Simultaneous uplink transmission in a communication network - Patents.com

Abstract

The device may identify or detect that simultaneous transmissions of at least two uplink channels from the device are at least partially overlapping. The device may also manage the simultaneous transmissions of the at least two uplink channels based on the identification or detection. For two UL channels, these may be PUCCH, PUSCH, or PUCCH and PUCCH. The simultaneous transmissions may be up to two (or more) TRPs from the UE. Applications of this include using a unified TCI framework.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] Example embodiments herein relate generally to wireless communications, and more particularly to simultaneous uplink (UL) transmissions from user equipment (UE) in a communications network, for example, using multiple antenna panels. [Background technology]

[0002] A user equipment (UE) is a device that enables user access to network services. A UE may connect to a wireless network for network services through a connectivity device, such as a transmit / receive point (TRP). A TRP is a transmit / receive (TX / RX) unit that can have multiple TX / RX antenna elements that generate directional beams. The TRP is transparent to the UE because the UE sees mobility only between beams (beam mobility). Thus, from the UE's perspective, a TRP can be viewed as one or more downlink reference signals that the UE can detect and measure, or via a configured coreset pool index, to which a set of signals and channels is associated. For a UE that can support multiple uplink (UL) communications, such as through multiple antenna panels, the UE may communicate with multiple TRPs in multi-TRP operation. This allows, for example, a UE to communicate with two or more TRPs simultaneously. Antenna panels may be characterized and identified by a logical index, and each index may be associated with a particular capability / capabilities and / or parameters of the antenna panel, such as, for example, the number of antenna ports (that the antenna panel supports), Tx power / EIRP, the number of beams that the antenna panel can generate, etc.

[0003] In the UL, the UE will use a Physical Uplink Control Channel (PUCCH) to transmit control information to the TRP and a Physical Uplink Shared Channel (PUSCH) to transmit (user) data to the same or different TRPs. Problems can exist when a UE, for example with its multiple antenna panels and multiple TRPs, communicates in the UL and transmits UL information via different PUCCHs or via different PUSCHs or via PUCCH and PUSCH. Summary of the Invention

[0004] This section is intended to include examples and is not intended to be limiting.

[0005] In one exemplary embodiment, a method is disclosed that includes identifying or detecting that simultaneous transmissions of at least two uplink channels from a device are at least partially overlapping, and also includes managing the simultaneous transmissions of the at least two uplink channels based on the identifying or detecting.

[0006] A further exemplary embodiment includes a computer program, the computer program comprising code for performing the method of the above clause when executed on a processor of a computer. In a computer program according to this clause, the computer program is a computer program product comprising a computer readable medium carrying computer program code embodied in the computer readable medium for use with a computer. Another example is a computer program according to this clause, the program being directly loadable into the internal memory of a computer.

[0007] An exemplary apparatus includes one or more processors and one or more memories that store instructions that, when executed by the one or more processors, cause the apparatus to at least: identify or detect that simultaneous transmissions of at least two uplink channels from the apparatus are at least partially overlapping; and manage the simultaneous transmissions of the at least two uplink channels based on the identification or detection.

[0008] An exemplary computer program product includes a computer-readable medium carrying computer program code embodied therein for use with a computer, the computer program code including code for identifying or detecting that simultaneous transmissions of at least two uplink channels from a device are at least partially overlapping, and code for managing the simultaneous transmissions of the at least two uplink channels based on the identification or detection.

[0009] In another exemplary embodiment, the apparatus comprises means for identifying or detecting that simultaneous transmission of at least two uplink channels from the apparatus at least partially overlaps, and managing the simultaneous transmission of the at least two uplink channels based on the identification or detection.

[0010] In the accompanying drawings: [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0011] [Figure 1] 1 is a block diagram of one possible, non-limiting, example system in which example embodiments may be implemented. [Figure 2A] FIG. 1 illustrates an example of multi-TRP communication with a UE having two antenna panels. [Figure 2B] FIG. 2B illustrates the example of FIG. 2A after rotation with respect to the UE has been performed. [Figure 3]3A and 3B are logic flow charts for simultaneous uplink transmissions in a communications network, illustrating the operation of one or more exemplary methods, the results of execution of computer program instructions embodied on computer-readable memory, functions performed by logic executed in hardware, and / or interconnected means for performing functions in accordance with exemplary embodiments. [Figure 4] FIG. 1 is a logic flowchart implemented by a UE for simultaneous uplink transmissions in a communications network, illustrating the operation of one or more exemplary methods, the results of execution of computer program instructions embodied on computer-readable memory, functions performed by logic executed in hardware, and / or interconnected means for performing functions in accordance with exemplary embodiments. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0012] Abbreviations that may be found in the present specification and / or drawings are defined below at the end of the Detailed Description section.

[0013] The word "exemplary" is used herein to mean "serving as an example, instance, or illustration." Any embodiment described herein as "exemplary" is not necessarily to be construed as preferred or advantageous over other embodiments. All of the embodiments described in this detailed description are exemplary embodiments provided to enable any person skilled in the art to make or use the invention and not to limit the scope of the invention, which is defined by the claims.

[0014] When two or more drawing reference numbers, words, or acronyms are used in this description with " / ", and as generally used in this description, the " / " may be interpreted as "or", "and", or "both".

[0015] Example embodiments herein relate to 3GPP New Radio (NR) physical layer development in Rel-18. More specifically, this document focuses on facilitating simultaneous PUCCH transmission from two UE transmit antenna panels in a multi-DCI (mDCI) multi-TRP (mTRP) scenario. Further description of these embodiments is presented after systems in which the example embodiments may be used are described.

[0016] Referring to FIG. 1, this figure illustrates a block diagram of one possible, non-limiting, exemplary system in which exemplary embodiments may be implemented. Shown are a user equipment (UE) 110, a radio access network (RAN) node 170, and a network element 190. In FIG. 1, the user equipment (UE) 110 is in wireless communication with a wireless network 100. The RAN node 170 is commonly referred to as a gNB for 5G, although the RAN node is not limited to a gNB, as described in more detail below. The RAN node 170 has one or more TRPs 20, which may have different configurations depending on the radio access technology used. The UE 110 communicates with the gNB 170 via a wireless link 170. In one scenario, the UE 110 communicates with multiple TRPs from the same gNB, gNB 170. In another scenario, a separate gNB 170-1 may be used, which may have its own set of one or more TRPs 20. If the UE 110 communicates with a second gNB 170-1, the UE 110 uses wireless link 110-1 for this purpose. In this scenario, gNB 170 is assumed to be the serving cell and gNB 170-1 is assumed to be the secondary cell.

[0017] The UE 110 is a wireless, typically mobile device capable of accessing a wireless network. The UE 110 includes one or more processors 120, one or more memories 125, and one or more transceivers 130 interconnected through one or more buses 127. Each of the one or more transceivers 130 includes a receiver Rx 132 and a transmitter Tx 133. The one or more buses 127 may be address, data, or control buses and may include any interconnection mechanism, such as a series of lines on a motherboard or integrated circuit, fiber optics, or other optical communication equipment, and the like. The one or more transceivers 130 are connected to one or more antennas 128. The one or more memories 125 include computer program code 123. The UE 110 includes a control module 140 comprising one or both of components 140-0 and / or 140-1, which may be implemented in several ways. The control module 140 may be implemented in hardware as control module 140-0, running as part of one or more processors 120. The control module 140-0 may similarly be implemented as an integrated circuit or through other hardware such as a programmable gate array. In another example, the control module 140 may be implemented as a control module 140-1 implemented as computer program code 123 and executed by one or more processors 120. For example, the one or more memories 125 and the computer program code 123 may be configured by the one or more processors 120 to cause the user equipment 110 to perform one or more of the operations described herein. The UE 110 communicates with the RAN node 170 via a wireless link 111.

[0018] The RAN node (e.g., gNB) 170 is a base station that provides access to the wireless network 100 by wireless devices, such as the UE 110. It is assumed that the gNBs 170 and 170-1 are similar, and only the circuitry of the RAN node 170 is described. The RAN node 170 may be, for example, a base station for 5G, also known as New Radio (NR). In 5G, the RAN node 170 may be an NG-RAN node, defined as a gNB or ng-eNB. A gNB is assumed herein. A gNB is a node that provides NR user plane and control plane protocol terminations for UEs and is connected to the 5GC (e.g., network element 190) by an NG interface. A ng-eNB is a node that provides E-UTRA user plane and control plane protocol terminations for UEs and is connected to the 5GC by an NG interface. An NG-RAN node may include multiple gNBs, which may also include a central unit (CU) (gNB-CU) 196 and a distributed unit (DU) (gNB-DU). Note that a DU may include or be coupled to and control a radio unit (RU). A DU (or RU) is an example of a TRP20. A gNB-CU is a logical node that hosts the RRC, SDAP, and PDCP protocols of a gNB or the RRC and PDCP protocols of an en-gNB, controlling the operation of one or more gNB-DUs. The gNB-CU terminates the F1 interface that connects with the gNB-DU. The F1 interface is indicated as reference 198, which also indicates a link between a remote node of the RAN node 170 and a centralized element of the RAN node 170, such as between the gNB-CU 196 and the gNB-DU (as a TRP20). A gNB-DU is a logical node that hosts the RLC, MAC, and PHY layers of a gNB or en-gNB, and its operation is partially controlled by the gNB-CU. One gNB-DU supports one or more cells. A cell is supported by only one gNB-DU, which terminates the F1 interface connecting to the gNB-CU.It should be noted that while a DU is considered to include transceiver 160, e.g., as part of an RU, some instances of this may have transceiver 160 as part of a separate RU, e.g., under the control of and connected to the DU. RAN node 170 may be an eNB (Evolved Node B) base station for LTE (Long Term Evolution), or any other suitable base station.

[0019] The RAN node 170 includes one or more processors 152, one or more memories 155, one or more network interfaces (N / WI / F) 161, and one or more transceivers 160, interconnected through one or more buses 157. Each of the one or more transceivers 160 includes a receiver Rx 162 and a transmitter Tx 163. The one or more transceivers 160 are connected to one or more antennas 158. The one or more memories 155 include computer program code 153. The CU 196 may include a processor 152, a memory 155, and a network interface 161. Note that the TRP 20 may include its own memory / memories and processor and / or other hardware, but these are not shown.

[0020] RAN node 170 includes control module 150, which comprises one or both of components 150-1 and / or 150-2, which may be implemented in several ways. Control module 150 may be implemented in hardware as control module 150-1, such as executing as part of one or more processors 152. Control module 150-1 may similarly be implemented as an integrated circuit or through other hardware, such as a programmable gate array. In another example, control module 150 may be implemented as computer program code 153 and as control module 150-2, which is executed by one or more processors 152. For example, one or more memories 155 and computer program code 153 are configured by one or more processors 152 to cause RAN node 170 to perform one or more of the operations described herein. It should be noted that the functionality of control module 150 may be distributed between the DU (as TRP 20) and CU 196, or may be executed solely within the DU.

[0021] One or more network interfaces 161 communicate over a network, such as via links 176 and 131. Two or more RAN nodes 170 communicate, for example, using link 176. Link 176 may be wired or wireless or both, and may implement, for example, an Xn interface for 5G, an X2 interface for LTE, or other suitable interface for other standards.

[0022] The one or more buses 157 may be address, data, or control buses, and may include any interconnection mechanism, such as a series of lines on a motherboard or integrated circuit, fiber optics or other optical communication equipment, wireless channels, and the like. For example, the one or more transceivers 160 may be implemented as a remote radio head (RRH) such as a TRP20 for LTE or a distributed unit (DU) such as a TRP20 for a gNB implementation for 5G, with other elements of the RAN node 170 possibly being physically in a different location from the RRH / DU, and the one or more buses 157 may be implemented in part as, for example, a fiber optic cable or other appropriate network connection to connect other elements of the RAN node 170 (e.g., a central unit (CU), gNB-CU) to the TRP (e.g., the RRH / DU). Reference 198 also indicates those appropriate network links.

[0023] The wireless network 100 may include one or more network elements 190, which may include core network functions and provide connectivity via one or more links 181 with a data network 191, such as a telephone network and / or a data communication network (e.g., the Internet). Such core network functions for 5G may include an Access and Mobility Management Function (AMF) and / or a User Plane Function (UPF) and / or a Session Management Function (SMF). Such core network functions for LTE may include an MME (Mobility Management Entity) / SGW (Serving Gateway) function. Note that these are merely example functions that may be supported by the network element 190, and both 5G and LTE functions may be supported. The RAN node 170 is coupled to the network element 190 via a link 131. The link 131 may be implemented, for example, as an NG interface for 5G or an S1 interface for LTE or other appropriate interface for other standards. Network element 190 includes one or more processors 175, one or more memories 171, and one or more network interfaces (N / WI / F) 180 interconnected through one or more buses 185. The one or more memories 171 include computer program code 173. The one or more memories 171 and computer program code 173 are configured, by the one or more processors 175, to cause network element 190 to perform one or more operations.

[0024] Wireless network 100 may perform network virtualization, which is the process of combining hardware and software network resources and network functions into a single software-based management entity, a virtual network. Network virtualization involves platform virtualization, which is often combined with resource virtualization. Network virtualization is categorized as either external, which combines many networks or predetermined portions of networks into virtual units, or internal, which provides network-like functions to software containers on a single system. It is noted that the virtualization entities resulting from network virtualization are still performed at some level using hardware, such as processor 152 or 175 and memory 155 and 171, and that such virtualization entities similarly produce technical effects.

[0025] The computer-readable memories 125, 155, and 171 may be of any type suitable for the local technology environment and may be implemented using any suitable data storage technology, such as semiconductor-based memory devices, flash memory, magnetic memory devices and systems, optical memory devices and systems, fixed memory, and removable memory. The computer-readable memories 125, 155, and 171 may be means for performing storage functions. The processors 120, 152, and 175 may be of any type suitable for the local technology environment and may include, by way of non-limiting example, one or more of a general-purpose computer, a special-purpose computer, a microprocessor, a digital signal processor (DSP), and a processor based on a multi-core processor architecture. The processors 120, 152, and 175 may be means for performing functions such as controlling the UE 110, the RAN node 170, and other functions described herein.

[0026] In general, various embodiments of user equipment 110 may include, but are not limited to, cellular phones such as smartphones, tablets, personal digital assistants (PDAs) with wireless communication capabilities, portable computers with wireless communication capabilities, vehicles with modem devices for wireless vehicle-to-everything (V2X) communication, image capture devices such as digital cameras with wireless communication capabilities, gaming devices with wireless communication capabilities, music storage and playback appliances with wireless communication capabilities, Internet appliances (including Internet of Things (IoT) devices) that enable wireless Internet access and possibly browsing, IoT devices with sensors and / or actuators for automation applications with wireless communication tablets with wireless communication capabilities, and portable units or terminals incorporating a combination of such functionality.

[0027] Having thus introduced one suitable, but non-limiting, technical context for the practice of the exemplary embodiments, the exemplary embodiments will now be described with greater specificity.

[0028] As explained above, problems may exist when a UE uses multiple transmit antenna panels to perform simultaneous transmissions over different PUCCHs or different PUSCHs or PUCCH+PUSCH for one or more TRPs, such as in a multi-DCI (mDCI) multi-TRP (mTRP) scenario. An overview of the technology area and its possible problems is now provided.

[0029] Rel-18 is a development measure that allows a UE to transmit two PUCCHs simultaneously from different UE antenna panels, as described in the Rel-18 MIMO Work Item [RP-213598] shown below:

[0030] [Table 1]

[0031] That is, focusing on FR2 and multi-TRP, assuming up to 2 TRPs and up to 2 antenna panels, there can be multi-panel uplink transmission for higher UL throughput / reliability. This involves using unified TCI framework extensions, and one option is for PUCCH+PUCCH to be transmitted over two antenna panels in the same CC.

[0032] It is noted that from the UE's perspective, the TRP may be seen as one or more downlink reference signals that the UE can detect and measure, or via a configured coreset pool index to which a set of signals and channels is associated.

[0033] This is an improvement over the Rel-17 unified TCI framework, which is described here. Rel-17 introduces a unified TCI framework, which means that the TCI state that previously provided QCL assumptions for reception of DL signals and channels will also be used to provide spatial sources for transmission of UL signals and channels. Furthermore, the unified TCI framework defines the concept of an indicated TCI state. The indicated TCI state can be a joint DL and UL TCI state or a separate DL and separate UL TCI state. An indicated TCI state provides QCL sources (DL) and spatial sources (UL) for a set of downlink signals and channels and for a set of uplink signals and channels, respectively. In Rel-17, for a UE, there can be one indicated joint DL and UL TCI state or one indicated DL and one indicated UL TCI state.

[0034] The unified TCI framework includes the following high-level features:

[0035] 1) Common TCI state for a set of signals and channels at a time (also known as directed TCI).

[0036] 2) The TCI state can be a joint DL / UL TCI state, a separate DL TCI state, and a separate UL TCI state.

[0037] 3) The RRC configures a set (or pool) of joint and / or separate TCI states.

[0038] 4) The MAC activates a number (eg, 8) of coordinated and / or distinct TCI states.

[0039] a) Before the first indication, the first activated TCI state is the current activated TCI state. More specifically, before the UE has received a TCI selection (e.g., indication) in the DCI, the current indicated TCI state is the first activated TCI state activated by the MAC. The sequence order is: the first TCI state is configured in the RRC, then one or more TCI states are activated by the MAC, then selection / indication from the activated TCI state by the DCI.

[0040] 5) The DCI indicates that one of the activated TCI states is the indicated TCI state (which may be a common TCI state).

[0041] Regarding DCI-based TCI status indication, the following has been agreed to so far:

[0042] 1) DCI format 1_1 / 1_2 with and without DL allocation is used to carry the TCI status indication.

[0043] 2) The indication is acknowledged by a HARQ ACK by the UE.

[0044] 3) Beam direction application time, which may be the first slot that is at least X milliseconds or Y symbols after the last symbol of the joint or separate DL / UL beam direction acknowledgement.

[0045] 4) TCI Field Code Points:

[0046] a) Coordination that may include TCI state for both DL and UL.

[0047] b) Separately:

[0048] i) DL TCI state and UL TCI state pair.

[0049] ii) DL TCI state (maintaining the current UL TCI state), or

[0050] iii) UL TCI state (maintain current DL TCI state).

[0051] Now that the Rel-17 unified TCI framework has been described, a further technical overview will be provided. The intent of simultaneous PUCCH+PUCCH transmission is that each PUCCH will be transmitted using a different panel (see FIG. 2A). FIG. 2A illustrates multi-TRP communication when a UE has two antenna panels. UE 110 has a first antenna panel 1 40-0 and a second antenna panel 2 40-1, which comprise some or all of antenna 128 (see FIG. 1). UE 110 uses antenna panel 1 40-0 to communicate in the UL with TRP#0 20-0 using UL TX beam#0 25-0. TRP#0 20-0 uses DL beam 15-0, which is associated with DL-RS#0, to communicate with UE 110. TCI0 ​​30-0 exists, indicating spatial source DL-RS#0. The UE uses antenna panel 2 40-1 to communicate with TRP#1 20-1 using UL TX beam#1 25-1. TRP#1 20-1 uses DL beam 15-1 associated with DL-RS#1 to communicate with UE 110. There is TCI1 30-1 pointing to spatial source DL-RS#1.

[0052] It is noted that antenna panels may be characterized and identified by logical indices, and each index may be associated with a particular capability / capabilities and / or parameters of the panel, such as, for example, the number of antenna ports (supporting the panel), Tx power / EIRP, number of beams the panel can generate, etc.

[0053] However, during operation, the UE may rotate so that one panel serves both beam-pair links between the UE and two receiving TRPs. In other words, one panel may be oriented toward both TRPs, while the other UE panel is oriented in a direction where no TRPs are located. See FIG. 2B, where rotation 150 causes only antenna panel #0 40-0 to be oriented toward both beams for TRP #0 and TRP #1, and antenna panel #1 40-1 to be oriented in a direction where TRP 20 is not present. Therefore, in this situation, to have a feasible beam-pair link quality, one of the antenna panels will be used toward both receiving TRPs. In current NR systems, the network does not know which panel the UE is using or will use for a particular PUCCH transmission. That is, the UE is only provided with, for example, a spatial source reference signal by a TCI state (e.g., in FIG. 2A, TCI0 ​​indicates spatial source DL-RS#0) or an indicated TCI state including a QCL-type D RS based on which the UE forms its transmit spatial filter.

[0054] Furthermore, the total transmit power and / or EIRP when transmitting simultaneously using two panels may exceed the maximum allowable transmit power / EIRP, thus requiring transmit power scaling.

[0055] 3GPP TS 38.213, Section 9.2.5, specifies UE behavior for overlapping PUCCHs. However, the rules considered, including potential multiplexing, dropping, and power scaling, do not consider mapping of PUCCHs across multiple UE panels. Furthermore, as can be seen from the following specification excerpt, current NR (up to Rel-17) does not support multiple simultaneous PUCCH transmissions triggered in a multi-DCI multi-TRP scenario:

[0056] [Table 2]

[0057] To address these issues, a framework for simultaneous uplink transmissions, such as PUCCH+PUCCH or PUSCH+PUSCH or hybrid (e.g., PUCCH+PUSCH) transmissions, is considered herein, and the framework provides UE rules or behaviors for different situations described above when the UE will likely need to drop one of the simultaneous uplink transmissions or scale the transmit power / EIRP in a particular way. A multi-stage (e.g., two-stage is the primary example) method is proposed in one example for the UE to determine its behavior for managing simultaneous uplink transmissions, e.g., the case of two overlapping PUCCH transmissions or two PUSCH transmissions or two PUCCH+PUSCH transmissions, which is divided into two rough steps.

[0058] 1) In a first step, the validation status of the association between the indicated TCI states and the different antenna panels of the UE is determined.

[0059] For example, after the UE determines that there will be overlapping uplink transmissions, such as overlapping PUCCH+PUCCH transmissions, the UE determines whether it can transmit two different PUCCHs simultaneously, i.e., using two (or more) different antenna panels of the UE, according to the current indicated TCI states for the different PUCCHs.

[0060] In this determination step, the UE evaluates which transmit antenna panel to associate with which indicated TCI state based on the power threshold and the L1-RSRP measurement value associated with the indicated TCI state. Based on this, the UE determines whether a one-to-one mapping exists between the indicated TCI states and different transmit antenna panels of the UE. For example, the one-to-one mapping specifies or specifies that one or more indicated TCI states each correspond to a different transmit antenna panel of one or more transmit antenna panels associated with the UE.

[0061] Once the one-to-one mapping is determined, the association status between the indicated TCI state and the different transmit antenna panels is defined or considered as valid for use for overlapping uplink transmissions, otherwise the association status is defined or considered as invalid for use for overlapping uplink transmissions.

[0062] That is, the UE maintains the indicated TCI state associated with a different transmit antenna panel as valid for use for overlapping uplink transmissions until the measured L1-RSRP-related DL resources of the indicated TCI state are equal to or greater than a (configured or predetermined) power threshold for the UE; otherwise, the UE determines the status of the transmit antenna panel association with the indicated TCI state as invalid for use for overlapping uplink transmissions. In this regard, the UE determines whether the associated beam-pair links in the uplink for different TRPs will be implemented by two different antenna panels or by the same (single) antenna panel associated with the UE. The UE may do so by comparing L1-RSRP measurements for one antenna panel, each L1-RSRP measurement performed for a DL RS of the indicated TCI state that characterizes a beam-pair link between the UE (antenna panel) and the TRP. In various embodiments, the UE may measure the DL RS using both antenna panels (assuming the UE will use the same beam for uplink transmission as for downlink reception of the DL RS, and therefore for measurements). The UE may compare the L1-RSRP results and evaluate whether the corresponding RSRP results are strong enough for both beam-pair links from different antenna panels, after which the UE determines that both beam-pair links can be transmitted simultaneously from both antenna panels. Otherwise, the UE determines that both beam-pair links are transmitted from the same antenna panel, and therefore, simultaneous transmission is not preferred.

[0063] 2) In a second step, the association status is defined or considered as invalid for use for overlapping uplink transmissions.

[0064] If the UE cannot transmit both PUCCHs, for example, using different transmit antenna panels associated with the UE, the UE evaluates which of the PUCCHs to transmit as follows.

[0065] a) If the priority indexes of the PUCCHs are not the same, the UE drops the PUCCH with a higher priority index. It is noted that a higher priority index means a lower priority.

[0066] b) Otherwise, the UE transmits a PUCCH associated with a lower coresetPoolIndex. As is known, coresetPoolIndex is an index for a set of coresets (control resource sets), which is actually an index for a TRP. Here, the priority ordering is performed according to coresetPoolIndex (the lower the index, the higher the priority), but other indexes or information may also be used for the priority ordering.

[0067] c) If a PUCCH transmission is determined to be in a beam failure state or fails for an associated CORESETpooindex (the CORESET of the CORESETpooindex is monitored using the BFD-RS set associated with the CORESETPooIndex), the UE drops the PUCCH associated with the CORESETpooindex of the failed BFD-RS set.

[0068] d) In one example, if one of the PUCCHs carries an SR transmission, this transmission may be prioritized over the other PUCCHs.

[0069] i) Prioritization may be determined based on the SR type or association information provided by the SR.

[0070] ii) If SR is used for beam failure recovery / LBT failure indication, transmission with SR may be prioritized.

[0071] In one example, one of the PUCCHs may be prioritized if it carries A / N feedback for DL ​​retransmission, e.g., it may be prioritized over the PUCCH carrying A / N feedback for the first transmission.

[0072] In one example, the priority may be based on the time type for the PUCCH transmission, eg, aperiodic / scheduled PUCCH may be prioritized over periodic PUCCH.

[0073] This concludes the discussion of step 2.

[0074] For these steps, if the UE is able to transmit both PUCCHs, the UE evaluates the required total Tx power / EIRP as follows:

[0075] i) If the required Tx power / EIRP does not exceed the maximum allowed transmit power, the UE transmits two PUCCHs.

[0076] ii) Otherwise, the UE performs Tx power scaling with the following options (selecting one of them to use):

[0077] A) Enforce equal power scaling;

[0078] B) performing non-uniform power scaling, such that the UE performs power scaling for PUCCHs associated with higher coresetPoolIndex; or

[0079] C) Drop the PUCCH associated with a higher coresetPoolIndex.

[0080] In the above, overlapping PUCCH+PUCCH transmissions are considered with respect to how the UE determines whether it can transmit simultaneously, i.e., using two (or more) different transmit antenna panels, according to the current indicated TCI state for overlapping transmissions. The same may apply to other overlapping uplink transmissions, such as, for example, overlapping PUSCH+PUSCH or PUCCH+PUSCH transmissions from a UE using two (or more) different transmit antenna panels associated with the UE.

[0081] In one embodiment, if the UE determines that a possibility exists for overlapping uplink transmissions, such as PUCCH+PUCCH or PUSCH+PUSCH or PUCCH+PUSCH transmissions from two (or more) different transmit antenna panels of the UE, the UE may trigger an uplink report (e.g., aperiodic or dynamic), and the report may include, for example, an indication that two or more uplink transmission / TCI states of the UE are associated with the same UE antenna panel associated with the UE.

[0082] In one example, overlapping PUCCH+PUCCH transmissions may prioritize, for example, a PUCCH that starts earlier in time, where the PUCCH transmissions partially overlap and the first PUCCH transmission in time may continue while the other PUCCH transmissions are dropped. Overlapping PUCCH+PUSCH transmissions may prioritize a PUCCH or PUSCH that starts earlier in time, where the PUCCH+PUSCH transmissions partially overlap and the first PUCCH or PUSCH transmission in time may continue while the other transmissions are dropped. Similarly, overlapping PUSCH+PUSCH transmissions may prioritize a PUSCH that starts earlier in time, where the PUSCH transmissions partially overlap and the first PUSCH transmission in time may continue while the other PUSCH transmissions are dropped.

[0083] In one example, with overlapping PUCCH+PUCCH transmissions, PUCCHs that have repetition in time (TDMed PUCCH for one TRP or both TRPs) or have a higher number of repetitions may be deprioritized, i.e., one-shot PUCCH transmissions are prioritized over PUCCH transmissions that are part of repeated PUCCH transmissions, where a PUCCH repetition may have at least one other repetition instance that may not overlap with a PUCCH transmission for another TRP.

[0084] While multi-TRP is used as the primary example herein, it is noted that the techniques described herein are not limited to multi-TRP. Furthermore, while a unified TCI framework is the primary example, the description considers unified TCI as merely an example. Furthermore, while some examples use antenna panels, other antenna systems in the UE capable of communicating on the UL with multiple receiving points may be used.

[0085] Referring to Figure 3, which is divided into Figures 3A and 3B, this figure is a logical flowchart for simultaneous uplink transmissions in a communication network. This example relates to multi-stage rules for simultaneous UL (e.g., PUCCH+PUCCH or PUSCH+PUSCH or PUCCH+PUSCH) transmissions for use in a multi-TRP scenario under a unified TCI framework. This figure also illustrates the operations of one or more exemplary methods, the results of execution of computer program instructions embodied on computer-readable memory, functions performed by logic executed in hardware, and / or interconnected means for performing functions according to exemplary embodiments. The blocks in this flowchart are performed by the UE 110. Figure 3 includes many materials, described above, in the form of logical flowcharts.

[0086] At block 305, the UE determines that there will be overlapping (e.g., at least partially) uplink transmissions. Note that this overlap is primarily considered in time, but frequency can also play a role. These uplink transmissions may be PUCCH+PUCCH, PUSCH+PUSCH, or a hybrid, e.g., PUCCH+PUSCH. At block 310, the UE identifies or detects whether the UE can simultaneously transmit via two indicated TCI states (beam-pair links from two different UE transmit antenna panels). Block 330 further defines block 310. Block 330 instructs the determining step of 310 to evaluate which transmit antenna panel to associate with which indicated TCI state based on L1-RSRP measurements. For example, the UE may attempt to associate and maintain the indicated TCI states with different transmit antenna panels, but a threshold may exist, and if the RSRP value is less than the threshold, the UE determines that the association is not valid for use for overlapping uplink transmissions. It is noted that "identify," "detect," or "determine" in these steps are assumed to be similar or the same and refer to the UE making a decision as to whether or not the UE can send two (or more) transmissions simultaneously on the uplink.

[0087] If simultaneous transmission is not possible (block 310=no), the UE determines whether the priority indexes are equal, where priority index here means the explicitly configured priority index for different channels in RRC, in block 315. If the priority indexes are not equal (block 315=no), the UE drops the channel with the higher priority index in case of overlapping channel (e.g., PUCCH+PUCCH, PUSCH+PUSCH, or hybrid, PUCCH+PUSCH) transmission, in block 320. If the priority indexes are equal (block 315=yes), the UE transmits the channel associated with the lower coresetPoolIndex and drops the other channel, in block 325.

[0088] If the UE determines in block 310 that it can transmit simultaneously via the two indicated TCI states (block 310=yes), flow proceeds to block 335, where the UE determines whether the total Tx power or EIRP would exceed the maximum allowed transmit power for the UE. If not (block 335=no), the UE transmits information for both channels in block 340. If it does (block 335=yes), the UE performs power scaling or drops the channel associated with the higher coresetPoolIndex in block 345.

[0089] 4 is a logic flowchart implemented by a UE for simultaneous uplink transmission in a communications network. Figure 4 also illustrates the operation of one or more exemplary methods, results of execution of computer program instructions embodied on computer-readable memory, functions performed by logic executed in hardware, and / or interconnected means for performing functions in accordance with exemplary embodiments.

[0090] In step 1.a, the UE identifies or detects that simultaneous transmissions of at least two uplink channels from the device are at least partially overlapping. In step 1.b, the UE manages the simultaneous transmissions of the at least two uplink channels based on the identification or detection. Steps 1.a and 1.b are hereinafter collectively referred to as step 1.

[0091] Step 2. This step is related to step 1, where the at least two uplink channels comprise two different uplink control channels or two different uplink data channels or a hybrid of an uplink control channel and an uplink data channel.

[0092] Step 3. This step refers to step 1 or 2, and managing the simultaneous transmission further includes evaluating an association between one or more indicated Transmission Configuration Indicator (TCI) states and one or more transmit antenna panels of the device for the at least two uplink channels.

[0093] Step 4. This step refers to step 3, and the association includes a mapping between one or more indicated TCI states and one or more transmit antenna panels of the device.

[0094] Step 5. This step refers to step 4, and the mapping is based on power thresholds and Layer 1 reference signal received power measurements associated with one or more indicated TCI states.

[0095] Step 6. This step refers to step 4 or 5, and managing the simultaneous transmission is

[0096] deeming the mapping valid for use for simultaneous transmission of at least two uplink channels in response to the mapping being a one-to-one mapping in which the one or more indicated TCI states each correspond to a different transmit antenna panel of the one or more transmit antenna panels of the device;

[0097] Otherwise, deeming the mapping invalid for use for simultaneous transmission of at least two uplink channels.

[0098] Step 7. This step refers to any one of steps 4 to 6, and managing simultaneous transmissions is

[0099] and further including a power threshold associated with the one or more indicated TCI states by a one-to-one mapping, where the one or more indicated TCI states each correspond to a different transmit antenna panel of one or more transmit antenna panels of the device, and maintaining the association until the Layer 1 reference signal received power measurement is equal to or greater than the power threshold.

[0100] Step 8. This step refers to step 6 or 7, and managing the simultaneous transmission further includes implementing simultaneous transmission of at least two uplink channels from the device based on a total transmit power required for the simultaneous transmission.

[0101] Step 9. This step refers to any one of steps 6 to 8, and the total required transmit power is less than the maximum allowed transmit power for the device to transmit at least two uplink channels.

[0102] Step 10. This step refers to any one of Steps 6 to 8, and managing the simultaneous transmission further includes, in response to the required total transmit power exceeding a maximum allowed transmit power for the device to transmit the at least two uplink channels, effecting the simultaneous transmission of the at least two uplink channels by transmit power scaling.

[0103] Step 11. This step refers to any one of steps 1 to 10, and in response to the identification or detection, triggers an uplink report.

[0104] Step 12. This step refers to step 11, and the report includes an indication that two or more uplink transmissions or two or more TCI states of the UE are associated with the same UE antenna panel associated with the UE.

[0105] Step 13. This step refers to any one of Steps 1 to 12, and managing the simultaneous transmission further includes prioritizing the transmission of the at least two uplink channels in response to the transmission of the at least two uplink channels being partially overlapped.

[0106] Step 14. This step refers to step 13, and the prioritizing is based on a recurrence action associated with at least one uplink channel of the at least two uplink channels.

[0107] One technical effect and advantage of one or more embodiments disclosed herein is the ability to transmit at least higher priority uplink control information to a network under all conditions, without in any way limiting the scope, interpretation, or application of the claims set forth below.

[0108] As used in this application, the term "circuitry" may refer to one or more or all of the following:

[0109] (a) a hardware-only circuit implementation (e.g., a circuit implementation of only analog and / or digital circuitry); and

[0110] (b) combinations of hardware circuitry and software, such as (where applicable): (i) a combination of analog hardware circuitry and / or digital hardware circuitry with software / firmware, and (ii) any portion of a hardware processor with software (including a digital signal processor), software, and memory that work together to cause a device such as a mobile phone or server to perform various functions;

[0111] (c) A hardware circuit and / or processor, such as a microprocessor or portion of a microprocessor, that requires software (e.g., firmware) to operate; however, when software is not required for operation, the software may not be present.

[0112] This definition of circuitry applies to all uses of this term in this application, including in any patent claims. As a further example, as used in this application, the term circuitry also covers merely a hardware circuit or processor (or processors) or a specified portion of a hardware circuit or processor and its (or their) associated software and / or firmware implementation. The term circuitry also covers, for example, a baseband integrated circuit or a processor integrated circuit for a mobile device or similar integrated circuit in a server, cellular network device, or other computing or network device, if applicable to a particular claim element.

[0113] Embodiments herein may be implemented in software (executed by one or more processors), hardware (e.g., application specific integrated circuits), or a combination of software and hardware. In an exemplary embodiment, the software (e.g., application logic, instruction set) is maintained on a computer-readable medium on any one of various conventional computer-readable media. In the context of this document, a "computer-readable medium" may be any medium or means that can contain, store, communicate, propagate, or carry instructions for use by or in connection with an instruction execution system, apparatus, or device, such as a computer, an example of which is described and shown in FIG. 1, for example. A computer-readable medium may comprise a computer-readable storage medium (e.g., memory 125, 155, 171, or other device), which may be any medium or means that can contain, store, and / or carry instructions for use by or in connection with an instruction execution system, apparatus, or device, such as a computer. A computer-readable storage medium does not include a propagating signal.

[0114] If desired, different functions discussed herein may be performed in different orders and / or simultaneously with one another. Furthermore, if desired, one or more of the functions described above may be optional or combined.

[0115] Although various aspects of the invention are set out in the independent claims, other aspects of the invention include other combinations of features from the described embodiments and / or the dependent claims with features of the independent claims, not just the combinations explicitly set out in the claims.

[0116] While the above describes exemplary embodiments of the present invention, it is also noted herein that these descriptions should not be considered in a limiting sense. Rather, there are several variations and modifications that may be made without departing from the scope of the present invention as defined in the appended claims.

[0117] The following abbreviations that may be found in the present specification and / or drawings are defined as follows:

[0118] 3GPP Third Generation Partnership Project

[0119] 5G fifth generation

[0120] 5GC 5G core network

[0121] Also known as aka

[0122] AMF access and mobility management function

[0123] A / N Ack (acknowledgement) / Nack (negative acknowledgement)

[0124] BFD-RS beam failure detection-reference signal

[0125] CC component carrier

[0126] CORESET control resource set

[0127] CU Central Unit

[0128] DCI Downlink Control Information

[0129] DL downlink

[0130] DU Distributed Unit

[0131] EIRP Equivalent isotropically radiated power

[0132] eNB (or eNodeB) evolved Node B (e.g., LTE base station)

[0133] EN-DC E-UTRA-NR dual connectivity

[0134] en-gNB or En-gNB: A node that provides NR user plane and control plane protocol termination towards UEs and acts as a secondary node within the EN-DC

[0135] E-UTRA evolved universal terrestrial radio access, i.e., LTE radio access technology

[0136] FR2 Frequency range 2

[0137] HARQ Hybrid Automatic Retransmission Request

[0138] gNB (or gNode B) A base station for 5G / NR, i.e. a node that provides NR user plane and control plane protocol termination towards the UE and is connected to 5G via the NG interface

[0139] I / F interface

[0140] L1 Layer 1

[0141] LBT: Listen before talk

[0142] LTE Long Term Evolution

[0143] m-DCI Multi-DCI (multi-DCI)

[0144] MAC medium access control

[0145] MIMO (multiple input, multiple output)

[0146] MME mobility management entity

[0147] ms milliseconds

[0148] multi, multiple

[0149] ng or NG next generation

[0150] ng-eNB or NG-eNB Next Generation eNB

[0151] NR New Radio

[0152] N / W or NW network

[0153] PDCP Packet Data Convergence Protocol

[0154] PHY physical layer

[0155] PUCCH Physical Uplink Control Channel

[0156] PUSCH physical uplink shared channel

[0157] QCL

[0158] RAN Radio Access Network

[0159] Rel release

[0160] RRC (radio resource control)

[0161] RRH Remote Radio Head

[0162] RS reference signal

[0163] RSRP Reference Signal Received Power

[0164] Rx receiver or receive

[0165] SDAP service data adaptation protocol

[0166] SGW Serving Gateway

[0167] SMF session management function

[0168] SR scheduling request

[0169] TCI Transmission Coordination Indicator

[0170] TDM time division multiplex

[0171] TRP transmission-reception point

[0172] TS technical specification

[0173] Tx transmitter or transmit

[0174] UE User equipment (e.g., wireless, typically mobile device)

[0175] UL uplink

[0176] UPF user plane function

Claims

1. one or more processors; and one or more memories that store instructions that, when executed by the one or more processors, cause the apparatus to perform at least: identifying or detecting that simultaneous transmissions of at least two uplink channels from the device are at least partially overlapping; and managing the simultaneous transmission of the at least two uplink channels based on the identification or detection. Device.

2. 10. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the at least two uplink channels comprise two different uplink control channels, or two different uplink data channels, or a hybrid of an uplink control channel and an uplink data channel.

3. 3. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein managing the simultaneous transmission further comprises evaluating, for the at least two uplink channels, an association between one or more indicated transmit configuration indicator (TCI) states and one or more transmit antenna panels of the apparatus.

4. The device of claim 3 , wherein the association comprises a mapping between the one or more indicated TCI states and the one or more transmit antenna panels of the device.

5. The apparatus of claim 4 , wherein the mapping is based on a power threshold associated with the one or more indicated TCI states and a Layer 1 reference signal received power measurement.

6. The managing of the simultaneous transmissions comprises: considering the mapping valid for use for the simultaneous transmission of the at least two uplink channels in response to the mapping being a one-to-one mapping in which the one or more indicated TCI states each correspond to a different transmit antenna panel of the one or more transmit antenna panels of the device; Otherwise, considering the mapping invalid for use for the simultaneous transmission of the at least two uplink channels.

7. The managing of the simultaneous transmissions comprises:

7. The apparatus of claim 4, further comprising: a power threshold associated with the one or more indicated TCI states by the one-to-one mapping, wherein each of the one or more indicated TCI states corresponds to a different transmit antenna panel of the one or more transmit antenna panels of the apparatus; and maintaining the association until a Layer 1 reference signal received power measurement is greater than or equal to the power threshold.

8. The managing of the simultaneous transmissions comprises: The apparatus of claim 6 or 7, further comprising: performing the simultaneous transmission of the at least two uplink channels from the apparatus based on a total transmit power required for the simultaneous transmission.

9. The device according to any one of claims 6 to 8, wherein the required total transmit power is less than a maximum allowed transmit power for the device to transmit the at least two uplink channels.

10. The managing of the simultaneous transmissions comprises:

9. The apparatus of claim 6, further comprising: performing the simultaneous transmission of the at least two uplink channels by transmit power scaling in response to the required total transmit power exceeding a maximum allowed transmit power for the apparatus to transmit the at least two uplink channels.

11. The instructions, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the device to perform at least: An apparatus according to any preceding claim, configured to trigger an uplink report in response to said identifying or detecting.

12. 12. The apparatus of claim 11, wherein the report includes an indication that two or more uplink transmissions or two or more TCI states of the UE are associated with a same UE antenna panel associated with the UE.

13. The managing of the simultaneous transmissions comprises:

13. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising: prioritizing the transmission of the at least two uplink channels in response to the transmission of the at least two uplink channels being partially overlapped.

14. The apparatus of claim 13 , wherein the prioritizing is based on a recurrence behavior associated with at least one uplink channel of the at least two uplink channels.

15. identifying or detecting by a device that simultaneous transmissions of at least two uplink channels from said device are at least partially overlapping; managing, by the device, the simultaneous transmission of the at least two uplink channels based on the identification or detection; A method comprising:

16. 16. The method of claim 15, wherein the at least two uplink channels comprise two different uplink control channels, or two different uplink data channels, or a hybrid of an uplink control channel and an uplink data channel.

17. The managing of the simultaneous transmissions comprises:

17. The method of claim 15 or 16, further comprising evaluating, for the at least two uplink channels, an association between one or more indicated transmission configuration indicator (TCI) states and one or more transmit antenna panels of the device.

18. The method of claim 17 , wherein the association includes a mapping between the one or more indicated TCI states and the one or more transmit antenna panels of the device.

19. 20. The method of claim 18, wherein the mapping is based on a power threshold and a Layer 1 reference signal received power measurement associated with the one or more indicated TCI states.

20. The managing of the simultaneous transmissions comprises: considering the mapping valid for use for the simultaneous transmission of the at least two uplink channels in response to the mapping being a one-to-one mapping in which the one or more indicated TCI states each correspond to a different transmit antenna panel of the one or more transmit antenna panels of the device; 20. The method of claim 18 or 19, further comprising: otherwise, considering the mapping invalid for use for the simultaneous transmission of the at least two uplink channels.

21. The managing of the simultaneous transmissions comprises:

21. The method of claim 18, further comprising: a power threshold associated with the one or more indicated TCI states by the one-to-one mapping, wherein each of the one or more indicated TCI states corresponds to a different transmit antenna panel of the one or more transmit antenna panels of the device; and maintaining the association until a Layer 1 reference signal received power measurement is greater than or equal to the power threshold.

22. The managing of the simultaneous transmissions comprises:

22. The method of claim 20 or 21, further comprising: performing the simultaneous transmission of the at least two uplink channels from the device based on a total transmit power required for the simultaneous transmission.

23. The method of any one of claims 20 to 22, wherein the required total transmit power is less than a maximum allowed transmit power for the device to transmit the at least two uplink channels.

24. The managing of the simultaneous transmissions comprises:

23. The method of claim 20, further comprising: in response to the required total transmit power exceeding a maximum allowed transmit power for the device to transmit the at least two uplink channels, performing the simultaneous transmission of the at least two uplink channels by transmit power scaling.

25. The method of any one of claims 15 to 24, further comprising triggering an uplink report in response to said identifying or detecting.

26. 26. The method of claim 25, wherein the report includes an indication that two or more uplink transmissions or two or more TCI states of the UE are associated with the same UE antenna panel associated with the UE.

27. The managing of the simultaneous transmissions comprises:

27. The method of claim 15, further comprising prioritizing transmission of the at least two uplink channels in response to the transmission of the at least two uplink channels being partially overlapped.

28. 28. The method of claim 27, wherein the prioritizing is based on a recurrence behavior associated with at least one uplink channel of the at least two uplink channels.

29. A computer program comprising code for performing the method of any one of claims 15 to 28 when the computer program is run on a computer.

30. 30. A computer program according to claim 29, which is a computer program product comprising a computer readable medium carrying computer program code embodied thereon for use with the computer.

31. 30. The computer program of claim 29, directly loadable into the internal memory of the computer.

32. 1. An apparatus comprising: identifying or detecting by the device that simultaneous transmissions of at least two uplink channels from the device are at least partially overlapping; and managing, by the device, the simultaneous transmission of the at least two uplink channels based on the identification or detection; An apparatus comprising: means for performing

33. 33. The apparatus of claim 32, wherein the at least two uplink channels comprise two different uplink control channels, or two different uplink data channels, or a hybrid of an uplink control channel and an uplink data channel.

34. The managing of the simultaneous transmissions comprises:

34. The apparatus of claim 32 or 33, further comprising: evaluating, for the at least two uplink channels, an association between one or more indicated transmission configuration indicator (TCI) states and one or more transmit antenna panels of the apparatus.

35. 35. The device of claim 34, wherein the association comprises a mapping between the one or more indicated TCI states and the one or more transmit antenna panels of the device.

36. 36. The apparatus of claim 35, wherein the mapping is based on a power threshold associated with the one or more indicated TCI states and a Layer 1 reference signal received power measurement.

37. The managing of the simultaneous transmissions comprises: considering the mapping valid for use for the simultaneous transmission of the at least two uplink channels in response to the mapping being a one-to-one mapping in which the one or more indicated TCI states each correspond to a different transmit antenna panel of the one or more transmit antenna panels of the device; otherwise, deeming the mapping invalid for use for the simultaneous transmission of the at least two uplink channels; 37. The apparatus of claim 35 or 36, further comprising:

38. The managing of the simultaneous transmissions comprises:

38. The apparatus of claim 35, further comprising: a power threshold associated with the one or more indicated TCI states by the one-to-one mapping, wherein each of the one or more indicated TCI states corresponds to a different transmit antenna panel of the one or more transmit antenna panels of the apparatus; and maintaining the association until a Layer 1 reference signal received power measurement is greater than or equal to the power threshold.

39. The managing of the simultaneous transmissions comprises:

39. The apparatus of claim 37 or 38, further comprising: performing the simultaneous transmission of the at least two uplink channels from the apparatus based on a total transmit power required for the simultaneous transmission.

40. The device of any one of claims 37 to 39, wherein the required total transmit power is less than a maximum allowed transmit power for the device to transmit the at least two uplink channels.

41. The managing of the simultaneous transmissions comprises:

40. The apparatus of claim 37, further comprising: performing the simultaneous transmission of the at least two uplink channels by transmit power scaling in response to the required total transmit power exceeding a maximum allowed transmit power for the apparatus to transmit the at least two uplink channels.

42. The apparatus of any one of claims 32 to 41, wherein the means is further configured for triggering an uplink report in response to the identification or detection.

43. 43. The apparatus of claim 42, wherein the report includes an indication that two or more uplink transmissions or two or more TCI states of the UE are associated with a same UE antenna panel associated with the UE.

44. The managing of the simultaneous transmissions comprises:

44. The apparatus of claim 32, further comprising: prioritizing transmission of the at least two uplink channels in response to the transmission of the at least two uplink channels being partially overlapped.

45. 45. The apparatus of claim 44, wherein the prioritizing is based on a recurrence operation associated with at least one uplink channel of the at least two uplink channels.

46. The means comprises: at least one processor; and at least one memory containing computer program code, said at least one memory and computer program code configured to cause execution of said apparatus by said at least one processor.

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