UE Capability for Inter-RAT Measurements Without Measurement Gap

Abstract

A user equipment (UE) configured for operation in a 5G NR network may be capable of operating according to two or more radio access technologies (RATs), including a first RAT and a second RAT. The UE may encode a UE capabilities information element for transmission to a serving cell indicating whether the UE has the capability to perform inter-RAT measurements without a measurement gap. If the UE indicates the capability to perform inter-RAT measurements without a measurement gap, the UE may be configured to simultaneously measure signals of a second RAT in a second frequency band while receiving or transmitting data according to the first RAT in a first frequency band. When the UE is performing inter-RAT measurements without a measurement gap, the UE may temporarily suspend transmission of acknowledgements (ACKs) and negative ACKs (NACKs) (ACK / NACKs) for data received according to the first RAT during measurements of signals of the second RAT.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] Priority claim This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 394,917 [Docket No. AE6828-Z], filed August 3, 2022, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

[0002] Technical Field Embodiments relate to wireless communications. Some embodiments relate to wireless networks, including 3GPP (Third Generation Partnership Project) and fifth-generation (5G) networks, including 5G New Radio (NR) (or 5G-NR) networks. Some embodiments relate to sixth-generation (6G) networks. [Background technology]

[0003] Mobile communications have evolved significantly from early voice systems to today's highly sophisticated, integrated communications platforms. The adoption of 3GPP 5G NR systems is increasing with the proliferation of various types of devices communicating with various network devices. The penetration of mobile devices (user equipment or UE) in modern society has continued to drive demand for a wide variety of network-connected devices in many different environments. 5G NR radio systems are expected to enable even higher speeds, connectivity, and ease of use, while improving throughput, coverage, and robustness, reducing latency and operational and capital expenses. 5G-NR networks will continue to evolve, building on 3GPP LTE-Advanced, with additional potential new radio access technologies (RATs) to enrich people's lives with seamless wireless connectivity solutions that deliver high speeds and rich content and services. As current cellular network frequencies become saturated, higher frequencies, such as millimeter wave (mmWave) frequencies, may be beneficial due to their high bandwidth.

[0004] A measurement gap is an opportunity given to a UE to perform measurements on downlink signals. A UE cannot traditionally perform inter-frequency or inter-RAT measurements during transmission or reception. Even for intra-frequency measurements, a 5G UE may require a measurement gap if such measurements are performed outside the UE's currently active Bandwidth Part (BWP). Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] One problem with measurement gaps is that they reduce the amount of uplink or downlink data that can be transmitted or received by the UE. Therefore, it is desirable for the UE to be able to perform inter-frequency and inter-RAT measurements without measurement gaps. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0006] [Figure 1A] 1 illustrates a network architecture according to some embodiments.

[0007] [Figure 1B] 1 illustrates a non-roaming 5G system architecture according to some embodiments. [Figure 1C] 1 illustrates a non-roaming 5G system architecture according to some embodiments.

[0008] [Figure 2] 1 illustrates a measurement gap according to some embodiments.

[0009] [Figure 3] 1 illustrates a wireless communication device according to some embodiments. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0010] The following description and drawings sufficiently describe particular embodiments to enable those skilled in the art to practice them. Other embodiments may incorporate structural, logical, electrical, process, and other changes. Portions and features of some embodiments may be included in, or substituted for, portions and features of other embodiments. Embodiments set forth in the claims encompass all available equivalents of those claims.

[0011] The embodiments disclosed herein relate to a UE that can perform inter-frequency and inter-RAT measurements without measurement gaps. These embodiments are discussed in more detail below.

[0012] Some embodiments are directed to a UE configured for operation in a 5G NR network. In these embodiments, the UE may be capable of operating according to two or more radio access technologies (RATs), including a first RAT and a second RAT. In these embodiments, the UE may encode a UE capability information element for transmission to a serving cell. The UE capability information element may indicate whether the UE has the capability to perform inter-RAT measurements without a measurement gap. In these embodiments, if the UE indicates the capability to perform inter-RAT measurements without a measurement gap, the UE may be configured to measure signals of the second RAT in a second frequency band while simultaneously receiving or transmitting data according to the first RAT in a first frequency band. These embodiments, as well as other embodiments, are described in more detail herein.

[0013] In some embodiments, when the UE is performing inter-RAT measurements without a measurement gap, the UE may be configured to temporarily pause transmission of acknowledgements (ACKs) and negative ACKs (NACKs) (ACK / NACKs) for data received according to the first RAT while measuring signals of the second RAT. These and other embodiments are also described in more detail herein.

[0014] 1A illustrates a network architecture according to some embodiments. Network 140A is shown to include user equipment (UE) 101 and UE 102. UE 101 and UE 102 are illustrated as smartphones (e.g., handheld touchscreen mobile computing devices capable of connecting to one or more cellular networks), but may include any mobile or non-mobile computing device, such as a personal data assistant (PDA), a pager, a laptop computer, a desktop computer, a wireless handset, a drone, or any other computing device that includes a wired and / or wireless communication interface. UE 101 and UE 102 may be collectively referred to herein as UE 101, which may be used to perform one or more of the techniques disclosed herein.

[0015] Any of the wireless links described herein (e.g., as used in network 140A or other illustrated networks) may operate according to any example wireless communication technology and / or standard.

[0016] LTE and LTE-Advanced are standards for high-speed data wireless communication for UEs, such as mobile phones. In LTE-Advanced and various wireless systems, carrier aggregation is a technique that allows multiple carrier signals operating at different frequencies to carry communications for a single UE, thereby increasing the bandwidth available to a single device. In some embodiments, carrier aggregation can be used when one or more component carriers operate at unlicensed frequencies.

[0017] The embodiments described herein can be used in the context of any spectrum management scheme, including, for example, dedicated licensed spectrum, unlicensed spectrum, (licensed) shared spectrum (such as Licensed Shared Access (LSA) in 2.3-2.4 GHz, 3.4-3.6 GHz, 3.6-3.8 GHz and beyond, and Spectrum Access System (SAS) in 3.55-3.7 GHz and beyond).

[0018] The embodiments described herein may also be applied to different single carrier or OFDM flavors (CP-OFDM, SC-FDMA, SC-OFDM, filter bank-based multicarrier (FBMC), OFDMA, etc.), and in particular to 3GPP NR (New Radio), by allocating OFDM carrier data bit vectors to corresponding symbol resources.

[0019] In some embodiments, both UE 101 and UE 102 may comprise Internet of Things (IoT) UEs or cellular IoT (CIoT) UEs, which may include a network access layer designed for low-power IoT applications that utilize short-lived UE connections. In some embodiments, both UE 101 and UE 102 may comprise narrowband (NB) IoT UEs (e.g., enhanced NB-IoT (eNB-IoT) UEs and further enhanced (FeNB-IoT) UEs). IoT UEs may exchange data with MTC servers or devices via public land mobile networks (PLMNs), proximity-based services (ProSe) or device-to-device (D2D) communications, sensor networks, or IoT networks using technologies such as machine-to-machine (M2M) or machine-type communications (MTC). M2M or MTC exchanges of data may be machine-initiated data exchanges. IoT networks include interconnecting IoT UEs, which may include uniquely identifiable embedded computing devices (within the Internet infrastructure) with short-lived connections. The IoT UE may run background applications (e.g., keep-alive messages, status updates, etc.) to facilitate connectivity to the IoT network.

[0020] In some embodiments, both UE 101 and UE 102 may comprise enhanced MTC (eMTC) UEs or further enhanced MTC (FeMTC) UEs.

[0021] UE 101 and UE 102 may be configured to connect, e.g., be communicatively coupled, with a radio access network (RAN) 110. RAN 110 may be, for example, an Evolved Universal Mobile Telecommunications System (UMTS) Terrestrial Radio Access Network (E-UTRAN), a Next Generation RAN (NG RAN), or some other type of RAN. UE 101 and UE 102 utilize connections 103 and 104, respectively, each of which comprises a physical communication interface or layer (discussed in more detail below). In this example, connections 103 and 104 are shown as air interfaces for enabling communication coupling and may be consistent with cellular communication protocols such as the Global System for Mobile Communications (GSM) protocol, a Code Division Multiple Access (CDMA) network protocol, a Push-to-Talk (PTT) protocol, a PTT over Cellular (POC) protocol, a Universal Mobile Telecommunications System (UMTS) protocol, a 3GPP Long Term Evolution (LTE) protocol, a Fifth Generation (5G) protocol, a New Radio (NR) protocol, and the like.

[0022] In certain aspects, the UE 101 and the UE 102 may also directly exchange communication data via the ProSe interface 105. The ProSe interface 105 may alternatively be referred to as a sidelink interface, which includes one or more logical channels, including, but not limited to, a physical sidelink control channel (PSCCH), a physical sidelink shared channel (PSSCH), a physical sidelink discovery channel (PSDCH), and a physical sidelink broadcast channel (PSBCH).

[0023] UE 102 is shown configured to access access point (AP) 106 via connection 107. Connection 107 may include, for example, a local wireless connection, such as a connection conforming to the IEEE 802.11 protocol, according to which AP 106 may include a wireless fidelity (WiFi) router. In this example, AP 106 is shown connected to the Internet without connecting to a wireless system's core network (described in further detail below).

[0024] The RAN 110 may include one or more access nodes that enable the connections 103 and 104. These access nodes (ANs) may be referred to as base stations (BSs), Node Bs, evolved Node Bs (eNBs), next generation Node Bs (gNBs), RAN nodes, etc., and may include terrestrial stations (e.g., terrestrial access points) or satellite stations that provide coverage within a geographic area (e.g., a cell). In some embodiments, the RAN nodes 111 and 112 may be transmit / receive points (TRPs). When the RAN nodes 111 and 112 are Node Bs (e.g., eNBs or gNBs), one or more TRPs may function within the communication cell of the Node B. The RAN 110 may include one or more RAN nodes for providing a macro cell, e.g., a macro RAN node, and one or more RAN nodes for providing a femto cell or a pico cell (e.g., a cell having a smaller coverage area, smaller user capacity, or higher bandwidth compared to a macro cell), e.g., a low power (LP) RAN node.

[0025] Either of RAN nodes 111 and 112 may terminate air interface protocols and may be the first point of contact for UE 101 and UE 102. In some embodiments, either of RAN nodes 111 and 112 may perform various logical functions for RAN 110, including, but not limited to, radio bearer management, uplink and downlink dynamic radio resource management and data packet scheduling, and radio network controller (RNC) functions such as mobility management. In one example, either of RAN nodes 111 and / or 112 may be a new generation Node B (gNB), an evolved Node B (eNB), or another type of RAN node.

[0026] The RAN 110 is shown communicatively coupled to a core network (CN) 120 via an S1 interface 113. In an embodiment, the CN 120 may be an evolved packet core (EPC) network, a next generation packet core (NPC) network, or some other type of CN (e.g., as illustrated with reference to FIGS. 1B-1C ). In this aspect, the S1 interface 113 is divided into two parts: an S1-U interface 114, which carries traffic data between the RAN nodes 111, 112 and a serving gateway (S-GW) 122, and an S1-mobility management entity (MME) interface 115, which is a signaling interface between the RAN nodes 111, 112 and the MME 121.

[0027] In this aspect, the CN 120 includes an MME 121, an S-GW 122, a Packet Data Network (PDN) Gateway (P-GW) 123, and a Home Subscriber Server (HSS) 124. The MME 121 may be similar in function to the control plane of a legacy Serving General Packet Radio Service (GPRS) Support Node (SGSN). The MME 121 may manage access mobility aspects such as gateway selection and tracking area list management. The HSS 124 may include a database about network users, including subscription-related information that supports network entities in handling communication sessions. The CN 120 may include one or more HSSs 124, depending on the number of mobile subscribers, equipment capabilities, network organization, etc. For example, the HSS 124 may provide support for routing / roaming, authentication, authorization, naming / addressing resolution, location dependency, etc.

[0028] The S-GW 122 terminates the S1 interface 113 towards the RAN 110 and can route data packets between the RAN 110 and the CN 120. Additionally, the S-GW 122 may be a local mobility anchor point for inter-RAN node handovers and may also provide an anchor for inter-3GPP mobility. Other roles of the S-GW 122 may include lawful interception, charging, and some policy enforcement.

[0029] The P-GW 123 may terminate the SGi interface toward the PDN. The P-GW 123 may route data packets between the CN 120 and external networks, such as networks containing application servers 184 (also referred to as application functions (AFs)), via an Internet Protocol (IP) interface 125. The P-GW 123 may also communicate data to other external networks 131A, which may include the Internet, IP Multimedia Subsystem (IPS) networks, and other networks. The application servers 184 may be elements that provide applications using IP bearer resources with the core network (e.g., UMTS packet service (PS) domain, LTE PS data services, etc.). In this aspect, the P-GW 123 is shown communicatively coupled to the application servers 184 via the IP interface 125. The application server 184 may also be configured to support one or more communication services (e.g., Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) sessions, PTT sessions, group communication sessions, social networking services, etc.) for the UE 101 and the UE 102 via the CN 120.

[0030] The P-GW 123 may further be a node for policy enforcement and charging data collection. The Policy and Charging Rules Function (PCRF) 126 is the policy and charging control element of the CN 120. In a non-roaming scenario, in some embodiments, there may be a single PCRF in the Home Public Land Mobile Network (HPLMN) associated with the UE's Internet Protocol Connectivity Access Network (IP-CAN) session. In a roaming scenario with local breakout of traffic, there may be two PCRFs associated with the UE's IP-CAN session: a Home PCRF (H-PCRF) in the HPLMN and a Visited PCRF (V-PCRF) in the Visited Public Land Mobile Network (VPLMN). The PCRF 126 may be communicatively coupled to the application server 184 via the P-GW 123.

[0031] In some embodiments, the communications network 140A may be an IoT network or a 5G network, including a 5G New Radio network that uses communications in licensed (5G NR) and unlicensed (5G NR-U) spectrum. One of the current enablers of IoT is Narrowband IoT (NB-IoT).

[0032] The NG system architecture may include a RAN 110 and a 5G network core (5 GC) 120. In these embodiments, the RAN 110 may include multiple nodes, such as a gNB and an NG-eNB. The core network 120 (e.g., a 5G core network or 5 GC) may include an access and mobility function (AMF) and / or a user plane function (UPF). The AMF and UPF may be communicatively coupled to the gNB and NG-eNB via an NG interface. More specifically, in some embodiments, the gNB and NG-eNB may be connected to the AMF by an NG-C interface and to the UPF by an NG-U interface. The gNB and NG-eNB may be coupled to each other via an Xn interface.

[0033] In some embodiments, the NG system architecture may use reference points between various nodes as provided by 3GPP Technical Specification (TS) 23.501 (e.g., V15.4.0, 2018-12). In some embodiments, each of the gNB and NG-eNB may be implemented as a base station, a mobile edge server, a small cell, a home eNB, etc. In some embodiments, the gNB may be a master node (MN) in a 5G architecture, and the NG-eNB may be a secondary node (SN).

[0034] FIG. 1B illustrates a non-roaming 5G system architecture according to some embodiments. Referring to FIG. 1B, a 5G system architecture 140B is illustrated in a reference point representation. More specifically, the UE 102 can communicate with the RAN 110 and one or more other 5G Core (5GC) network entities. The 5G system architecture 140B includes multiple network functions (NFs), such as an access and mobility management function (AMF) 132, a session management function (SMF) 136, a policy control function (PCF) 148, an application function (AF) 150, a user plane function (UPF) 134, a network slice selection function (NSSF) 142, an authentication server function (AUSF) 144, and a unified data management (UDM) / home subscriber server (HSS) 146. The UPF 134 can provide connectivity to a data network (DN) 152, which may include, for example, operator services, internet access, or third-party services. The AMF 132 can be used to manage access control and mobility and can also include a network slice selection function. The SMF 136 can be configured to set up and manage various sessions according to network policies. The UPF 134 can be deployed in one or multiple configurations depending on the desired service type. The PCF 148 can be configured to provide a policy framework using network slicing, mobility management, and roaming (similar to a PCRF in a 4G communication system). The UDM can be configured to store subscriber profiles and data (similar to an HSS in a 4G communication system).

[0035] In some embodiments, the 5G system architecture 140B includes an IP Multimedia Subsystem (IMS) 168B and multiple IP Multimedia Core Network subsystem entities, such as Call Session Control Functions (CSCFs). More specifically, the IMS 168B includes a CSCF that can act as a Proxy CSCF (P-CSCF) 162B, a Serving CSCF (S-CSCF) 164B, an Emergency CSCF (E-CSCF) (not shown in FIG. 1B), or an Interrogating CSCF (I-CSCF) 166B. The P-CSCF 162B can be configured to be the first point of contact for the UE 102 within the IM Subsystem (IMS) 168B. The S-CSCF 164B can be configured to handle session state within the network, and the E-CSCF can be configured to handle certain embodiments of emergency sessions, such as routing emergency requests to the correct emergency center or PSAP. I-CSCF 166B may be configured to serve as a contact point within an operator's network for all IMS connections destined for that network operator's subscribers or roaming subscribers currently located within that network operator's service area. In some embodiments, I-CSCF 166B may be connected to another IP multimedia network 170E, e.g., an IMS operated by a different network operator.

[0036] In some embodiments, UDM / HSS 146 can be coupled to an application server 160E, which can include a telephony application server (TAS) or another application server (AS). AS 160B can be coupled to IMS 168B via S-CSCF 164B or I-CSCF 166B.

[0037] The reference point representation indicates that interactions can exist between the corresponding NF services. For example, FIG. 1B shows the following reference points: N1 (between the UE 102 and the AMF 132), N2 (between the RAN 110 and the AMF 132), N3 (between the RAN 110 and the UPF 134), N4 (between the SMF 136 and the UPF 134), N5 (between the PCF 148 and the AF 150, not shown), N6 (between the UPF 134 and the DN 152), N7 (between the SMF 136 and the PCF 148, not shown), N8 (between the UDM / HSS 146 and the AMF 132, not shown), N9 (between two UPFs 134, not shown), N10 (between the UDM / HSS 146 and the SMF 136, not shown), N11 (between the AMF 132 and the SMF 136, not shown), N12 (between the AMF 132 and the SMF 136, not shown), N13 (between the AMF 132 and the SMF 136, not shown), N14 (between the AMF 144 and the AMF 152, not shown), N15 (between the AMF 132 and the SMF 136, not shown), N16 (between the AMF 132 and the SMF 136, not shown), N17 (between the AMF 132 and the AMF 152, not shown), N18 (between the UMF 134 and the AMF 152, not shown), N19 (between the AMF 132 and the AMF 152, not shown), N20 (between the AMF 132 and the AMF 152, not shown), N2 132, not shown), N13 (between the AUSF 144 and the UDM / HSS 146, not shown), N14 (between two AMFs 132, not shown), N15 (between the PCF 148 and the AMF 132 in a non-roaming scenario, or between the PCF 148 and the visited network and the AMF 132 in a roaming scenario, not shown), N16 (between two SMFs, not shown), and N22 (between the AMF 132 and the NSSF 142, not shown). Other reference point representations not shown in Figure 1B may also be used.

[0038] 1C illustrates a 5G system architecture 140C and a service-based representation. In addition to the network entities shown in FIG. 1B, the system architecture 140C may also include a network exposure function (NEF) 154 and a network repository function (NRF) 156. In some embodiments, the 5G system architecture may be service-based, and interactions between network functions may be represented by corresponding point-to-point reference points Ni or as service-based interfaces.

[0039] In some embodiments, as shown in Figure 1C, a service-based representation may be used to represent network functions in the control plane that allow other authorized network functions to access those services. In this regard, the 5G system architecture 140C may include the following service-based interfaces: Namf 158H (a service-based interface indicated by the AMF 132), Nsmf 158I (a service-based interface indicated by the SMF 136), Nnef 158B (a service-based interface indicated by the NEF 154), Npcf 158D (a service-based interface indicated by the PCF 148), Nudm 158E (a service-based interface indicated by the UDM / HSS 146), Naf 158F (a service-based interface indicated by the AF 150), Nnrf 158C (a service-based interface indicated by the NRF 156), Nnssf 158A (a service-based interface indicated by the NSSF 142), and Nausf 158G (a service-based interface indicated by the AUSF 144). Other service-based interfaces not shown in Figure 1C (e.g., Nudr, N5g-eir, and Nudsf) can also be used.

[0040] In some embodiments, any of the UEs or base stations described in connection with FIGS. 1A-1C may be configured to perform the functions described herein.

[0041] Mobile communications have evolved significantly from early voice systems to today's highly sophisticated, unified communications platforms. The next-generation wireless communications system, 5G, or New Radio (NR), provides diverse users and applications with the ability to access information and share data anytime, anywhere. NR is expected to be a unified network / system designed to meet very different, sometimes competing, performance dimensions and services. Such diverse multidimensional requirements are driven by a variety of services and applications. In general, NR will evolve based on 3GPP LTE-Advanced, with additional potential new radio access technologies (RATs) to enrich people's lives with better, simpler, and more seamless wireless connectivity solutions. NR will enable everything wirelessly connected, delivering high speeds, rich content, and services.

[0042] Rel-15 NR systems are designed to operate on licensed spectrum. NR-unlicensed (NR-U) is shorthand for NR-based access to unlicensed spectrum, a technology that enables NR systems to operate on unlicensed spectrum.

[0043] Figure 2 illustrates measurement gaps in accordance with some embodiments. The example shown in Figure 2 illustrates measurement gaps occurring in subframe numbers 4, 5, 6, and 7 of system frame numbers (SFNs) 22 and 26.

[0044] FIELD OF THE INVENTION The embodiments disclosed herein relate to a UE capable of performing inter-frequency and inter-RAT measurements without a measurement gap. The embodiments disclosed herein relate to a UE capability for performing inter-frequency and inter-RAT measurements without a measurement gap. Some embodiments are directed to a UE configured to perform inter-frequency and inter-RAT measurements without a measurement gap.

[0045] Some embodiments disclosed herein relate to enhancements to pre-configured MGs, multiple concurrent MGs, and network configured small gaps (NCSGs). In these embodiments, radio-resource management (RRM) requirements may be defined for UEs configured with a combination of a pre-configured MG and / or multiple concurrent MGs and / or NCSGs. The joint requirements for UEs configured with a pre-configured MG and multiple concurrent MGs (i.e., concurrent MGs with at least one gap being a pre-configured gap) may be prioritized, as may the UEs configured with an NCSG and multiple concurrent MGs (i.e., concurrent MGs with at least one gap being an NCSG).

[0046] Some embodiments relate to RRM requirements for measurement gapless measurements for NR SSB-based inter- and intra-frequency measurements without measurement gaps for UEs reporting a NeedForGapsInfoNR IE (NeedForGapsInfoNR information element).

[0047] In some embodiments, additional interruptions may be allowed when the UE is reporting "NeedForGapsInfoNR." The length, opportunity, and rate of interruptions, if allowed, may be further defined. In some embodiments, requirements such as Carrier-Specific Scaling Factor (CSSF), measurement period, and scheduling constraints may also be defined.

[0048] In some embodiments, new UE capabilities may be introduced for inter-RAT E-UTRAN measurements. In these embodiments, separate UE basic functions may be defined to support inter-RAT measurements without measurement gaps. Furthermore, additional UE capabilities may be provided in addition to the basic UE functions to support inter-RAT measurements. For example, UE capabilities to support mixed numerology between LTE and NR and UE searcher processing capabilities may be provided.

[0049] In some embodiments, inter-RAT measurements without measurement gaps are supported by a separate base UE capability. Other UE capabilities that support inter-RAT measurements without measurement gaps may also be supported.

[0050] In some embodiments, inter-RAT E-UTRAN measurements may only be considered if the LTE CRS to be measured is included in the UE's active BWP. In these embodiments, if the UE has unused or empty RF chains, the UE can perform inter-RAT LTE measurements without measurement gaps. In another scenario, the LTE CRS may be included in the UE's active BWP, which allows gapless measurements. In these embodiments, no interruptions are allowed for this type of gapless measurement on the target E-UTRA carrier.

[0051] In some embodiments, inter-RAT E-UTRAN measurements are considered only if the LTE CRS being measured is included in the UE's active BWP. In these embodiments, for inter-RAT NR measurements, an LTE UE (with standalone SA capability) may be configured to measure the FR2 NR frequency layer.

[0052] The following information elements are disclosed:

[0053] interRAT-NeedForGaps Indicates the need for DL ​​measurement gaps when operating on an E-UTRA band given by an entry in bandListEUTRA, or a combination of E-UTRA bands given by an entry in bandCombinationListEUTRA, and measuring on an inter-RAT band given by an entry in interRAT-BandList.

[0054] interRAT-NeedForGapsNR Indicates the need for measurement gaps when operating on an E-UTRA band given by an entry in supportedBandListEUTRA, or a combination of E-UTRA bands given by an entry in supportedBandCombination-r10, supportedBandCombinationAdd-r11, or supportedBandCombinationReduced-r13, and measuring on an NR band given by an entry in InterRAT-BandListNR.

[0055] Some embodiments disclosed herein provide some initial views on the RRM requirements that will be needed for inter-RAT measurements without measurement gaps as follows.

[0056] The existing inter-RAT measurement requirements in TS38.133 9.4 for cell identification and measurement reporting are based only on measurements within the gaps given below.

number

[0057] Parameter T used in the inter-RAT requirements in Section 9.4 Inter1 is specified in Table 9.4.1-1 if measurement gaps are used and in Table 9.4.1-2 if NCSGs are used.

[0058] Table 9.4.1-1: Minimum available time for inter-RAT measurements when measurement gaps are configured.

[0059] [Table 1]

[0060] Table 9.4.1-2: Minimum available time for inter-RAT measurements when NCSG is configured.

[0061] [Table 2]

[0062] For inter-RAT measurements without MG, the requirements for cell identification and measurement reporting can be independent of the measurement pattern. In these embodiments, new requirements for cell identification and measurement reporting for inter-RAT measurements without MG may be specified. Furthermore, there are also some impacts on the CSSF factors, especially for CSSF_outside_gap, for inter-RAT measurements without measurement gaps.

[0063] In some embodiments, potential impact on CSSF requirements (e.g., CSSF_outside_gap) under inter-RAT measurements without MG. In some embodiments, scheduling constraints can be introduced due to three fundamental issues: Simultaneous Tx on serving cell and Rx (measurement) on target carrier Mixed numerology between data and measurement objects ·Necessity of Rx beam sweep in FR2

[0064] In these embodiments, constraints on scheduling availability are taken into account for inter-RAT measurements without measurement gaps. In these embodiments, the existing scheduling availability specified for intra-frequency measurements in TS38.133 section 9.2.5.3 can also be applied to inter-RAT measurements without measurement gaps as a starting point.

[0065] Some embodiments are directed to a user equipment (UE) configured to operate in a 5G NR network. In these embodiments, the UE may be capable of operating according to two or more radio access technologies (RATs), including a first RAT and a second RAT. In these embodiments, the UE may encode a UE capability information element for transmission to a serving cell. The UE capability information element may indicate whether the UE has the capability to perform inter-RAT measurements without a measurement gap. In these embodiments, if the UE indicates the capability to perform inter-RAT measurements without a measurement gap, the UE may be configured to simultaneously measure signals of the second RAT in a second frequency band while receiving or transmitting data according to the first RAT in a first frequency band.

[0066] In some embodiments, when the UE is performing inter-RAT measurements without a measurement gap, the UE may be configured to temporarily suspend transmission of acknowledgements (ACKs) and negative ACKs (NACKs) (ACK / NACKs) for data received according to the first RAT while measuring signals of the second RAT.

[0067] In these embodiments, to suspend ACK / NACK transmissions, no more than a maximum number of ACK / NACK transmissions are transmitted and / or ACK / NACK transmissions are suspended for a time period less than a predetermined maximum. Suspending ACK / NACK transmissions may, for example, allow the UE time to retune a free RF chain to a second frequency band, as described in more detail below.

[0068] In some embodiments, when the first RAT is associated with a 4G LTE network and the second RAT is associated with a 5G NR network and the serving cell is a 4G LTE cell, the measured signal of the second RAT includes a synchronization signal block (SSB) of the 5G NR cell for handoff from the 4G LTE cell to the 5G NR cell, the first frequency band is the LTE frequency band (i.e., the E-UTRA band), and the second frequency band is the 5G NR frequency band. In these embodiments, the first RAT may use 15 kHz subcarrier spacing and the second RAT may use 30 kHz subcarrier spacing, although the scope of the embodiments is not limited in this respect.

[0069] In some embodiments, if the UE has not indicated the capability to perform inter-RAT measurements without a measurement gap, or if the UE does not have the capability to perform inter-RAT measurements without a measurement gap, the UE may encode an inter-RAT gap necessity information element (i.e., NeedForGapsInfoNR IE) for transmission to the serving cell indicating that the UE requires a downlink measurement gap for inter-RAT measurements (i.e., to measure signals of the second RAT in the second frequency band). In these embodiments, the UE may decode a measurement gap configuration information element received from the serving cell to configure a measurement gap for the UE. The UE may measure signals of the second RAT during the configured measurement gap. The UE may be configured to receive data of the first RAT outside the configured measurement gap. In these embodiments, the UE may refrain from receiving or transmitting data during the configured measurement gap. In these embodiments, the UE is not scheduled to transmit or receive data during the configured measurement gap. An example of a measurement gap is shown in FIG. 2.

[0070] In some embodiments, the UE capabilities information element is a Measurement and Mobility Parameters (MeasAndMobParameters) information element used to convey UE capabilities related to measurements for mobility, including radio resource management (RRM), radio link monitoring (RLM), and handover.

[0071] In some embodiments, the UE may be configured to refrain from transmitting an inter-RAT gap necessary information element if the UE is able to perform inter-RAT measurements without a measurement gap (i.e., because the UE has the capability to perform inter-RAT measurements without a measurement gap).

[0072] In some embodiments, when the UE is operating in a single carrier (SC) mode, the UE may encode a UE capability information element to indicate that the UE has the capability to perform inter-RAT measurements without a measurement gap. In these embodiments, when the UE is operating in a multi-carrier (MC) mode, the UE may refrain from encoding a UE capability information element to indicate that the UE has the capability to perform inter-RAT measurements without a measurement gap. In these embodiments, the MC mode may include a dual carrier mode, which includes a mode in which the UE is configured for one or more of carrier aggregation (CA) operation and dual connectivity (DC) operation. In these embodiments, when the UE is configured for multi-carrier or dual carrier operation, the UE may not be able to perform inter-RAT measurements without a measurement gap.

[0073] In some embodiments, a UE may include two or more radio frequency (RF) chains. In these embodiments, the UE may tune an empty RF chain of the two or more RF chains to a second frequency band to configure the UE to receive data according to a first RAT in a first frequency band while simultaneously measuring signals of a second RAT in a second frequency band. In these embodiments, the empty RF chain may be a real RF chain or a virtual RF chain. In these embodiments, the UE may have an empty RF chain when operating in a single-carrier mode. In these embodiments, the UE may not have an empty RF chain when operating in a multi-carrier (MC) mode, although the scope of the embodiments is not limited in this respect.

[0074] In some embodiments, when the first RAT is associated with a 5G NR network, the second RAT is associated with a 4G LTE network, and the serving cell is a 5G NR cell, the signal measured according to the second RAT includes a cell-specific reference signal (CRS) of the 4G LTE cell for handoff from the 5G NR cell to the 4G LTE cell. In these embodiments, the first frequency band may be a 5G NR frequency band, and the second frequency band may be a 4G LTE frequency band.

[0075] In some embodiments, when the CRS of a 4G cell is within the UE's active downlink bandwidth portion (DL-BWP), the UE may refrain from transmitting an inter-RAT gap necessity information element and may be configured to measure the CRS of the 4G cell without a measurement gap during an active DL-BWP.

[0076] Some embodiments are directed to a computer-readable storage medium storing instructions for execution by a processing circuit of a user equipment (UE) configured for operation in a 5G NR network. In these embodiments, the UE may be capable of operating according to two or more radio access technologies (RATs), including a first RAT and a second RAT. In these embodiments, the processing circuit may encode a UE capability information element for transmission to a serving cell, the UE capability information element indicating whether the UE has the capability to perform inter-RAT measurements without a measurement gap. In these embodiments, if the UE indicates the capability to perform inter-RAT measurements without a measurement gap, the processing circuit may configure the UE to simultaneously measure signals of the second RAT in a second frequency band while receiving or transmitting data according to the first RAT in a first frequency band.

[0077] Some embodiments are directed to a base station. In these embodiments, the base station can decode a UE capability information element received from a user equipment (UE) in a serving cell. The UE can be capable of operating according to two or more radio access technologies (RATs), including a first RAT and a second RAT. The UE capability information element can indicate whether the UE has the capability to perform inter-RAT measurements without a measurement gap. In these embodiments, if the UE indicates the capability to perform inter-RAT measurements without a measurement gap, the base station can allow the UE to suspend transmission of acknowledgements (ACKs) and negative acknowledgements (NACKs) (ACK / NACKs) for data received according to a first RAT during measurements of signals of the second RAT. In these embodiments, to suspend ACK / NACK transmissions, up to a maximum number of ACK / NACK transmissions may not be transmitted and / or ACK / NACK transmissions may be suspended for a time period less than a predetermined maximum value.

[0078] In these embodiments, the UE is configured to simultaneously measure signals of a second RAT in a second frequency band while receiving data or transmitting data according to a first RAT in a first frequency band. In these embodiments, when the UE is performing inter-RAT measurements without a measurement gap, the processing circuitry configures the UE to temporarily suspend transmission of acknowledgements (ACKs) and negative ACKs (NACKs) (ACK / NACKs) for data received according to the first RAT during measurements of the signals of the second RAT.

[0079] 3 illustrates a functional block diagram of a wireless communication device 300, according to some embodiments. The wireless communication device 300 may be suitable for use as a UE or gNB configured for operation in a 5G NR or 6G network.

[0080] The wireless communication device 300 may include communications circuitry 302 and a transceiver 310 for transmitting and receiving signals to and from other communications devices using one or more antennas 301. The communications circuitry 302 may include circuitry capable of operating physical layer (PHY) communications and / or medium access control (MAC) communications for controlling access to a wireless medium, and / or any other communications layer for transmitting and receiving signals. The wireless communication device 300 may also include processing circuitry 306 and memory 308 configured to perform the operations described herein. In some embodiments, the communications circuitry 302 and the processing circuitry 306 may be configured to perform the operations detailed in the figures, diagrams, and flows above.

[0081] According to some embodiments, the communications circuitry 302 may be configured to contend for the wireless medium and compose frames or packets for communication over the wireless medium. The communications circuitry 302 may be configured to transmit and receive signals. The communications circuitry 302 may also include circuitry for modulation / demodulation, upconversion / downconversion, filtering, amplification, etc. In some embodiments, the processing circuitry 306 of the wireless communication device 300 may include one or more processors. In other embodiments, two or more antennas 301 may be coupled to the communications circuitry 302 configured to transmit and receive signals. The memory 308 may store information for configuring the processing circuitry 306 to perform operations to compose and transmit message frames and for performing various operations described herein. The memory 308 may include any type of memory, including non-transitory memory, for storing information in a form readable by a machine (e.g., a computer). For example, the memory 308 may include a computer-readable storage device, a read-only memory (ROM), a random access memory (RAM), a magnetic disk storage medium, an optical storage medium, a flash memory device, and other storage devices and media.

[0082] In some embodiments, wireless communication device 300 may be part of a portable wireless communication device such as a personal digital assistant (PDA), a laptop or portable computer with wireless communication capabilities, a web tablet, a wireless telephone, a smartphone, a wireless headset, a pager, an instant messaging device, a digital camera, an access point, a television, a medical device (e.g., a heart rate monitor, a blood pressure monitor, etc.), a wearable computing device, or another device capable of receiving and / or transmitting information wirelessly.

[0083] In some embodiments, the wireless communication device 300 may include one or more antennas 301. The antennas 301 may include one or more directional or omnidirectional antennas, including, for example, dipole antennas, monopole antennas, patch antennas, loop antennas, microstrip antennas, or other types of antennas suitable for transmitting RF signals. In some embodiments, a single antenna with multiple apertures may be used instead of two or more antennas. In these embodiments, each aperture may be considered a separate antenna. In some multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO) embodiments, the antennas may be effectively separated due to spatial diversity and the different channel characteristics that may occur between each antenna and the antenna of the transmitting device.

[0084] In some embodiments, the wireless communication device 300 may include one or more of a keyboard, a display, a non-volatile memory port, multiple antennas, a graphics processor, an application processor, a speaker, and other mobile device elements. The display may be an LCD screen, including a touch screen.

[0085] Although wireless communication device 300 is illustrated as having several distinct functional elements, two or more functional elements may be combined or implemented by a combination of software-configured elements, such as processing elements including digital signal processors (DSPs), and / or other hardware elements. For example, some elements may include one or more microprocessors, DSPs, field programmable gate arrays (FPGAs), application specific integrated circuits (ASICs), radio frequency integrated circuits (RFICs), and various combinations of hardware and logic circuits to perform at least the functions described herein. In some embodiments, the functional elements of wireless communication device 300 may refer to one or more processes operating on one or more processing elements.

[0086] Some embodiments are directed to a method for defining UE capabilities for supporting inter-RAT measurements without a measurement gap. In some embodiments, basic indicators for supporting inter-RAT measurements without a measurement gap are defined. In some of these embodiments, capabilities for supporting mixed numerologies between different RATs are defined. In some embodiments, capabilities for UE searcher processing are also defined.

[0087] In some embodiments, inter-RAT E-UTRAN measurements may consider the case where the measured LTE CRS is included in the UE's active BWP. In some embodiments, inter-RAT NR measurements may consider the case where NR and LTE are operated in the same band.

[0088] The Abstract is provided to comply with 37 CFR Section 1.72(b), requiring an abstract that will allow the reader to ascertain the nature and gist of the technical disclosure. It is submitted with the understanding that it will not be used to limit or interpret the scope or meaning of the claims. The following claims are hereby incorporated into the Detailed Description, with each claim standing on its own as a separate embodiment.

Claims

1. 1. An apparatus for user equipment (UE) configured for operation in a 5G NR network, the UE being capable of operating according to two or more radio access technologies (RATs), including a first RAT and a second RAT, the apparatus comprising: a processing circuit; and a memory; the processing circuit: configured to encode for transmission to a serving cell a UE capability information element indicating whether the UE has the capability to perform inter-RAT measurements without a measurement gap; If the UE indicates an ability to perform inter-RAT measurements without a measurement gap, the processing circuitry configures the UE to receive data according to the first RAT in a first frequency band while simultaneously measuring signals of the second RAT in a second frequency band; the memory is configured to store the UE capability information element; Device.

2. When the UE is performing inter-RAT measurements without a measurement gap, the processing circuitry configures the UE to suspend transmission of acknowledgements (ACKs) and negative ACKs (NACKs) (ACK / NACKs) for the data received according to the first RAT; Now, to pause sending ACK / NACK: No more than a certain maximum number of said transmissions of ACK / NACK are transmitted; and / or the transmission of ACK / NACKs is suspended for a period of time that is less than a predetermined maximum value; 10. The apparatus of claim 1.

3. When the first RAT is associated with a 4G LTE network, the second RAT is associated with the 5G NR network, and the serving cell is a 4G LTE cell, the measured signal of the second RAT includes a synchronization signal block (SSB) of a 5G NR cell for handoff from the 4G LTE cell; the first frequency band is a LTE frequency band and the second frequency band is a 5G NR frequency band; wherein the first RAT uses a subcarrier spacing of 15 kHz and the second RAT uses a subcarrier spacing of 30 kHz; 3. The apparatus of claim 2.

4. If the UE does not indicate an capability to perform inter-RAT measurements without a measurement gap, the processing circuitry: encoding an inter-RAT gap required information element for transmission to the serving cell indicating that the UE requires a measurement gap for inter-RAT measurements; decoding a measurement gap configuration information element received from the serving cell to configure a measurement gap for the UE; configuring the UE to measure signals of the second RAT during the measurement gap; Configuring the UE to receive the data of the first RAT outside the measurement gap It is structured as follows: During the measurement gap, the processing circuitry configures the UE to refrain from transmitting or receiving data.

4. The apparatus of claim 3.

5. 5. The apparatus of claim 4, wherein the UE capability information element is a Measurement and Mobility Parameters (MeasAndMobParameters) information element used to convey UE capabilities related to measurements for radio resource management (RRM), radio link monitoring (RLM), and mobility.

6. 5. The apparatus of claim 4, wherein the processing circuitry configures the UE to refrain from transmitting the inter-RAT gap necessity information element if the UE can perform inter-RAT measurements without a measurement gap.

7. When the UE is operating in a single carrier (SC) mode, the processing circuitry is configured to encode the UE capability information element to indicate that the UE is capable of performing inter-RAT measurements without a measurement gap; When the UE is operating in a multi-carrier (MC) mode, the processing circuitry is configured to refrain from encoding the UE capability information element to indicate that the UE is capable of performing inter-RAT measurements without a measurement gap; wherein the MC mode includes a dual carrier mode including a mode in which the UE is configured for one or more of carrier aggregation (CA) operation and dual connectivity (DC) operation; 5. The apparatus of claim 4.

8. the UE includes two or more radio frequency (RF) chains; the processing circuitry configures the UE to tune an available RF chain of the two or more RF chains to the second frequency band to configure the UE to simultaneously measure signals of the second RAT in the second frequency band while receiving data according to the first RAT in the first frequency band.

8. The apparatus of claim 7.

9. When the first RAT is associated with the 5G NR network, the second RAT is associated with a 4G LTE network, and the serving cell is a 5G NR cell, the signals measured according to the second RAT include a cell-specific reference signal (CRS) of the 4G LTE cell for handoff from the 5G NR cell; The first frequency band is a 5G NR frequency band, and the second frequency band is a 4G LTE frequency band.

4. The apparatus of claim 3.

10. When the CRS of the 4G cell is within an active downlink bandwidth portion (DL-BWP) of the UE, the processing circuitry: configuring the UE to refrain from transmitting an inter-RAT gap necessity information element; configuring the UE to measure the CRS of the 4G cell without measurement gaps during the active DL-BWP; 10. The apparatus of claim 9.

11. 1. A computer-readable storage medium storing instructions for execution by a processing circuit of a user equipment (UE) configured for operation in a 5G NR network, the processing circuit being capable of operating according to two or more radio access technologies (RATs), including a first RAT and a second RAT, the processing circuit comprising: configured to encode for transmission to a serving cell a UE capability information element indicating whether the UE has the capability to perform inter-RAT measurements without a measurement gap; If the UE indicates an ability to perform inter-RAT measurements without a measurement gap, the processing circuitry configures the UE to receive data according to the first RAT in a first frequency band while simultaneously measuring signals of the second RAT in a second frequency band. A computer-readable storage medium.

12. When the UE is performing inter-RAT measurements without a measurement gap, the processing circuitry configures the UE to suspend transmission of acknowledgements (ACKs) and negative ACKs (NACKs) (ACK / NACKs) for the data received according to the first RAT; Now, to pause sending ACK / NACK: No more than a certain maximum number of said transmissions of ACK / NACK are transmitted; and / or the transmission of ACK / NACKs is suspended for a period of time that is less than a predetermined maximum value; The computer-readable storage medium of claim 11.

13. When the first RAT is associated with a 4G LTE network, the second RAT is associated with the 5G NR network, and the serving cell is a 4G LTE cell, the measured signal of the second RAT includes a synchronization signal block (SSB) of a 5G NR cell for handoff from the 4G LTE cell; the first frequency band is a LTE frequency band and the second frequency band is a 5G NR frequency band; wherein the first RAT uses a subcarrier spacing of 15 kHz and the second RAT uses a subcarrier spacing of 30 kHz; The computer-readable storage medium of claim 12.

14. If the UE does not indicate an capability to perform inter-RAT measurements without a measurement gap, the processing circuitry: encoding an inter-RAT gap required information element for transmission to the serving cell indicating that the UE requires a measurement gap for inter-RAT measurements; decoding a measurement gap configuration information element received from the serving cell to configure a measurement gap for the UE; configuring the UE to measure signals of the second RAT during the measurement gap; Configuring the UE to receive the data of the first RAT outside the measurement gap It is configured as follows: During the measurement gap, the processing circuitry configures the UE to refrain from transmitting or receiving data. The computer-readable storage medium of claim 13.

15. 15. The computer-readable storage medium of claim 14, wherein the UE capability information element is a Measurement and Mobility Parameters (MeasAndMobParameters) information element used to convey UE capabilities related to measurements for radio resource management (RRM), radio link monitoring (RLM), and mobility.

16. 15. The computer-readable storage medium of claim 14, wherein the processing circuitry configures the UE to refrain from transmitting the inter-RAT gap necessity information element if the UE can perform inter-RAT measurements without a measurement gap.

17. When the UE is operating in a single carrier (SC) mode, the processing circuitry is configured to encode the UE capability information element to indicate that the UE is capable of performing inter-RAT measurements without a measurement gap; When the UE is operating in a multi-carrier (MC) mode, the processing circuitry is configured to refrain from encoding the UE capability information element to indicate that the UE is capable of performing inter-RAT measurements without a measurement gap; wherein the MC mode includes a dual carrier mode including a mode in which the UE is configured for one or more of carrier aggregation (CA) operation and dual connectivity (DC) operation; 15. The computer-readable storage medium of claim 14.

18. the UE includes two or more radio frequency (RF) chains; the processing circuitry configures the UE to tune an available RF chain of the two or more RF chains to the second frequency band to configure the UE to simultaneously measure signals of the second RAT in the second frequency band while receiving data according to the first RAT in the first frequency band.

20. The computer-readable storage medium of claim 17.

19. 1. An apparatus for a base station, the apparatus comprising: a processing circuit; and a memory, the processing circuit comprising: configured to decode a UE capability information element received from a user equipment (UE) in a serving cell that is capable of operating according to two or more radio access technologies (RATs), including a first RAT and a second RAT, the UE capability information element indicating whether the UE has the capability to perform inter-RAT measurements without a measurement gap; wherein if the UE indicates an ability to perform inter-RAT measurements without a measurement gap, the processing circuitry: allowing the UE to suspend transmission of acknowledgements (ACKs) and negative acknowledgements (NACKs) (ACK / NACKs) for data received according to the first RAT during measurement of signals of the second RAT; Now, to pause sending ACK / NACK: No more than a certain maximum number of said transmissions of ACK / NACK are transmitted; and / or said transmission of ACK / NACKs is suspended for a period of time less than a predetermined maximum value; the memory is configured to store the UE capability information element; Device.

20. When the first RAT is associated with a 4G LTE network, the second RAT is associated with a 5G NR network, and the serving cell is a 4G LTE cell, the measured signal of the second RAT includes a synchronization signal block (SSB) of a 5G NR cell for handoff from the 4G LTE cell; the UE is configured to receive data according to the first RAT in a first frequency band while simultaneously measuring signals of the second RAT in a second frequency band; the first frequency band is a LTE frequency band and the second frequency band is a 5G NR frequency band; The first RAT uses a subcarrier spacing of 15 kHz and the second RAT uses a subcarrier spacing of 30 kHz.

20. The apparatus of claim 19.

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