Enhanced channel estimation in telecommunication systems

Abstract

According to one aspect of the present disclosure, an apparatus is provided, comprising: means for receiving, from a radio network node, configurations for the apparatus to transmit uplink transmissions using at least two different reference signal resource sets, at least two different spatial configurations, or at least two different power control parameter sets; and means for determining a mapping pattern for transmitting uplink transmissions using the at least two different reference signal resource sets, the mapping pattern depending at least on whether joint channel estimation is enabled or disabled for the apparatus; and means for transmitting uplink transmissions using the at least two different reference signal resource sets, the at least two different spatial configurations, or the at least two different power control parameter sets in accordance with the determined mapping pattern.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] Various exemplary embodiments relate generally to telecommunications systems, and more particularly to enabling joint channel estimation. [Background technology]

[0002] Channel estimation may be used to enhance the operation of wireless communication systems. Channel estimation may be used in various cellular communication networks, such as cellular communication networks operating according to 5G radio access technology. 5G radio access technology may also be referred to as New Radio (NR) access technology. The Third Generation Partnership Project (3GPP®) is developing standards for 5G / NR, and one of the topics of discussion within 3GPP® is joint channel estimation. According to this discussion, there is a need to provide enhanced methods, apparatus, and computer programs related to joint channel estimation in cellular communication networks. Such enhancements may also be beneficial in other wireless communication networks, such as future 6G networks. Summary of the Invention

[0003] According to one aspect, there is provided the subject matter of the independent claims. Some exemplary embodiments are defined in the dependent claims.

[0004] The scope of protection sought for various exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure is defined by the independent claims. Any exemplary embodiments and features herein that do not fall within the scope of the independent claims are to be construed as examples useful for understanding various exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0005] According to a first aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided an apparatus comprising: means for receiving, from a radio network node, configurations configuring the apparatus to transmit uplink transmissions using at least two different reference signal resource sets, at least two different spatial configurations, or at least two different power control parameter sets; means for determining a mapping pattern for transmitting uplink transmissions using the at least two different reference signal resource sets, the mapping pattern depending at least on whether joint channel estimation is enabled or disabled for the apparatus; and means for transmitting uplink transmissions using the at least two different reference signal resource sets, the at least two different spatial configurations, or the at least two different power control parameter sets. The apparatus of the first aspect may be user equipment or, in some cases, a control device configured to control its functionality when installed therein.

[0006] Exemplary embodiments of the first aspect may include at least one feature from the following bulleted list, or any combination of the following features: The uplink transmission includes a repetition of the physical uplink shared channel (PUSCH), and the reference signal resource set includes a sounding reference signal (SRS) resource set. · Uplink transmission involves repetition of the Physical Uplink Control Channel (PUCCH). The apparatus further comprises means for determining a mapping pattern for transmitting at least two different reference signal resource sets, at least two different spatial configurations, or at least two different power control parameter sets, depending on at least a duplexing mode configured in the apparatus. · The duplexing mode is either time division duplex (TDD) or frequency division duplex (FDD). The apparatus further comprises means for determining, when joint channel estimation is enabled for the apparatus, that the mapping pattern includes using a first reference signal set, a first spatial setting, or a first power control parameter set on a first set of slots, and using a second reference signal set, a second spatial setting, or a second power control parameter set on a second set of slots, wherein the number of first sets of slots and the number of second sets of slots are greater than two, and the second set of slots follows the first set of slots. The number of the first sets of slots is the same as the number of the second sets of slots, and is equal to the length of one cycle of the TDD pattern if one TDD pattern is configured in the device, or the number of the first sets of slots is equal to the length of one cycle of the first TDD pattern and the number of the second sets of slots is equal to the length of one cycle of the second TDD pattern if two TDD patterns are configured in the device. The number of the first set of slots is the same as the number of the second set of slots and is equal to the number of slots available for uplink transmission in one cycle of the TDD pattern, or the number of the first set of slots is equal to the number of slots available for uplink transmission in one cycle of the first TDD pattern and the number of the second set of slots is equal to the number of slots available for uplink transmission in one cycle of the second TDD pattern when two TDD patterns are configured in the device. The number of first sets of slots is the same as the number of second sets of slots and is equal to the length of the nominal time domain window configured for the device. The number of the first set of slots is the same as the number of the second set of slots and is configured by the radio network node using Radio Resource Control (RRC) signaling. The first set of slots is in a first actual time domain window, and the second set of slots is in a second actual time domain window. The slots in the first set of slots and the second set of slots are consecutive slots. The slots in the first and second set of slots are available for uplink transmission.

[0007] According to a second aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided an apparatus comprising: means for transmitting, to a user equipment (UE), a configuration configuring the UE to transmit uplink transmissions using at least two different reference signal resource sets, at least two different spatial configurations, or at least two different power control parameter sets; means for determining a mapping pattern for reception using one of the at least two different reference signal resource sets, the at least two different spatial configurations, or the at least two different power control parameter sets, where the mapping pattern depends at least on whether joint channel estimation is enabled or disabled for the UE; and means for receiving uplink transmissions using one of the at least two different reference signal resource sets, the at least two different spatial configurations, or the at least two different power control parameter sets according to the determined mapping pattern. The apparatus of the second aspect may be, and in some cases be located in, a control device configured to control a radio network node or its functionality.

[0008] According to a third aspect, a first method is provided, the first method including: an apparatus receiving, from a radio network node, a configuration configuring the apparatus to transmit uplink transmissions using at least two different reference signal resource sets, at least two different spatial configurations, or at least two different power control parameter sets; the apparatus determining a mapping pattern for transmitting using the at least two different reference signal resource sets, at least two different spatial configurations, or at least two different power control parameter sets, the mapping pattern depending at least on whether joint channel estimation is enabled or disabled for the apparatus; and the apparatus transmitting the uplink transmissions using the at least two different reference signal resource sets, at least two different spatial configurations, or at least two different power control parameter sets in accordance with the determined mapping pattern. The first method may be performed by, as the case may be, a user equipment or a control device configured to control functionality thereof.

[0009] According to a fourth aspect, a second method is provided, the second method including: transmitting, to a user equipment (UE), a configuration that configures the UE to transmit uplink transmissions using at least two different reference signal resource sets, at least two different spatial configurations, or at least two different power control parameter sets; determining, by the device, a mapping pattern for receiving using one of the at least two different reference signal resource sets, at least two different spatial configurations, or at least two different power control parameter sets, where the mapping pattern depends at least on whether joint channel estimation is enabled or disabled for the UE; and receiving, by the device, the uplink transmissions using one of the at least two different reference signal resource sets, at least two different spatial configurations, or at least two different power control parameter sets according to the determined mapping pattern. The second method may be performed by (if located within) a controller configured to control a radio network node or its functionality.

[0010] According to a fifth aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided an apparatus comprising at least one processing core and at least one memory including computer program code configured to cause, by the at least one processing core, the apparatus to at least: receive, from a radio network node, configurations configuring the apparatus to transmit uplink transmissions using at least two different reference signal resource sets, at least two different spatial configurations, or at least two different power control parameter sets; determine a mapping pattern for transmitting uplink transmissions using the at least two different reference signal resource sets, at least two different spatial configurations, or at least two different power control parameter sets, wherein the mapping pattern depends at least on whether joint channel estimation is enabled or disabled for the apparatus; and transmit the uplink transmissions using the at least two different reference signal resource sets, at least two different spatial configurations, or at least two different power control parameter sets in accordance with the determined mapping pattern. The apparatus of the fifth aspect may be, and in some cases be located in, a user equipment or a control device configured to control its functionality.

[0011] According to a sixth aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided an apparatus comprising at least one processing core and at least one memory including computer program code, wherein the at least one memory and the computer program code, by the at least one processing core, cause the apparatus to at least: transmit, to a user equipment (UE), a configuration configuring the UE to transmit uplink transmissions using at least two different reference signal resource sets, at least two different spatial configurations, or at least two different power control parameter sets; determine a mapping pattern for receiving using one of the at least two different reference signal resource sets, at least two different spatial configurations, or at least two different power control parameter sets, wherein the mapping pattern depends at least on whether joint channel estimation is enabled or disabled for the UE; and receive uplink transmissions using one of the at least two different reference signal resource sets, at least two different spatial configurations, or at least two different power control parameter sets according to the determined mapping pattern. The apparatus of the second aspect may be, and in some cases be located in, a control device configured to control a radio network node or its functions.

[0012] According to one aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided a non-transitory computer-readable medium having stored thereon a set of computer-readable instructions that, when executed by at least one processor, cause an apparatus to perform at least a first method. According to an eighth aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided a non-transitory computer-readable medium having stored thereon a set of computer-readable instructions that, when executed by at least one processor, cause an apparatus to perform at least a second method.

[0013] According to a seventh aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided a computer program comprising instructions that, when executed by an apparatus, cause the apparatus to perform a first method. According to a tenth aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided a computer program comprising instructions that, when executed by an apparatus, cause the apparatus to perform a second method. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0014] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 illustrates an example network scenario in accordance with at least some example embodiments. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 illustrates an example of PUSCH repetition in accordance with at least some exemplary embodiments. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating an example of determining nTDWs for joint channel estimation, according to at least some exemplary embodiments. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 illustrates an example of aTDWs determination of joint channel estimation according to at least some exemplary embodiments. [Figure 5] FIG. 5 illustrates an example TDD pattern determination in at least some example embodiments. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 illustrates a first example of a periodic and sequential mapping pattern according to at least some example embodiments. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 illustrates a second example of a periodic and sequential mapping pattern, according to at least some example embodiments. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 illustrates a signaling graph in accordance with at least some exemplary embodiments. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 illustrates an exemplary device capable of supporting at least some exemplary embodiments. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 illustrates a first flowchart according to at least some example embodiments. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0015] Channel estimation may be enhanced by the procedures described herein. More specifically, channel estimation may be enhanced by enabling and / or optimizing joint channel estimation. A mapping pattern may be determined for mapping between at least two reference signal resource sets, such as sounding reference signal (SRS) resource sets, depending on whether joint channel estimation is enabled for a device, such as a user equipment (UE). For example, if joint channel estimation is disabled for the device, the mapping pattern may be determined according to a legacy procedure, and the legacy procedure may apply to selecting between a periodic mapping pattern and a sequential mapping pattern. On the other hand, if joint channel estimation is enabled for the device, the mapping pattern may include using a first reference signal configured in a first set of consecutive slots and a second reference signal configured in a second set of consecutive slots. In such a case, the mapping pattern may further depend on a duplexing mode configured for the device.

[0016] 1 illustrates an example network scenario in at least some example embodiments. According to the example scenario of FIG. 1, there may be a beam-based wireless communication system including a UE 110, a radio network node 120, and a core network element 130. The UE 110 may be connected to the wireless network node 120 over the air interface using beams 112 and 114 simultaneously or one at a time.

[0017] UE 110 may comprise, for example, a smartphone, a mobile phone, a machine-to-machine (M2M) node, a machine-type communication (MTC) node, an Internet of Things (IoT) node, a car telemetry unit, a laptop computer, a tablet computer, or indeed any type of suitable wireless terminal. UE 110 in the example system of FIG. 1 may wirelessly communicate with radio network node 120, for example, via beam 112 and / or beam 114. Wireless network node 120 may be considered a serving node for UE 110, and one cell of wireless network node 120 may be considered a serving cell for UE 110.

[0018] The air interface between the UE 110 and the wireless network node 120 may be configured according to a radio access technology (RAT) that both the UE 110 and the wireless network node 120 are configured to support. Examples of cellular RATs include Long Term Evolution (LTE), New Radio (NR) (sometimes also known as fifth generation, 5G, radio access technology, and MultiFire).

[0019] For example, in the context of LTE, the radio network node 120 may be referred to as an eNB, while in the context of NR, the radio network node 120 may be referred to as a gNB. In some exemplary embodiments, the radio network node 120 may be referred to as a transmission / reception point (TRP) or may control multiple TRPs that may be co-located or disparately located. In any event, the exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure are not limited to a particular radio technology. Instead, the exemplary embodiments may be utilized in any wireless communication system in which joint channel estimation is used.

[0020] Wireless network node 120 may be connected to core network 130 via interface 125, either directly or through at least one intermediate node. Core network 130 may in turn be connected to other networks (not shown in FIG. 1 ) via interface 135, through which connections to further networks may occur, for example, via a global interconnection network. Wireless network node 120 may be connected to core network 130 or other core networks, either directly or through at least one intermediate node.

[0021] For example, in Third Generation Partnership Project (3GPP®) Rel-15 / 16, an uplink transport block may be transmitted per uplink (or special) slot via the Physical Uplink Shared Channel (PUSCH). In other words, resource allocation for a single PUSCH transmission may be limited within a slot. Therefore, a feature called PUSCH aggregation (sometimes called PUSCH repetition Type A to avoid confusion with the PUSCH repetition Type B feature introduced in 3GPP® Rel-16 for ultra-reliable and low-latency applications) was first specified in 3GPP® Rel-15 and further enhanced in 3GPP® Rel-16 / 17.

[0022] PUSCH repetition type A may be used to allow the transmission of a transmission block in a slot to be repeated multiple times over K slots. The number of repetitions K may be configured, for example, by the radio network node 120 through radio resource control (RRC) signaling. According to 3GPP Rel-15 / 16, the K slots must be consecutive. The same resource allocation for the PUSCH may apply across K consecutive slots, which means that the same starting symbol S and length L should be applied for each PUSCH in the K consecutive slots. If the number of symbols available for uplink transmission in one of the K consecutive slots is less than L, for example due to overlap with downlink symbols, no PUSCH repetitions are transmitted in that slot. The repetition counter may be updated anyway, in which case the slot will still count towards the K PUSCH repetitions.

[0023] Figure 2 shows an example of PUSCH repetition. More specifically, Figure 2 shows an example of PUSCH repetition for a Type A, K=4, S=5, L=7, DDSUU (10D:2G:2U) time division duplexing (TDD) pattern, for example, in 3GPP (registered trademark) Rel-15 / 16. Because the number of repetitions shown is K=4, four consecutive slots are counted, but because they overlap with downlink slots, repetitions are transmitted in only two of those slots. In Figure 2, the slot type is indicated by 210, and the orthogonal frequency division multiplexing (OFDM) symbol index is indicated by 220.

[0024] Coverage extension of joint channel estimation for the PUSCH and physical uplink control channel (PUCCH) may be utilized to enable a radio network node 120, such as a gNB, to jointly process demodulation reference signals (DM-RSs) from multiple PUSCH or PUCCH transmissions to improve uplink channel estimation performance. Joint channel estimation of the PUSCH and PUCCH is also referred to as DMRS bundling functionality. For joint channel estimation, the UE 110 should be able to ensure power consistency and phase continuity across DM-RS symbols that are going to be used by the radio network node 120 for joint channel estimation. To align understanding between the UE 110 and the radio network node 120 about which DM-RS symbols are bundled, a time-domain window (TDW) may be used to define a time duration during which the UE 110 must maintain power consistency and phase continuity across the DM-RS symbols of a PUSCH or PUCCH transmission.

[0025] Determining the TDW involves two steps. As a first step, one or more nominal TDWs (nTDWs) may be determined. The nTDWs may cover an entire PUSCH repetition, a transport block spanning multiple slots, or a PUCCH repetition. Thus, the radio network node 120 may first configure a nominal window of length L, which may be counted in number of consecutive slots starting from the first slot of a PUSCH or PUCCH transmission. This nTDW may be repeated across the entire PUSCH or PUCCH transmission.

[0026] Figure 3 is a diagram showing an example of determining nTDW in joint channel estimation. The determination of nTDW may be different for different counting methods, as shown in Figure 3. In Figure 3, the slot type is denoted by 210, as in Figure 2. Furthermore, the first nTDW is denoted by 310, and the second nTDW is denoted by 320.

[0027] The counting method of PUSCH repetitions may be based on consecutive slots, in which case the nTDWs may always be back-to-back. On the other hand, if the counting method of PUSCH repetitions is based on empty slots, in the case of a transport block transmission spanning multiple slots, or in the case of PUCCH repetitions, these may all be counted into empty slots, and the next nTDW may be determined based on the empty slots. More specifically, the start of the next nTDW in this case may be the first available slot immediately after the last slot of the previous nTDW. The length L is configured using RRC signaling and has a maximum value L max The value L may not be greater than max may be subject to the capabilities of the UE 110. If the value L is not set, the value L max and the time duration in consecutive slots of all PUSCH or PUCCH transmissions.

[0028] As a second step, one or more actual TDWs, aTDWs, may be determined within each nTDW. The rationale for this step is that although multiple nTDWs cover the entire duration of a PUSCH transmission or PUCCH repetition, some event may occur that breaks the power consistency and phase continuity within each nTDW. Therefore, if such an event occurs, the nTDW may be fragmented into multiple aTDWs, and the UE 110 only needs to maintain power consistency and phase continuity within each aTDW.

[0029] 4 is a diagram illustrating an example of aTDW determination for joint channel estimation. More specifically, the aTDW may be determined as follows, as shown in FIG. 4. In FIG. 4, the nTDW is denoted by 310 as in FIG. 3, and the aTDWs for successive symbols are denoted by 410, the first aTDW by 420, and the second aTDW by 430.

[0030] If there is no event, the aTDW may be approximately equal to the nTDW, except that the aTDW may be counted in symbols instead of slots. More specifically, the start of the first aTDW may be the first symbol of the first PUSCH or PUCCH transmission within the nTDW, and the end of the last aTDW may be the last symbol of the last PUSCH or PUCCH transmission within the nTDW. However, if there is an event, the end of one aTDW may be the last symbol of the PUSCH or PUCCH transmission before the event, and the start of the subsequent aTDW may be the first symbol of the PUSCH or PUCCH transmission after the event.

[0031] For example, as defined in section 6.1.7 of 3GPP TS 38.214 Rel-17, events that violate power integrity and phase continuity consist of at least the following: · In two consecutive PUSCH transmissions of PUSCH repetition type A or PUSCH repetition type B according to 3GPP TS 38.214, item 6.1.2.1, if two SRS resource sets are set to srs-ResourceSetToAddModList or srs-ResourceSetToAddModListDCI-0-2 and the upper layer parameter utilization of SRS-ResourceSet is set to "codebook" or "non-codebook", different SRS resource set associations are used for the two PUSCH transmissions of PUSCH repetition type A or PUSCH repetition type B according to item 6. For any two consecutive PUCCH transmissions of a PUCCH repetition, and if the PUCCH resources used for the repetition of PUCCH transmission by the UE 110 include a first and a second spatial relationship or a first and a second set of power control parameters as described in clause 7.2.1 of 3GPP® TS 38.321 and 3GPP® TS 38.213, different spatial relationships or different power control parameters may be used for the two PUCCH transmissions of the PUCCH repetition according to clause 9.2.6 of 3GPP® TS 38.213.

[0032] For example, for a TDD configuration in 5G NR, the uplink / downlink transmission pattern may be configured by the tdd-UL-DLConfigurationCommon broadcast as part of the System Information Block (SIB1). This uplink / downlink pattern may be further refined by the tdd-UL-DLConfigurationDedicated configuration. The tdd-UL-DLConfigurationCommon may be used to configure up to two patterns (Pattern 1 and Pattern 2), each of which includes parameters such as the reference subcarrier spacing, nr_ofDownlinkSlots, nr_ofDownlinkSymbols, nr_ofUplinkSymbols, and dl-UL-TransmissionPeriodicity in ms, which can be converted to slot numbers using nr_ofUplinkSlots.

[0033] 5 illustrates an example TDD pattern determination in at least some example embodiments. In FIG. 5, nrfUplinkSymbols is indicated at 510, nrfDownlinkSlots is indicated at 520, nrfUplinkSlots is indicated at 530, nrfDownlinkSymbols is indicated at 540, and dl-UL-TransmissionPeriodicity is indicated at 550.

[0034] In the example of Figure 5, parameters may be set in tdd-UL-DL-ConfigurationCommon for one pattern for TDD pattern determination, where D, F, and U represent downlink, flexible, and uplink slots / symbols, respectively. If two patterns are set (i.e., both Pattern 1 and Pattern 2 are included in tdd-UL-DL-ConfigurationCommon), the second pattern may follow the first, and the set of patterns may be repeated with a period equal to the sum of the dl-UL-TransmissionPeriodicity parameters set for Pattern 1 and Pattern 2.

[0035] In 3GPP Rel-17, a multiple-TRP (m-TRP) feature may be introduced to provide the possibility of transmitting different PUSCH repetitions towards different TRPs. The transmission of different PUSCH repetitions towards different TRPs may be supported by configuring two SRS resource sets, which may correspond to the two TRPs, and the repetitions towards each TRP may follow the SRS resource set associated with that TRP.

[0036] Currently, Section 6.1.2.1 of 3GPP® TS 38.214 only specifies the mapping between SRS resource sets and PUSCH repetitions for Rel-15 / 16 PUSCH repetition type A, where the repetitions are counted in consecutive slots. Such mapping does not take into account the 3GPP® Rel-17 coverage extensions, which include at least the joint channel estimation functionality, which is also applicable to Rel-15 / 16 PUSCH repetition type A.

[0037] For example, if the SRS resource set indicator field of the downlink control information (DCI) indicates codepoint "10" or "11," i.e., if two SRS resource sets are used for mapping, cyclic or sequential mapping of the SRS resource sets may be applied to K consecutive slots, where K is the number of repetitions. Mapping may be performed for all K consecutive slots, but only uplink (or special) slots with sufficient valid uplink symbols may be used for PUSCH repetition. Furthermore, the use of different SRS resource sets between two consecutive PUSCH / PUCCH transmissions may also be considered an event that violates the power consistency and phase continuity of joint channel estimation between the two PUSCH / PUCCH transmissions. Therefore, legacy cyclic and sequential mapping of SRS resource sets is not optimal for joint channel estimation. When available, both m-TRP and joint channel estimation features for PUSCH repetition type A can be useful for coverage extension, especially when used together.

[0038] 6 illustrates an example of periodic and sequential mapping in at least some example embodiments. In FIG. 6, the slot type / format is indicated at 210, as in FIG. 2, and the SRS resource set index is indicated at 610.

[0039] 6 illustrates an example of the use of legacy cyclic and sequential mapping of SRS resource sets in 3GPP Rel-15 / 16 PUSCH recurrence type A, assuming K=16, S=5, L=7, and a DDSUU (10D:2G:2U) TDD pattern. As shown, in both cyclic and sequential mapping, there may be cases where back-to-back uplink slots are mapped with different SRS resource sets, and in such cases, joint channel estimation cannot be applied to PUSCH transmissions in these slots.

[0040] 7 illustrates a second example of periodic and sequential mapping in accordance with at least some example embodiments. In FIG. 7, the slot type / format is indicated by 210, as in FIG. 2, and the SRS resource set index is indicated by 610, as in FIG. 6.

[0041] As shown in FIG. 7, legacy cyclic and sequential mapping of SRS resource sets can also have problems when used with joint channel estimation in frequency division duplexing (FDD). In FDD, given that consecutive uplink slots are not interrupted by downlink slots, downlink transmission, or monitoring, it is likely that aTDW equals nTDW. However, as shown in FIG. 7, with cyclic mapping in FDD, consecutive PUSCHs may be mapped with different SRS resource sets, so joint channel estimation may not apply to any pair of consecutive PUSCHs. Also, with sequential mapping in FDD, the maximum aTDW length is 2, regardless of the nTDW length (which may be configured to be equal to the maximum slot bundling capability reported by the UE 110).

[0042] The above-mentioned problem can also be applied to PUCCH repetitions, and the mapping of PUCCH repetitions to m-TRPs may be realized by mapping different spatial configurations or different sets of power control parameters to different PUCCH repetitions. For example, cyclic mapping and sequential mapping are applied to PUCCH mapping in 3GPP Rel-17. However, unlike the mapping of PUSCH repetitions in consecutive slots, the mapping of PUCCH repetitions may be performed in slots available for uplink transmission.

[0043] Therefore, example embodiments of the present disclosure address the above-mentioned challenges and provide a mapping scheme for mapping reference signal resource sets, such as SRS resource sets, or spatial configurations, or power control parameter sets, to uplink transmissions, such as PUSCH repetitions or PUCCH repetitions or slots. Example embodiments of the present disclosure may be utilized, for example, for m-TRP PUSCH repetitions Type A or m-TRP PUCCH repetitions, to enable and / or optimize joint channel estimation across the PUSCH repetitions or PUCCH repetitions corresponding to each TRP.

[0044] In some exemplary embodiments, UE 110 may determine a mapping approach, i.e., a mapping pattern, for mapping between at least two reference signal resource sets, such as SRS resource sets, and K consecutive slots (where K is the number of uplink transmissions, such as repetitions for PUSCH repetition type A), or for mapping between at least two spatial configurations or at least two power control parameter sets and K slots available for uplink transmission (where K is the number of uplink transmissions, such as repetitions for PUCCH repetitions). The decision regarding the mapping pattern may be based on at least one of the following factors: · Enable / disable joint channel estimation, Duplex mode (TDD or FDD), and RRC parameters (this factor may be added for completeness).

[0045] If it is determined that the joint channel estimation function is enabled for the UE 110, the mapping pattern between the at least two reference signal resource sets or the at least two spatial configurations or the at least two power control parameter sets and the K slots may be one of the following options: · Option 1 (Mapping pattern related to TDD pattern): The first and second reference signal resource sets can be applied to a set of N1 consecutive first slots and N2 subsequent second sets of K consecutive slots, respectively, similar to the SRS resource set. That is, when joint channel estimation is enabled (enabled) for UE110, UE110 can determine that the mapping pattern includes using the first reference signal set on a set of consecutive first slots and using the second reference signal set on a second set of K consecutive slots or a second set of K consecutive slots available for uplink transmission. Generally, the number of sets of consecutive first slots and the number of sets of consecutive second slots are greater than 2, and the set of consecutive second slots follows the set of consecutive first slots. Next, the same reference signal resource set mapping pattern can continue up to the remaining slots of the K consecutive slots, where N1 = N2 < K can be the length of one cycle of the TDD pattern (e.g., in the case of DDSUU, N = 5) when one pattern is configured. Therefore, the number of sets of consecutive first slots can be the same as the number of sets of consecutive second slots and equal to the length of one cycle of the TDD pattern when one TDD pattern is configured for UE110. Alternatively, N1 < K, and N2 < K can be the lengths of the first cycle and the second cycle of the TDD pattern, respectively, when two patterns are configured. In such a case, when two TDD patterns are set for UE110, the number of sets of consecutive first slots is equal to the length of the first period of the TDD pattern, and the number of sets of consecutive second slots is equal to the length of the second period of the TDD pattern. · Option 1a (Mapping pattern related to the TDD pattern in the case of the available slot count for repetition of PUCCH or PUSCH): The first and second reference signal resource sets such as the SRS resource set, or the first and second spatial settings, or the first and second power control parameter sets can be applied to a set of N1 consecutive first slots of K slots available for uplink transmission and a subsequent set of N2 consecutive second slots respectively. That is, when joint channel estimation is enabled (enabled) for UE110, UE110 can determine that the mapping pattern includes using the first reference signal set or the first spatial setting or the first power control parameter set for a set of consecutive first slots among the K slots available for uplink transmission, and using the second reference signal set or the second spatial setting or the second power control parameter set for a set of consecutive second slots among the K slots available for uplink transmission. Generally, the number of sets of consecutive first slots and the number of sets of consecutive second slots among the K slots available for uplink transmission are greater than 2, and the set of consecutive second slots follows the set of consecutive first slots. Next, the same reference signal resource set or spatial setting or power control parameter set mapping pattern can continue until the remaining slots among the K slots available for uplink transmission, where N1 = N2 < K may be the number of slots available for uplink transmission in one cycle of the TDD pattern (for example, N = 3 in the case of DSUUU, and N = 3 in the case of DDSUU when the S slot is also available for uplink transmission). Therefore, the number of sets of consecutive first slots may be the same as the number of sets of consecutive second slots, and when one TDD pattern is set for UE110, it is equal to the number of slots available for uplink transmission in one cycle of the TDD pattern.Alternatively, when N1 < K and N2 < K form two patterns, they may be the number of slots available for uplink transmission in one cycle of the first TDD pattern and the number of slots available for uplink transmission in one cycle of the second TDD pattern, respectively. In such a case, the number of sets of consecutive first slots is equal to the number of slots available for uplink transmission in one cycle of the first TDD pattern when two TDD patterns are set for UE110, and the number of sets of consecutive second slots is equal to the number of slots available for uplink transmission in one cycle of the second TDD pattern. · Option 2 (The mapping pattern related to the length of nTDW is applicable to both TDD and FDD): The first and second reference signal resource sets, such as SRS resource sets, or the first and second spatial settings, or the first and second power control parameter sets may be applied to N sets of consecutive first slots followed by N sets of consecutive second slots of K consecutive slots or K slots available for uplink transmission. The same reference signal resource set or spatial setting or power control parameter set mapping pattern may continue to the remaining slots of K consecutive slots or K slots available for uplink transmission, and N < K is the length of nTDW. Therefore, the number of sets of consecutive first slots may be the same as the number of sets of consecutive second slots and equal to the length of nTDW set for UE110. · Option 3 (The mapping pattern related to the sequentially mapped window set configured by RRC is applicable to both TDD and FDD): The first and second reference signal resource sets, such as SRS resource sets, or the first and second spatial settings, or the first and second power control parameter sets, can each be applied to a set of N consecutive first slots, followed by a set of N consecutive second slots of K consecutive slots or K slots available for uplink transmission. The same reference signal resource set or spatial setting or power control parameter set mapping pattern may continue to the remaining slots of the K consecutive slots or K slots available for uplink transmission, and N < K may be configured by RRC signaling. Thus, the number of sets of consecutive first slots may be the same as the number of sets of consecutive second slots, and is configured by the radio network node 120 using RRC signaling. Option 4 (the mapping pattern related to the length of the aTDW is applicable to both TDD and FDD): First and second reference signal resource sets, such as SRS resource sets, or first and second spatial configurations, or first and second power control parameter sets, may be applied to consecutive slots or slots available for uplink transmission within the first aTDW and consecutive slots or slots available for uplink transmission within the second aTDW, respectively. That is, the first set of consecutive slots or slots available for uplink transmission may be within the first aTDW, and the second set of consecutive slots or slots available for uplink transmission may be within the second aTDW. The same reference signal resource set, spatial configuration, or power control parameter set mapping pattern may continue for the remaining aTDWs within the K consecutive slots or K slots available for uplink transmission, and the aTDWs may be determined without considering the mapping of the reference signal resource sets, spatial configurations, or power control parameter sets. In other words, this option allows UE 110 to apply a different reference signal resource set or spatial configuration or power control parameter set after each event within the nTDW.

[0046] When the joint channel estimation function is disabled for UE 110, the mapping pattern between at least two reference signal resource sets, such as an SRS resource set, and the K consecutive slots may consider a legacy sequential mapping pattern or a cyclic mapping pattern configured by RRC signaling. That is, when joint channel estimation is disabled for UE 110, UE 110 may determine that the mapping pattern is a cyclic mapping pattern or a sequential mapping pattern.

[0047] 8 illustrates a signaling graph according to at least some example embodiments. The vertical axis depicts, from left to right, UE 110 and wireless network node 120. Time progresses from top to bottom.

[0048] In step 810, a wireless network node 120, such as a gNB, may configure a duplexing mode, such as TDD or FDD, for the UE 110 and enable or disable joint channel estimation for the UE 110. In step 820, the radio network node 120 may schedule uplink transmissions, such as PUSCH repetition type A transmissions, on different reference signal resource sets, such as an SRS resource set. That is, the radio network node may transmit a configuration in step 820 that configures the UE 110 to transmit the uplink transmissions using at least two different reference signal resource sets.

[0049] At step 830, UE 110 may determine a mapping pattern for transmitting using at least two different reference signal resource sets, where the mapping pattern may depend at least on whether joint channel estimation is enabled or disabled for UE 110. For example, UE 110 may determine a mapping pattern for mapping between at least two SRS resource sets and K consecutive slots, where K is the number of repetitions of PUSCH repetition type A.

[0050] The determination at step 830 may be performed by UE 110 as follows: If joint channel estimation is disabled for UE 110, UE 110 may decide to apply a legacy procedure for selecting between legacy cyclic mapping and sequential mapping.

[0051] On one hand, when joint channel estimation is valid for UE110 and the configured duplex mode for UE110 is TDD, Option 1 may be selected. For example, the first and second SRS resource sets may be applied to a set of N1 consecutive first slots of K consecutive slots and a subsequent set of N2 consecutive second slots, respectively. The same SRS resource set mapping pattern may continue for the remaining slots of the K consecutive slots. N1 = N2 < K may be the length of one cycle of the TDD pattern when one pattern is configured, and N1 < K and N2 < K may be the lengths of the first cycle and the second cycle of the TDD pattern, respectively, when two patterns are configured.

[0052] Otherwise, when joint channel estimation is valid for UE110 and the configured duplex mode for UE110 is FDD, Option 2 may be selected. For example, the first and second SRS resource sets may be applied to a set of N consecutive first slots and a subsequent set of N consecutive second slots of K consecutive slots, respectively. The same SRS resource set mapping pattern may continue for the remaining slots of the K consecutive slots, where N < K may be the length of nTDW or may be configured / indicated separately using RRC signaling in some cases. The radio network node 120 can determine a mapping pattern for receiving in a similar manner on at least two SRS resource sets.

[0053] UE 110 may apply the determined mapping pattern and transmit accordingly in step 840. That is, UE 110 may transmit uplink transmissions using at least two different reference signal resource sets in accordance with the determined mapping pattern in step 840. For example, UE 110 may transmit PUSCH repetition type A in which the determined mapping pattern is any of option 1 to option 4 when joint channel estimation is enabled.

[0054] FIG. 9 illustrates an example apparatus capable of supporting at least some example embodiments. Illustrated is a device 900, which may comprise, for example, a UE 110 or a wireless network node 120, or possibly a control device configured to control its functions when located therein. Configured in device 900 is a processor 910, which may include, for example, a single-core processor or a multi-core processor, where a single-core processor comprises one processing core and a multi-core processor comprises one or more processing cores. Processor 910 may generally comprise a controller. Processor 910 may include multiple processors. Processor 910 may also be a controller. The processing core may comprise, for example, a Cortex-A8 processing core manufactured by ARM Holdings, Inc. or a Steamroller processing core manufactured by Advanced Micro Devices, Inc. Processor 910 may comprise at least one Qualcomm Snapdragon and / or Intel Atom processor. Processor 910 may comprise at least one application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC). The processor 910 may be configured with at least one field programmable gate array (FPGA). The processor 910 may be a means for performing the method steps of the device 900. The processor 910 may be configured to perform operations, at least in part, by computer instructions.

[0055] A processor may include circuitry or may be configured as a circuit or circuitry configured to perform phases of a method in an exemplary embodiment in this example. As used herein, the term "circuitry" may refer to one or more or all of the following: (a) a hardware-only circuit implementation, such as an implementation in only analog and / or digital circuitry, and (b) a combination of hardware circuitry and software, as applicable: (i) a combination of analog and / or digital hardware circuit(s) and software / firmware, and (ii) any portion of hardware processor(s) and software (including digital signal processor(s)), software, and memory(s) that cooperate to cause a device, such as a mobile phone or server, to perform various functions; and (c) hardware circuit(s) and / or processor(s), e.g., microprocessor(s) or portions of microprocessor(s), that require software (e.g., firmware) but may not be present if software is not necessary for operation.

[0056] This definition of circuit applies to all uses of the term in this application, including any claims. As a further example, as used herein, the term circuit also covers simply a hardware circuit or processor (or processors) or portion of a hardware circuit or processor and its (or their) accompanying software and / or firmware implementation. The term circuit also covers, for example, a baseband or processor integrated circuit for a mobile device, or a similar integrated circuit in a server, cellular network device, or other computing or network device, if applicable to the particular claim element.

[0057] The device 900 may include a memory 920. The memory 920 may be comprised of random access memory and / or permanent memory. The memory 920 may be comprised of at least one RAM chip. The memory 920 may be comprised of, for example, solid-state memory, magnetic memory, optical memory, and / or holographic memory. The memory 920 may be at least partially accessible to the processor 910. The memory 920 may be at least partially comprised within the processor 910. The memory 920 may be a means for storing information. The memory 920 may include computer instructions configured to cause the processor 910 to execute. When computer instructions configured to cause the processor 910 to perform a particular operation are stored in the memory 920 and the entire device 900 is configured to run under the direction of the processor 910 using the computer instructions from the memory 920, the processor 910 and / or at least one processing core thereof may be considered to be configured to perform the particular operation. The memory 920 may be at least partially comprised in the processor 910. The memory 920 may be at least partially external to the device 900 but accessible to the device 900 .

[0058] Device 900 may include a transmitter 930. Device 900 may include a receiver 940. Transmitter 930 and receiver 940 may be configured to transmit and receive information, respectively, according to at least one cellular or non-cellular standard. Transmitter 930 may be comprised of one or more transmitters. Receiver 940 may be comprised of multiple receivers. Transmitter 930 and / or receiver 940 may be configured to operate according to, for example, Global System for Mobile Communications (GSM), Wideband Code Division Multiple Access (WCDMA), Long Term Evolution (LTE), and / or 5G / NR standards.

[0059] Device 900 may include a near field communication (NFC) transceiver 950. NFC transceiver 950 may support at least one NFC technology, such as Bluetooth, Wibree, or a similar technology.

[0060] User device 900 may include a user interface (UI) 960. UI 960 may include at least one of a display, a keyboard, a touchscreen, a vibrator positioned to send signals to the user by vibrating device 900, a speaker, and a microphone. A user may operate device 900 through UI 960, for example, to accept incoming calls, make phone or video calls, browse the Internet, manage digital files stored in memory 920 or on the cloud accessible via transmitter 930 and receiver 940 or via NFC transceiver 950, and / or play games.

[0061] User equipment 900 includes or is arranged to accept a user ID module 970. User ID module 970 may comprise, for example, a subscriber identity module (SIM) card attachable to device 900. User ID module 970 may comprise information identifying a subscription of a user of equipment 900. User ID module 970 may include cryptographic information usable to verify the identity of the user of device 900 and / or to facilitate encryption of communicated information and billing of the user of device 900 for communications made via device 900.

[0062] The processor 910 may comprise a transmitter arranged to output information from the processor 910 to other devices configured in the device 900 via electrical leads within the device 900. Such a transmitter may comprise, for example, a serial bus transmitter arranged to output information via at least one electrical lead to the memory 920 for storage therein. Alternatively to a serial bus, the transmitter may comprise a parallel bus transmitter. Similarly, the processor 910 may comprise a receiver arranged to receive information within the processor 910 from other devices configured in the device 900 via electrical leads within the device 900. Such a receiver may comprise, for example, a serial bus receiver arranged to receive information via at least one electrical lead from the receiver 940 for processing in the processor 910. Alternatively to a serial bus, the receiver may comprise a parallel bus receiver.

[0063] Device 900 may include additional devices not shown in FIG. 9 . For example, if device 900 constitutes a smartphone, it may constitute at least one digital camera. Some devices 900 may include a rear camera and a front camera, where the rear camera may be for digital photography and the front camera for video calling. Device 900 may include, at least in part, a fingerprint sensor positioned to authenticate a user of device 900. Some devices 900 in exemplary embodiments lack at least one of the above-mentioned devices. For example, some devices 900 may lack NFC transceiver 950 and / or user ID module 970.

[0064] The processor 910, memory 920, transmitter 930, receiver 940, NFC transceiver 950, UI 960, and / or user ID module 970 may be interconnected by electrical leads internal to device 900 in a number of different ways. For example, each of the aforementioned devices may be individually connected to a master bus internal to device 900 so that the devices can exchange information. However, those skilled in the art will appreciate that this is only one example, and that example embodiments may select various methods of interconnecting at least two of the aforementioned devices without departing from the scope of the example embodiments.

[0065] 10 is a flowchart of a first method according to at least some example embodiments. The device of the first method may be UE 110 or, in some cases, a controller configured to control the functionality when installed therein. That is, the steps of the first method may be performed by UE 110 or, in some cases, by a controller configured to control the functionality when installed therein.

[0066] The first method may include, in step 1010, an apparatus receiving, from a radio network node, configuration configuring the apparatus to transmit uplink transmissions using at least two different reference signal resource sets, at least two different spatial configurations, or at least two different power control parameter sets. The first method may also include, in step 1020, the apparatus determining a mapping pattern for transmitting using the at least two different reference signal resource sets, at least two different spatial configurations, or at least two different power control parameter sets, wherein the mapping pattern depends at least on whether joint channel estimation is enabled or disabled for the apparatus. Finally, the first method may include, in step 1030, transmitting, by the apparatus, the uplink transmissions using the at least two different reference signal resource sets, at least two different spatial configurations, or at least two different power control parameter sets in accordance with the determined mapping pattern.

[0067] It is to be understood that the disclosed exemplary embodiments are not limited to the particular structures, process steps, or materials disclosed in the examples, but extend to equivalents thereof that would be recognized by one of ordinary skill in the relevant art. It is also to be understood that the terminology used in the examples is used only for the purpose of describing particular exemplary embodiments, and is not intended to be limiting.

[0068] Reference throughout this specification to an exemplary embodiment or exemplary embodiments means that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with the exemplary embodiment is included in at least one exemplary embodiment. Thus, the appearance of the phrase "in one exemplary embodiment" or "in an exemplary embodiment" in various places throughout this specification does not necessarily all refer to the same exemplary embodiment. When referring to a numerical value in this example using terms such as "about," "substantially," etc., the exact numerical value is also disclosed.

[0069] In this specification, multiple items, structural elements, components, and / or materials may be presented in a common list for convenience. However, these lists should be construed as if each member of the list were a separate and uniquely identified member. Accordingly, individual members of such lists should not be construed as de facto equivalents of other members of the same list solely based on their presentation in a common group, absent a contrary indication. Furthermore, various exemplary embodiments and examples may be referenced in this example, along with alternatives for their various components. It is understood that such exemplary embodiments, examples, and alternatives are not construed as de facto equivalents of each other, but are considered separate and autonomous representations.

[0070] In an exemplary embodiment, a device such as, for example, a UE 110 or a radio network node 120 may constitute a means for implementing the above-described exemplary embodiments and any combination thereof.

[0071] In an exemplary embodiment, a computer program may be configured to cause the computer to perform the method in the above-described exemplary embodiments and any combination thereof. In an exemplary embodiment, a computer program product embodied on a non-transitory computer-readable medium may be configured to control a processor to perform a process including the above-described exemplary embodiments and any combination thereof.

[0072] In an exemplary embodiment, an apparatus, such as, for example, a UE 110 or a radio network node 120, may comprise at least one processor and at least one memory containing computer program code, the at least one memory and the computer program code, together with the at least one processor, configured to cause the apparatus to perform at least the above-described exemplary embodiments and any combination thereof.

[0073] Furthermore, the described features, structures, or characteristics may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more exemplary embodiments. In the preceding description, numerous specific details, such as examples of length, width, shape, etc., are provided to provide a thorough understanding of exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure. However, one skilled in the relevant art will recognize that the present disclosure can be practiced without one or more specific details, or with other methods, components, materials, etc. In other aspects, well-known structures, materials, or operations are not shown or described in detail to avoid obscuring aspects of the present disclosure.

[0074] While the foregoing examples illustrate the principles of exemplary embodiments in one or more particular applications, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that numerous changes in form, use, and details of implementation can be made without the exercise of inventive faculty and without departing from the principles and concepts of the present disclosure. Accordingly, the present disclosure is not intended to be limited except as by the scope of the claims set forth below.

[0075] In this specification, the verbs "comprise" and "include" are used as open limitations that do not exclude or require the presence of any unrecited features. Features recited in the claims may be freely combined with one another unless otherwise expressly stated. Furthermore, it should be understood that the use of "a" or "an" throughout this specification does not exclude the plural. [Industrial Applicability]

[0076] Industrial applications of at least some exemplary embodiments are found in cellular communication networks, such as 3GPP® networks, where joint channel estimation is used.

[0077] Terminology List 3GPP (registered trademark) 3rd Generation Partnership Project aTDW Actual TDW DCI Downlink Control Information DM-RS demodulation reference signal FDD Frequency Division Duplex GSM Global System for Mobile Communications IoT Internet of Things LTE Long Term Evolution M2M machine to machine m-TRP multiple TRP NFC Near Field Communication NLOS Non-Line of Sight nTDW Nominal TDW OFDM Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiplexing PUCCH Physical Uplink Control Channel PUSCH Physical Uplink Shared Channel RAN Radio Access Network RAT Radio Access Technology RRC Radio Resource Control SIB System Information Block SRS Sounding Reference Signal TDD time division duplex TDW Time Domain Window TRP Transmitting / Receiving Point UE User Equipment UI User Interface WCDMA (registered trademark) Wideband Code Division Multiple Access Global Interoperability for WiMAX Microwave Access WLAN Wireless Local Area Network

[0078] List of Reference Numbers [Table 1]

Claims

1. 1. An apparatus comprising: means for receiving, from a radio network node, a configuration that configures the apparatus to transmit uplink transmissions using at least two different reference signal resource sets, at least two different spatial configurations, or at least two different power control parameter sets; means for determining a mapping pattern for transmitting the uplink transmission using the at least two different reference signal resource sets, the at least two different spatial configurations, or the at least two different power control parameter sets, wherein the mapping pattern depends at least on whether joint channel estimation is enabled or disabled for the apparatus; and means for transmitting the uplink transmission using the at least two different reference signal resource sets, the at least two different spatial configurations, or the at least two different power control parameter sets in accordance with the determined mapping pattern; An apparatus comprising:

2. 2. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the uplink transmission comprises a repetition of a physical uplink shared channel (PUSCH) and the reference signal resource set comprises a sounding reference signal (SRS) resource set.

3. The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the uplink transmission comprises a repetition of a physical uplink control channel (PUCCH).

4. means for determining the mapping pattern for transmitting the at least two different reference signal resource sets, the at least two different spatial configurations, or the at least two different power control parameter sets depending on at least a duplexing mode configured in the device; The apparatus of claim 1 , further comprising:

5. The apparatus of claim 4 , wherein the duplexing mode is time division duplexing (TDD) or frequency division duplexing (FDD).

6. means for determining, when the joint channel estimation is enabled for the apparatus, that the mapping pattern includes using a first reference signal set, a first spatial setting, or a first power control parameter set for a first set of slots, and using a second reference signal set, a second spatial setting, or a second power control parameter set for a second set of slots, wherein the number of the first sets of slots and the number of the second sets of slots are greater than two, and the second set of slots follows the first set of slots; The apparatus of claim 1 , further comprising:

7. the number of the first sets of slots is the same as the number of the second sets of slots and is equal to the length of one cycle of the TDD pattern; the number of the first set of slots is equal to the length of one cycle of a first TDD pattern, and the number of the second set of slots is equal to the length of one cycle of a second TDD pattern if two TDD patterns are configured in the device; 7. The apparatus of claim 6.

8. the number of the first sets of slots is the same as the number of the second sets of slots, and is equal to the number of slots available for uplink transmission in one cycle of a TDD pattern; the number of the first set of slots is equal to the number of slots available for uplink transmission in one cycle of a first TDD pattern, and the number of the second set of slots is equal to the number of slots available for uplink transmission in one cycle of a second TDD pattern if the device is configured with two TDD patterns; 7. The apparatus of claim 6.

9. the number of the first sets of slots is the same as the number of the second sets of slots and is equal to the length of a nominal time domain window configured for the device; 7. The apparatus of claim 6.

10. the number of the first sets of slots is the same as the number of the second sets of slots and is configured by the radio network node using Radio Resource Control (RRC) signaling; 7. The apparatus of claim 6.

11. the first set of slots is within a first actual time domain window and the second set of slots is within a second actual time domain window.

7. The apparatus of claim 6.

12. the slots of the first and second sets of slots are consecutive slots.

12. Apparatus according to any one of claims 6 to 11.

13. the slots of the first and second sets of slots are available slots for the uplink transmission.

12. Apparatus according to any one of claims 6 to 11.

14. the device is a user equipment (UE) or a control device configured to control functionality of the UE; 14. Apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 13.

15. means for transmitting to a user equipment (UE) a configuration that configures the UE to transmit uplink transmissions using at least two different reference signal resource sets, at least two different spatial configurations, or at least two different power control parameter sets; means for determining a mapping pattern for reception using one of the at least two different reference signal resource sets, the at least two different spatial configurations, or the at least two different power control parameter sets, wherein the mapping pattern depends at least on whether joint channel estimation is enabled or disabled for the UE; and means for receiving the uplink transmission using one of the at least two different reference signal resource sets, the at least two different spatial configurations, or the at least two different power control parameter sets in accordance with the determined mapping pattern; An apparatus comprising:

16. receiving, by a device, from a radio network node, a configuration that configures the device to transmit uplink transmissions using at least two different reference signal resource sets, at least two different spatial configurations, or at least two different power control parameter sets; determining a mapping pattern for the device to transmit using the at least two different reference signal resource sets, the at least two different spatial configurations, or the at least two different power control parameter sets, wherein the mapping pattern depends at least on whether joint channel estimation is enabled or disabled for the device; transmitting the uplink transmission using the at least two different reference signal resource sets, the at least two different spatial configurations, or the at least two different power control parameter sets according to the determined mapping pattern; A method comprising:

17. transmitting a configuration to a user equipment (UE), the device configuring the UE to transmit uplink transmissions using at least two different reference signal resource sets, at least two different spatial configurations, or at least two different power control parameter sets; determining a mapping pattern for reception using one of the at least two different reference signal resource sets, the at least two different spatial configurations, or the at least two different power control parameter sets, wherein the mapping pattern depends at least on whether joint channel estimation is enabled or disabled for the UE; receiving the uplink transmission using one of the at least two different reference signal resource sets, the at least two different spatial configurations, or the at least two different power control parameter sets in accordance with the determined mapping pattern; A method comprising:

18. A computer program comprising instructions that, when said program is executed by an apparatus, cause said apparatus to carry out the method of claim 16 or 17.

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