency Network TCI: Transmission Configuration Indicator UE: User Equipment UDR: Unified Data Repository UDM: Unified Data Management UL: Uplink UPF: User Plane Functionality 3GPP: Third Generation Partnership Project 5G: Fifth Generation 5GC: 5G Core Network 5G-AN: 5G Radio Access Network 5GS: 5G system Attached Figure Description

[0101] Some examples will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings, by way of illustrative and non-limiting examples only, in which:

[0102] Figure 1 This diagram illustrates a 5G communication system.

[0103] Figure 2 It shows the use of Figure 1 A schematic representation of a 5G communication system device;

[0104] Figure 3 A schematic representation of the communication equipment is shown;

[0105] Figure 4 An example signaling diagram is shown between communication devices and network nodes related to antenna panel switching;

[0106] Figure 5 Example signaling and operation diagrams of communication equipment and network nodes related to antenna panel switching are shown;

[0107] Figure 6 Another example signaling and operation diagram of communication equipment and network nodes related to antenna panel switching is shown;

[0108] Figure 7 A flowchart of an example method executed by the device is shown;

[0109] Figure 8 A flowchart of another example method performed by the device is shown;

[0110] Figure 9 A flowchart illustrating an example method executed by the device is shown; and

[0111] Figure 10 A schematic diagram of a non-volatile storage medium for storing instructions is shown. These instructions, when executed by the processor, allow the processor to perform... Figures 7 to 9 One or more steps in the method. Detailed Implementation

[0112] Communication equipment, such as user equipment (UE), terminals, and other mobile devices, is typically configured to perform uplink (UL) transmissions to network nodes, such as base stations. UL transmissions can be performed using one or more antennas (or antenna panels). Antennas are used to transmit and receive electromagnetic signals, such as radio waves. Antenna panels include one or more antennas.

[0113] Communication devices may include a single antenna (or antenna panel) that can be used for UL transmission. However, to improve transmission and reception performance, many communication devices include multiple antennas (or antenna panels). Communication devices with multiple antennas can benefit from signal processing techniques such as beamforming or spatial filtering.

[0114] To improve the reliability and robustness of UL transmissions, UL multi-panel transmissions can be performed by suitable communication equipment. UL multi-panel transmissions are transmissions performed by communication equipment using two or more antenna panels simultaneously within UL.

[0115] 3GPP Rel-18 specifications (such as TS 38.214 and TS 38.331) define support for simultaneous multi-panel (STxMP) Physical Uplink Shared Channel (PUSCH) and Physical Uplink Control Channel (PUCCH) transmissions in single-TRP and multi-TRP environments. A TRP is a transmission receiving point, such as, for example, a base station.

[0116] To enable STxMP-based UL (e.g., PUSCH / PUCCH) operation, the UE provides TX beam reporting based on configured downlink (DL) reference signal (RS) resources. The Rel-18 TS 38.214 specification provides support for TX beam reporting based on downlink reference signal resource measurements by utilizing group-based beam reporting.

[0117] Based on UL TX beam reports, the network and UE can mutually understand the potential UL TX beams that will be used for STxMP-based UL channel transmission. Then, based on these UL TX beam reports, the network dynamically instructs the UE to transmit using a single antenna panel or multiple antenna panels simultaneously on the uplink channel.

[0118] 3GPP Rel-18 specification TS 38.214 defines dynamic handover based on downlink control information (DCI) for single-panel to multi-panel (codebook or non-codebook) PUSCH transmissions and multi-panel to single-panel PUSCH transmissions. The Rel-18 specification defines that by using DCI 0_1 / 0_2 code points associated with a Sound Reference Signal (SRS) resource set indicator, the UE is instructed to dynamically switch STxMP-based PUSCH transmissions from single-panel transmissions to multi-panel transmissions and vice versa.

[0119] 3GPP Rel-18 TS 38.214 is also based on higher-level parameters. PUCCH-SpatialRelationInfo and apply- IndicatedTCIState Antenna panel switching between single-antenna panel and simultaneous multi-antenna transmission for PUCCH is defined. Here, TCI stands for Transmission Configuration Indicator.

[0120] In this way, the current 3GPP specification provides support for network-controlled DL RS-based Channel State Information (CSI) measurements and CSI reporting via UL channels for STxMP-based PUSCH. The network can configure periodic or semi-persistent DL resources, or trigger aperiodic DL RS resources for UL transmission measurements. The network can also independently configure periodic (or semi-persistent or aperiodic) CSI reporting via PUCCH / PUSCH.

[0121] To track potential changes related to UE-side UL transmission antenna panel switching (e.g., UE rotation, changes in the UE's uplink TX beam position relative to each link associated with the antenna panel, and corresponding TRP), the UE can be configured with CSI measurement and reporting configurations with relatively short time periods. However, shorter time periods can result in significant overhead in terms of DL RS and UL resources associated with CSI reporting. Alternatively, the UE can be configured with longer CSI reporting time periods, but this leads to reduced tracking capabilities and degraded performance of STxMP-based PUSCH and / or PUCCH transmissions. In other words, longer periods may result in reduced resource usage, but UE switching between configurations may be slower. This can increase communication latency.

[0122] To mitigate the increased overhead of CSI reporting, event-based CSI reporting can be considered. For event-based reporting, the UE can be configured with (multiple) specific conditions that trigger the UE to indicate to the network that a specific event has occurred at the UE side. Based on the indication received at the network, the network can then determine whether a new configuration should be activated in the UE, for example, for uplink transmissions. However, UL TX beam reporting is not supported in the specification.

[0123] One or more examples below are designed to address one or more of the problems identified above.

[0124] In some examples, an apparatus (e.g., a communication device) is provided that receives a configuration from a network node (e.g., a base station) including conditions related to a handover between uplink sounding reference signal (SRS) resource sets to be used for uplink UL transmissions. The apparatus performs at least one measurement on at least one reference signal and, based on the at least one measurement, determines whether the conditions have been met. Based on this determination, the apparatus sends a request to the network node related to performing a handover from at least one first UL SRS resource set to at least one second UL SRS resource set, wherein the at least one first UL SRS resource set and the at least one second UL SRS resource set will be used for uplink transmissions, and wherein the at least one first UL SRS resource set and the at least one second UL SRS resource set are different.

[0125] In some examples, an apparatus (e.g., a communication device) is provided that receives a configuration from a network node (e.g., a base station) including conditions related to a handover between UL SRS resource sets to be used for uplink transmission; and performs at least one measurement on at least one reference signal. The apparatus further determines, based on the at least one measurement, whether a condition has been met, wherein the condition is based on at least one of the following: a power-related measurement of a first set of reference signals is higher than a power-related measurement of a second set of reference signals by more than a threshold, or the difference between the highest power-related measurement of the first set of reference signals and the lowest power-related measurement of the first set of reference signals is greater than a threshold difference. Based on this determination, the apparatus sends a request to the network node relating to performing a handover from at least one first UL SRS resource set to at least one second UL SRS resource set, wherein the at least one first UL SRS resource set and the at least one second UL SRS resource set will be used for uplink transmission, wherein the at least one first UL SRS resource set and the at least one second UL SRS resource set are different.

[0126] In some examples, at least one first UL SRS resource set includes a single UL SRS resource set, and at least one second UL SRS resource set includes multiple UL SRS resource sets; or at least one first UL SRS resource set includes multiple UL SRS resource sets, and at least one second UL SRS resource set includes a single UL SRS resource set; or at least one first UL SRS resource set includes a single UL SRS resource set, and at least one second UL SRS resource set includes a single UL SRS resource set; or at least one first UL SRS resource set includes multiple UL SRS resource sets, and at least one second UL SRS resource set includes multiple UL SRS resource sets.

[0127] In some examples, at least one first UL SRS resource set is associated with at least one antenna panel of the device, and at least one second UL SRS resource set is associated with at least one other antenna panel of the device.

[0128] The following will be with Figures 4 to 6 Let's describe these examples in more detail.

[0129] Before explaining the example in more detail, the example communication device (such as...) Figure 3 As shown, it can perform uplink transmissions to network nodes (e.g., multi-panel UL transmission) and can switch between different antenna panels used for UL transmission. The communication device can be part of a communication system (e.g., Figure 1 (As shown). Communication equipment can communicate via devices (such as...) Figure 2 (as shown) and one or more entities in the communication system (such as) Figure 1 As shown, the device can be part of or included in a network node (e.g., a base station). As described above, the base station and the communication device can communicate with each other, enabling the communication device to switch between different antenna panels for UL transmission to the network.

[0130] Reference Figures 1 to 3 Briefly explain some common aspects of communication systems and equipment to help understand the technology on which the described examples are based.

[0131] Figure 1 A schematic diagram of a 5G communication system 100 is shown. The wireless communication system 100 includes one or more communication devices 102 (such as user equipment (UE) or terminals). The wireless communication system 100 includes a 5G system (5GS). The 5GS includes a 5G radio access network (5G-RAN) 106, a 5G core network (5GC) 104 (including one or more network functions (NF)), one or more application functions (AF) 108, and one or more data networks (DN) 110.

[0132] 5G-RAN 106 may include one or more gNodeB distributed unit (DU) functions connected to one or more gNodeB (gNB) centralized unit (CU) functions.

[0133] 5GC 104 includes Access and Mobility Management Functions (AMF) 112, Session Management Functions (SMF) 114, Authentication Server Functions (AUSF) 116, User Data Management (UDM) 118, User Plane Functions (UPF) 120, Network Exposure Functions (NEF) 122, and / or other NFs. Some examples shown below are applicable to the 3GPP 5G standard. However, some examples are also applicable to 5G Advanced, 4G, 3G, and other 3GPP standards.

[0134] In the wireless communication system 100, such as Figure 1 As shown, communication device 102 (such as a terminal, user equipment, user equipment (UE), and / or machine-type communication device) is provided with wireless access via at least one base station or similar wireless transmitting and / or receiving node or point. Communication device 102 is provided with suitable signal receiving and transmitting means for enabling communication, such as access to a communication network or direct communication with other devices. Communication device 102 can access a carrier provided by the base station or access point and transmit and / or receive communication on the carrier.

[0135] Figure 2 An example of device 200 is illustrated. Device 200 can be used for Figure 1 The 5G communication system. Device 200 can be used to control the functions of one or more network entities and / or network functions, such as... Figure 1The illustrated entity is a 5G-RAN or 5GC. Device 200 includes at least one random access memory (RAM) 211a, at least one read-only memory (ROM) 211b, at least one processor 212, 213, and an input / output interface 214. At least one processor 212, 213 is coupled to RAM 211a and ROM 211b. At least one processor 212, 213 can be configured to execute instructions (such as, for example, appropriate software code 215). Software code 215 can, for example, allow the execution of one or more steps to perform one or more aspects or examples of this aspect or example. Software code 215 can be stored in ROM 211b. Device 200 can be interconnected with another device 200 that controls another entity / function of the 5G-AN or 5GC. In some examples, device 200 can be configured to provide one or more functions of the 5G-AN or 5GC. For example, device 200 can be configured to perform at least some functions of a specific function of the 5G-AN or 5GC. For example, device 200 may be configured to operate as a specific function of 5G-AN or 5GC. In an alternative example, device 200 may be configured to perform at least some of the functions of two or more of the 5G-AN and / or 5GC functions. For example, device 200 may be configured to operate as two or more functions of 5G-AN and / or 5GC. Device 200 may include one or more circuits or circuit systems (not shown) that may be configured to perform one or more aspects or examples of this aspect or example of the present invention.

[0136] Figure 3 An example of a communication device 300 is illustrated. The communication device 300 can be similar to... Figure 1 The illustrated communication device 102. Communication device 300 can be provided by any device capable of transmitting and receiving radio signals. Non-limiting examples of communication device 300 include user equipment, terminals, mobile stations (MS) or mobile devices (such as mobile phones or so-called 'smartphones'), computers equipped with wireless interface cards or other wireless interface facilities (e.g., USB dongles), personal data assistants (PDAs) or tablets equipped with wireless communication capabilities, machine-type communication (MTC) devices, cellular Internet of Things (CIoT) devices, or land / sea / air vehicles (such as cars, trucks, ships, airplanes, or drones) or any combination thereof. Communication device 300 can provide communication, for example, for carrying data. Communication can be one or more of voice, email, text messages, multimedia, data, machine data, etc.

[0137] Communication device 300 can receive signals via air or radio interface 307 through appropriate means for receiving, and can transmit signals via appropriate means for transmitting radio signals. Figure 3In the diagram, the transceiver device is schematically represented by block 306. The transceiver device 306 can be provided, for example, by means of a radio section and an associated antenna arrangement. The antenna arrangement can be located inside or outside the mobile device.

[0138] The communication device 300 may be equipped with at least one processor 301, at least one memory ROM 302a, at least one RAM 302b, and other possible components 303 for software and hardware-assisted execution of tasks it is designed to perform, including controlling access to and communication with access systems and other communication devices. At least one processor 301 is coupled to RAM 302b and ROM 302a. At least one processor 301 may be configured to execute instructions (such as, for example, appropriate software code 308). Software code 308 may, for example, allow the execution of one or more aspects of this aspect. Software code 308 may be stored in ROM 302a. The communication device 300 may include one or more circuits or circuit systems (not shown) that may be configured to execute one or more aspects or examples of this aspect or the examples thereof.

[0139] Processors, memory, and other related control devices can be mounted on appropriate circuit boards and / or in chipsets. This feature is indicated by reference numeral 304. The communication device may optionally have a user interface, such as a keypad 305, a touch-sensitive screen or touchpad, or a combination thereof. Depending on the type of device, one or more of a display, speaker, and microphone may optionally be provided.

[0140] As described above, in some examples, a communication device (e.g., a UE) can be configured to perform UL transmissions to a network node using a UL channel (e.g., PUSCH or PUCCH), where the communication device utilizes a single (i.e., one) antenna panel of the communication device. Alternatively, the communication device can be configured to perform UL transmissions using multiple (i.e., two or more) antenna panels of the communication device. In the examples, the communication device can determine when it is appropriate to switch between the antenna panels of the communication device to perform UL transmissions to the network node based on measurements performed at the communication device.

[0141] Communication devices may include multiple antenna panels. For example, a communication device may include at least one antenna panel on each side of the communication device. Each antenna panel of the communication device includes at least one antenna. Each antenna panel may be associated with a UL SRS resource set.

[0142] In the following text, the terms 'single antenna panel' and 'single panel' are used interchangeably. Furthermore, the terms 'multiple antenna panel' and 'multiple panels' are used interchangeably.

[0143] Each antenna panel of the communication device is associated with a UL SRS resource set (referred to herein as a 'UL SRS resource set'). For example, the first panel of the UE is associated with a first UL SRS resource set, and the second panel of the UE is associated with a second UL SRS resource set, wherein the first UL SRS resource set and the second UL SRS resource set are different. In this way, a UE configured for multi-panel operation will be associated with at least two UL SRS resource sets.

[0144] The SRS is a reference signal used for UL (i.e., transmitted by the UE), which network nodes can use to perform channel quality estimation for UL. The SRS is configured using one or more SRS resource sets, where each SRS resource set includes one or more (e.g., up to 16) SRS resources. A UE can be configured with multiple SRS resource sets in each component carrier (CC). For example, a CC can be configured with one or more SRS resource sets for codebook-based uplink, one or more SRS resource sets for non-codebook-based uplink, one or more SRS resource sets for antenna switching, and / or one or more SRS resource sets for beam management.

[0145] In the case of codebook-based transmission, the UE transmits an uncoded SRS set. The network node uses this SRS to select the appropriate antenna port for the uplink channel (e.g., PUSCH) and to select the appropriate rank and precoding weights. The network node then provides feedback to the UE based on, for example, the SRS resource indicator (SRI), the rank indicator (RI), and the transmit precoding matrix indicator (TPMI).

[0146] In this way, each antenna panel of a communication device (e.g., a UE) is associated with a UL SRS resource set.

[0147] In some examples, the communication device (e.g., UE) is configured with event-based (or condition-based) reporting for UE events, where the UE indicates (or recommends) to the network node a switch from currently simultaneous multi-panel UL channel transmission (e.g., PUSCH, PUCCH) to single-panel uplink channel transmission. In other words, the UE indicates to the network node a switch from two UL SRS resource sets to one SRS resource set. Alternatively, the UE indicates to the network node a switch from a first TCI state to a second TCI state, where the first and second TCI states are different (e.g., the indication indicates: apply-IndicatedTCIState='two' to 'first' or 'second'=apply-IndicatedTCIState).

[0148] In some examples, the communication device (e.g., UE) is configured with event-based (or condition-based) reporting for UE events, where the UE indicates (or recommends) to the network node a handover related to a current single-panel UL channel transmission (e.g., PUSCH, PUCCH) to a multi-panel uplink channel transmission. In other words, the UE indicates to the network node a handover from one UL SRS resource set to two SRS resource sets. Or, the UE indicates to the network node a handover from apply-IndicatedTCIState='first' / 'second' to apply-IndicatedTCIState='two' operations.

[0149] In some examples, the communication device (e.g., the UE) is configured with event-based (or condition-based) reporting for UE events, where the UE indicates (or recommends) to the network node a handover related to a current simultaneous multi-panel UL channel transmission (e.g., PUSCH, PUCCH) to another simultaneous multi-panel uplink channel transmission. In other words, the UE indicates to the network node a handover from two UL SRS resource sets to two other SRS resource sets. Or, the UE indicates to the network node a handover from apply-IndicatedTCIState='two' to apply-IndicatedTCIState='two' operation.

[0150] These examples will be described in more detail below.

[0151] In some examples, signaling exchange exists between the communication device and the network side to ensure that the communication device has the capability to apply event-based antenna switching. Then, appropriate configuration(s) for event-based antenna switching can be sent to the communication device. In other examples, it can be assumed that the communication device does indeed have the appropriate capability. Figure 4 Some example signaling is shown in the figure.

[0152] Figure 4 An example signaling diagram between a communication device and a network node related to antenna panel switching is shown. In some examples, the communication device is a UE, and the network node is a base station. In other examples, the communication device may be a terminal or other mobile device, and / or the network node may be a gNodeB or a TRP.

[0153] At S401, the UE provides (or transmits) an indication to the base station that the UE has the capability for event-based (or condition-based) handover of the antenna panel used for UL transmission. In other words, this indication is for the capability of event-based handover of the UL SRS resource set used for UL transmission.

[0154] A capability can be specified as a capability for PUSCH or PUCCH, or a capability for both PUSCH and PUCCH.

[0155] This instruction can be provided via Radio Resource Control (RRC) signaling. In other examples, any suitable signaling protocol is used.

[0156] At S402, the base station provides the UE with a configuration that includes conditions for switching between UL SRS resource sets used for UL transmissions. This condition is associated with an event. When the condition is met, the event is 'triggered'. The triggering of the event can have associated actions. For example, when the event is triggered, the UE can be configured to provide an indication to the base station.

[0157] In some examples, the configuration provided to the UE includes multiple events (e.g., different events), where each event has at least one condition associated with the corresponding event.

[0158] In some examples, this configuration can be associated with either PUSCH or PUCCH. In other examples, this configuration is associated with both PUSCH and PUCCH.

[0159] In some examples, the event (which has been configured for the UE) defines conditions (multiple conditions) based on 'new' DL reference signal measurements (e.g., non-zero power channel state information reference signal (NZP-CSI-RS) / synchronization signal block (SSB) measurements) and 'previous' DL reference signal measurements. In other words, the conditions are associated with a comparison between the two sets of measurements. For example, based on this event, the UE can indicate to the network (e.g., via Layer 1 (L1), Media Access Control (MAC), or RRC signaling) that at least one antenna panel at the UE side should be switched to a different configuration.

[0160] This will be in the following section. Figure 5 and Figure 6 Let's describe it in more detail together.

[0161] Figure 5 Example signaling and operation diagrams for communication equipment and network nodes related to antenna panel switching are shown. Figure 5 In this example, the communication device is initially configured for multi-panel UL channel transmission, and it can be switched to a single panel or different multi-panels. In this example, the communication device is a UE. In other examples, the communication device is a terminal, mobile device, etc.

[0162] At S501, the network node provides (or transmits) at least one UL SRS resource set to the UE. The SRS resources in the at least one UL SRS resource set can be configured with information for following the TCI state (also known as 'follow-TCI state information'). The follow-TCI state information is used when the network indicates (multiple) TCI states via DCI. The UL SRS resource set having an information element (IE) corresponding to the TCI state applies / uses the indicated TCI state and the corresponding spatial source RS (e.g., QCL-type D resource RS) as a spatial reference for the transmission of the SRS resources associated with the UL SRS resource set.

[0163] In some examples, the network node is configured with multiple UL SRS resource sets for the UE, including: a UL SRS resource set for codebook UL, a UL SRS resource set for non-codebook UL, and a UL SRS resource set for antenna switching.

[0164] At S502, the network node provides the UE with a configuration for measurement and reporting based on the DL reference signal used for UL STxMP. In some examples, at least one of PUSCH or PUCCH is configured with STxMP.

[0165] S501 and S502 can be provided, for example, using RRC signaling.

[0166] At S503, the network node provides the UE with a configuration that includes a condition for switching between UL SRS resource sets used for UL transmissions. This condition is associated with an event that will be triggered.

[0167] This configuration is associated with at least one uplink channel (e.g., PUSCH and / or PUCCH).

[0168] At S504, the network node provides the UE with periodic or semi-persistent DL RS. NZP-CSI-RS and SSB are examples of DL RS.

[0169] At S505, the UE provides information that has already been measured by the UE. N Multiple reports (e.g., CSI reports) of the 'best' UL TX beam. The 'best' UL TX beam is determined based on a DL reference signal provided by the network nodes. Reports may be provided periodically or semi-persistently. Semi-persistent reports can be considered a combination of periodic and aperiodic reports. For semi-persistent reports, the first period may resemble aperiodic reports (e.g., a report is sent in response to a trigger). After this period is triggered, subsequent reports are sent periodically.

[0170] In this context, the 'best' beam can be identified as a beam associated with the highest power, lowest noise, etc.

[0171] S505 signaling can be executed via PUCCH according to the 3GPP Rel-18 CSI reporting framework.

[0172] At S506, based on reports (or multiple reports) from the UE, the network node determines the TCI status for UL STxMP.

[0173] At S507, the network node provides the UE with an indication of the set of TCI states to be activated. In some examples, the network node may provide this indication via the MAC control element (CE). TCI states can be used for DL, combined UL-DL, and / or UL.

[0174] At S508, based on the instruction received in S507, the UE activates the TCI state associated with the UE's UL TX antenna panel. In this way, the UE activates one or more antenna panels that will be used for UL transmission according to the instruction from the network node.

[0175] At S509, the UE provides the network node with a Hybrid Automatic Repeat Request (HARQ) acknowledgment or negative acknowledgment (ACK / NACK) related to the active TCI state. HARQ ACK / NACK is provided on uplink channels such as PUSCH or PUCCH.

[0176] At S510, the network node provides the UE with an indication of the TCI code point set for UL (or combined UL-DL). In some examples, this indication can be provided via downlink control information (DCI). For example, DCI format 1_0 / 2_0.

[0177] At S511, the UE provides the network node with a periodic or semi-persistent UL SRS for PUSCH. The SRS provided by the UE can be used in conjunction with codebook, non-codebook, and / or antenna switching.

[0178] At S512, the network node provides the UE with authorization for PUSCH. This authorization can be provided via the Physical Downlink Control Channel (PDCCH), for example, in format 0_1 ​​or 0_2.

[0179] At S513, the UE performs STxMP using an uplink channel (e.g., PUSCH or PUCCH) toward the network node. STxMP can be associated with spatial division multiplexing (SDM) or single-frequency network (SFN). STxMP transmission can be codebook-based or non-codebook-based.

[0180] At S514, the network node provides HARQ ACK / NACK to the UE via the PDCCH associated with the STxMP PUSCH.

[0181] At S515, the UE sets the STxMP state at the UE to 'Multi-panel'. The 'Multi-panel' state indicates that multiple antenna panels are being used for STxMP.

[0182] At S516, the UE measures the DL RS to determine at least one 'optimal' (e.g., L1 reference signal received power (RSRP) or L1 signal-to-interference-plus-noise ratio (SINR)) based on measurements related to the power (e.g., L1 reference signal received power (RSRP) or L1 signal-to-interference-plus-noise ratio (SINR)) associated with the DL RS measurement. K One 'best' resource (or resource pair). K The value can be configured by the network node.

[0183] In this context, a resource pair refers to a DL RS resource (e.g., NZP-CSI-RS or SSB) associated with two different transmit-receive points (TRPs) or two different DL TX antenna panels.

[0184] NZP-CSI-RS and SSB are examples of DL RS that can be measured by the UE.

[0185] At S517, the UE determines whether the (event) conditions have been met based on the measurement of the DL RS.

[0186] At S518a, the UE determines that the conditions for the event have been met and are related to the handover (from one multi-antenna panel to another multi-antenna panel, i.e., another multi-UL SRS resource set).

[0187] At S519a, the UE provides to the network node a request (or instruction) related to the following: performing a switch from two 'first' UL SRS resource sets (i.e., multi-panel) to two additional 'second' UL SRS resource sets (also multi-panel), the two 'first' UL SRS resource sets and the two additional 'second' UL SRS resource sets will be used for UL TX.

[0188] The UE may also provide the identity (ID) of the corresponding DL RS. In some examples, the indication includes the ID of the corresponding DL RS. In some examples, the indication includes the ID of the measurement DL RS resource associated with the new resource pair, wherein at least one of the DL RS resources is different from the DL RS source associated with the indicated TCI state(s).

[0189] The SRS resources in the first UL SRS resource set are different from the SRS resources in the second UL SRS resource set. In some examples, there are no overlapping resources in the SRS resources of the first UL SRS resource set and the SRS resources of the second UL SRS resource set. In some examples, the SRS resources in the first UL SRS resource set are different from the SRS resources in the second UL SRS resource set, where there are at least one overlapping resource. As an example of different resources with overlapping, the first set is associated with two DL RSs, namely DL RSs.<CSI-RS#3,CSI-RS#7> And then, based on DL measurements, the UE determines a 'better' DL RS pair that meets the conditions and triggers the event.<CSI-RS#3,CSI-RS#9> CSI-RS (e.g., CSI-RS#3) can be measured from different antenna panels (and therefore different UL SRS resource sets) relative to other antenna panels used for UL SRS and PUSCH transmissions. It should be understood that this is merely an example to aid in understanding this disclosure.

[0190] Instructions related to performing a handover can be considered as recommendations (or similar) from the UE to the network node. In some examples, the UE may not handover to two additional UL SRS resource sets (recommended) until the UE has been instructed by the network node.

[0191] In other examples, S518b, S519b, and S520 exist in place of S518a and S519a. In this way, S518b, S519b, and S520 are substitutes for S518a and S519a.

[0192] At S518b, the UE determines that the conditions for the event have been met and are related to the handover from (multi-panel) to single-panel (i.e., a single UL SRS resource set).

[0193] At S519b, the UE provides a request (or instruction) to the network node related to performing a switch from two 'first' UL SRS resource sets (i.e., multi-panel) to a 'second' UL SRS resource set (single-panel), whereby the two 'first' UL SRS resource sets and the 'second' UL SRS resource set will be used for UL TX. The instruction includes the identity of the corresponding DL RS.

[0194] The SRS resources in the first UL SRS resource set are different from the SRS resources in the second UL SRS resource set. In some examples, there are no overlapping resources in the SRS resources of the first UL SRS resource set and the SRS resources of the second UL SRS resource set. In some examples, the SRS resources in the first UL SRS resource set are different from the SRS resources of the second UL SRS resource set, where there is at least one overlapping resource.

[0195] At S520, the UE sets its current STxMP state to 'single panel'. In some examples, the UE sets its current STxMP state to 'single panel' in response to an indication (or confirmation) received from the network that the request in S519b has been accepted.

[0196] At S521, the network node provides the UE with an indication of a 'new' TCI code dot set for UL (or joint UL-DL). This indication can be provided via DCI. For example, DCI format 1_0 or 2_0.

[0197] At S522, the UE provides the network node with an aperiodic UL SRS for PUSCH. The SRS provided by the UE can be used in association with codebook, non-codebook, and / or antenna switching.

[0198] At S523, the network node provides the UE with authorization for PUSCH via PDCCH (e.g., format 0_1 ​​or 0_2). The network node also provides information related to the use of multiple panels (i.e., multiple UL SRS resource sets) or a single panel (i.e., a single UL SRS resource set) for STxMP. For example, when the UE provides a request at S519a, the network node can provide information related to multiple panels, including information for switching to two second UL SRS resource sets. Similarly, when the UE provides a request at S519b, the network node can provide information related to a single panel, including information for switching to a second UL SRS resource set.

[0199] In other words, based on this request (e.g., S519a, S519b), the network node provides the UE with information including an indication to switch the UL SRS resource set. This indication can be regarded as acceptance of the request (provided by the UE).

[0200] At S524, based on this information (from S523), the UE performs STxMP using a multi-panel or single-panel setup (as shown in this information).

[0201] It should be understood that in other examples, Figure 5 One or more of the steps may be omitted, or may be executed in a different order.

[0202] Figure 6 Another example signaling and operational diagram of communication equipment and network nodes related to antenna panel switching is shown. Figure 6 In the example, the communication device is initially configured for single-panel UL channel transmission, but it can be switched to multi-panel or different single panels.

[0203] At S601, the network node provides (or sends) at least one UL SRS resource set to the UE, wherein the SRS resources are configured with follow-TCI state information.

[0204] In some examples, the network node is configured with multiple UL SRS resource sets for the UE, including: a UL SRS resource set for codebook UL, a UL SRS resource set for non-codebook UL, and a UL SRS resource set for antenna switching.

[0205] At S602, the network node provides the UE with a configuration for measurement and reporting based on the DL reference signal used for UL STxMP. In some examples, at least one of PUSCH or PUCCH is configured with STxMP.

[0206] For example, S601 and S602 can be provided using RRC signaling.

[0207] At S603, the network node provides the UE with a configuration that includes a condition for switching between UL SRS resource sets used for UL transmissions. This condition is associated with an event to be triggered.

[0208] This configuration is associated with at least one uplink channel (e.g., PUSCH and / or PUCCH).

[0209] At S604, the network node provides the UE with periodic or semi-persistent DL RS. NZP-CSI-RS and SSB are examples of DL RS.

[0210] At S605, the UE provides information that has already been measured by the UE. N Multiple reports (e.g., CSI reports) of the 'best' UL TX beam. The 'best' UL TX beam is determined based on a DL reference signal provided by the network nodes. Reports may be provided periodically or semi-permanently. In this context, the 'best' beam may be the beam identified as associated with the highest power, lowest noise, etc.

[0211] S605 signaling transmission can be performed via PUCCH according to the 3GPP Rel-18 CSI reporting framework.

[0212] At S606, based on reports (or multiple reports) from the UE, the network node determines the TCI status of the UL STxMP.

[0213] At S607, the network node provides the UE with an indication of the set of TCI states to be activated. In some examples, the network node may provide this indication via the MAC control element (CE). TCI states can be used for DL, combined UL-DL, and / or UL.

[0214] At S608, based on the instruction received in S607, the UE activates the TCI state associated with the UE's UL TX antenna panel. In this way, the UE activates one or more antenna panels that will be used for UL transmission according to the instruction from the network node.

[0215] At S609, the UE provides the network node with a Hybrid Automatic Repeat Request (HARQ) acknowledgment or negative acknowledgment (ACK / NACK) related to the active TCI state. HARQ ACK / NACK is provided on uplink channels such as PUSCH or PUCCH.

[0216] At S610, the network node provides the UE with an indication of the TCI code point set for UL (or combined UL-DL). In some examples, this indication can be provided via downlink control information (DCI). For example, DCI format 1_0 / 2_0.

[0217] At S611, the UE provides the network node with a periodic or semi-persistent UL SRS for PUSCH. The SRS provided by the UE can be used in conjunction with codebook, non-codebook, and / or antenna switching.

[0218] At S612, the network node provides the UE with authorization for the PUSCH. This authorization can be provided via the Physical Downlink Control Channel (PDCCH), for example, in format 0_1 ​​or 0_2.

[0219] At S613, the UE performs STxMP using a PUSCH directed toward the network node. STxMP can be associated with spatial division multiplexing (SDM) or single-frequency network (SFN). STxMP transmission can be codebook-based or non-codebook-based.

[0220] At S614, the network node provides HARQ ACK / NACK to the UE via the PDCCH associated with the STxMP PUSCH.

[0221] At S615, the UE sets the STxMP state at the UE to 'Single Panel'. The 'Single Panel' state indicates that multiple antenna panels are used for STxMP.

[0222] At S616, the UE measures the DL RS to determine at least one 'optimal' (e.g., L1 reference signal received power (RSRP) or L1 signal-to-interference-plus-noise ratio (SINR)) based on measurements related to the power associated with the DL RS measurement. K One 'best' resource (or resource pair). K The value can be configured by the network node.

[0223] NZP-CSI-RS and SSB are examples of DL RS that can be measured by the UE.

[0224] At S617, the UE determines whether the (event) condition has been met based on the measurement of the DL RS.

[0225] At S618a, the UE determines that the conditions for the event have been met and are related to the handover (from a single antenna) to another single antenna panel (i.e., another single UL SRS resource set).

[0226] At S619a, the UE provides a request (or instruction) to the network node related to performing a switch from a 'first' UL SRS resource set (i.e., a single panel) to another 'second' UL SRS resource set (also a single panel), whereby the 'first' UL SRS resource set and the other 'second' UL SRS resource set will be used for UL TX. The instruction includes the identity of the corresponding DL RS.

[0227] The SRS resources (or resources) in the first UL SRS resource set are different from the SRS resources (or resources) in the second UL SRS resource set. In some examples, there are no overlapping resources among the SRS resources in the first UL SRS resource set and the SRS resources in the second UL SRS resource set. In some examples, the SRS resources in the first UL SRS resource set are different from the SRS resources in the second UL SRS resource set, where at least one overlapping resource exists. As an example of different resources, the first group is associated with DL RS, i.e., DL RS<CSI-RS#7> Then, based on DL measurements, the UE determines a 'better' DL RS that meets the conditions and triggers the event.<CSI-RS#9> It should be understood that this is merely an example to aid in understanding this disclosure.

[0228] Instructions related to performing a handover can be considered as recommendations (or similar) from the UE to the network node.

[0229] In other examples, S618b, S619b, and S620 exist in place of S618a and S619a. In this way, S618b, S619b, and S620 are substitutes for S618a and S619a.

[0230] At S618b, the UE determines that the conditions for the event have been met and are related to the handover from a single panel to multiple panels (i.e., multiple UL SRS resource sets).

[0231] At S619b, the UE provides a request (or indication) to the network node related to performing a switch from a 'first' UL SRS resource set (i.e., single panel) to two 'second' UL SRS resource sets (multi-panel), which will be used for UL TX. The indication includes the identity of the corresponding DL RS.

[0232] The SRS resources in the first UL SRS resource set are different from the SRS resources in the second UL SRS resource set. In some examples, there are no overlapping resources in the SRS resources of the first UL SRS resource set and the SRS resources of the second UL SRS resource set. In some examples, the SRS resources in the first UL SRS resource set are different from the SRS resources of the second UL SRS resource set, where there is at least one overlapping resource.

[0233] At S620, the UE sets its current STxMP state to 'single panel'. In some examples, the UE sets its current STxMP state to 'single panel' in response to receiving an indication (or confirmation) from the network that the request in S519b has been accepted.

[0234] At S621, the network node provides the UE with an indication of a 'new' TCI code dot set for UL (or joint UL-DL). This indication can be provided via DCI. For example, DCI format 1_0 or 2_0.

[0235] At S622, the UE provides the network node with an aperiodic UL SRS for PUSCH. The SRS provided by the UE can be used in association with codebook, non-codebook, and / or antenna switching.

[0236] At S623, the network node provides the UE with authorization for PUSCH via PDCCH (e.g., format 0_1 ​​or 0_2). The network node also provides information related to the use of multiple panels (i.e., multiple UL SRS resource sets) or a single panel (i.e., a single UL SRS resource set) for STxMP. For example, when the UE provides a request at S619a, the network node can provide information related to a single panel, including information for switching to a 'second' UL SRS resource set. Similarly, when the UE provides a request at S619b, the network node can provide information related to multiple panels, including information for switching to two 'second' UL SRS resource sets.

[0237] In other words, based on this request (e.g., S619a, S619b), the network node provides the UE with information including an indication to switch the UL SRS resource set. This indication can be regarded as acceptance of the request (provided by the UE).

[0238] At S624, based on this information (from S623), the UE performs STxMP using a single panel or multiple panels (as indicated in this information).

[0239] It should be understood that in other examples, Figure 6 One or more steps may not be performed, or may be performed in a different order.

[0240] The determination of whether an event condition has been met will be described in more detail below. This determination is made in... Figure 5 S517 and Figure 6 It is shown in S617.

[0241] In some examples, the UE performs at least one measurement on at least one DL reference signal and then compares the at least one measurement with at least one previous measurement. The at least one previous measurement is associated with a measurement previously performed on the downlink reference signal resource. The at least one measurement and the at least one previous measurement are associated with different configurations or different DL RSs. In other words, the UE is performing 'new' measurements and comparing these measurements with 'previous' measurements associated with the current configuration at the UE.

[0242] In some examples, this condition is based on a threshold ratio of the power-related measurement of the first DL RS (e.g., L1-RSRP / L1-SINR) to the power-related measurement of the second DL RS. The condition is satisfied when the power-related measurement of the first DL RS is higher than the power-related measurement of the second DL RS by more than the threshold.

[0243] In some examples, the condition is based on the following: the difference between the highest measured value related to the power of the first DLRS and the lowest measured value related to the measured power of the first DLRS is greater than or less than a threshold difference. The condition is satisfied when this difference is less than (or equal to) the threshold difference.

[0244] The determination of the conditions being met and the subsequent switching between antenna panels will now be described in more detail.

[0245] In some examples, events already configured at the UE are associated with a handover for transmission from a single panel to a multi-panel operation via an uplink channel (e.g., PUSCH and / or PUCCH). In other examples, events already configured at the UE are associated with a handover for transmission from a multi-panel operation to another (different) multi-panel operation via an uplink channel. For events associated with single-panel to multi-panel or multi-panel to multi-panel operations, one or more of the following may apply:

[0246] In some examples, for each of the K 'best' resource pairs, the UE determines whether the conditions for the event are met. For a resource pair, the UE determines that the L1-RSRP or L1-SINR value associated with the DL RS resource measurement (corresponding to the resource pair) is greater than the L1-RSRP or L1-SINR value of the DL RS associated with the indicated TCI state for simultaneous uplink transmission by X dB (e.g., ≥X dB). A 'valid' resource pair is one that has been determined to be suitable for UL transmission.

[0247] In other words, when the measurement associated with a 'candidate' resource pair is higher than a threshold amount compared to the currently configured measurement, the UE determines the candidate resource pair as 'valid'.

[0248] In some examples, the value of X (i.e., the threshold) is related to higher-level parameters configured by the network nodes. ThesholdSwitchS ingletoMultiPanel or ThesholdSwitchMultitoMultiPanel (Depending on the event) Associated. In other examples, the parameter used for the threshold has any other suitable name.

[0249] In some examples, for each of the K 'best' resource pairs, the UE determines whether the conditions for the event are met. For a resource pair or resource set, the resource pair is determined to be valid when the UE determines that the (maximum) power difference between the maximum and minimum values ​​of the L1-RSRP or L1-SINR associated with the DL RS (corresponding to the resource pair) is less than or equal to a threshold difference (e.g., X_range dB) and is higher than or equal to the L1-RSRP or L1-SINR value of the DL RS as a QCL-typeD resource associated with the indicated TCI state for simultaneous uplink transmission (e.g., X dB).

[0250] Candidate resource pairs can be associated with different antenna panels of the UE. The value of the threshold (e.g., X) can be related to higher-layer parameters. TheresholdSwitchSingletoMultiPanel / ThesholdSwitchMultitoMultiPanel The threshold difference value (e.g., X_range) can be correlated with higher-level parameters. PowerDifferenceToSwitchSingleToMultiPan el / PowerDifferenceToSwitchMultiToMultiPanel Associated (depending on the event). Parameters can be configured by the network. In other examples, parameters have any other suitable names.

[0251] Alternatively or additionally, in some examples, the conditions associated with the event may also include a counter for the antenna panel combination. The counter increments until the condition is met. When the counter reaches a network-configured value, the antenna panel is considered valid. After being considered valid, the counter value can be reset to zero. In some examples, the network node may configure the counter as an additional condition for the UE to determine candidate validity.

[0252] Alternatively or additionally, in some examples, the condition may include a counter for a common value, which increments when any of the K best resource pairs satisfies the condition. The antenna panel is considered valid when the counter's value reaches the network configuration value. After the counter reaches the configuration value and the antenna panel is valid, the counter can be reset to zero. Network nodes may configure the (common) counter as an additional condition for the UE to determine candidate validity.

[0253] After the UE has identified at least one 'valid' resource pair, the UE selects the 'best' resource pair from different candidates. In some examples, when a single resource pair is identified as valid, that single resource pair is selected. When the UE selects from multiple valid resource pairs, the 'best' resource pair may be, for example, a resource pair associated with the highest power-related measurement (e.g., the highest L1-RSRP or L1-SINR).

[0254] When the UE has selected a resource pair, the UE sends an indication message to the network node, which recommends switching STxMPPUSCH from single-panel transmission to multi-panel transmission. This indication may include the corresponding identity of the DL RS.

[0255] In some examples, events already configured at the UE are associated with a handover for multi-panel to single-panel operation transmitted via uplink channels (e.g., PUSCH and / or PUCCH). For events associated with multi-panel to single-panel operation, one or more of the following may apply:

[0256] In some examples, for each of the K 'best' resource pairs, the UE determines whether the conditions for an event are met. For a resource pair or resource set, the resource pair is determined to be valid when the UE determines that the L1-RSRP or L1-SINR value associated with the DL RS (corresponding to the resource pair) is greater than (e.g., ≥Y dB) a threshold (e.g., from S507 / S607) for the L1-RSRP or L1-SINR value of the DL RS of the QCL-typeD resource associated with the indicated TCI state for simultaneous uplink transmission. A 'valid' resource pair is one that has been determined to be suitable for UL transmission.

[0257] In other words, when the measurement associated with a 'candidate' resource pair is higher than a threshold amount compared to the currently configured measurement, the UE determines the candidate resource pair as 'valid'.

[0258] In some examples, the value of Y (i.e., the threshold) is related to higher-level parameters configured by the network nodes. ThesholdSwitchM ultitoSinglePanel Related. In other examples, the threshold parameter has any other suitable name.

[0259] Alternatively or additionally, in some examples, the condition associated with the event may also include a counter for the antenna panel assembly. The counter increments until the condition is met. When the counter reaches a network-configured value, the antenna panel is considered valid. After being considered valid, the counter value can be reset to zero. In some examples, the network node may configure the counter as an additional condition for the UE to determine candidate validity.

[0260] Alternatively or additionally, in some examples, the condition may include a counter for a common value, which increments when any of the K best resource pairs satisfies the condition. The antenna panel is considered valid when the counter's value reaches the network configuration value. After the counter reaches the configuration value and the antenna panel is valid, the counter can be reset to zero. Network nodes may configure the (common) counter as an additional condition for the UE to determine candidate validity.

[0261] After the UE has identified at least one 'valid' resource pair, the UE selects the 'best' resource pair from different candidates. In some examples, when a single resource pair is identified as valid, that single resource pair is selected. When the UE selects from multiple valid resource pairs, the 'best' resource pair may be, for example, a resource pair associated with the highest power-related measurement (e.g., the highest L1-RSRP or L1-SINR).

[0262] When the UE has selected a resource pair, the UE sends an indication message to the network node, which recommends switching STxMPPUSCH from multi-panel transmission to single-panel transmission. This indication may include the corresponding identity of the DL RS.

[0263] In some examples, at least one of the threshold or threshold difference is obtained by the UE. For example, the threshold or threshold difference may be determined by the UE, or it may be pre-configured at the UE.

[0264] When the UE is in single-panel transmission mode, the UE continues to determine the (maximum) power difference between the maximum and minimum values ​​of the measured L1-RSRP or measured L1-SINR values ​​associated with the resource pair of DL RS. The resource pair is considered valid when the power difference is less than or equal to a threshold difference (e.g., X_range dB) determined by the UE, and the corresponding L1-RSRP or L1-SINR value is greater than a threshold (e.g., X dB) for the corresponding L1-SRR or L1-SINR value of the DL RS associated with the indicated TCI state for uplink transmission.

[0265] The values ​​of X and X_range can be determined by the UE as the threshold for switching from single-panel transmission to multi-panel transmission and the power difference for switching from single-panel transmission to multi-panel transmission, respectively.

[0266] When the UE is in multi-panel transmission mode, and when the UE determines that the measured L1-RSRP / L1-SINR value associated with the resource pair of DL RS is greater than or equal to (e.g., ≥ Z dB) as a threshold for the corresponding measured L1-RSRP / L1-SINR value of the DL RS associated with the indicated TCI state for simultaneous uplink transmission, the resource pair is considered valid. Here, the value of Z (threshold) can be determined by the UE.

[0267] One or more of the examples described above have the advantage of reducing uplink resource overhead and latency associated with beam reporting. Furthermore, one or more of the examples have the advantage of reducing UL SRS resource overhead and latency.

[0268] Antenna panel switching for event-based reporting achieves these advantages by reducing periodic reporting, which can include known (or identical) information about previously reported instances. Therefore, event-based reporting reduces uplink resource overhead. Furthermore, event-based reporting reduces reporting latency, particularly compared to periodic reporting with long cycles, because a configured event triggers the report after specific triggering conditions are met, enabling faster delivery of DL RS measurement results to the network.

[0269] Figure 7 An example method flow executed by a device is shown. This device can be a communication device. For example, a communication device can be one of the following: a UE, a terminal, a mobile device, or a tablet device.

[0270] In S701, the method includes receiving a configuration from a network node, the configuration including conditions related to switching between UL SRS resource sets to be used for uplink transmissions.

[0271] In S703, the method includes: performing at least one measurement on at least one reference signal;

[0272] In S705, the method includes: determining whether a condition has been met based on at least one measurement.

[0273] In S707, the method includes: based on the determination, sending a request to a network node, the request being related to performing a handover from at least one first UL SRS resource set to at least one second UL SRS resource set, wherein at least one first UL SRS resource set and at least one second UL SRS resource set will be used for uplink transmission, wherein at least one first UL SRS resource set and at least one second UL SRS resource set are different.

[0274] It should be understood that in some examples, one or more additional method steps are included. Figure 7 The method flow is performed by the device. In some examples, the above... Figure 7 One or more method steps may not be executed, or may be executed in a different order.

[0275] Figure 8 An example method flow executed by a device is shown. This device can be a network node. For example, a network node can be one of the following: a base station, a gNB, a core network function, or another network entity.

[0276] In S801, the method includes providing a configuration to a communication device, the configuration including conditions related to switching the communication device between UL SRS resource sets used for uplink transmission.

[0277] In S803, the method includes receiving a request from a communication device, the request relating to performing a switch from at least one first UL SRS resource set to at least one second UL SRS resource set, wherein at least one first UL SRS resource set and at least one second UL SRS resource set will be used for uplink transmission, wherein at least one first UL SRS resource set and at least one second UL SRS resource set are different.

[0278] It should be understood that in some examples, one or more additional method steps are included. Figure 8 The method flow is performed by the device. In some examples, the above... Figure 8 One or more method steps may not be executed, or may be executed in a different order.

[0279] Figure 9 An example method flow executed by a device is shown. This device can be a communication device. For example, the communication device can be a UE, a terminal, a mobile device, or a tablet device.

[0280] In S901, the method includes receiving a configuration from a network node, the configuration including conditions related to switching between UL SRS resource sets to be used for uplink transmissions.

[0281] In S903, the method includes performing at least one measurement on at least one reference signal.

[0282] In S905, the method includes: determining whether a condition has been met based on at least one measurement, wherein the condition is based on at least one of the following: a measurement related to the power of a first set of reference signals is higher than a measurement related to the power of a second set of reference signals by more than a threshold, or the difference between the highest measurement related to the power of the first set of reference signals and the lowest measurement related to the measured power of the first set of reference signals is greater than a threshold difference.

[0283] In S907, the method includes: sending a request to a network node based on the determination, the request being related to performing a handover from at least one first UL SRS resource set to at least one second UL SRS resource set, wherein at least one first UL SRS resource set and at least one second UL SRS resource set will be used for uplink transmission, wherein at least one first UL SRS resource set and at least one second UL SRS resource set are different.

[0284] It should be understood that in some examples, one or more additional method steps are included. Figure 9 The method flow is performed by the device. In some examples, the above... Figure 9 One or more method steps may not be executed, or may be executed in a different order.

[0285] Figure 10A schematic diagram is shown of a non-volatile storage medium 1000a (e.g., Blu-ray Disc (BD), Computer Optical Disc (CD), or Digital Multifunction Optical Disc (DVD)) and 1000b (e.g., flash memory, solid-state memory, Universal Serial Bus (USB) Memory Stick) storing instructions and / or parameters 1002, which, when executed by the processor, allow the processor to perform... Figures 7 to 9 One or more steps of the method.

[0286] It should be noted that although the above describes exemplary embodiments, several changes and modifications can be made to the disclosed solutions without departing from the scope of the invention.

[0287] Therefore, these examples can vary within the scope of the appended claims. Generally, some embodiments may be implemented in hardware or dedicated circuitry, software, logic, or any combination thereof. For example, some aspects may be implemented in hardware, while others may be implemented in firmware or software, which may be executed by a controller, microprocessor, or other computing device, but the embodiments are not limited thereto. While various embodiments may be illustrated and described as block diagrams, flowcharts, or using some other graphical representation, it is well understood that, by way of non-limiting example, the blocks, apparatuses, systems, techniques, or methods described herein may be implemented in hardware, software, firmware, dedicated circuitry or logic, general-purpose hardware or controllers, or other computing devices, or some combination thereof.

[0288] These examples can be implemented by instructions (e.g., computer software) stored in memory and executable by at least one data processor of the entity involved, or by hardware, or by a combination of software and hardware. Furthermore, it should be noted in this regard that any process can represent program steps, or interconnected logic circuits, blocks and functions, or a combination of program steps and logic circuits, blocks and functions. Software can be stored on physical media (such as memory chips, or blocks of memory implemented within a processor), magnetic media (such as hard disks or floppy disks), and optical media (such as DVDs and their data variants, CDs).

[0289] The term “non-transient” as used in this article refers to a limitation on the medium itself (i.e., tangible, not signaling), rather than a limitation on the persistence of data storage (e.g., RAM vs. ROM).

[0290] As used herein, “at least one of the following: ” and “at least one of ” and similar wording (where the list of two or more elements is connected by “and” or “or”) means at least any one of these elements, or at least any two or more of these elements, or at least all of these elements.

[0291] The memory can be of any type suitable for the local technical environment and can be implemented using any suitable data storage technology, such as semiconductor-based memory devices, magnetic memory devices and systems, optical memory devices and systems, fixed memory, and removable memory. As a non-limiting example, the data processor can be of any type suitable for the local technical environment and can include one or more of general-purpose computers, special-purpose computers, microprocessors, digital signal processors (DSPs), application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs), gate-level circuits, and processors based on multi-core processor architectures.

[0292] As used herein, the terms “component for…”, “component for performing operations including…”, “component configured to perform operations including…”, or “component configured to perform…” (or similar terms) can be any component suitable for performing that feature(s). A “component” can be configured to perform one or more of the functions and / or method steps described above. For example, a “component” can include one or more of the following: at least one processor, at least one memory, a transceiver circuit system, an antenna circuit system, etc. It should be understood that these are provided as non-limiting examples.

[0293] Alternatively or additionally, some examples may be implemented using a circuit system. This circuit system may be configured to perform one or more of the previously described functional and / or method steps. This circuit system may be located in a base station and / or communication equipment.

[0294] As used in this application, the term "circuit system" may refer to one or more or all of the following:

[0295] (a) Hardware circuit implementation only (such as implementation using only analog and / or digital circuit systems);

[0296] (b) A combination of hardware circuits and software, such as:

[0297] (i) A combination of (multiple) analog and / or digital hardware circuits and software / firmware, and

[0298] (ii) Any part of a hardware processor (including a digital signal processor), software, and memory (a plurality of processors) having software, which work together to enable a device such as a communication device or base station to perform the various functions described above; and

[0299] (c) (Multiple) hardware circuits and / or (multiple) processors, such as (multiple) microprocessors or a portion thereof, which require software (e.g., firmware) to operate, but may be absent when operation does not require software.

[0300] This definition of a circuit system applies to the use of the term "component" in this application, including in any claim. As another example, as used herein, the term circuit system also covers implementations of hardware circuitry or processors (or processors) or a portion thereof and their accompanying software and / or firmware. The term circuit system also covers, for example, integrated devices. For instance, if applicable to a particular claim element, the term circuit system also covers baseband integrated circuits or processor integrated circuits for mobile devices, or similar integrated circuits in servers, cellular network devices, or other computing or network devices.

[0301] The foregoing description provides a complete and informative description of some embodiments through exemplary and non-limiting examples. However, when read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings and appended claims, various modifications and adaptations will become apparent to those skilled in the art in light of the foregoing description. Nevertheless, all such and similar modifications to the teachings will still fall within the scope defined in the appended claims.

Claims

1. An apparatus comprising: Components for receiving configuration from network nodes, the configuration including conditions related to switching between sets of uplink sounding reference signals (SRS) resources to be used for uplink UL transmissions; A component for performing at least one measurement on at least one reference signal; A component for determining whether the condition has been met based on the at least one measurement; as well as A component for sending a request to the network node based on the determination, the request being related to performing a handover from at least one first UL SRS resource set to at least one second UL SRS resource set, the at least one first UL SRS resource set and the at least one second UL SRS resource set being used for the uplink transmission, wherein the at least one first UL SRS resource set and the at least one second UL SRS resource set are different.

2. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein any one of the following: The at least one first UL SRS resource set includes a single UL SRS resource set, and the at least one second UL SRS resource set includes multiple UL SRS resource sets; The at least one first UL SRS resource set includes multiple UL SRS resource sets, and the at least one second UL SRS resource set includes a single UL SRS resource set; The at least one first UL SRS resource set comprises a single UL SRS resource set, and the at least one second UL SRS resource set comprises a single UL SRS resource set; or The at least one first UL SRS resource set includes multiple UL SRS resource sets, and the at least one second UL SRS resource set includes multiple UL SRS resource sets.

3. The device according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the at least one first UL SRS resource set is associated with at least one antenna panel of the device, and wherein the at least one second UL SRS resource set is associated with at least one other antenna panel of the device.

4. The apparatus according to any preceding claim, wherein the apparatus comprises: Components for providing capability indications to network nodes for event-based antenna panel switching of transmissions using uplink channels.

5. The apparatus of claim 4, wherein the capability is indicated as being associated with either the Physical Uplink Shared Channel (PUSCH) or the Physical Uplink Control Channel (PUCCH), or as a capability for both PUSCH and PUCCH.

6. The apparatus according to any preceding claim, wherein the apparatus comprises: A component for receiving from the network node an indication of switching from the at least one first UL SRS resource set to the at least one second UL SRS resource set for the uplink transmission.

7. The apparatus of claim 6, wherein the apparatus comprises: Components for performing the uplink transmission to the network node based on the at least one second UL SRS resource set.

8. The apparatus of claim 6, wherein the apparatus comprises: Components for performing the uplink transmission to the network node based on the at least one second UL SRS resource set, wherein the uplink transmission being performed is a simultaneous multi-panel transmission.

9. The apparatus according to any preceding claim, wherein the component for performing the at least one measurement on the at least one reference signal comprises: Components for performing the at least one measurement on at least one downlink reference signal resource; as well as A component for comparing the at least one measurement with at least one previous measurement, wherein the at least one previous measurement is associated with a measurement previously performed on a downlink reference signal resource.

10. The apparatus according to any preceding claim, wherein the conditions include: The power-related measurements of the first set of reference signals are higher than the power-related measurements of the second set of reference signals by a threshold value.

11. The apparatus of claim 10, wherein the conditions include: The difference between the highest measured value related to the power of the first set of reference signals and the lowest measured value related to the measured power of the first set of reference signals is less than the threshold difference.

12. The apparatus according to any preceding claim, wherein the component for determining whether the condition has been met based on the at least one measurement comprises: A component for determining, based on the at least one measurement, whether the condition has been met for multiple candidate UL SRS resource sets; as well as A component for selecting at least one second UL SRS resource set from the plurality of candidate UL SRS resource sets whose conditions have been met, wherein the selection is based on the at least one measurement.

13. The apparatus according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the apparatus is a communication device.

14. An apparatus comprising: Components for providing configuration to communication devices, the configuration including conditions related to switching between sets of uplink sounding reference signals (SRS) resources to be used for uplink UL transmissions; as well as A component for receiving a request from the communication device, the request being related to performing a handover from at least one first UL SRS resource set to at least one second UL SRS resource set, the at least one first UL SRS resource set and the at least one second UL SRS resource set being used for the uplink transmission, wherein the at least one first UL SRS resource set and the at least one second UL SRS resource set are different.

15. The apparatus of claim 14, wherein the apparatus comprises: A component for providing the communication device with an indication to switch from the at least one first UL SRS resource set to the at least one second UL SRS resource set based on the request, the first UL SRS resource set and the second UL SRS resource set being used for the uplink transmission.

16. The apparatus according to claim 14 or 15, wherein one of the following: The at least one first UL SRS resource set includes a single UL SRS resource set, and the at least one second UL SRS resource set includes multiple UL SRS resource sets; The at least one first UL SRS resource set includes multiple UL SRS resource sets, and the at least one second UL SRS resource set includes a single UL SRS resource set; The at least one first UL SRS resource set comprises a single UL SRS resource set, and the at least one second UL SRS resource set comprises a single UL SRS resource set; or The at least one first UL SRS resource set includes multiple UL SRS resource sets, and the at least one second UL SRS resource set includes multiple UL SRS resource sets.

17. The apparatus of any one of claims 14 to 16, wherein the at least one first UL SRS resource set is associated with at least one antenna panel of the communication device, and wherein the at least one second UL SRS resource set is associated with at least one other antenna panel of the communication device.

18. The apparatus according to any one of claims 14 to 17, wherein the apparatus comprises: Components for receiving capability indications from the communication device for event-based antenna panel switching of transmissions using the uplink channel.

19. The apparatus according to any one of claims 14 to 18, wherein the apparatus comprises: A component for receiving simultaneous multi-panel transmissions from the communication device based on the at least one second UL SRS resource set.

20. The apparatus according to any one of claims 14 to 19, wherein the apparatus comprises: A component for transmitting at least one downlink reference signal to the communication device.

21. The apparatus according to any one of claims 14 to 20, wherein the apparatus is a network node.

22. A method comprising: Receive configuration from network node, the configuration including conditions related to switching between uplink sounding reference signal (SRS) resource sets to be used for uplink UL transmission; Perform at least one measurement on at least one reference signal; Based on the at least one measurement, determine whether the condition has been met; as well as Based on the determination, a request is sent to the network node, the request being related to performing a handover from at least one first UL SRS resource set to at least one second UL SRS resource set, the at least one first UL SRS resource set and the at least one second UL SRS resource set being used for the uplink transmission, wherein the at least one first UL SRS resource set and the at least one second UL SRS resource set are different.

23. A method comprising: Provide a configuration to the communication device, the configuration including conditions related to the communication device switching between uplink sounding reference signal (SRS) resource sets used for uplink UL transmission; as well as A request is received from the communication device, the request being related to performing a handover from at least one first UL SRS resource set to at least one second UL SRS resource set, the at least one first UL SRS resource set and the at least one second UL SRS resource set being used for the uplink transmission, wherein the at least one first UL SRS resource set and the at least one second UL SRS resource set are different.

24. A computer program comprising instructions that, when executed by a device, cause the device to perform at least the following: Receive configuration from network node, the configuration including conditions related to switching between uplink sounding reference signal (SRS) resource sets to be used for uplink UL transmission; Perform at least one measurement on at least one reference signal; Based on the at least one measurement, determine whether the condition has been met; as well as Based on the determination, a request is sent to the network node, the request being related to performing a handover from at least one first UL SRS resource set to at least one second UL SRS resource set, the at least one first UL SRS resource set and the at least one second UL SRS resource set being used for the uplink transmission, wherein the at least one first UL SRS resource set and the at least one second UL SRS resource set are different.

25. A computer program comprising instructions, which, when executed by a device, cause the device to perform at least: Provide a configuration to the communication device, the configuration including conditions related to the communication device switching between uplink sounding reference signal (SRS) resource sets used for uplink UL transmissions; and A request is received from the communication device, the request being related to performing a handover from at least one first UL SRS resource set to at least one second UL SRS resource set, the at least one first UL SRS resource set and the at least one second UL SRS resource set being used for the uplink transmission, wherein the at least one first UL SRS resource set and the at least one second UL SRS resource set are different.

26. An apparatus comprising at least one processor and at least one memory storing instructions, the instructions, when executed by said at least one processor, causing the apparatus to at least: Receive configuration from network node, the configuration including conditions related to switching between uplink sounding reference signal (SRS) resource sets to be used for uplink UL transmission; Perform at least one measurement on at least one reference signal; Based on the at least one measurement, determine whether the condition has been met; as well as Based on the determination, a request is sent to the network node, the request being related to performing a handover from at least one first UL SRS resource set to at least one second UL SRS resource set, the at least one first UL SRS resource set and the at least one second UL SRS resource set being used for the uplink transmission, wherein the at least one first UL SRS resource set and the at least one second UL SRS resource set are different.

27. An apparatus comprising at least one processor and at least one memory storing instructions, the instructions, when executed by said at least one processor, causing the apparatus to at least: Provide a configuration to the communication device, the configuration including conditions related to the communication device switching between uplink sounding reference signal (SRS) resource sets used for uplink UL transmissions; and A request is received from the communication device, the request being related to performing a handover from at least one first UL SRS resource set to at least one second UL SRS resource set, the at least one first UL SRS resource set and the at least one second UL SRS resource set being used for the uplink transmission, wherein the at least one first UL SRS resource set and the at least one second UL SRS resource set are different.

Images