Phase difference measurement for carrier phase-based positioning

Abstract

A technology for wireless communication is disclosed. In one embodiment, a user device (UE) receives a first reference signal (PRS) resource transmitted by a first entity, which includes one or more first symbols; receives one or more second reference signal resources transmitted by one or more second entities, which include one or more second symbols; and determines one or more first received signal phase difference (RSPD) measurements for one or more second reference signal resources based on the phase of the first reference signal resource and the phase of each of the one or more second reference signal resources.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] (Cross - reference to Related Applications)

[0001] This patent application claims priority to Greek Patent Application No. 20230100250, filed on March 24, 2023, entitled "PHASE DIFFERENCE MEASUREMENT FOR CARRIER PHASE - BASED POSITIONING", which has been assigned to the assignee of this application and is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.

Background Art

[0002] 1. Field of Disclosure

[0002] Aspects of the present disclosure generally relate to wireless communication.

[0003] 2. Description of Related Art

[0003] Wireless communication systems have evolved through various generations, including first-generation analog wireless telephone services (1G), second-generation digital wireless telephone services (including provisional 2.5G and 2.75G networks), third-generation high-speed data and internet-enabled wireless services, and fourth-generation services (4G) (e.g., Long Term Evolution (LTE®) or WiMax). Currently, many different types of wireless communication systems are in use, including cellular systems and personal communications service (PCS) systems. Known examples of cellular systems include the Cellular Analog Advanced Mobile Phone System (AMPS), and digital cellular systems based on code division multiple access (CDMA), frequency division multiple access (FDMA), time division multiple access (TDMA), and the Global System for Mobile communications (GSM®).

[0004]

[0004] The fifth-generation (5G) wireless standard, known as New Radio (NR), enables higher data transfer speeds, more connections, and better coverage, among other improvements. According to the Next Generation Mobile Network Alliance, the 5G standard is designed to provide higher data rates, more accurate positioning (based on reference signals for positioning, RS-P, such as downlink, uplink, or sidelink positioning reference signals, PRS), and other technological enhancements compared to previous standards. These enhancements enable highly accurate 5G-based positioning, as well as the use of higher frequency bands, advances in PRS processes and technology, and high-density deployment for 5G. [Overview of the project]

[0005]

[0005] The following is a simplified overview of one or more embodiments disclosed herein. Therefore, the following overview should not be considered a broad overview of all conceivable embodiments, nor should it be considered to identify any major or important elements of all conceivable embodiments, nor should it be considered to define the scope associated with any particular embodiment. Accordingly, the sole purpose of the following overview is to present, in a simplified form, a specific concept relating to one or more embodiments of the mechanism disclosed herein, prior to the “Modes for Carrying Out the Invention” presented below.

[0006]

[0006] In one embodiment, a method of wireless communication performed by a user device (UE) includes receiving a first reference signal resource transmitted by a first entity, which includes one or more first symbols; receiving one or more second reference signal resources transmitted by one or more second entities, which include one or more second symbols; and determining one or more first received signal phase difference (RSPD) measurements for one or more second reference signal resources based on the phase of the first reference signal resource and the phase of each of the one or more second reference signal resources.

[0007]

[0007] In one embodiment, a communication method performed by a network entity includes transmitting to a user device (UE) a configuration for obtaining a received signal phase difference (RSPD) measurement between a first reference signal resource transmitted by a first entity, which includes one or more first symbols, and one or more second reference signal resources transmitted by one or more second entities, which include one or more second symbols, and receiving the RSPD measurement from the UE based on the configuration.

[0008]

[0008] In one embodiment, the user equipment (UE) includes one or more memories, one or more transceivers, and one or more processors communicatively coupled to the memories and one or more transceivers, wherein one or more processors are configured to receive a first reference signal resource via one or more transceivers, which is a first reference signal resource transmitted by a first entity and includes one or more first symbols, and to receive one or more second reference signal resources via one or more transceivers, which is a second reference signal resource transmitted by one or more second entities and includes one or more second symbols, and to determine one or more first received signal phase difference (RSPD) measurements for one or more second reference signal resources based on the phase of the first reference signal resource and the phase of each of the one or more second reference signal resources.

[0009]

[0009] In one embodiment, the network entity includes one or more memories, one or more transceivers, and one or more processors communicatively coupled to the memories and one or more transceivers, the one or more processors being configured to transmit a configuration to a user device (UE) via one or more transceivers for obtaining received signal phase difference (RSPD) measurements between a first reference signal resource, which includes one or more first symbols, transmitted by a first entity, and one or more second reference signal resources, which include one or more second symbols, transmitted by one or more second entities, and to receive RSPD measurements from the UE via one or more transceivers based on the configuration.

[0010]

[0010] In one embodiment, the user equipment (UE) includes means for receiving a first reference signal resource transmitted by a first entity, which includes one or more first symbols; means for receiving one or more second reference signal resources transmitted by one or more second entities, which include one or more second symbols; and means for determining one or more first received signal phase difference (RSPD) measurements for one or more second reference signal resources based on the phase of the first reference signal resource and the phase of each of the one or more second reference signal resources.

[0011]

[0011] In one embodiment, the network entity includes means for transmitting to a user device (UE) a configuration for obtaining received signal phase difference (RSPD) measurements between a first reference signal resource transmitted by a first entity, which includes one or more first symbols, and one or more second reference signal resources transmitted by one or more second entities, which include one or more second symbols, and means for receiving RSPD measurements from the UE based on the configuration.

[0012]

[0012] In one embodiment, a non-temporary computer-readable medium stores a computer-executable instruction which, when executed by a user device (UE), causes the UE to receive a first reference signal resource transmitted by a first entity, comprising one or more first symbols; receive one or more second reference signal resources transmitted by one or more second entities, comprising one or more second symbols; and determine one or more first received signal phase difference (RSPD) measurements for one or more second reference signal resources based on the phase of the first reference signal resource and the phase of each of the one or more second reference signal resources.

[0013]

[0013] In one embodiment, a non-temporary computer-readable medium stores a computer-executable instruction which, when executed by a network entity, causes the network entity to transmit a configuration to a user device (UE) for obtaining a received signal phase difference (RSPD) measurement between a first reference signal resource transmitted by a first entity, comprising one or more first symbols, and one or more second reference signal resources transmitted by one or more second entities, comprising one or more second symbols, and causes the UE to receive an RSPD measurement based on the configuration.

[0014]

[0014] Other purposes and advantages associated with the embodiments disclosed herein will become apparent to those skilled in the art based on the accompanying drawings and “Modes for Carrying Out the Invention.” [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0015]

[0015] The accompanying drawings are provided to aid in describing various aspects of the present disclosure and are provided for illustrative purposes only, and not to limit those aspects. [Figure 1]

[0016] An exemplary wireless communication system according to the embodiments of this disclosure is shown. [Figure 2A]

[0017] An exemplary wireless network structure according to an aspect of this disclosure is shown. [Figure 2B] An exemplary wireless network structure according to an aspect of this disclosure is shown. [Figure 2C] An exemplary wireless network structure according to an aspect of this disclosure is shown. [Figure 3A]

[0018] This is a simplified block diagram of an exemplary embodiment of a component that may be used in a user equipment (UE) and configured to support the communications taught herein. [Figure 3B] A simplified block diagram of an exemplary aspect of a component that can be employed in a base station and configured to support the communication taught in this specification. [Figure 3C] A simplified block diagram of an exemplary aspect of a component that can be employed in a network entity and configured to support the communication taught in this specification. [Figure 4A]

[0019] Examples of various positioning methods supported in New Radio (NR) according to aspects of the present disclosure are shown. [Figure 4B]

[0020] Examples of various scenarios of interest for sidelink-only or joint Uu and sidelink positioning according to aspects of the present disclosure are shown. [Figure 4C] Examples of various scenarios of interest for sidelink-only or joint Uu and sidelink positioning according to aspects of the present disclosure are shown. [Figure 5]

[0021] A diagram showing an exemplary frame structure according to aspects of the present disclosure. [Figure 6A]

[0022] Various comb patterns supported for downlink positioning reference signals (PRS) within a resource block are shown. [Figure 6B] Various comb patterns supported for downlink positioning reference signals (PRS) within a resource block are shown. [Figure 7]

[0023] An exemplary pattern for reference positioning reference signal (PRS) resources and target PRS resources transmitted within the same time window according to aspects of the present disclosure is shown. [Figure 8]

[0024] An exemplary scenario for transmitting reference PRS resources in all slots including the target PRS resource according to aspects of the present disclosure is shown. [Figure 9]

[0025] An exemplary scenario for transmitting a phase difference reference signal in all subsequent slots including the target PRS resource according to aspects of the present disclosure is shown. [Figure 10]

[0026] The following are exemplary methods of communication according to the aspects of this disclosure. [Figure 11] The following are exemplary methods of communication according to the aspects of this disclosure. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0016]

[0027] The aspects of this disclosure are provided in the following description and related drawings, which cover various examples provided for illustrative purposes. Alternative embodiments can be devised without departing from the scope of this disclosure. Furthermore, well-known elements of this disclosure will not be described in detail or will be omitted so as not to obscure the relevant details of this disclosure.

[0017]

[0028] Various embodiments generally relate to carrier phase-based positioning. Some embodiments, in more detail, relate to the measurement of the received signal phase difference (RSPD) between a reference transmission-reception point (TRP) and one or more target TRPs. In some examples, a user device (UE) receives a reference positioning reference signal (PRS) resource transmitted by the reference TRP and one or more target PRS resources transmitted by one or more target TRPs within the same time window. The UE determines one or more RSPD measurements for one or more target PRS resources based on the phase of the reference PRS resource within the time window and the phase of each of the one or more target PRS resources within the same time window.

[0018]

[0029] Certain aspects of the subject matter described herein may be implemented to achieve one or more of the following potential benefits. In some examples, by measuring a reference PRS resource and a target PRS resource within the same time window, the described technique may be used to reduce the effects of residual carrier frequency offset (CFO), thereby improving the accuracy of the corresponding RSPD measurement.

[0019]

[0030] In this specification, the terms “exemplary” and / or “example” are used to mean “to serve as an example, case, or illustration.” Any aspect described herein as “exemplary” and / or “example” should not necessarily be construed as being preferable or advantageous to any other aspect. Similarly, the term “aspects of the disclosure” does not require that all aspects of the disclosure include the features, advantages, or modes of operation discussed.

[0020]

[0031] Those skilled in the art will understand that the information and signals described below may be represented using any of a variety of different techniques and methods. For example, the data, instructions, commands, information, signals, bits, symbols, and chips that may be mentioned throughout the following description may be represented by voltage, current, electromagnetic waves, magnetic fields or magnetic particles, optical fields or optical particles, or any combination thereof, depending in part on the specific application, desired design, corresponding technique, etc.

[0021]

[0032] Furthermore, many embodiments are described, for example, in terms of sequences of actions to be performed by elements of a computing device. It will be recognized that the various actions described herein can be performed by specific circuits (e.g., application-specific integrated circuits, ASICs), by program instructions executed by one or more processors, or a combination of both. In addition, the sequence(s) of actions described herein, when executed, can be considered to be fully embodied in any form of non-temporary computer-readable storage medium that stores a corresponding set of computer instructions that cause or instruct the relevant processors of the device to perform the functions described herein. Thus, the various embodiments of this disclosure can be embodied in several different forms, all of which are intended to fall within the scope of the claimed subject matter. In addition, for each of the embodiments described herein, any corresponding form of such embodiment may be described herein, for example, as “logic configured to perform” the described actions.

[0022]

[0033] As used herein, the terms “User Equipment” (UE) and “Base Station” are not intended to be specific to or otherwise limited to any particular radio access technology (RAT), unless otherwise noted. Generally, a UE may be any wireless communication device used by a user to communicate over a wireless communication network (e.g., mobile phones, routers, tablet computers, laptop computers, consumer location devices, wearables (e.g., smartwatches, glasses, augmented reality (AR) / virtual reality (VR) headsets, etc.), vehicles (e.g., cars, motorcycles, bicycles, etc.), Internet of Things (IoT) devices, etc.). A UE may be mobile or stationary (e.g., at a given time) and may communicate with a radio access network (RAN). As used herein, the term “UE” may be interchangeably referred to as “Access Terminal” or “AT,” “Client Device,” “Wireless Device,” “Subscriber Device,” “Subscriber Terminal,” “Subscriber Station,” “User Terminal” or “UT,” “Mobile Device,” “Mobile Terminal,” “Mobile Station,” or variations thereof. Generally, a UE can communicate with the core network via the RAN, and through the core network, a UE may connect to external networks such as the Internet and to other UEs. Of course, other mechanisms for connecting to the core network and / or the Internet are also possible for a UE, such as via a wired access network, a wireless local area network (WLAN) network (for example, based on the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) 802.11 specification, etc.).

[0023]

[0034] A base station may operate according to one of several RATs that communicate with the UE, depending on the network in which the base station is deployed, and may also be called an access point (AP), network node, node B, evolved node B (eNB), next generation eNB (ng-eNB), or New Radio (NR) node B (also called gNB or g-node B). Base stations may be primarily used to support wireless access by UEs, including supporting data, voice, and / or signaling connectivity for supported UEs. In some systems, base stations may simply provide edge node signaling functionality, while in others, base stations may provide additional control and / or network management functionality. The communication link through which a UE can send signals to a base station is called an uplink (UL) channel (e.g., reverse traffic channel, reverse control channel, access channel, etc.). A communication link from which a base station can send signals to a UE is called a downlink (DL) channel or a forward link channel (e.g., a paging channel, control channel, broadcast channel, or forward traffic channel). The term traffic channel (TCH) as used herein may refer to either an uplink / reverse traffic channel or a downlink / forward traffic channel.

[0024]

[0035] The term "base station" can refer to a single physical transmission-reception point (TRP), or to multiple physical TRPs, which may or may not be co-located. For example, when the term "base station" refers to a single physical TRP, that TRP may be the base station's antennas corresponding to a base station cell (or several cell sectors). When the term "base station" refers to multiple co-located physical TRPs, those TRPs may be an array of antennas for the base station (for example, in a multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO) system, or when the base station employs beamforming). When the term "base station" refers to multiple unco-located physical TRPs, those TRPs may be a distributed antenna system (DAS) (a network of spatially separated antennas connected to a common source via a transmission medium), or a remote radio head (RRH) (a remote base station connected to a serving base station). Instead, uncollocated physical TRPs may be serving base stations that receive measurement reports from UEs, and neighboring base stations whose reference radio frequency (RF) signals the UE is measuring. Since a TRP is the point at which a base station transmits and receives wireless signals, as used herein, references to transmission from or reception at a base station should be understood to refer to the specific TRP of that base station.

[0025]

[0036] In some implementations that support UE positioning, the base station may not support wireless access by the UE (for example, it may not support data, voice, and / or signaling connections to the UE), but instead it can transmit a reference signal to the UE that will be measured by the UE, and / or it can also receive and measure signals transmitted by the UE. Such a base station may be called a positioning beacon (for example, when transmitting signals to the UE) and / or a location measurement unit (for example, when receiving and measuring signals from the UE).

[0026]

[0037] An "RF signal" includes electromagnetic waves of a given frequency that transmit information through the space between a transmitter and a receiver. A transmitter used herein may transmit a single "RF signal" or multiple "RF signals" to a receiver. However, a receiver may receive multiple "RF signals" corresponding to each transmitted RF signal due to the propagation characteristics of RF signals through multipath channels. The same RF signal transmitted through different paths between a transmitter and a receiver may be called a "multipath" RF signal. As used herein, an RF signal may also be called a "wireless signal" or simply a "signal" where it is clear from the context that the term "signal" refers to a wireless signal or an RF signal.

[0027]

[0038] Figure 1 shows an exemplary wireless communication system 100 according to an aspect of the present disclosure. The wireless communication system 100 (sometimes referred to as a wireless wide area network (WWAN)) may include various base stations 102 (indicated as "BS") and various UEs 104. The base stations 102 may include macrocell base stations (high-power cellular base stations) and / or small cell base stations (low-power cellular base stations). In one aspect, the macrocell base station 102 may include an eNB and / or ng-eNB on which the wireless communication system 100 is compatible with an LTE network, or a gNB on which the wireless communication system 100 is compatible with an NR network, or a combination of both, and the small cell base station may include femtocells, picocells, microcells, etc.

[0028]

[0039] Base station 102 may collectively form a RAN and interface with a core network 170 (e.g., an evolved packet core (EPC) or a 5G core (5GC)) via a backhaul link 122, and with one or more location servers 172 (e.g., a location management function (LMF) or a secure user plane location (SUPL) location platform (SLP)) via the core network 170. The location server(s) 172 may be part of the core network 170 or may be outside the core network 170. The location server(s) 172 may be integrated with base station 102. UE(s) 104 may communicate with the location server(s) 172 directly or indirectly. For example, UE(s) 104 may communicate with the location server(s) 172 via the base station(s) 102 currently serving it. UE104 may also communicate with location server 172 via other routes, such as via an application server (not shown), via a wireless local area network (WLAN) access point (AP) (e.g., AP150 described below), or via another network. For signaling purposes, communication between UE104 and location server 172 may be represented as an indirect connection (e.g., via core network 170) or a direct connection (e.g., as illustrated via direct connection 128), and intervening nodes (if any) are omitted from the signaling diagram for clarity.

[0029]

[0040] In addition to other functions, base stations 102 may perform functions related to one or more of the following: transferring user data, wireless channel encryption and decryption, integrity protection, header compression, mobility control functions (e.g., handover, dual connectivity), inter-cell interference coordination, connection setup and release, load balancing, non-access stratum (NAS) message delivery, NAS node selection, synchronization, RAN sharing, multimedia broadcast multicast service (MBMS), subscriber and equipment tracing, RAN information management (RIM), paging, positioning, and warning message delivery. Base stations 102 may communicate with each other directly or indirectly (e.g., via EPC / 5GC) via backhaul links 134, which may be wired or wireless.

[0030]

[0041] Base station 102 can communicate wirelessly with UE 104. Each base station 102 can provide communication coverage for its respective geographical coverage area 110. In one embodiment, one or more cells may be supported by base stations 102 within each geographical coverage area 110. A “cell” is a logical communication entity used for communication with a base station (over several frequency resources, e.g., carrier frequency, component carrier, carrier, band, etc.) and may be associated with an identifier (e.g., physical cell identifier (PCI), enhanced cell identifier (ECI), virtual cell identifier (VCI), cell global identifier (CGI), etc.) to distinguish cells operating over the same or different carrier frequencies. In some cases, different cells may be configured according to different protocol types that may provide access to different types of UEs (e.g., machine-type communication (MTC), narrowband IoT (NB-IoT), enhanced mobile broadband (eMBB), or others). Since cells are supported by specific base stations, the term "cell" may, depending on the context, refer to either or both the logical communication entity and the base station that supports the cell. In some cases, the term "cell" may also refer to the geographical coverage area (e.g., sector) of a base station, insofar as the carrier frequency can be detected and used for communication within a portion of the geographical coverage area 110.

[0031]

[0042] The geographical coverage areas 110 of neighboring macrocell base stations 102 may partially overlap (for example, in handover areas), and some of the geographical coverage areas 110 may be significantly overlapped by larger geographical coverage areas 110. For example, a small cell base station 102' (indicated as "SC" for "small cell") may have a geographical coverage area 110' that significantly overlaps with the geographical coverage areas 110 of one or more macrocell base stations 102. A network containing both small cell base stations and macrocell base stations may be known as a heterogeneous network. A heterogeneous network may also include home eNBs (HeNBs) that may serve a limited group known as a closed subscriber group (CSG).

[0032]

[0043] The communication link 120 between base station 102 and UE 104 may include uplink (also called reverse link) transmission from UE 104 to base station 102, and / or downlink (DL) (also called forward link) transmission from base station 102 to UE 104. The communication link 120 may utilize MIMO antenna technology, including spatial multiplexing, beamforming, and / or transmit diversity. The communication link 120 may consist of one or more carrier frequencies. Carrier allocation may be asymmetric with respect to the downlink and uplink (for example, more or fewer carriers may be allocated to the downlink than to the uplink).

[0033]

[0044] The wireless communication system 100 may further include a WLAN access point (AP) 150 communicating with wireless local area network (WLAN) stations (STAs) 152 via a communication link 154 in an unlicensed frequency spectrum (e.g., 5 GHz). When communicating in an unlicensed frequency spectrum, the WLAN STA 152 and / or WLAN AP 150 may perform a clear channel assessment (CCA) or listen before talk (LBT) procedure before communication to determine whether the channel is available.

[0034]

[0045] Small cell base station 102' may operate in the licensed frequency spectrum and / or the unlicensed frequency spectrum. When operating in the unlicensed frequency spectrum, small cell base station 102' may employ LTE or NR technology and use the same 5GHz unlicensed frequency spectrum used by WLAN AP150. Small cell base station 102' employing LTE / 5G in the unlicensed frequency spectrum may extend coverage to the access network and / or increase the capacity of the access network. NR in the unlicensed spectrum may be called NR-U. LTE in the unlicensed spectrum may be called LTE-U, licensed assisted access (LAA), or MULTEFIRE®.

[0035]

[0046] The wireless communication system 100 may further include a millimeter wave (mmW) base station 180 that can operate at millimeter wave (mmW) and / or quasi-mmW frequencies while communicating with the UE 182. Extremely high frequency (EHF) is a part of RF in the electromagnetic spectrum. EHF has a range of 30 GHz to 300 GHz and wavelengths of 1 mm to 10 mm. Radio waves in this band may be called millimeter waves. Quasi-mmW may extend up to a frequency of 3 GHz with a wavelength of 100 mm. The super high frequency (SHF) band extends from 3 GHz to 30 GHz and is also called centimeter waves. Communication using the mmW / quasi-mmW radio frequency band has high path loss and relatively short distances. The mmW base station 180 and UE 182 may utilize beamforming (transmit and / or receive) via the mmW communication link 184 to compensate for the extremely high path loss and short distances. Furthermore, in alternative configurations, it will be understood that one or more base stations 102 may also transmit using mmW or quasi-mmW and beamforming. Accordingly, it will be understood that the above examples are merely illustrative and should not be construed as limiting the various aspects of the disclosure herein.

[0036]

[0047] Transmit beamforming is a technique for focusing RF signals in a specific direction. Traditionally, when a network node (e.g., a base station) broadcasts an RF signal, it broadcasts that signal in all directions (omnidirectionally). Using transmit beamforming, a network node can determine where a given target device (e.g., a UE) is located (relative to the transmitting network node) and emit a stronger downlink RF signal in that specific direction, thereby providing a faster and more powerful RF signal (in terms of data rate) to one or more receiving devices. To change the directivity of an RF signal when transmitting, a network node can control the phase and relative amplitude of the RF signal at each of the one or more transmitters broadcasting the RF signal. For example, a network node may use an array of antennas (also called a "phased array" or "antenna array") that creates a beam of RF waves that can be "steered" to point in different directions without actually moving the antennas. Specifically, the RF current from the transmitter is supplied to each antenna in an appropriate phase relationship so that the radio waves from separate antennas combine to cancel out and suppress radiation in undesirable directions, while simultaneously increasing radiation in desired directions.

[0037]

[0048] Transmit beams can be quasi-co-located, meaning that to a receiver (e.g., UE), the transmit beam appears to have the same parameters regardless of whether the network node's transmit antenna itself is physically co-located. In NR, there are four types of quasi-co-location (QCL) relationships. Specifically, a given type of QCL relationship means that certain parameters for a second reference RF signal on a second beam can be derived from information about the source reference RF signal on the source beam. Thus, if the source reference RF signal is QCL type A, the receiver can use the source reference RF signal to estimate the Doppler shift, Doppler spread, mean delay, and delay spread of a second reference RF signal transmitted on the same channel. If the source reference RF signal is QCL type B, the receiver can use the source reference RF signal to estimate the Doppler shift and Doppler spread of a second reference RF signal transmitted on the same channel. If the source reference RF signal is QCL type C, the receiver can use the source reference RF signal to estimate the Doppler shift and mean delay of a second reference RF signal transmitted on the same channel. If the source reference RF signal is QCL type D, the receiver can use the source reference RF signal to estimate the spatial reception parameters of a second reference RF signal transmitted on the same channel.

[0038]

[0049] In receive beamforming, a receiver uses a received beam to amplify an RF signal detected on a given channel. For example, a receiver can increase the gain setting of an antenna array in a particular direction and / or adjust the phase setting to amplify an RF signal received from that direction (e.g., increase its gain level). Therefore, when a receiver is said to beamform in a particular direction, it means that the beam gain in that direction is higher than the beam gain along other directions, or that the beam gain in that direction is the highest compared to the beam gain of all other receive beams available to the receiver in that direction. This results in a stronger received signal intensity (e.g., reference signal received power (RSRP), reference signal received quality (RSRQ), signal-to-interference-plus-noise ratio (SINR)) of the RF signal received from that direction.

[0039]

[0050] Transmit and receive beams may be spatially related. Spatial relationship means that parameters for a second beam (e.g., a transmit or receive beam) for a second reference signal can be derived from information about a first beam (e.g., a receive or transmit beam) for a first reference signal. For example, a UE might use a specific receive beam to receive a reference downlink reference signal (e.g., a synchronization signal block, SSB) from a base station. The UE can then use the parameters of the receive beam to form a transmit beam for sending an uplink reference signal (e.g., a sounding reference signal, SRS) to that base station.

[0040]

[0051] It should be noted that a “downlink” beam can be either a transmit beam or a receive beam, depending on the entity forming it. For example, if a base station forms a downlink beam to transmit a reference signal to a UE, then the downlink beam is a transmit beam. However, if a UE forms a downlink beam, then it is a receive beam for receiving a downlink reference signal. Similarly, an “uplink” beam can be either a transmit beam or a receive beam, depending on the entity forming it. For example, if a base station forms an uplink beam, then it is an uplink receive beam, and if a UE forms an uplink beam, then it is an uplink transmit beam.

[0041]

[0052] The electromagnetic spectrum is often subdivided into various classes, bands, and channels based on frequency / wavelength. In 5G NR, two initial operating bands are identified as frequency range designations FR1 (410 MHz to 7.125 GHz) and FR2 (24.25 GHz to 52.6 GHz). Although a portion of FR1 is above 6 GHz, it should be understood that FR1 is often referred to (for interchangeability) as the "sub-6 GHz" band in various documents and papers. A similar nomenclature issue arises with FR2, which is often referred to (for interchangeability) as the "millimeter wave" band in documents and papers, even though it is different from the extremely high frequency (EHF) band (30 GHz to 300 GHz) designated as the "millimeter wave" band by the International Telecommunication Union (INTERNATIONAL TELECOMMUNICATION UNION®).

[0042]

[0053] The frequencies between FR1 and FR2 are often referred to as intermediate band frequencies. Recent 5G NR research has identified the operating band for these intermediate band frequencies as frequency range designation FR3 (7.125 GHz to 24.25 GHz). The frequency bands included within FR3 may inherit the FR1 and / or FR2 characteristics, and therefore, in effect, the features of FR1 and / or FR2 can be extended to the intermediate band frequencies. Furthermore, higher frequency bands are currently being explored to extend 5G NR operation beyond 52.6 GHz. For example, three higher operating bands have been identified as frequency range designations FR4a or FR4-1 (52.6 GHz to 71 GHz), FR4 (52.6 GHz to 114.25 GHz), and FR5 (114.25 GHz to 300 GHz). Each of these higher frequency bands falls within the EHF band.

[0043]

[0054] With the above aspects in mind, unless otherwise specified, terms such as "sub-6GHz" may broadly refer to frequencies that may be less than 6GHz, frequencies that may be within FR1, or frequencies that may include intermediate band frequencies, as used herein. Furthermore, unless otherwise specified, terms such as "millimeter wave" may broadly refer to frequencies that may include intermediate band frequencies, frequencies that may be within FR2, FR4, FR4-a or FR4-1, and / or FR5, or frequencies that may be within the EHF band, as used herein.

[0044]

[0055] In multi-carrier systems such as 5G, one of the carrier frequencies is called the "primary carrier," "anchor carrier," "primary serving cell," or "PCell," while the remaining carrier frequencies are called "secondary carriers," "secondary serving cells," or "SCells." In carrier aggregation, the anchor carrier is the carrier operating on the primary frequency (e.g., FR1) utilized by UE104 / 182, and is the cell from which UE104 / 182 either performs the initial radio resource control (RRC) connection establishment procedure or initiates the RRC connection re-establishment procedure. The primary carrier carries all common control channels and UE-specific control channels and may (but not always) be a carrier on licensed frequencies. The secondary carrier is a carrier operating on a second frequency (e.g., FR2) that may be configured once an RRC connection is established between UE104 and the anchor carrier and may be used to provide additional radio resources. In some cases, the secondary carrier may be a carrier on unlicensed frequencies. Since both the primary uplink carrier and primary downlink carrier are typically UE-specific, the secondary carrier should contain only the necessary signaling information and signals, and for example, there may be no UE-specific signaling information and signals in the secondary carrier. This means that different UE104 / 182 within a cell can have different downlink primary carriers. The same applies to the uplink primary carrier. The network can change the primary carrier of any UE104 / 182 at any time. This is done, for example, to balance the load on different carriers. Since a "serving cell" (whether PCell or SCell) corresponds to the carrier frequency / component carrier through which several base stations communicate, terms such as "cell," "serving cell," "component carrier," and "carrier frequency" can be used interchangeably.

[0045]

[0056] For example, referring further to Figure 1, one of the frequencies used by the macrocell base station 102 may be the anchor carrier (or "PCell"), and the other frequencies used by the macrocell base station 102 and / or the mmW base station 180 may be secondary carriers ("SCell"). Simultaneous transmission and / or reception of multiple carriers allows UE 104 / 182 to significantly increase its data transmission rate and / or data reception rate. For example, two 20MHz carriers bundled together in a multicarrier system would theoretically result in a data rate increase of twice as much (i.e., 40MHz) compared to the data rate achieved by a single 20MHz carrier.

[0046]

[0057] In the example in Figure 1, any of the illustrated UEs (shown in Figure 1 as a single UE104 for simplicity) may receive signals 124 from one or more Earth-orbiting space vehicles (SVs) 112 (e.g., satellites). In one embodiment, the SV112 may be part of a satellite positioning system that the UE104 can use as an independent source of location information. The satellite positioning system typically includes a system of transmitters (e.g., SV112) which are arranged to enable a receiver (e.g., UE104) to determine the location of the receiver on or above Earth, at least in part, based on positioning signals (e.g., signals 124) received from the transmitters. Such transmitters typically transmit signals marked with a set number of repeating pseudo-random noise (PN) codes. The transmitters are typically located within the SV112, but may in some cases be located on a ground-based control station, base station 102, and / or other UE104. UE104 may include one or more dedicated receivers specifically designed to receive signals 124 for deriving geolocation information from SV112.

[0047]

[0058] In satellite positioning systems, the use of signal 124 may be associated with use in conjunction with one or more global navigation satellite systems and / or regional navigation satellite systems, or may be enabled for such use, and may be augmented by various satellite-based augmentation systems (SBAS). For example, an SBAS may include one or more augmentation systems that provide integrity information, error correction, etc., such as a Wide Area Augmentation System (WAAS), European Geostationary Navigation Overlay Service (EGNOS), Multi-functional Satellite Augmentation System (MSAS), Global Positioning System (GPS)-assisted Geo-Augmentation System, or GPS and Geo-Augmented Navigation system (GAGAN). Therefore, the satellite positioning systems used herein may include any combination of one or more global and / or regional navigation satellites associated with one or more such satellite positioning systems.

[0048]

[0059] In one embodiment, SV112 may, additionally or alternatively, be part of one or more non-terrestrial networks (NTNs). In an NTN, SV112 is connected to an earth station (also called a ground station, NTN gateway, or gateway), which is then connected to an element in the 5G network, such as a modified base station 102 (without a terrestrial antenna) or a network node in 5GC. This element then provides access to other elements in the 5G network, and ultimately to entities outside the 5G network, such as internet web servers and other user devices. In this way, UE104 may receive communication signals (e.g., signal 124) from SV112 in place of, or in addition to, communication signals from the ground base station 102.

[0049]

[0060] In particular, leveraging the increased data rates and reduced latency of NR, Vehicle-to-Everything (V2X) communication technology is being implemented to support intelligent transportation systems (ITS) applications such as wireless communication between vehicles (vehicle-to-vehicle, V2V), between vehicles and roadside infrastructure (vehicle-to-infrastructure, V2I), and between vehicles and pedestrians (vehicle-to-pedestrian, V2P). The goal is for vehicles to be able to sense their surroundings and communicate that information to other vehicles, infrastructure, and personal mobile devices. Such vehicle communication will enable improvements in safety, mobility, and the environment that current technologies cannot provide. When fully implemented, this technology is expected to reduce collisions between unimpeded vehicles by 80%.

[0050]

[0061] Referring further to Figure 1, the wireless communication system 100 may include a number of V-UEs 160 that can communicate with base station 102 via communication link 120 using a Uu interface (i.e., an air interface between UEs and base stations). The V-UEs 160 may also communicate directly with each other via wireless sidelink 162, or with roadside units (RSUs) 164 (roadside access points) via wireless sidelink 166, or with sidelink-enabled UE 104 via wireless sidelink 168, using a PC5 interface (i.e., an air interface between sidelink-enabled UEs). A wireless sidelink (or simply "sidelink") adapts a core-cellular (e.g., LTE, NR) standard that enables direct communication between two or more UEs without the need for communication to go through a base station. Sidelink communication can be unicast or multicast and may be used for device-to-device (D2D) medium sharing, V2V communication, V2X communication (e.g., cellular V2X (cV2X) communication, enhanced V2X (eV2X) communication, etc.), emergency rescue applications, etc. One or more of the groups of V-UE160s utilizing sidelink communication may be within the geographical coverage area 110 of base station 102. Other V-UE160s in such a group may be outside the geographical coverage area 110 of base station 102 or otherwise unable to receive transmissions from base station 102. In some cases, a group of V-UE160s communicating via sidelink communication may utilize a one-to-many (1:M) system, where each V-UE160 transmits to all other V-UE160s in the group. In some cases, base station 102 facilitates the scheduling of resources for sidelink communication. In other cases, sidelink communication is performed between V-UE160s without the involvement of base station 102.

[0051]

[0062] In one embodiment, sidelinks 162, 166, and 168 may operate on the wireless communication medium in question, which may be shared with other vehicles and / or infrastructure access points, as well as with other wireless communications between other RATs. The “medium” may consist of one or more time, frequency, and / or spatial communication resources (e.g., one or more channels across one or more carriers) associated with wireless communications between one or more transmitter / receiver pairs.

[0052]

[0063] In one embodiment, side links 162, 166, and 168 may be cV2X links. The first generation of cV2X is standardized in LTE, and the next generation is expected to be defined in NR. cV2X is a cellular technology that also enables device-to-device communication. In the United States and Europe, cV2X is expected to operate in licensed ITS bands in the sub-6 GHz range. Other countries may be allocated different bands. Therefore, as a specific example, the target medium utilized by side links 162, 166, and 168 may correspond to at least a portion of the licensed ITS frequency bands in the sub-6 GHz range. However, this disclosure is not limited to these frequency bands or cellular technologies.

[0053]

[0064] In one embodiment, sidelinks 162, 166, and 168 may be dedicated short-range communications (DSRC) links. DSRC is a one-way or two-way, short-to-medium-range wireless communication protocol for V2V, V2I, and V2P communications, using the Wireless Access for Vehicular Environments (WAVE) protocol, also known as IEEE 802.11p. IEEE 802.11p is an approved modification of the IEEE 802.11 standard and operates in the United States on the licensed ITS band of 5.9 GHz (5.85–5.925 GHz). In Europe, IEEE 802.11p operates on the ITS G5A band (5.875–5.905 MHz). Other countries may be allocated different bands. The V2V communications briefly described above are generally conducted in the United States on the Safety Channel, a 10 MHz channel dedicated for safety purposes. The remainder of the DSRC band (total bandwidth of 75 MHz) is used for other services targeting drivers, such as road regulations, toll collection, and automated parking. Therefore, as a specific example, the media used by side links 162, 166, and 168 may correspond to at least a portion of the 5.9 GHz licensed ITS frequency band.

[0054]

[0065] Alternatively, the medium in question could correspond to at least a portion of the unlicensed frequency bands shared among various RATs. While different licensed frequency bands are reserved for specific communication systems (for example, by government agencies such as the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) in the United States), these systems, particularly those employing small cell access points, have recently extended their operation to unlicensed frequency bands such as the Unlicensed National Information Infrastructure (U-NII) band, used by Wireless Local Area Network (WLAN) technology, most notably IEEE 802.11x WLAN technology commonly known as "Wi-Fi." Exemplary systems of this type include various variants such as CDMA systems, TDMA systems, FDMA systems, orthogonal FDMA (OFDMA) systems, and single-carrier FDMA (SC-FDMA) systems.

[0055]

[0066] Communication between V-UE160s is called V2V communication, communication between a V-UE160 and one or more RSU164s is called V2I communication, and communication between a V-UE160 and one or more UE104s (where UE104 is a P-UE) is called V2P communication. V2V communication between V-UE160s may include information about the V-UE160's position, speed, acceleration, direction of travel, and other vehicle data. V2I information received by a V-UE160 from one or more RSU164s may include, for example, road regulations and parking automation information. V2P communication between a V-UE160 and a UE104 may include information about the V-UE160's position, speed, acceleration, and direction of travel, as well as the UE104's position, speed (for example, if the UE104 is carried by a user on a bicycle), and direction of travel.

[0056]

[0067] Although Figure 1 only shows two UEs as V-UEs (V-UE160), it should be noted that any of the illustrated UEs (e.g., UE104, 152, 182, 190) could be V-UEs. In addition, although only V-UE160 and a single UE104 are shown as being connected via sidelinks, any of the UEs shown in Figure 1, regardless of whether they are V-UEs, P-UEs, etc., may be capable of sidelink communication. Furthermore, although only UE182 is described as being capable of beamforming, any of the illustrated UEs, including V-UE160, may be capable of beamforming. If V-UE160 is capable of beamforming, it can beamform toward each other (i.e., toward other V-UE160s), toward RSU164, toward other UEs (e.g., UE104, 152, 182, 190), etc. Therefore, in some cases, V-UE160 may utilize beamforming on sidelinks 162, 166, and 168.

[0057]

[0068] The wireless communication system 100 may further include one or more UEs, such as UE190, which are indirectly connected to one or more communication networks via one or more D2D peer-to-peer (P2P) links. In the example in Figure 1, UE190 has a D2D P2P link 192 with one of the UEs 104 connected to one of the base stations 102 (for example, through which UE190 may indirectly obtain a cellular connection), and a D2D P2P link 194 with a WLAN STA 152 connected to a WLAN AP 150 (through which UE190 may indirectly obtain a WLAN-based internet connection). In one example, D2D P2P links 192 and 194 may be supported using any well-known D2D RAT, such as LTE Direct (LTE-D), WI-FI DIRECT®, or BLUETOOTH®. As another example, D2D P2P links 192 and 194 may be side links as described above with respect to side links 162, 166, and 168.

[0058]

[0069] Figure 2A shows an exemplary wireless network structure 200. For example, 5GC210 (also called Next Generation Core (NGC)) can be functionally considered to have control plane (C-plane) functions 214 (e.g., UE registration, authentication, network access, gateway selection, etc.) and user plane (U-plane) functions 212 (e.g., UE gateway functions, access to data networks, IP routing, etc.) working collaboratively to form the core network. User plane interface (NG-U) 213 and control plane interface (NG-C) 215 connect gNB222 to 5GC210, specifically to user plane functions 212 and control plane functions 214, respectively. In an additional configuration, ng-eNB224 may also be connected to 5GC210 via NG-C215 to control plane functions 214 and NG-U213 to user plane functions 212. Furthermore, ng-eNB224 may communicate directly with gNB222 via backhaul connection 223. In some configurations, the Next Generation RAN (NG-RAN) 220 may have one or more gNB222s, while other configurations may include one or more of both ng-eNB224 and gNB222.

[0059]

[0070] Either a gNB222 or an ng-eNB224 (or both) may communicate with one or more UEs 204 (e.g., any of the UEs described herein). A gNB222 may communicate with a UE(s) 204, for example, via mmW communication link 184, and an ng-eNB224 may communicate with a UE(s) 204, for example, via communication link 120. The UEs 204 may communicate with each other via one or more side links, such as side link 168.

[0060]

[0071] Two resource allocation modes exist for transmission over NR sidelinks. In the first mode (referred to as "Mode 1"), a base station (e.g., gNB222, ng-eNB224) allocates time and / or frequency resources for sidelink communication between the participating UE204s via DCI3_0. The UE204s use the allocated resources to transmit / receive sidelink control channels, sidelink data channels, ranging signals, etc.

[0061]

[0072] In the second allocation mode (referred to as "mode 2"), the participating UE204 autonomously selects the sidelink resources to use for sidelink communication. The UE204 can use the first mode only if it has cellular coverage, and it can use the second mode regardless of whether it has cellular coverage or not. Figure 2A shows three UE204s, but note that there may be more or fewer UE204s than three.

[0062]

[0073] Signaling via sidelink is the same between the two resource allocation modes. From the receiver UE204's perspective, there is no difference between the modes. In other words, it doesn't matter to the receiver whether the sidelink resources were allocated by the base station or by the transmitter UE204.

[0063]

[0074] Mode 1 supports dynamic grants (DG), configured grants (CG) type 1, and CG type 2. In some cases, CG type 1 is activated via RRC signaling from the base station. In some cases, the modulation and coding scheme (MCS) for sidelink transmission is determined by the involved UE204 within the limits set by the base station. In Mode 2, the transmitting UE204 performs channel sensing by blind decoding all physical sidelink control channels (PSCCHs) to identify resources reserved for other sidelink transmissions. The transmitting UE204 reports the available resources to its upper layer, which then decides on resource usage.

[0064]

[0075] Another optional configuration may include a location server 230, which may communicate with the 5GC210 to provide location assistance to one or more UEs 204. The location server 230 can be implemented as multiple separate servers (e.g., physically separate servers, different software modules on a single server, different software modules across multiple physical servers, etc.), or alternatively, each may correspond to a single server. The location server 230 may be configured to support one or more location services for UEs 204 that can connect to the location server 230 via the core network, the 5GC210, and / or the internet (not shown). Furthermore, the location server 230 may be integrated into the core network components, or alternatively, located outside the core network (e.g., a third-party server, such as an original equipment manufacturer (OEM) server or service server).

[0065]

[0076] Figure 2B shows another exemplary wireless network structure 240. 5GC260 (which may correspond to 5GC210 in Figure 2A) can be functionally considered as a control plane function provided by an access and mobility management function (AMF) 264, and a user plane function provided by a user plane function (UPF) 262, working collaboratively to form the core network (i.e., 5GC260). The functions of AMF264 include registration management, connection management, reachability management, mobility management, lawful interception, transport for session management (SM) messages between one or more UE204 (e.g., any of the UEs described herein) and session management function (SMF)266, transparent proxy service for routing SM messages, access authentication and access permission, transport for short message service (SMS) messages between UE204 and short message service function (SMSF) (not shown), and security anchor functionality (SEAF). AMF264 also interacts with authentication server function (AUSF) (not shown) and UE204 and receives intermediate keys established as a result of the UE204 authentication process. In the case of authentication based on UMTS (Universal Mobile Telecommunications System) subscriber identity module (USIM), AMF264 retrieves security material from AUSF. The AMF264's functionality also includes security context management (SCM).The SCM receives keys from the SEAF that the SCM uses to derive access network-specific keys. The AMF264's functions also include location service management for regulatory services, transport for location service messages between the UE204 and the Location Management Function (LMF) 270 (acting as the location server 230), transport for location service messages between the NG-RAN 220 and the LMF270, EPS bearer identifier assignment for interacting with the evolved packet system (EPS), and UE204 mobility event notification. In addition, the AMF264 also supports functions for non-3GPP® (Third Generation Partnership Project) access networks.

[0066]

[0077] The functions of UPF262 include (when applicable) acting as an anchor point for intra-RAT / inter-RAT mobility, acting as an external protocol data unit (PDU) session point for interconnection to a data network (not shown), packet routing and forwarding, packet inspection, user plane policy rule enforcement (e.g., gating, redirection, traffic steering), lawful interception (user plane collection), traffic usage reporting, quality of service (QoS) processing for the user plane (e.g., uplink / downlink rate enforcement, reflective QoS marking on the downlink), uplink traffic verification (mapping service data flow (SDF) to QoS flow), transport-level packet marking on the uplink and downlink, providing downlink packet buffering and downlink data notification triggering, and sending and forwarding one or more “end markers” to the source RAN node. UPF262 may also support the forwarding of location service messages on the user plane between UE204 and location servers such as SLP272.

[0067]

[0078] The functions of the SMF266 ​​include session management, UE Internet Protocol (IP) address assignment and management, selection and control of user plane functions, configuration of traffic steering in the UPF262 for routing traffic to appropriate destinations, some control over policy enforcement and QoS, and downlink data notification. The interface through which the SMF266 ​​communicates with the AMF264 is called the N11 interface.

[0068]

[0079] Another optional embodiment may include an LMF270 that may communicate with the 5GC260 to provide location assistance to the UE204. The LMF270 can be implemented as multiple separate servers (e.g., physically separate servers, different software modules on a single server, different software modules across multiple physical servers, etc.), or alternatively, each may correspond to a single server. The LMF270 can be configured to support one or more location services for the UE204, which can connect to the LMF270 via the core network, the 5GC260, and / or via the internet (not shown). The SLP272 may support similar functionality to the LMF270, while the LMF270 can communicate with the AMF264, NG-RAN220, and UE204 via the control plane (e.g., using interfaces and protocols intended to transmit signaling messages rather than voice or data), while the SLP272 can communicate with the UE204 and external clients (e.g., third-party servers 274) via the user plane (e.g., using the transmission control protocol (TCP) and / or protocols intended to carry voice and / or data, such as IP).

[0069]

[0080] Another optional configuration may include a third-party server 274 that may communicate with the LMF270, SLP272, 5GC260 (e.g., via the AMF264 and / or UPF262), NG-RAN220, and / or UE204 to obtain location information (e.g., location estimates) about the UE204. Thus, in some cases, the third-party server 274 may be referred to as a location service (LCS) client or external client. The third-party server 274 can be implemented as multiple separate servers (e.g., physically separate servers, different software modules on a single server, different software modules across multiple physical servers, etc.), or alternatively, each may correspond to a single server.

[0070]

[0081] The user plane interface 263 and the control plane interface 265 connect the 5GC260, specifically the UPF262 and AMF264, to one or more gNB222 and / or ng-eNB224 in the NG-RAN220, respectively. The interface between the gNB(single or multiple)222 and / or ng-eNB(single or multiple)224 and the AMF264 is called the "N2" interface, and the interface between the gNB(single or multiple)222 and / or ng-eNB(single or multiple)224 and the UPF262 is called the "N3" interface. The gNB(single or multiple)222 and / or ng-eNB(single or multiple)224 in the NG-RAN220 can communicate directly with each other via a backhaul connection 223 called the "Xn-C" interface. One or more of the gNB222 and / or ng-eNB224 may communicate with one or more UE204s via a wireless interface called the "Uu" interface.

[0071]

[0082] The functions of gNB222 can be divided among a gNB central unit (gNB-CU) 226, one or more gNB distributed units (gNB-DUs) 228, and one or more gNB radio units (gNB-RUs) 229. The gNB-CU 226 is a logical node that includes base station functions such as forwarding user data, mobility control, radio access network sharing, positioning, and session management, except for those functions which are exclusively assigned to the gNB-DU(s) 228. More specifically, the gNB-CU 226 generally hosts the radio resource control (RRC), service data adaptation protocol (SDAP), and packet data convergence protocol (PDCP) protocols of gNB222. The gNB-DU228 is a logical node that generally hosts the radio link control (RLC) and medium access control (MAC) layers of the gNB222. Its operation is controlled by the gNB-CU226. One gNB-DU228 can support one or more cells, and one cell is supported by only one gNB-DU228. The interface 232 between the gNB-CU226 and one or more gNB-DU228s is called the "F1" interface. The physical (PHY) layer functions of the gNB222 are generally hosted by one or more standalone gNB-RU229s that perform functions such as power amplification and signal transmission / reception. The interface between the gNB-DU228 and the gNB-RU229 is called the "Fx" interface. Therefore, UE204 communicates with gNB-CU226 via the RRC, SDAP, and PDCP layers, with gNB-DU228 via the RLC and MAC layers, and with gNB-RU229 via the PHY layer.

[0072]

[0083] The deployment of communication systems such as 5G NR systems can be configured in multiple ways using various components or parts. In a 5G NR system or network, network nodes, network entities, network mobility elements, RAN nodes, core network nodes, network elements, or network equipment, such as base stations or one or more units (or one or more components) that perform base station functions, can be implemented in an aggregated or unaggregated architecture. For example, a base station (Node B (NB), advanced NB (eNB), NR base station, 5G NB, access point (AP), transceiver point (TRP), or cell, etc.) can be implemented as an aggregated base station (also known as a standalone base station or a monolithic base station) or an unaggregated base station.

[0073]

[0084] Aggregated base stations may be configured to utilize a radio protocol stack that is physically or logically integrated within a single RAN node. Non-aggregated base stations may be configured to utilize a protocol stack that is physically or logically distributed among two or more units (such as one or more centralized units (CUs), one or more distributed units (DUs), or one or more radio units (RUs)). In some embodiments, CUs may be implemented within a RAN node, and one or more DUs may be co-located with CUs or, alternatively, geographically or virtually distributed across one or more other RAN nodes. DUs may be implemented to communicate with one or more RUs. Each of CUs, DUs, and RUs may also be implemented as a virtual unit, i.e., a virtual central unit (VCU), a virtual distributed unit (VDU), or a virtual radio unit (VRU).

[0074]

[0085] The operation or network design of a base station type may take into account the aggregation characteristics of the base station function. For example, non-aggregated base stations can be used in integrated access backhaul (IAB) networks, open radio access networks (O-RAN (such as network configurations supported by the O-RAN Alliance®)), or virtualized radio access networks (vRAN (also known as cloud radio access network (C-RAN))). Non-aggregated configurations may include distributing functions across two or more units in various physical locations, as well as virtually distributing the functions of at least one unit, which can allow for flexibility in network design. Various units of a non-aggregated base station, or a non-aggregated RAN architecture, can be configured for wired or wireless communication with at least one other unit.

[0075]

[0086] Figure 2C shows an exemplary unaggregated base station architecture 250 according to an aspect of the present disclosure. The unaggregated base station architecture 250 may include one or more central units (CUs) 280 (e.g., gNB-CU226) that can communicate directly with the core network 267 (e.g., 5GC210, 5GC260) via backhaul links, or indirectly with the core network 267 via one or more unaggregated base station units (e.g., a Near-Real Time (Near-RT) RAN Intelligent Controller (RIC) 259 via an E2 link, or a Non-Real Time (Non-RT) RIC 257 associated with a Service Management and Orchestration (SMO) framework 255, or both). The CUs 280 may communicate with one or more DUs 285 (e.g., gNB-DU228) via their respective midhaul links, such as an F1 interface. The DU285 may communicate with one or more radio units (RUs) 287 (e.g., gNB-RU229) via their respective fronthaul links. The RU287 may communicate with their respective UE204 via one or more radio frequency (RF) access links. In some implementations, the UE204 may be serviced simultaneously by multiple RU287s.

[0076]

[0087] Each of the units, namely CU280, DU285, RU287, and the quasi-RT RIC259, non-RT RIC257, and SMO framework 255, may include, or be coupled to, one or more interfaces configured to receive or transmit signals, data, or information (collectively, signals) via a wired or wireless transmission medium. Each of the units, or an associated processor or controller providing instructions to the unit's communication interface, may be configured to communicate with one or more other units via a transmission medium. For example, a unit may include a wired interface configured to receive signals from or transmit signals to one or more other units via a wired transmission medium. In addition, a unit may include a wireless interface which may include a receiver, transmitter, or transceiver (such as an RF transceiver), and which is configured to receive signals from or transmit signals to one or more other units via a wireless transmission medium, or both.

[0077]

[0088] In some embodiments, the CU280 may host one or more higher-layer control functions. Such control functions may include RRC, PDCP, Service Data Adaptive Protocol (SDAP), etc. Each control function may be implemented using an interface configured to communicate signals with other control functions hosted by the CU280. The CU280 may be configured to handle user plane functions (i.e., Central Unit-User Plane (CU-UP)), control plane functions (i.e., Central Unit-Control Plane (CU-CP)), or a combination thereof. In some implementations, the CU280 may be logically divided into one or more CU-UP units and one or more CU-CP units. When implemented in an O-RAN configuration, the CU-UP units may communicate bidirectionally with the CU-CP units via an interface such as the E1 interface. The CU280 may be implemented to communicate with the DU285 as needed for network control and signaling.

[0078]

[0089] The DU285 may correspond to a logic unit containing one or more base station functions for controlling the operation of one or more RU287s. In some embodiments, the DU285 may host one or more of the RLC layer, MAC layer, and one or more upper PHY layers (such as modules related to forward error correction (FEC) coding and decoding, scrambling, modulation and demodulation, etc.), at least in part according to a functional decomposition such as that defined by the 3rd Generation Partnership Project (3GPP®). In some embodiments, the DU285 may further host one or more lower PHY layers. Each layer (or module) may be implemented using an interface configured to communicate signals with other layers (and modules) hosted by the DU285, or with control functions hosted by the CU280.

[0079]

[0090] Lower-layer functions can be performed by one or more RU287s. In some deployments, RU287s controlled by DU285s may correspond to logical nodes hosting RF processing functions, or lower PHY layer functions (such as performing fast Fourier transform (FFT), inverse FFT (iFFT), digital beamforming, physical random access channel (PRACH) extraction and filtering, etc.), or both, at least partially based on functional partitioning such as lower-layer functional partitioning. In such architectures, RU(s)287s can be implemented to handle over-the-air (OTA) communication with one or more UE204s. In some implementations, real-time and non-real-time modes of control plane communication and user plane communication with RU(s)287s can be controlled by the corresponding DU285s. In some scenarios, this configuration can enable the DU(singular or plural)285 and CU280 to be implemented in cloud-based RAN architectures such as vRAN architectures.

[0080]

[0091] The SMO framework 255 may be configured to support RAN deployment and provisioning of non-virtualized and virtualized network elements. For non-virtualized network elements, the SMO framework 255 may be configured to support the deployment of dedicated physical resources for RAN coverage requirements that can be managed via operational and maintenance interfaces (such as the O1 interface). For virtualized network elements, the SMO framework 255 may be configured to interact with a cloud computing platform (such as the Open Cloud (O-Cloud) 269) to perform network element lifecycle management (e.g., instantiating virtualized network elements) via a cloud computing platform interface (e.g., the O2 interface). Such virtualized network elements may include, but are not limited to, the CU280, DU285, RU287, and quasi-RT RIC259. In some implementations, the SMO framework 255 may communicate with hardware embodiments of the 4G RAN, such as the Open eNB (O-eNB) 261, via the O1 interface. In addition, in some implementations, the SMO framework 255 can communicate directly with one or more RU287s via the O1 interface. The SMO framework 255 may also include non-RT RIC257s configured to support the functionality of the SMO framework 255.

[0081]

[0092] Non-RT RIC257 may be configured to include logical functions that enable non-real-time control and optimization of RAN elements and resources, including artificial intelligence / machine learning (AI / ML) workflows, model training and updating, or policy-based guidance for applications / features in quasi-RT RIC259. Non-RT RIC257 may be coupled to or communicate with quasi-RT RIC259 (e.g., via the A1 interface). Quasi-RT RIC259 may be configured to include logical functions that enable quasi-real-time control and optimization of RAN elements and resources via data acquisition and actions through an interface connecting to quasi-RT RIC259 (e.g., via the E2 interface), including one or more CU280s, one or more DU285s, or both, and an O-eNB, via an interface connecting to quasi-RT RIC259 (e.g., via the E2 interface).

[0082]

[0093] In some implementations, non-RT RIC257 may receive parameters or external enrichment information from an external server to generate AI / ML models deployed in quasi-RT RIC259. Such information may be utilized by quasi-RT RIC259 and may be received from non-network data sources or network functions in the SMO framework 255 or non-RT RIC257. In some examples, non-RT RIC257 or quasi-RT RIC259 may be configured to adjust RAN behavior or performance. For example, non-RT RIC257 may monitor long-term trends and patterns in performance and employ AI / ML models to take corrective action through the SMO framework 255 (e.g., reconfiguration via O1) or through the creation of RAN management policies (e.g., A1 policies).

[0083]

[0094] Figures 3A, 3B, and 3C show several exemplary components (represented by corresponding blocks) that may be incorporated into UE302 (which may correspond to any of the UEs described herein), base station 304 (which may correspond to any of the base stations described herein), and network entity 306 (which may correspond to or embody any of the network functions described herein, including location server 230 and LMF270, or alternatively, may be independent of the NG-RAN220 and / or 5GC210 / 260 infrastructure depicted in Figures 2A and 2B, such as a private network) to support the operations described herein. It will be understood that these components may be implemented in different types of devices in different implementation forms (e.g., within an ASIC, within a system-on-chip (SoC), etc.). The components shown may also be incorporated into other devices in the communication system. For example, other devices in the system may include components similar to those described to provide similar functionality. Also, a given device may include one or more of the components. For example, the device may include multiple transceiver components that enable the device to operate on multiple carriers and / or communicate via different technologies.

[0084]

[0095] Each UE 302 and base station 304 respectively includes one or more wireless wide area network (WWAN) transceivers 310 and 350, providing means (e.g., means for transmitting, means for receiving, means for measuring, means for tuning, means for refraining from transmitting, etc.) for communicating over one or more wireless communication networks (not shown), such as an NR network, an LTE network, or a GSM network. Each WWAN transceiver 310 and 350 may be connected to one or more antennas 316 and 356, respectively, for communicating with other network nodes, such as other UEs, access points, and base stations (e.g., eNBs, gNBs), over at least one designated RAT (e.g., NR, LTE, GSM, etc.) over a target wireless communication medium (e.g., some set of time / frequency resources in a particular frequency spectrum). The WWAN transceivers 310 and 350 can be configured in various ways to transmit and encode signals 318 and 358 (e.g., messages, instructions, information, etc.), respectively, and conversely, to receive and decode signals 318 and 358 (e.g., messages, instructions, information, pilots, etc.), respectively, according to a specified RAT. Specifically, the WWAN transceivers 310 and 350 include one or more transmitters 314 and 354, respectively, for transmitting and encoding signals 318 and 358, respectively, and one or more receivers 312 and 352, respectively, for receiving and decoding signals 318 and 358, respectively.

[0085]

[0096] Each UE 302 and base station 304 also includes, in at least some cases, one or more short-range wireless transceivers 320 and 360, respectively. The short-range wireless transceivers 320 and 360 may be connected to one or more antennas 326 and 366, respectively, and may provide means for communicating with other network nodes such as other UEs, access points, and base stations via the wireless communication medium, through at least one designated RAT (e.g., Wi-Fi, LTE Direct, BLUETOOTH®, ZIGBEE®, Z-WAVE®, PC5, dedicated short-range communications (DSRC), wireless access for vehicular environments (WAVE), near-field communication (NFC), ultra-wideband (UWB), etc.) (e.g., means for transmitting, means for receiving, means for measuring, means for tuning, means for refraining from transmitting, etc.). The short-range wireless transceivers 320 and 360 can be configured in various ways to transmit and encode signals 328 and 368 (e.g., messages, instructions, information, etc.), respectively, according to a specified RAT, and conversely, to receive and decode signals 328 and 368 (e.g., messages, instructions, information, pilots, etc.), respectively. Specifically, the short-range wireless transceivers 320 and 360 include one or more transmitters 324 and 364, respectively, for transmitting and encoding signals 328 and 368, respectively, and one or more receivers 322 and 362, respectively, for receiving and decoding signals 328 and 368, respectively.For example, the short-range wireless transceivers 320 and 360 may be Wi-Fi transceivers, BLUETOOTH® transceivers, ZIGBEE® and / or Z-WAVE® transceivers, NFC transceivers, UWB transceivers, or vehicle-to-vehicle (V2V) and / or vehicle-to-everything (V2X) transceivers.

[0086]

[0097] UE302 and base station 304 also include, in at least some cases, satellite signal receivers 330 and 370. Satellite signal receivers 330 and 370 may be connected to one or more antennas 336 and 376, respectively, and may provide means for receiving and / or measuring satellite positioning / communication signals 338 and 378, respectively. If satellite signal receivers 330 and 370 are satellite positioning system receivers, the satellite positioning / communication signals 338 and 378 may be Global Positioning System (GPS) signals, Global Navigation Satellite System (GLONASS®) signals, Galileo signals, Beidou signals, Indian Regional Navigation Satellite System (NAVIC), Quasi-Zenith Satellite System (QZSS), etc. If satellite signal receivers 330 and 370 are non-terrestrial network (NTN) receivers, satellite positioning / communication signals 338 and 378 may be communication signals originating from the 5G network (e.g., carrying control and / or user data). Satellite signal receivers 330 and 370 may include any suitable hardware and / or software for receiving and processing satellite positioning / communication signals 338 and 378, respectively. Satellite signal receivers 330 and 370 may, as necessary, request information and actions from other systems and, in at least some cases, perform calculations using the acquired measurements to determine the locations of UE 302 and base station 304, respectively, using any suitable satellite positioning system algorithm.

[0087]

[0098] Each base station 304 and network entity 306 each include one or more network transceivers 380 and 390, respectively, which provide means (e.g., means for transmitting, means for receiving, etc.) for communicating with other network entities (e.g., other base stations 304, other network entities 306). For example, base station 304 may employ one or more network transceivers 380 for communicating with other base stations 304 or network entities 306 via one or more wired or wireless backhaul links. As another example, network entity 306 may employ one or more network transceivers 390 for communicating with one or more base stations 304 via one or more wired or wireless backhaul links, or with other network entities 306 via one or more wired or wireless core network interfaces.

[0088]

[0099] A transceiver may be configured to communicate over a wired or wireless link. A transceiver (whether wired or wireless) includes a transmitter circuit configuration (e.g., transmitters 314, 324, 354, 364) and a receiver circuit configuration (e.g., receivers 312, 322, 352, 362). In some implementations, a transceiver may be an integrated device (e.g., embodying the transmitter and receiver circuit configurations within a single device), in some implementations it may have separate transmitter and receiver circuit configurations, or in other implementations it may be embodied in other ways. The transmitter and receiver circuit configurations of a wired transceiver (e.g., network transceivers 380 and 390 in some implementations) may be coupled to one or more wired network interface ports. A wireless transmitter circuit configuration (e.g., transmitters 314, 324, 354, 364) may include, or be coupled with, multiple antennas (e.g., antennas 316, 326, 356, 366), such as an antenna array, enabling each device (e.g., UE 302, base station 304) to perform transmit beamforming. Similarly, a wireless receiver circuit configuration (e.g., receivers 312, 322, 352, 362) may include, or be coupled with, multiple antennas (e.g., antennas 316, 326, 356, 366), such as an antenna array, enabling each device (e.g., UE 302, base station 304) to perform receive beamforming. In one embodiment, the transmitter and receiver circuit configurations may share multiple identical antennas (e.g., antennas 316, 326, 356, 366), such that each device can either receive or transmit only at a given time, but not both at the same time. Wireless transceivers (e.g., WWAN transceivers 310 and 350, short-range wireless transceivers 320 and 360) may also include network listen modules (NLMs) for performing various measurements.

[0089]

[0100] The various wireless transceivers used herein (e.g., transceivers 310, 320, 350, and 360 in some implementations, and network transceivers 380 and 390) and wired transceivers (e.g., network transceivers 380 and 390 in some implementations) may generally be characterized as “transceivers,” “at least one transceiver,” or “one or more transceivers.” Thus, whether a particular transceiver is a wired transceiver or a wireless transceiver can be inferred from the type of communication being performed. For example, backhaul communication between network devices or servers generally involves signaling via wired transceivers, while wireless communication between a UE (e.g., UE 302) and a base station (e.g., base station 304) generally involves signaling via wireless transceivers.

[0090]

[0101] UE302, base station 304, and network entity 306 also include other components that may be used in conjunction with the operations disclosed herein. UE302, base station 304, and network entity 306 each include one or more processors 332, 384, and 394, for example, to provide functions related to wireless communication and other processing functions. Thus, processors 332, 384, and 394 may provide processing means such as means for determining, means for calculating, means for receiving, means for transmitting, and means for instructing. In one embodiment, processors 332, 384, and 394 may include, for example, one or more general-purpose processors, multicore processors, central processing units (CPUs), ASICs, digital signal processors (DSPs), field programmable gate arrays (FPGAs), other programmable logic devices or processing circuits, or various combinations thereof.

[0091]

[0102] The UE302, base station 304, and network entity 306 include a memory circuit configuration that implements memories 340, 386, and 396, respectively (including, for example, memory devices, each) to maintain information (e.g., information indicating reserved resources, thresholds, parameters, etc.). Thus, memories 340, 386, and 396 may provide means for storing, retrieving, maintaining, etc. In some cases, the UE302, base station 304, and network entity 306 may include positioning components 342, 388, and 398, respectively. Positioning components 342, 388, and 398 may be part of or coupled to processors 332, 384, and 394, respectively, and the hardware circuits, when executed, cause the UE302, base station 304, and network entity 306 to perform the functions described herein. In other embodiments, the positioning components 342, 388, and 398 may be external to the processors 332, 384, and 394 (e.g., being part of a modem processing system, or integrated with another processing system). Alternatively, the positioning components 342, 388, and 398 may be memory modules stored in memories 340, 386, and 396, respectively, which, when executed by the processors 332, 384, and 394 (or a modem processing system, another processing system, etc.), cause the UE 302, base station 304, and network entity 306 to perform the functions described herein. Figure 3A shows possible configurations of the positioning component 342, which may be part of, for example, one or more WWAN transceivers 310, memory 340, one or more processors 332, or any combination thereof, or may be a standalone component. Figure 3B shows possible configurations of the positioning component 388, which may be part of, for example, one or more WWAN transceivers 350, memory 386, one or more processors 384, or any combination thereof, or it may be a standalone component.Figure 3C shows possible configurations of the positioning component 398, which may be part of, for example, one or more network transceivers 390, memory 396, one or more processors 394, or any combination thereof, or it may be a standalone component.

[0092]

[0103] UE302 may include one or more sensors 344 coupled to one or more processors 332 to provide means for sensing or detecting motion and / or orientation information that is independent of motion data derived from signals received by one or more WWAN transceivers 310, one or more short-range wireless transceivers 320, and / or satellite signal receivers 330. For example, one or more sensors 344 may include accelerometers (e.g., micro-electrical mechanical systems, MEMS devices), gyroscopes, geomagnetic sensors (e.g., compasses), altimeters (e.g., barometric altimeters), and / or any other type of motion-sensing sensor. Furthermore, one or more sensors 344 may include multiple different types of devices, and their outputs may be combined to provide motion information. For example, a sensor(s) 344 may use a combination of a multi-axis accelerometer and an orientation sensor to provide the ability to calculate position in a two-dimensional (2D) and / or three-dimensional (3D) coordinate system.

[0093]

[0104] In addition, UE302 includes a user interface 346 that provides means for providing instructions to the user (e.g., audible and / or visual instructions) and / or for receiving user input (e.g., when a user activates a sensing device such as a keypad, touchscreen, or microphone). Although not shown, the base station 304 and the network entity 306 may also include user interfaces.

[0094]

[0105] Referring more specifically to one or more processors 384, in the downlink, IP packets from network entity 306 may be provided to processor 384. One or more processors 384 may implement functions for the RRC layer, Packet Data Convergence Protocol (PDCP) layer, Radio Link Control (RLC) layer, and Medium Access Control (MAC) layer. One or more processors 384 may provide RRC layer functions associated with broadcasting system information (e.g., master information blocks (MIBs), system information blocks (SIBs)), RRC connection control (e.g., RRC connection paging, RRC connection establishment, RRC connection correction, and RRC connection release), inter-RAT mobility, and measurement configuration for UE measurement reporting; PDCP layer functions associated with header compression / decompression, security (encryption, decryption, integrity protection, integrity verification), and handover support functions; RLC layer functions associated with forwarding upper layer PDUs, error correction by automatic repeat request (ARQ), concatenation, segmentation, and reassembly of RLC service data units (SDUs), resegmentation of RLC data PDUs, and reordering of RLC data PDUs; and MAC layer functions associated with mapping between logical channels and transport channels, scheduling information reporting, error correction, priority processing, and logical channel prioritization.

[0095]

[0106] The transmitter 354 and receiver 352 can implement Layer 1 (L1) functions associated with various signal processing functions. Layer 1, including the physical (PHY) layer, may include error detection on the transport channel, forward error correction (FEC) coding / decoding of the transport channel, interleaving, rate matching, mapping to the physical channel, modulation / demodulation of the physical channel, and MIMO antenna processing. The transmitter 354 handles mapping to signal constellations based on various modulation schemes (e.g., binary phase-shift keying (BPSK), quadrature phase-shift keying (QPSK), M-phase-shift keying (M-PSK), M-quadrature amplitude modulation (M-QAM)). The coded and modulated symbols can then be divided into parallel streams. Next, each stream may be mapped to an orthogonal frequency division multiplexing (OFDM) subcarrier, multiplexed with a reference signal (e.g., a pilot) in the time and / or frequency domain, and then synthesized together using an inverse fast Fourier transform (IFFT) to generate a physical channel that carries a time-domain OFDM symbol stream. The OFDM symbol stream is spatially precoded to generate multiple spatial streams. Channel estimates from a channel estimator may be used to determine the coding and modulation scheme, and for spatial processing. Channel estimates may be derived from the reference signal and / or channel state feedback transmitted by UE302. Each spatial stream may then be supplied to one or more different antennas 356. Transmitter 354 may modulate RF carriers using each spatial stream for transmission.

[0096]

[0107] In UE302, receiver 312 receives signals through its respective antenna(s) 316. Receiver 312 reconstructs the information modulated on the RF carrier and provides this information to one or more processors 332. Transmitter 314 and receiver 312 implement Layer 1 functions associated with various signal processing functions. Receiver 312 may perform spatial processing on the information to reconstruct any spatial stream directed to UE302. If multiple spatial streams are directed to UE302, they can be combined into a single OFDM symbol stream by receiver 312. Receiver 312 then uses a Fast Fourier Transform (FFT) to convert the OFDM symbol stream from the time domain to the frequency domain. The frequency domain signal contains a separate OFDM symbol stream for each subcarrier of the OFDM signal. The symbols on each subcarrier, and the reference signal, are reconstructed and demodulated by determining the most likely signal constellation point transmitted by base station 304. These soft decisions can be based on channel estimates calculated by a channel estimator. Next, the soft decision decodes and deinterleaves the data and control signals initially transmitted by the base station 304 on the physical channel. The data and control signals are then provided to one or more processors 332 implementing Layer 3 (L3) and Layer 2 (L2) functions.

[0097]

[0108] In the downlink, one or more processors 332 provide demultiplexing between transport and logical channels, packet reassembly, decoding, header decompression, and control signal processing to reconstruct IP packets from the core network. One or more processors 332 are also responsible for error detection.

[0098]

[0109] Similar to the functions described in relation to downlink transmission by base station 304, one or more processors 332 provide RRC layer functions associated with system information (e.g., MIB, SIB) acquisition, RRC connection, and measurement reporting; PDCP layer functions associated with header compression / decompression and security (encryption, decryption, integrity protection, integrity verification); RLC layer functions associated with forwarding upper layer PDUs, error correction by ARQ, concatenation, segmentation, and reassembly of RLC SDUs, resegmentation of RLC data PDUs, and reordering of RLC data PDUs; and MAC layer functions associated with mapping between logical channels and transport channels, multiplexing MAC SDUs onto transport blocks (TBs), demultiplexing MAC SDUs from TBs, scheduling information reporting, error correction by hybrid automatic repeat request (HARQ), priority processing, and logical channel prioritization.

[0099]

[0110] The channel estimate derived by the channel estimator from the reference signal or feedback transmitted by the base station 304 may be used by the transmitter 314 to select an appropriate coding and modulation scheme and to facilitate spatial processing. The spatial streams generated by the transmitter 314 may be supplied to different antennas 316. The transmitter 314 may modulate the RF carrier using each spatial stream for transmission.

[0100]

[0111] Uplink transmissions are processed at base station 304 in a manner similar to that described in relation to the receiver function in UE302. Receiver 352 receives the signal through its respective antenna(s) 356. Receiver 352 reconstructs the information modulated on the RF carrier and provides this information to one or more processors 384.

[0101]

[0112] In the uplink, one or more processors 384 provide demultiplexing between transport and logical channels, packet reassembly, decoding, header decompression, and control signal processing to reconstruct IP packets from the UE302. IP packets from one or more processors 384 can then be supplied to the core network. One or more processors 384 are also responsible for error detection.

[0102]

[0113] For convenience, the UE302, base station 304, and / or network entity 306 are shown in Figures 3A, 3B, and 3C as including various components that may be configured according to the various examples described herein. However, it should be understood that the components shown may have different functions in different designs. In detail, the various components in Figures 3A–3C are optional in alternative configurations, and the various embodiments include configurations that may vary due to design choices, cost, device usage, or other considerations. For example, in Figure 3A, a particular implementation of UE302 may omit the WWAN transceiver(s) 310 (e.g., a wearable device, tablet computer, personal computer (PC), or laptop may have Wi-Fi and / or Bluetooth® capabilities without cellular capabilities), or the short-range wireless transceiver(s) 320 (e.g., cellular only), or the satellite signal receiver(s) 330, or the sensor(s) 344, etc. Another example is in Figure 3B, where a particular implementation of base station 304 may omit the WWAN transceiver(s) 350 (e.g., a Wi-Fi "hotspot" access point without cellular capabilities), or the short-range wireless transceiver(s) 360 (e.g., cellular only), or the satellite signal receiver(s) 370, etc. For the sake of brevity, examples of various alternative configurations are not provided herein, but they should be readily apparent to those skilled in the art.

[0103]

[0114] Various components of UE302, base station 304, and network entity 306 can be coupled to communicate with one another via data buses 334, 382, ​​and 392, respectively. In one embodiment, data buses 334, 382, ​​and 392 may form or be part of the communication interfaces of UE302, base station 304, and network entity 306, respectively. For example, if different logical entities are embodied within the same device (e.g., gNB and location server functions are integrated within the same base station 304), data buses 334, 382, ​​and 392 may provide communication between them.

[0104]

[0115] The components in Figures 3A, 3B, and 3C can be implemented in various ways. In some implementations, the components in Figures 3A, 3B, and 3C can be implemented in one or more circuits, such as one or more processors and / or one or more ASICs (which may include one or more processors). Here, each circuit may use and / or incorporate at least one memory component for storing information or executable code used by the circuit to provide this functionality. For example, some or all of the functionality represented by blocks 310-346 may be implemented by the processor and memory components (one or more) of UE302 (e.g., by the execution of appropriate code and / or by the appropriate configuration of the processor components). Similarly, some or all of the functionality represented by blocks 350-388 may be implemented by the processor and memory components (one or more) of base station 304 (e.g., by the execution of appropriate code and / or by the appropriate configuration of the processor components). Furthermore, some or all of the functions represented by blocks 390-398 may be implemented by the processor and memory components (one or more) of the network entity 306 (for example, by the execution of appropriate code and / or by the appropriate configuration of processor components). For simplicity, various operations, actions, and / or functions are described herein as being performed “by the UE,” “by the base station,” “by the network entity,” etc. However, as can be understood, such operations, actions, and / or functions may actually be performed by specific components or combinations of components such as the UE 302, base station 304, and network entity 306, including processors 332, 384, 394, transceivers 310, 320, 350, and 360, memories 340, 386, and 396, positioning components 342, 388, and 398.

[0105]

[0116] In some designs, the network entity 306 may be implemented as a core network component. In other designs, the network entity 306 may be separate from the network operator or operation of the cellular network infrastructure (e.g., NG RAN220 and / or 5GC210 / 260). For example, the network entity 306 may be a component of a private network that communicates with the UE302 via the base station 304, or it may be configured independently of the base station 304 (e.g., via a non-cellular communication link such as Wi-Fi).

[0106]

[0117] NR supports several cellular network-based positioning techniques, including downlink-based positioning methods, uplink-based positioning methods, and downlink and uplink-based positioning methods. Downlink-based positioning methods include observed time difference of arrival (OTDOA) in LTE, downlink time difference of arrival (DL-TDOA) in NR, and downlink angle-of-departure (DL-AoD) in NR. Figure 4A shows examples of various positioning methods according to aspects of this disclosure. In the OTDOA or DL-TDOA positioning procedure shown by Scenario 405, the UE measures the difference between the times of arrival (ToAs) of a reference signal (e.g., positioning reference signal (PRS)) received from a pair of base stations, called reference signal time difference (RSTD) measurements or time difference of arrival (TDOA) measurements, and reports them to the positioning entity. More specifically, the UE receives identifiers (IDs) of a reference base station (e.g., a serving base station) and several non-reference base stations in the support data. The UE then measures the RSTD between each of the reference base station and the non-reference base stations. Based on the known locations of the involved base stations and the RSTD measurements, a positioning entity (e.g., the UE in the case of UE-based positioning, or a location server in the case of UE-assisted positioning) can estimate the location of the UE.

[0107]

[0118] In DL-AoD positioning as shown in Scenario 410, the positioning entity uses measurement reports from the UE of received signal intensity measurements of multiple downlink transmit beams to determine the angle(s) between the UE and the transmitting base station(s). The positioning entity can then estimate the location of the UE based on the determined angle(s) and the known locations(s) of the transmitting base station(s).

[0108]

[0119] Uplink-based positioning methods include uplink time difference (UL-TDOA) and uplink angle-of-arrival (UL-AoA). UL-TDOA is similar to DL-TDOA but is based on uplink reference signals (e.g., sounding reference signals (SRS)) transmitted by the UE to multiple base stations. Specifically, the UE transmits one or more uplink reference signals measured by a reference base station and multiple non-reference base stations. Each base station then reports the reception time of the reference signal(s) (called relative time of arrival, RTOA) to a positioning entity (e.g., a location server) that knows the locations and relative timings of the involved base stations. Based on the reception-to-reception (Rx-Rx) time difference between the reference base station's reported RTOA and each non-reference base station's reported RTOA, the known locations of the base stations, and their known timing offsets, the positioning entity can use TDOA to estimate the UE's location.

[0109]

[0120] In UL-AoA positioning, one or more base stations measure the received signal strength of one or more uplink reference signals (e.g., SRS) received from the UE on one or more uplink receive beams. The positioning entity uses the signal strength measurements and the angles(single or multiple) of the receive beams(single or multiple) to determine the angle(s) between the UE and the base station(s). Based on the determined angle(s) and the known locations(s) of the base stations(s), the positioning entity can then estimate the location of the UE.

[0110]

[0121] Downlink and uplink-based positioning methods include enhanced cell-ID (E-CID) positioning and multi-round-trip-time (RTT) positioning (also known as "multi-cell RTT" and "multi-RTT"). In the RTT procedure, a first entity (e.g., a base station or UE) transmits a first RTT-related signal (e.g., PRS or SRS) to a second entity (e.g., a UE or base station), and the second entity transmits a second RTT-related signal (e.g., SRS or PRS) back to the first entity. Each entity measures the time difference between the arrival time (ToA) of the received RTT-related signal and the transmission time of the transmitted RTT-related signal. This time difference is called the reception-to-transmission (Rx-Tx) time difference. The Rx-Tx time difference measurement may be made to include only the time difference between the nearest slot boundaries for the received and transmitted signals, or it may be adjusted accordingly. Next, both entities may send their Rx-Tx time difference measurements to a location server (e.g., LMF270), which calculates the round-trip propagation time (i.e., RTT) between the two entities from the two Rx-Tx time difference measurements (e.g., as the sum of the two Rx-Tx time difference measurements). Alternatively, one entity may send its Rx-Tx time difference measurement to the other entity, which then calculates the RTT. The distance between the two entities can be determined from the RTT and a known signal speed (e.g., the speed of light). In the case of multi-RTT positioning as shown in Scenario 415, the first entity (e.g., a UE or base station) performs RTT positioning procedures with multiple second entities (e.g., multiple base stations or UEs) to enable the location of the first entity to be determined (e.g., using multilateration) based on the distance to the second entity and the known location of the second entity. As shown in Scenario 420, RTT and multi-RTT methods can be combined with other positioning techniques such as UL-AoA and DL-AoD to improve location accuracy.

[0111]

[0122] The E-CID positioning method is based on radio resource management (RRM) measurements. In E-CID, the UE reports the serving cell ID, timing advance (TA), and the identifier, estimated timing, and signal strength of the detected nearby base station. The UE's location is then estimated based on this information and the known locations of the base station(s).

[0112]

[0123] To support positioning operations, location servers (e.g., location servers 230, LMF270, SLP272) may provide support data to the UE. For example, the support data may include the identifier of the base station (or base station cell / TRP) from which the reference signal will be measured, reference signal configuration parameters (e.g., the number of consecutive slots containing the PRS, the period of the consecutive slots containing the PRS, the muting sequence, the frequency hopping sequence, the reference signal identifier, the reference signal bandwidth, etc.), and / or other parameters applicable to a particular positioning method. Alternatively, the support data may be obtained directly from the base station itself (e.g., in periodically broadcast overhead messages). In some cases, the UE may be able to discover the neighboring network node itself without using support data.

[0113]

[0124] In the case of OTDOA or DL-TDOA positioning procedures, the supporting data may further include the expected RSTD value and the uncertainty or search window associated with the expected RSTD. In some cases, the expected RSTD value range may be + / - 500 microseconds (μs). In some cases, when any of the resources used for positioning measurements are in FR1, the uncertainty range for the expected RSTD may be + / - 32 μs. In other cases, when all of the resources used for positioning measurements (one or more) are in FR2, the uncertainty range for the expected RSTD may be + / - 8 μs.

[0114]

[0125] Location estimates may be referred to by other names such as position estimates, location, position, position fix, or fix. Location estimates may be geodetic and include coordinates (e.g., latitude, longitude, and possibly altitude), or urban and include addresses, postal addresses, or some other linguistic description of the location. Location estimates may further be defined for some other known locations, or they may be defined absolutely (e.g., using latitude, longitude, and possibly altitude). Location estimates may include expected errors or uncertainties (e.g., by including area or volume in which the location is expected to be contained with some specified or default level of confidence).

[0115]

[0126] NR supports or enables a variety of sidelink positioning techniques. Figure 4B illustrates various scenarios of interest for sidelink only or joint Uu and sidelink positioning according to aspects of the present disclosure. In Scenario 425, at least one peer UE with a known location can improve the Uu-based positioning of a target UE (e.g., multi-cell round trip time (RTT), downlink arrival time difference (DL-TDOA), etc.) by providing an additional anchor (e.g., using sidelink RTT (SL-RTT)). In Scenario 430, a low-end (e.g., reduced capability, or "RedCap") target UE may obtain assistance from a premium UE to determine its location, for example, by using sidelink positioning and ranging procedures with a premium UE. Compared to a low-end UE, a premium UE may have more capabilities, such as more sensors, faster processors, more memory, more antenna elements, higher transmit power capability, access to additional frequency bands, or any combination thereof. In Scenario 435, a relay UE (e.g., with a known location) participates in the positioning estimation of a remote UE without performing uplink positioning reference signal (PRS) transmission via the Uu interface. Scenario 440 demonstrates joint positioning of multiple UEs. Specifically, in Scenario 440, two UEs with unknown locations can be positioned together under non-line-of-sight (NLOS) conditions by utilizing constraints from a nearby UE.

[0116]

[0127] Figure 4C illustrates additional scenarios of interest for sidelink only or for joint UU and sidelink positioning according to aspects of the present disclosure. In Scenario 445, UEs used for public safety (e.g., by police, firefighters, etc.) may perform peer-to-peer (P2P) positioning and ranging for public safety and other uses. For example, in Scenario 445, public safety UEs are outside the network's coverage and may use sidelink positioning techniques to determine the location or relative distance and relative position between public safety UEs. Similarly, Scenario 450 illustrates multiple UEs that are outside the coverage and use sidelink positioning techniques such as SL-RTT to determine their location or relative distance and relative position.

[0117]

[0128] Various frame structures may be used to support downlink and uplink transmissions between network nodes (e.g., base stations and UEs). Figure 5 is an example frame structure according to an aspect of this disclosure. The frame structure may be a downlink or uplink frame structure. Other wireless communication technologies may have different frame structures and / or different channels.

[0118]

[0129] LTE, and sometimes NR, utilize orthogonal frequency division multiplexing (OFDM) on the downlink and single-carrier frequency division multiplexing (SC-FDM) on the uplink. However, unlike LTE, NR also has the option of using OFDM on the uplink. OFDM and SC-FDM divide the system bandwidth into multiple (K) orthogonal subcarriers, commonly called tones or bins. Each subcarrier can be modulated with data. Generally, the modulation symbol is transmitted using OFDM in the frequency domain and SC-FDM in the time domain. The spacing between adjacent subcarriers may be fixed, and the total number of subcarriers (K) may depend on the system bandwidth. For example, the subcarrier spacing may be 15 kilohertz (kHz), and the minimum resource allocation (resource block) may be 12 subcarriers (i.e., 180 kHz). Therefore, the nominal Fast Fourier Transform (FFT) sizes can be equal to 128, 256, 512, 1024, or 2048 for system bandwidths of 1.25, 2.5, 5, 10, or 20 megahertz (MHz), respectively. The system bandwidth can also be divided into subbands. For example, a subband may cover 1.8 MHz (i.e., 6 resource blocks), and for system bandwidths of 1.25, 2.5, 5, 10, or 20 MHz, there can be 1, 2, 4, 8, or 16 subbands, respectively.

[0119]

[0130] LTE supports a single numerology (subcarrier spacing (SCS), symbol length, etc.). In contrast, NR can support multiple numerologies (μ), for example, subcarrier spacings of 15kHz (μ=0), 30kHz (μ=1), 60kHz (μ=2), 120kHz (μ=3), and 240kHz (μ=4) or higher may be available. Within each subcarrier spacing, there are 14 symbols per slot. For a 15kHz SCS (μ=0), there is 1 slot per subframe, 10 slots per frame, a slot duration of 1 millisecond (ms), a symbol duration of 66.7 microseconds (μs), and a maximum nominal system bandwidth (in MHz) of 50 with an FFT size of 4K. For a 30kHz SCS (μ=1), there are 2 slots per subframe and 20 slots per frame, with a slot duration of 0.5ms, a symbol duration of 33.3μs, and a maximum nominal system bandwidth (in MHz) of 100 for an FFT size of 4K. For a 60kHz SCS (μ=2), there are 4 slots per subframe and 40 slots per frame, with a slot duration of 0.25ms, a symbol duration of 16.7μs, and a maximum nominal system bandwidth (in MHz) of 200 for an FFT size of 4K. For a 120kHz SCS (μ=3), there are 8 slots per subframe and 80 slots per frame, with a slot duration of 0.125ms, a symbol duration of 8.33μs, and a maximum nominal system bandwidth (in MHz) of 400 for an FFT size of 4K. For a 240kHz SCS (μ=4), there are 16 slots per subframe and 160 slots per frame, with a slot duration of 0.0625ms, a symbol duration of 4.17μs, and a maximum nominal system bandwidth (in MHz) of 800 for an FFT size of 4K.

[0120]

[0131] In the example in Figure 5, a 15kHz numerology is used. Therefore, in the time domain, a 10ms frame is divided into 10 subframes of equal size, each of 1ms, and each subframe contains one time slot. In Figure 5, time is represented horizontally (on the X-axis), increasing from left to right, and frequency is represented vertically (on the Y-axis), increasing (or decreasing) from bottom to top.

[0121]

[0132] A resource grid may be used to represent a time slot, and each time slot contains one or more time-parallel resource blocks (RBs) (also called physical RBs, PRBs) in the frequency domain. The resource grid is further divided into multiple resource elements (REs). An RE may correspond to one symbol length in the time domain and one subcarrier in the frequency domain. In the numerology of Figure 5, for a normal cyclic prefix, an RB may contain 12 consecutive subcarriers in the frequency domain and 7 consecutive symbols in the time domain, for a total of 84 REs. For an extended cyclic prefix, an RB may contain 12 consecutive subcarriers in the frequency domain and 6 consecutive symbols in the time domain, for a total of 72 REs. The number of bits carried by each RE depends on the modulation scheme.

[0122]

[0133] Some of the REs may carry reference (pilot) signals (RS). Depending on whether the shown frame structure is used for uplink or downlink communication, the reference signals may include positioning reference signals (PRS), tracking reference signals (TRS), phase tracking reference signals (PTRS), cell-specific reference signals (CRS), channel state information reference signals (CSI-RS), demodulation reference signals (DMRS), primary synchronization signal (PSS), secondary synchronization signal (SSS), synchronization signal blocks (SSBs), sounding reference signals (SRS), etc. Figure 5 shows an exemplary arrangement of REs carrying reference signals (labeled "R").

[0123]

[0134] The set of resource elements (REs) used for PRS transmission is called a "PRS resource." A set of resource elements can span multiple PRBs in the frequency domain and "N" consecutive symbols (one or more, for example) within a slot in the time domain. In a given OFDM symbol in the time domain, the PRS resource occupies consecutive PRBs in the frequency domain.

[0124]

[0135] The transmission of a PRS resource within a given PRB has a specific comb size (also called "comb density"). The comb size "N" represents the subcarrier interval (or frequency / tone interval) within each symbol of the PRS resource configuration. Specifically, for a comb size "N", the PRS is transmitted on every Nth subcarrier of the symbols in the PRB. For example, for comb 4, for each symbol of the PRS resource configuration, the RE corresponding to every 4th subcarrier (subcarrier 0, 4, 8, etc.) is used to transmit the PRS of the PRS resource. Currently, comb sizes of comb 2, comb 4, comb 6, and comb 12 are supported for DL-PRS. Figure 5 shows an exemplary PRS resource configuration for comb 4 (spanning four symbols). That is, the arrangement of shaded REs (labeled "R") indicates the comb 4 PRS resource configuration.

[0125]

[0136] Currently, DL-PRS resources can span 2, 4, 6, or 12 consecutive symbols in a slot in a staggered pattern across the entire frequency domain. DL-PRS resources can be configured within any downlink or flexible (FL) symbols configured by the upper layer in the slot. For all REs of a given DL-PRS resource, there can be a constant energy per resource element (EPRE). The following are the symbol-to-symbol frequency offsets for comb sizes 2, 4, 6, and 12 spanning 2, 4, 6, and 12 symbols. 2-symbol comb2:{0,1}, 4-symbol comb2:{0,1,0,1}, 6-symbol comb2:{0,1,0,1,0,1}, 12-symbol comb2:{0,1,0,1,0,1,0,1,0,1,0,1}, 4-symbol comb4:{0,2,1,3} (as in the example in Figure 5), 12-symbol comb4:{0,2,1,3,0,2,1,3,0,2,1,3}, 6-symbol comb6:{0,3,1,4,2,5}, 12-symbol comb6:{0,3,1,4,2,5,0,3,1,4,2,5}, and 12-symbol comb12:{0,6,3,9,1,7,4,10,2,8,5,11}.

[0126]

[0137] A "PRS resource set" is a set of PRS resources used for transmitting PRS signals, and each PRS resource has a PRS resource ID. In addition, PRS resources within a PRS resource set are associated with the same TRP. A PRS resource set is identified by its PRS resource set ID and associated with a specific TRP (identified by its TRP ID). In addition, PRS resources within a PRS resource set have the same period, a common muting pattern configuration, and the same repetition factor (such as "PRS-ResourceRepetitionFactor") across slots. The period is the time from the first repetition of the first PRS resource in the first PRS instance to the same first repetition of the same first PRS resource in the next PRS instance. The period can have a length selected from 2^μ*{4, 5, 8, 10, 16, 20, 32, 40, 64, 80, 160, 320, 640, 1280, 2560, 5120, 10240} slots, where μ = 0, 1, 2, 3. The repeating coefficient can have a length selected from {1, 2, 4, 6, 8, 16, 32} slots.

[0127]

[0138] A PRS resource ID within a PRS resource set is associated with a single beam (or beam ID) transmitted from a single TRP (a TRP can transmit one or more beams). That is, each PRS resource in a PRS resource set may transmit on a different beam; therefore, a “PRS resource” or simply a “resource” can also be called a “beam.” Note that this does not imply whether the TRP and beam from which the PRS is transmitted are known to the UE.

[0128]

[0139] A “PRS instance” or “PRS occasion” is one instance of a periodically repeating time window (such as a group of one or more consecutive slots) in which PRS is expected to be transmitted. A PRS occasion may also be referred to as a “PRS positioning occasion,” “PRS positioning instance,” “positioning occasion,” “positioning instance,” “positioning repeat,” or simply “occasion,” “instance,” or “repeat.”

[0129]

[0140] A "positioning frequency layer" (also simply called a "frequency layer") is a collection of one or more PRS resource sets across one or more TRPs that have the same values ​​for a particular parameter. Specifically, a collection of PRS resource sets has the same subcarrier spacing and cyclic prefix (CP) type (meaning all numerology supported for a physical downlink shared channel, PDSCH) is also supported for PRS), the same point A, the same downlink PRS bandwidth, the same starting PRB (and center frequency), and the same comb size. The point A parameter takes the value of the parameter "ARFCN-ValueNR" ("ARFCN" stands for "absolute radio-frequency channel number") and is an identifier / code that specifies a pair of physical radio channels used for transmission and reception. The downlink PRS bandwidth can have a granularity of 4PRB, a minimum of 24PRB, and a maximum of 272PRB. Currently, up to four frequency layers are defined, and each frequency layer can have up to two PRS resource sets per TRP.

[0130]

[0141] The concept of frequency layers is somewhat similar to the concepts of component carriers and bandwidth parts (BWPs), but differs in that component carriers and BWPs are used by one base station (or a macrocell base station and a smallcell base station) to transmit data channels, while frequency layers are used by several (usually three or more) base stations to transmit PRS. A UE may indicate the number of frequency layers it can support when it transmits its positioning capabilities to the network, such as during an LTE positioning protocol (LPP) session. For example, a UE may indicate whether it can support one positioning frequency layer or four positioning frequency layers.

[0131]

[0142] It should be noted that the terms “positioning reference signal” and “PRS” generally refer to specific reference signals used for positioning in NR and LTE systems. However, as used herein, the terms “positioning reference signal” and “PRS” may also refer to any type of reference signal that can be used for positioning, including but not limited to PRS, TRS, PTRS, CRS, CSI-RS, DMRS, PSS, SSS, SSB, SRS, UL-PRS, etc., as defined in LTE and NR. Furthermore, the terms “positioning reference signal” and “PRS” may refer to downlink, uplink, or sidelink positioning reference signals unless otherwise indicated by the context. Where necessary to further distinguish between types of PRS, downlink positioning reference signals may be called “DL-PRS,” uplink positioning reference signals (e.g., positioning SRS, PTRS) may be called “UL-PRS,” and sidelink positioning reference signals may be called “SL-PRS.” In addition, for signals that may be transmitted in the downlink, uplink, and / or sidelink (e.g., DMRS), "DL," "UL," or "SL" may be prepended to the signal to distinguish the direction. For example, "UL-DMRS" is different from "DL-DMRS."

[0132]

[0143] Figures 6A and 6B show various comb patterns supported for DL-PRS within resource blocks. In Figures 6A and 6B, time is represented horizontally and frequency vertically. Each large block in Figures 6A and 6B represents a resource block, and each small block represents a resource element. As described above, a resource element consists of one symbol in the time domain and one subcarrier in the frequency domain. In the example in Figures 6A and 6B, each resource block contains 14 symbols in the time domain and 12 subcarriers in the frequency domain. Shaded resource elements either carry DL-PRS or are scheduled to carry DL-PRS. Therefore, each shaded resource element in each resource block corresponds to a PRS resource, or (since a PRS resource can span multiple resource blocks in the frequency domain) a portion of a PRS resource within a single resource block.

[0133]

[0144] The illustrated comb patterns correspond to the various DL-PRS comb patterns described above. Specifically, Figure 6A shows DL-PRS comb pattern 610 for comb 2 with 2 symbols, DL-PRS comb pattern 620 for comb 4 with 4 symbols, DL-PRS comb pattern 630 for comb 6 with 6 symbols, and DL-PRS comb pattern 640 for comb 12 with 12 symbols. Figure 6B shows DL-PRS comb pattern 650 for comb 2 with 12 symbols, DL-PRS comb pattern 660 for comb 4 with 12 symbols, DL-PRS comb pattern 670 for comb 2 with 6 symbols, and DL-PRS comb pattern 680 for comb 6 with 12 symbols.

[0134]

[0145] Note that in the exemplary comb pattern in Figure 6A, the DL-PRS transmitted resource elements are staggered in the frequency domain such that there is only one such resource element per subcarrier across the configured number of symbols. For example, in the DL-PRS comb pattern 620, there is only one resource element per subcarrier across four symbols. This is called "frequency domain staggering."

[0135]

[0146] Furthermore, there are several DL-PRS resource symbol offsets (given by the parameter "DL-PRS-ResourceSymbolOffset") between the first symbol of the resource block and the first symbol of the DL-PRS resource. In the example of DL-PRS comb pattern 610, the offset is 3 symbols. In the example of DL-PRS comb pattern 620, the offset is 8 symbols. In the examples of DL-PRS comb patterns 630 and 640, the offset is 2 symbols. In the examples of DL-PRS comb patterns 650 to 680, the offset is 2 symbols.

[0136]

[0147] As can be understood, for DL-PRS comb pattern 610, the UE will need to measure resource elements on twice as many subcarriers per symbol compared to DL-PRS comb pattern 620. Therefore, measuring DL-PRS comb pattern 610 will require a higher capability than measuring DL-PRS comb pattern 620. In addition, for DL-PRS comb pattern 630, the UE will need to measure resource elements on twice as many subcarriers per symbol compared to DL-PRS comb pattern 640. Therefore, measuring DL-PRS comb pattern 630 will require a higher capability than measuring DL-PRS comb pattern 640. Furthermore, since the resource elements of DL-PRS comb patterns 610 and 620 are denser than those of DL-PRS comb patterns 630 and 640, measuring DL-PRS comb patterns 610 and 620 will require a higher capability than measuring DL-PRS comb patterns 630 and 640.

[0137]

[0148] Currently, cellular-based (i.e., RAT-dependent) positioning techniques, as illustrated above with reference to Figure 4A, rely on precise measurements of the transmission and reception times of wireless signals (e.g., PRS) transmitted and received between a transmitter (e.g., TRP) and a receiver (e.g., UE). These measurements do not take into account any phase changes in the wireless signals that may occur during signal propagation between the transmitter and receiver. However, considering the phase difference between the transmitted and received signals can dramatically increase the accuracy of the positioning measurements. For example, carrier phase-based positioning can have the capability to yield centimeter-level accuracy.

[0138]

[0149] Carrier phase-based positioning is based on the concept of mixing a reference signal generated in the transmitter with its replica in the receiver to produce a mixed signal having low-frequency and high-frequency components. The receiver can filter out the high-frequency components, leaving only the carrier signal, and the phase of the carrier signal is the difference between the transmitted signal and its replica in the receiver. In an ideal setup, the relationship between the phase difference (denoted as "φ" or "phi") and the geometric distance between the transmitter and receiver (denoted as "d") is determined by φ = 2πd / λ, where λ ("lambda") represents the wavelength of the operating carrier frequency.

[0139]

[0150] The phase difference can be used to estimate the distance between the transmitter and receiver, as shown in the following equation.

[0140]

number

[0141] In the equation, d and ν represent the geometric distance and phase measurement error between the transmitter and receiver, respectively. N represents an unknown integer ambiguity parameter, which is the total number of phase cycles the reference carrier signal has traveled between the transmitter and receiver to produce the same phase observed at the receiver. The integer ambiguity is a result of the receiver measuring the amplitude of a periodic signal that has a phase (i.e., 2π) that repeats itself in each cycle. Different techniques are available for estimating and resolving this integer ambiguity, which are not described herein for the sake of brevity.

[0142]

[0151] Carrier phase-based positioning is widely used in global navigation satellite systems (GNSS), but it had not been defined for cellular-based (i.e., RAT-dependent) systems. However, considering the accuracy improvements that can be obtained by using carrier phase-based positioning, it was agreed to define carrier phase-based positioning for 5G NR networks (and beyond). It is expected that physical layer measurements and signaling will be defined to support downlink and uplink carrier phase positioning for UE-based, UE-assisted, and NG-RAN node-assisted positioning. This may include, for example, using existing DL-PRS and positioning SRS for carrier phase measurements, specifying that certain measurements are limited to a single carrier or positioning frequency layer, specifying new core requirements, and / or specifying the impact on RRM measurements that do not have measurement gaps in RRC connected and inactive modes (including PRS measurement periods and reporting).

[0143]

[0152] For carrier phase-based positioning in cellular networks (e.g., 5G NR), the phase difference metric is called the “received signal phase difference” (RSPD) metric or the “received signal carrier phase difference” (RSCPD) metric. In the case of an RSPD metric, for a target TRP (i.e., the TRP being measured), the UE measures the phase difference between the reference TRP and the target TRP and optionally reports it. That is, rather than measuring and reporting the phase difference between the transmitted reference signal and the received reference signal, the UE measures the phase difference between the reference signal received from the reference TRP and the reference signal received from the target TRP. This is similar to an RSTD metric between a reference TRP and a target TRP (as described above with reference to scenario 410 in Figure 4A), except that the metric is a phase difference instead of a time difference.

[0144]

[0153] However, a problem with RSPD measurements is that when the carrier phases for the reference TRP and target TRP are measured in different time instances (e.g., different slots), residual carrier frequency offset (CFO) can affect the accuracy of the RSPD measurement. More specifically, when demodulating the received reference signal, the receiver's frequency tracking loop (FTL) correction will always introduce some amount of residual error into the carrier phase propagated over time (e.g., across slots). Therefore, for example, if there are too many TRPs and they cannot all transmit PRS within the same slot, the PRS occasion will span multiple slots, and the UE will need to measure the PRS in different slots. This will introduce carrier frequency error, reducing the accuracy of the phase difference measurement. Therefore, it would be advantageous for the UE to measure the PRS within the same slot for RSPD measurement.

[0145]

[0154] Therefore, this disclosure provides techniques for transmitting and receiving reference signals for RSPD measurement. More specifically, this disclosure provides patterns for PRS transmission to improve the accuracy of RSPD measurement.

[0146]

[0155] As a first technique described herein, a PRS transmitted by a reference TRP (referred to as the "reference PRS") and a PRS transmitted by a target TRP (referred to as the "target PRS") may be transmitted within the same time-domain window. Figure 7 shows an exemplary pattern for reference PRS and target PRS resources transmitted within the same time-domain window according to an aspect of this disclosure. In Figure 7, time is represented horizontally and frequency is represented vertically. Each large block in Figure 7 represents a resource block, and each small block represents a resource element. Shaded resource elements either carry or are scheduled to carry PRSs. Thus, each shaded resource element in each resource block corresponds to a PRS resource, or (since a PRS resource can span multiple resource blocks in the frequency domain) a portion of a PRS resource within a single resource block. In the example in Figure 7, each PRS resource may have a 4-symbol comb-4 comb pattern (e.g., DL-PRS comb pattern 620).

[0147]

[0156] As shown in Figure 710, the first option is that the reference PRS resource and the target PRS resource occupy the same OFDM symbol within the same slot. Therefore, in this case, the time window consists of the same slot and the same OFDM symbol(s). As shown in Figure 730, the second option is that the reference PRS resource and the target PRS resource occupy different OFDM symbols within the same slot. Therefore, in this case, the time window consists of the same slot but different OFDM symbols(s). As shown in Figure 750, the third option is that the reference PRS resource and the target PRS resource occupy adjacent slots. Therefore, in this case, the time window consists of adjacent slots.

[0148]

[0157] For the second and third options (Figures 730 and 750), the maximum time separation (e.g., in symbols) between the reference PRS resource and the target PRS resource is determined and configured for the UE based on the UE's capabilities. That is, different UEs may produce different amounts of residual error when demodulating the received PRS resource. Therefore, even if different time quantities exist between the reference PRS resource and the target PRS resource, the same measurement accuracy is still obtained. Alternatively, or additionally, "capability" may relate to the accuracy requirement for measurement, with lower accuracy requirements allowing for larger time quantities between the reference PRS resource and the target PRS resource, and vice versa. In one embodiment, the UE capability with respect to maximum time separation may be specified in relation to the number of OFDM symbols.

[0149]

[0158] The UE may report this maximum time isolation capability to the location server (e.g., via LPP) or its serving base station (e.g., via RRC). The location server or serving base station may then configure the reference PRS resource and target PRS resource accordingly.

[0150]

[0159] As a second technique described herein, PRS resources transmitted by a reference TRP may be transmitted within all slots in which PRS resources transmitted by a target TRP are transmitted. This technique applies to each target PRS resource transmitted during a PRS occasion.

[0151]

[0160] Figure 8 shows an exemplary scenario for transmitting a reference PRS resource within all slots containing a target PRS resource, according to an aspect of the present disclosure. In Figure 8, time is represented horizontally and frequency is represented vertically. Each large block in Figure 8 represents a resource block, and each small block represents a resource element. Shaded resource elements carry or are scheduled to carry PRS. Thus, a shaded resource element within each resource block corresponds to a PRS resource, or (since a PRS resource can span multiple resource blocks in the frequency domain) a portion of a PRS resource within a single resource block.

[0152]

[0161] Figure 810 shows an exemplary scenario in which two target PRS resources for a PRS occasion (represented as "Target 1 TRP PRS" and "Target 2 TRP PRS") are transmitted within adjacent slots (slot n and slot n+1). In the example in Figure 8, these PRS resources may have a 4-symbol comb-4 comb pattern (e.g., DL-PRS comb pattern 620). As also shown in Figure 810, a reference PRS resource is transmitted together with the target PRS resources within each slot. Therefore, within each slot, the UE can measure the phase difference (RSPD) between the reference PRS and the target PRS.

[0153]

[0162] In the example in Figure 8, the reference PRS resource and the target PRS resource are transmitted on the same symbol in their respective slots (as in Figure 710 of Figure 7), but this is not mandatory, and it should be noted that PRS resources may be transmitted on different symbols in their respective slots (as in Figure 730 of Figure 7). In addition, while Figure 810 shows a scenario in which only one target PRS resource is transmitted within a given slot of a PRS occasion, in some cases multiple target TRPs may transmit PRS within the same slot with different comb offsets and / or different scrambling sequences.

[0154]

[0163] Figure 830 shows a more generalized pattern for sending a reference PRS resource within all PRS slots of a PRS occasion containing a target PRS resource. Specifically, as shown in the figure, within the first slot of the PRS occasion (represented as slot "n"), the reference PRS and the target PRS of the first group of target TRPs are sent. Similarly, within the second slot of the PRS occasion (represented as slot "n+1"), the reference PRS and the target PRS of the second group of target TRPs are sent. Within the third slot of the PRS occasion (represented as slot "n+2"), the reference PRS and the target PRS of the third group of target TRPs are sent. Within the fourth slot of the PRS occasion (represented as slot "n+3"), the reference PRS and the target PRS of the fourth group of target TRPs are sent. Each group may contain one or more TRPs, and they do not need to contain the same number of TRPs.

[0155]

[0164] As a third technique described herein, the first slot of a PRS occasion includes a reference PRS resource and a first group of one or more target PRS resources, and each subsequent slot of a PRS occasion includes a subsequent group of one or more target PRS resources and a phase difference reference signal transmitted by a reference TRP instead of the reference PRS resources (as in the second technique).

[0156]

[0165] Figure 9 shows an exemplary scenario for transmitting a phase difference reference signal in all subsequent slots containing a target PRS resource, according to an aspect of the present disclosure. In Figure 9, time is represented horizontally and frequency is represented vertically. Each large block in Figure 9 represents a resource block, and each small block represents a resource element. Shaded resource elements carry or are scheduled to carry PRS. Thus, a shaded resource element in each resource block corresponds to a PRS resource, or (since a PRS resource can span multiple resource blocks in the frequency domain) a portion of a PRS resource within a single resource block.

[0157]

[0166] Figure 910 shows an exemplary scenario in which three target PRS resources of a PRS occasion (represented as "Target 1 TRP PRS", "Target 2 TRP PRS", and "Target 3 TRP PRS") are transmitted within adjacent slots (slot n and slot n+1). In the example in Figure 9, these PRS resources may have a 4-symbol comb-4 comb pattern (e.g., DL-PRS comb pattern 620). As shown in Figure 910, the reference PRS resource is transmitted in the first slot (represented as slot "n") along with the first target PRS resource. In the subsequent slot (represented as "n+1"), instead of the reference PRS resource, a phase difference reference signal is transmitted on the symbol immediately preceding the target PRS resource. Therefore, within each slot, the UE can measure the phase difference (RSPD) between the reference PRS or phase difference reference signal and the target PRS resource. It should be noted that the phase difference reference signal does not need to be transmitted immediately before the first symbol of the first target PRS resource in the slot; instead, it may be transmitted on any symbol preceding the first symbol of the first target PRS resource in the slot.

[0158]

[0167] Referring more closely to the phase difference reference signal, for slots that do not contain a reference PRS resource, the phase rotation of the reference PRS resource is compensated by measuring the phase difference between the reference PRS resource and the phase difference reference signal. That is, the UE can compare the phase change between the phase of the reference PRS in the first slot and the phase of the phase difference reference signal in the subsequent slot(s). The UE can then apply that phase difference to the phase of the reference PRS resource and then determine the difference (i.e., RSPD) between the phase of the reference PRS resource and the phase of the target PRS resource(s) in the slot(s).

[0159]

[0168] The phase difference reference signal could be, for example, a single symbol PRS transmitted by a reference TRP, or some other reference signal. In the example in Figure 9, the phase difference reference signal has a comb size of comb 4, but as can be understood, it can have different comb sizes.

[0160]

[0169] Figure 930 shows a more generalized pattern for transmitting a reference PRS resource in the first slot of a PRS occasion and a phase difference reference signal in subsequent slots of the PRS occasion. Specifically, as shown in the figure, in the first slot of a PRS occasion (represented as slot "n"), the reference PRS and the target PRS of the first group of target TRPs are transmitted. However, in the second slot of a PRS occasion (represented as slot "n+1"), the phase difference reference signal and the target PRS of the second group of target TRPs are transmitted. Similarly, in the third slot of a PRS occasion (represented as slot "n+2"), the phase difference reference signal and the target PRS of the third group of target TRPs are transmitted. In the fourth slot of a PRS occasion (represented as slot "n+3"), the phase difference reference signal and the target PRS of the fourth group of target TRPs are transmitted. Each group may contain one or more TRPs, and they do not need to contain the same number of TRPs.

[0161]

[0170] In one embodiment, on the network side, a location server (e.g., LMF270) may configure the UE to measure the RSPD(s)

[0162]

[0171] The descriptions in Figures 8 and 9 refer to a reference PRS resource and a target PRS resource within a single slot, as in the examples in Figures 710 and 730. However, it should be noted that the reference PRS resource and the target PRS resource may instead be transmitted within a time window spanning adjacent slots, as in the example in Figure 750.

[0163]

[0172] Furthermore, while the above explanation referred to the reference PRS, target PRS, and PRS occasions, the reference PRS and target PRS can be different types of reference signals, such as TRS, CSI-RS, etc. In some cases, the reference reference signal and target reference signal can be different types of reference signals from each other. For example, the reference reference signal may be a TRS and the target reference signal may be a PRS.

[0164]

[0173] Furthermore, while the above explanation described RSPD measurements as being for positioning the UE, they may also be for sensing purposes. For example, RSPD measurements may be reported by the UE to enable a sensing server to determine whether any target objects are present in the UE's environment.

[0165]

[0174] Figure 10 shows an exemplary method 1000 of wireless communication according to an aspect of the present disclosure. In one aspect, method 1000 may be carried out by a UE (e.g., any of the UEs described herein).

[0166]

[0175] In 1010, the UE receives a first reference signal resource transmitted by a first entity (e.g., a TRP, a sidelink UE, or another type of transmission point), which includes one or more first symbols (of a first time window). In one embodiment, operation 1010 may be performed by one or more WWAN transceivers 310, one or more processors 332, memory 340, and / or positioning components 342, any or all of which may be considered means for performing this operation.

[0167]

[0176] In 1020, the UE receives one or more second reference signal resources transmitted by one or more second entities (e.g., one or more TRPs, one or more sidelink UEs, or one or more other types of transmit points), which include one or more second symbols (of a first time window). In one embodiment, operation 1020 may be performed by one or more WWAN transceivers 310, one or more processors 332, memory 340, and / or positioning components 342, any or all of which may be considered means for performing this operation.

[0168]

[0177] In 1030, the UE determines one or more first RSPD measurements for one or more second reference signal resources based on the phase of the first reference signal resource (within the first time window) and the phase of each of the one or more second reference signal resources (within the first time window). In one embodiment, operation 1030 may be performed by one or more WWAN transceivers 310, one or more processors 332, memory 340, and / or positioning components 342, any or all of which may be considered means for performing this operation.

[0169]

[0178] Figure 11 shows an exemplary method 1100 of communication according to an aspect of the present disclosure. In one aspect, method 1100 may be performed by a network entity (e.g., a location server, a sensing server, a serving base station, or a positioning engine of a UE).

[0170]

[0179] In 1110, the network entity transmits to a UE (e.g., any of the UEs described herein) a configuration for obtaining RSPD measurements between a first reference signal resource transmitted by a first entity (e.g., a TRP, a sidelink UE, or other type of transmitting point), which includes one or more first symbols (of a first time window), and one or more second reference signal resources transmitted by one or more second entities (e.g., one or more TRPs, one or more sidelink UEs, or other type of transmitting point (one or more)), which include one or more second symbols (of a first time window). In one embodiment, operation 1110 may be performed by one or more WWAN transceivers 350, one or more network transceivers 380, one or more processors 384, memory 386, and / or positioning components 388, any or all of which may be considered means for performing this operation. In one embodiment, operation 1110 may be performed by one or more network transceivers 390, one or more processors 394, memory 396, and / or positioning components 398, any or all of which may be considered means for performing this operation.

[0171]

[0180] In 1120, the network entity receives RSPD measurements from the UE based on its configuration. In one embodiment, operation 1120 may be performed by one or more WWAN transceivers 350, one or more network transceivers 380, one or more processors 384, memory 386, and / or positioning components 388, any or all of which may be considered means for performing this operation. In one embodiment, operation 1120 may be performed by one or more network transceivers 390, one or more processors 394, memory 396, and / or positioning components 398, any or all of which may be considered means for performing this operation.

[0172]

[0181] As can be understood, the technical advantage of methods 1000 and 1100 is that the carrier phases for the first entity and the second entity (one or more) are measured within the same time window, thereby reducing the impact of residual CFO and improving the accuracy of the corresponding RSPD measurements.

[0173]

[0182] In the embodiments for carrying out the above invention, it will be seen that different features are grouped together in the examples. This form of disclosure should not be understood as an intention that the exemplary clauses have more features than are explicitly stated within each clause. Rather, the various embodiments of this disclosure may contain fewer features than all the features of the individual exemplary clauses disclosed. Accordingly, the following clauses should be considered as incorporated into the description, and each clause may be valid on its own as a separate example. Each dependent clause may refer within itself to a particular combination with one of the other clauses, but the embodiments (singular or plural) of that dependent clause are not limited to that particular combination. It will be understood that other exemplary clauses may also contain combinations of embodiments (singular or plural) of dependent clauses with the subject matter of any other dependent or independent clause, or any combination of features with other dependent and independent clauses. The various embodiments disclosed herein explicitly include certain combinations (e.g., contradictory embodiments such as defining an element as both an electrical insulator and an electrical conductor) unless it is explicitly stated or easily inferred that such combinations are not intended. Furthermore, even if a clause is not directly subordinate to an independent clause, it is intended that the form of the clause may be included in any other independent clause.

[0174]

[0183] Implementation examples are described in the following numbered clauses.

[0184] Clause 1. A method of wireless communication performed by a user device (UE), comprising: receiving a first reference signal resource transmitted by a first entity, the first reference signal resource comprising one or more first symbols in a first time window; receiving one or more second reference signal resources transmitted by one or more second entities, the first or more second reference signal resources comprising one or more second symbols in a first time window; and determining one or more first received signal phase difference (RSPD) measurements for one or more second reference signal resources based on the phase of the first reference signal resource in the first time window and the phase of each of the one or more second reference signal resources in the first time window.

[0175]

[0185] Clause 2. The method according to Clause 1, wherein the first time window includes a single slot, and one or more second symbols are the same as one or more first symbols in the single slot.

[0176]

[0186] Clause 3. The method according to Clause 1, wherein the first time window includes a single slot, and one or more second symbols are different from one or more first symbols in the single slot.

[0177]

[0187] Clause 4. The method according to Clause 1, wherein the first time window includes two or more adjacent slots.

[0178]

[0188] The method described in any one of the clauses 1 to 4, further comprising reporting one or more capability messages indicating one or more capabilities of the UE for determining RSPD measurements.

[0179]

[0189] The method of Clause 5, wherein one or more capabilities of Clause 6 include the number of symbols between the first symbol appearing in a first reference signal resource within a single slot and the first symbols appearing in one or more second reference signal resources.

[0180]

[0190] The method of Clause 7. The method of Clause 5 or 6, wherein one or more capabilities of the UE include the number of symbols between the first symbol of a first reference signal resource in the first slot of two or more adjacent slots and the first symbol of one or more second reference signal resources in the second slot of two or more adjacent slots.

[0181]

[0191] The method described in any one of the clauses 5-7, wherein one or more capabilities of the UE are reported to the location server or serving base station.

[0182]

[0192] Clause 9. The method described in any one of Clauses 1 to 8, wherein the first reference signal resource is received within each of multiple consecutive time windows.

[0183]

[0193] The method according to any one of the clauses 1 to 9, further comprising: receiving a first reference signal resource in a second time window following a first time window; receiving one or more third reference signal resources transmitted by one or more third entities in the second time window; and determining one or more second RSPD measurements for one or more third reference signal resources based on the phase of the first reference signal resource in the second time window and the phase of each of the one or more third reference signal resources in the second time window.

[0184]

[0194] Clause 11. The method according to any one of Clauses 1 to 8, wherein the phase difference reference signal is received in place of the first reference signal resource, within each of a plurality of consecutive time windows following the first time window.

[0185]

[0195] Clause 12. The method according to Clause 11, wherein the phase difference reference signal consists of a single symbol.

[0186]

[0196] The method according to any one of the clauses 1-8 and 11-12, further comprising: receiving a phase difference reference signal transmitted by a first entity in a second time window following a first time window; receiving one or more third reference signal resources transmitted by one or more third entities in a second time window; determining the phase difference between the phase of the first reference signal resource in the first time window and the phase of the phase difference reference signal in the second time window; and determining one or more second RSPD measurements for one or more third reference signal resources based on the phase of the first reference signal resource in the first time window, the phase difference, and the phase of each of the one or more third reference signal resources in the second time window.

[0187]

[0197] Clause 14. The method according to any one of Clauses 1 to 13, wherein one or more second reference signal resources comprise multiple second reference signal resources, and the multiple second reference signal resources have different comb offsets, different scrambling sequences, or both.

[0188]

[0198] The method described in any one of the clauses 1 to 14, further comprising reporting RSPD measurements to the network entity.

[0189]

[0199] Clause 16. The method described in Clause 15, wherein the network entity includes a location server, sensing server, serving base station, or positioning engine on the UE.

[0190]

[0200] Clause 17. The method described in any one of Clauses 1 to 16, wherein the first reference signal resource includes a positioning reference signal (PRS) resource, a tracking reference signal (TRS) resource, or a channel status information reference signal (CSI-RS) resource.

[0191]

[0201] Clause 18. The method described in any one of Clauses 1 to 17, wherein one or more second reference signal resources include one or more PRS resources, one or more TRS resources, one or more CSI-RS resources, or any combination thereof.

[0192]

[0202] Clause 19. A communication method performed by a network entity, comprising: transmitting to a user device (UE) a configuration for obtaining received signal-to-phase difference (RSPD) measurements between a first reference signal resource transmitted by a first entity, which includes one or more first symbols of a first time window, and one or more second reference signal resources transmitted by one or more second entities, which include one or more second symbols of a first time window; and receiving RSPD measurements from the UE based on the configuration.

[0193]

[0203] Clause 20. The method according to Clause 19, wherein the first time window includes a single slot, and one or more second symbols are the same as one or more first symbols in the single slot.

[0194]

[0204] Clause 21. The method according to Clause 19, wherein the first time window includes a single slot, and one or more second symbols are different from one or more first symbols in the single slot.

[0195]

[0205] Clause 22. The method according to Clause 19, wherein the first time window includes two or more adjacent slots.

[0196]

[0206] The method described in any one of the clauses 19 to 22, further comprising receiving one or more capability messages from the UE indicating one or more capabilities of the UE for determining RSPD measurements.

[0197]

[0207] The method described in Clause 23, wherein one or more capabilities of Clause 24.UE include the number of symbols between the first symbol appearing in a first reference signal resource within a single slot and the first symbols appearing in one or more second reference signal resources.

[0198]

[0208] The method described in Clause 23 or 24, wherein one or more capabilities of Clause 25.UE include the number of symbols between the first symbol of a first reference signal resource in the first slot of two or more adjacent slots and the first symbol of one or more second reference signal resources in the second slot of two or more adjacent slots.

[0199]

[0209] Clause 26. The method described in any one of Clauses 19 to 25, wherein the first reference signal resource is transmitted within each of multiple consecutive time windows.

[0200]

[0210] Clause 27. The method according to any one of Clauses 19 to 25, wherein the phase difference reference signal is transmitted in place of the first reference signal resource within each of a plurality of consecutive time windows following the first time window.

[0201]

[0211] Clause 28. The method according to Clause 27, wherein the phase difference reference signal consists of a single symbol.

[0202]

[0212] Clause 29. The method according to any one of Clauses 19 to 28, wherein one or more second reference signal resources comprise multiple second reference signal resources, and the multiple second reference signal resources have different comb offsets, different scrambling sequences, or both.

[0203]

[0213] Clause 30. The method described in any one of Clauses 19 to 29, wherein the network entity includes a location server, sensing server, serving base station, or positioning engine on the UE.

[0204]

[0214] Clause 31. The method described in any one of Clauses 19 to 30, wherein the first reference signal resource includes a positioning reference signal (PRS) resource, a tracking reference signal (TRS) resource, or a channel status information reference signal (CSI-RS) resource.

[0205]

[0215] Clause 32. The method described in any one of Clauses 19 to 31, wherein one or more second reference signal resources include one or more PRS resources, one or more TRS resources, one or more CSI-RS resources, or any combination thereof.

[0206]

[0216] Clause 33. User equipment (UE) comprising one or more memories, one or more transceivers, and one or more processors communically coupled to the memories and one or more transceivers, wherein one or more processors are configured to receive via one or more transceivers a first reference signal resource transmitted by a first entity, comprising one or more first symbols in a first time window; receive via one or more transceivers a first or more second reference signal resource transmitted by one or more second entities, comprising one or more second symbols in a first time window; and determine one or more first received signal phase difference (RSPD) measurements for one or more second reference signal resources based on the phase of the first reference signal resource in the first time window and the phase of each of the one or more second reference signal resources in the first time window.

[0207]

[0217] Clause 34. The UE described in Clause 33, wherein the first time window includes a single slot and one or more second symbols are the same as one or more first symbols in a single slot.

[0208]

[0218] Clause 35. The UE described in Clause 33, wherein the first time window includes a single slot, and one or more second symbols are different from one or more first symbols in a single slot.

[0209]

[0219] Clause 36. The UE described in Clause 33, wherein the first time window includes two or more adjacent slots.

[0210]

[0220] A UE described in any one of the clauses 33 to 36, wherein one or more processors are further configured to report one or more capability messages via one or more transceivers indicating one or more capabilities of the UE for determining RSPD measurements.

[0211]

[0221] Clause 38. One or more capabilities of the UE include the number of symbols between the first symbol appearing in a first reference signal resource within a single slot and the first symbols appearing in one or more second reference signal resources, as described in Clause 37.

[0212]

[0222] A UE as described in Clause 37 or 38, wherein one or more capabilities of the UE include the number of symbols between the first symbol of a first reference signal resource in the first slot of two or more adjacent slots and the first symbol of one or more second reference signal resources in the second slot of two or more adjacent slots.

[0213]

[0223] Clause 40. One or more capabilities of a UE described in any one of Clauses 37-39 are reported to the location server or serving base station.

[0214]

[0224] Clause 41. A UE described in any one of Clauses 33 to 40, wherein the first reference signal resource is received within each of multiple consecutive time windows.

[0215]

[0225] A UE as described in any one of the clauses 33 to 41, further configured such that one or more processors receive a first reference signal resource via one or more transceivers in a second time window following a first time window, receive one or more third reference signal resources transmitted by one or more third entities via one or more transceivers in a second time window, and determine one or more second RSPD measurements for one or more third reference signal resources based on the phase of the first reference signal resource in the second time window and the phase of each of the one or more third reference signal resources in the second time window.

[0216]

[0226] Clause 43. A UE described in any one of Clauses 33 to 40, wherein the phase difference reference signal is received in place of the first reference signal resource, within each of several consecutive time windows following the first time window.

[0217]

[0227] Clause 44. The UE described in Clause 43, wherein the phase difference reference signal consists of a single symbol.

[0218]

[0228] A UE as described in any one of Clauses 33-40 and 43-44, further configured to receive, via one or more transceivers, a phase difference reference signal transmitted by a first entity in a second time window following a first time window, and one or more third reference signal resources transmitted by a third entity in a second time window via one or more transceivers, to determine the phase difference between the phase of the first reference signal resource in the first time window and the phase of the phase difference reference signal in the second time window, and to determine one or more second RSPD measurements for one or more third reference signal resources based on the phase of the first reference signal resource in the first time window, the phase difference, and the respective phases of one or more third reference signal resources in the second time window.

[0219]

[0229] Clause 46. A UE as described in any one of Clauses 33 to 45, wherein one or more second reference signal resources include multiple second reference signal resources, and the multiple second reference signal resources have different comb offsets, different scrambling sequences, or both.

[0220]

[0230] Clause 47. A UE described in any one of Clauses 33 to 46, wherein one or more processors are further configured to report RSPD measurements to a network entity via one or more transceivers.

[0221]

[0231] Clause 48. A network entity that includes a location server, sensing server, serving base station, or positioning engine on a UE, as described in Clause 47.

[0222]

[0232] Clause 49. A UE as described in any one of Clauses 33 to 48, wherein the first reference signal resource includes a positioning reference signal (PRS) resource, a tracking reference signal (TRS) resource, or a channel status information reference signal (CSI-RS) resource.

[0223]

[0233] Clause 50. A UE as described in any one of Clauses 33 to 49, in which one or more second reference signal resources include one or more PRS resources, one or more TRS resources, one or more CSI-RS resources, or any combination thereof.

[0224]

[0234] Clause 51. A network entity comprising one or more memories, one or more transceivers, and one or more processors communically coupled to the memories and one or more transceivers, wherein one or more processors are configured to transmit a configuration to a user equipment (UE) via one or more transceivers for obtaining received signal phase difference (RSPD) measurements between a first reference signal resource transmitted by a first entity, which includes one or more first symbols of a first time window, and one or more second reference signal resources transmitted by one or more second entities, which include one or more second symbols of a first time window, and to receive RSPD measurements from the UE via one or more transceivers based on the configuration.

[0225]

[0235] Clause 52. A network entity as described in Clause 51, wherein the first time window includes a single slot and one or more second symbols are the same as one or more first symbols in a single slot.

[0226]

[0236] Clause 53. A network entity as described in Clause 51, wherein the first time window includes a single slot, and one or more second symbols are different from one or more first symbols within the single slot.

[0227]

[0237] Clause 54. A network entity as described in Clause 51, whose first time window includes two or more adjacent slots.

[0228]

[0238] A network entity as described in any one of the clauses 51 to 54, wherein one or more processors are further configured to receive one or more capability messages from a UE via one or more transceivers indicating one or more capabilities of the UE for determining RSPD measurements.

[0229]

[0239] A network entity as described in Clause 55, in which one or more capabilities of a UE include the number of symbols between the first symbol appearing in a first reference signal resource within a single slot and the first symbols appearing in one or more second reference signal resources.

[0230]

[0240] A network entity as described in Clause 55 or 56, wherein one or more of the capabilities of Clause 57 UE include the number of symbols between the first appearing symbol of a first reference signal resource in the first appearing slot of two or more adjacent slots and the first appearing symbols of one or more second reference signal resources in the second appearing slot of two or more adjacent slots.

[0231]

[0241] Clause 58. A network entity as described in any one of Clauses 51 to 57, in which the first reference signal resource is transmitted within each of several consecutive time windows.

[0232]

[0242] Clause 59. A network entity as described in any one of Clauses 51 to 57, in which a phase difference reference signal is transmitted in place of a first reference signal resource within each of several consecutive time windows following a first time window.

[0233]

[0243] Clause 60. A network entity as described in Clause 59, wherein the phase difference reference signal consists of a single symbol.

[0234]

[0244] Clause 61. A network entity as described in any one of Clauses 51 to 60, wherein one or more second reference signal resources include multiple second reference signal resources, and the multiple second reference signal resources have different comb offsets, different scrambling sequences, or both.

[0235]

[0245] Clause 62. A network entity as described in any one of Clauses 51 to 61, including a location server, sensing server, serving base station, or positioning engine on a UE.

[0236]

[0246] Clause 63. A network entity as described in any one of Clauses 51 to 62, wherein the first reference signal resource includes a positioning reference signal (PRS) resource, a tracking reference signal (TRS) resource, or a channel status information reference signal (CSI-RS) resource.

[0237]

[0247] Clause 64. A network entity as described in any one of Clauses 51 to 63, in which one or more second reference signaling resources include one or more PRS resources, one or more TRS resources, one or more CSI-RS resources, or any combination thereof.

[0238]

[0248] Clause 65. A user device (UE) comprising: means for receiving a first reference signal resource transmitted by a first entity, the first reference signal resource including one or more first symbols in a first time window; means for receiving one or more second reference signal resources transmitted by one or more second entities, the first reference signal resources including one or more second symbols in a first time window; and means for determining one or more first received signal phase difference (RSPD) measurements for one or more second reference signal resources based on the phase of the first reference signal resource in the first time window and the phase of each of the one or more second reference signal resources in the first time window.

[0239]

[0249] Clause 66. The UE described in Clause 65, wherein the first time window includes a single slot and one or more second symbols are the same as one or more first symbols in a single slot.

[0240]

[0250] Clause 67. The UE described in Clause 65, wherein the first time window includes a single slot, and one or more second symbols are different from one or more first symbols in a single slot.

[0241]

[0251] Clause 68. The UE described in Clause 65, wherein the first time window includes two or more adjacent slots.

[0242]

[0252] A UE described in any one of the clauses 65 to 68, further comprising means for reporting one or more capability messages indicating one or more capabilities of the UE for determining RSPD measurements.

[0243]

[0253] The UEs described in Clause 70, Clause 69, wherein one or more of the capabilities of the UE include the number of symbols between the first symbol appearing in a first reference signal resource within a single slot and the first symbols appearing in one or more second reference signal resources.

[0244]

[0254] A UE as described in Clause 69 or 70, wherein one or more capabilities of the UE include the number of symbols between the first symbol of a first reference signal resource in the first slot of two or more adjacent slots and the first symbol of one or more second reference signal resources in the second slot of two or more adjacent slots.

[0245]

[0255] Clause 72. One or more capabilities of a UE described in any one of Clauses 69-71 are reported to the location server or serving base station.

[0246]

[0256] Clause 73. A UE described in any one of Clauses 65-72, where the first reference signal resource is received within each of multiple consecutive time windows.

[0247]

[0257] A UE as described in any one of the clauses 65 to 73, further comprising: means for receiving a first reference signal resource in a second time window following a first time window; means for receiving one or more third reference signal resources transmitted by one or more third entities in a second time window; and means for determining one or more second RSPD measurements for one or more third reference signal resources based on the phase of the first reference signal resource in the second time window and the phase of each of the one or more third reference signal resources in the second time window.

[0248]

[0258] Clause 75. A UE described in any one of Clauses 65 to 72, wherein the phase difference reference signal is received in place of the first reference signal resource, within each of several consecutive time windows following the first time window.

[0249]

[0259] Clause 76. The UE described in Clause 75, wherein the phase difference reference signal consists of a single symbol.

[0250]

[0260] Clause 77. A UE as described in any one of Clauses 65-72 and 75-76, further comprising: means for receiving a phase difference reference signal transmitted by a first entity in a second time window following a first time window; means for receiving one or more third reference signal resources transmitted by one or more third entities in a second time window; means for determining a phase difference between the phase of a first reference signal resource in a first time window and the phase of a phase difference reference signal in a second time window; and means for determining one or more second RSPD measurements for one or more third reference signal resources based on the phase of a first reference signal resource in a first time window, the phase difference, and the phase of each of the one or more third reference signal resources in a second time window.

[0251]

[0261] Clause 78. One or more second reference signal resources include multiple second reference signal resources, and the multiple second reference signal resources have different comb offsets, different scrambling sequences, or both, as described in any one of Clauses 65 to 77.

[0252]

[0262] Clause 79. The UE further provides means for reporting RSPD measurements to network entities, as specified in any one of Clauses 65-78.

[0253]

[0263] Clause 80. A network entity that includes a location server, sensing server, serving base station, or positioning engine on a UE, as described in Clause 79.

[0254]

[0264] Clause 81. A UE as described in any one of Clauses 65 to 80, wherein the first reference signal resource includes a positioning reference signal (PRS) resource, a tracking reference signal (TRS) resource, or a channel status information reference signal (CSI-RS) resource.

[0255]

[0265] Clause 82. A UE as described in any one of Clauses 65 to 81, in which one or more second reference signal resources include one or more PRS resources, one or more TRS resources, one or more CSI-RS resources, or any combination thereof.

[0256]

[0266] Clause 83. A network entity comprising: a first reference signal resource transmitted by a first entity, comprising one or more first symbols of a first time window; and a configuration for transmitting to a user device (UE) a configuration for obtaining received signal phase difference (RSPD) measurements between a first reference signal resource and one or more second reference signal resources transmitted by one or more second entities, comprising one or more second symbols of a first time window; and a configuration for receiving RSPD measurements from the UE based on the configuration.

[0257]

[0267] Clause 84. A network entity as described in Clause 83, wherein the first time window includes a single slot and one or more second symbols are the same as one or more first symbols in the single slot.

[0258]

[0268] Clause 85. A network entity as described in Clause 83, wherein the first time window includes a single slot, and one or more second symbols are different from one or more first symbols within the single slot.

[0259]

[0269] Clause 86. A network entity as described in Clause 83, whose first time window includes two or more adjacent slots.

[0260]

[0270] A network entity as described in any one of the clauses 83 to 86, further comprising means for receiving one or more capability messages from a UE indicating one or more capabilities of the UE for determining RSPD measurements.

[0261]

[0271] A network entity as described in Clause 87, in which one or more capabilities of Clause 88.UE include the number of symbols between the first symbol appearing in a first reference signal resource within a single slot and the first symbols appearing in one or more second reference signal resources.

[0262]

[0272] A network entity as described in Clause 87 or 88, wherein one or more of the capabilities of Clause 89.UE include the number of symbols between the first appearing symbol of a first reference signal resource in the first appearing slot of two or more adjacent slots and the first appearing symbol of one or more second reference signal resources in the second appearing slot of two or more adjacent slots.

[0263]

[0273] Clause 90. A network entity as described in any one of Clauses 83-89, in which the first reference signal resource is transmitted within each of multiple consecutive time windows.

[0264]

[0274] Clause 91. A network entity as described in any one of Clauses 83 to 89, in which a phase difference reference signal is transmitted in place of a first reference signal resource within each of several consecutive time windows following a first time window.

[0265]

[0275] Clause 92. A network entity as described in Clause 91, wherein the phase difference reference signal consists of a single symbol.

[0266]

[0276] Clause 93. A network entity as described in any one of Clauses 83 to 92, wherein one or more second reference signal resources include multiple second reference signal resources, and the multiple second reference signal resources have different comb offsets, different scrambling sequences, or both.

[0267]

[0277] Clause 94. A network entity as defined in any one of Clauses 83 to 93, including a location server, sensing server, serving base station, or positioning engine on a UE.

[0268]

[0278] Clause 95. A network entity as described in any one of Clauses 83 to 94, wherein the first reference signal resource includes a positioning reference signal (PRS) resource, a tracking reference signal (TRS) resource, or a channel status information reference signal (CSI-RS) resource.

[0269]

[0279] Clause 96. A network entity as described in any one of Clauses 83 to 95, in which one or more second reference signaling resources include one or more PRS resources, one or more TRS resources, one or more CSI-RS resources, or any combination thereof.

[0270]

[0280] Clause 97. Non-temporary computer-readable medium for storing computer executable instructions, which, when a computer executable instruction is executed by a user device (UE), causes the UE to receive a first reference signal resource transmitted by a first entity, the first reference signal resource comprising one or more first symbols in a first time window; receive one or more second reference signal resources transmitted by one or more second entities, the first or more second symbols in a first time window; and determine one or more first received signal phase difference (RSPD) measurements for one or more second reference signal resources based on the phase of the first reference signal resource in the first time window and the phase of each of the one or more second reference signal resources in the first time window.

[0271]

[0281] Clause 98. A non-temporary computer-readable medium as described in Clause 97, wherein the first time window includes a single slot, and one or more second symbols are the same as one or more first symbols in a single slot.

[0272]

[0282] Clause 99. A non-temporary computer-readable medium as described in Clause 97, wherein the first time window includes a single slot, and one or more second symbols are different from one or more first symbols within the single slot.

[0273]

[0283] Clause 100. Non-temporary computer-readable media as described in Clause 97, wherein the first time window includes two or more adjacent slots.

[0274]

[0284] Clause 101. A non-temporary computer-readable medium as described in any one of Clauses 97 to 100, further comprising a computer-executable instruction which, when executed by a UE, causes the UE to report one or more capability messages indicating one or more capabilities of the UE for determining RSPD measurements.

[0275]

[0285] Clause 102. The non - transient computer - readable medium according to Clause 101, wherein one or more capabilities of the UE include the number of symbols between the symbol in which the first reference signal resource first appears in a single slot and the symbol in which one or more second reference signal resources first appear.

[0276]

[0286] Clause 103. The non - transient computer - readable medium according to Clause 101 or 102, wherein one or more capabilities of the UE include the number of symbols between the symbol in which the first reference signal resource first appears in the first slot among two or more adjacent slots and the symbol in which one or more second reference signal resources first appear in the second slot among two or more adjacent slots.

[0277]

[0287] Clause 104. The non - transient computer - readable medium according to any one of Clauses 101 to 103, wherein one or more capabilities of the UE are reported to a location server or a serving base station.

[0278]

[0288] Clause 105. The non - transient computer - readable medium according to any one of Clauses 97 to 104, wherein the first reference signal resource is received within each of a plurality of consecutive time windows.

[0279]

[0289] Clause 106. A non - transitory computer - readable medium according to any one of Clauses 97 to 105, further comprising computer - executable instructions which, when executed by a UE, cause the UE to receive a first reference signal resource within a second time window subsequent to a first time window, receive one or more third reference signal resources transmitted by one or more third entities within the second time window, and determine one or more second RSPD measurement values for the one or more third reference signal resources based on the phase of the first reference signal resource within the second time window and the phase of each of the one or more third reference signal resources within the second time window.

[0280]

[0290] Clause 107. A non - transitory computer - readable medium according to any one of Clauses 97 to 104, wherein a phase - difference reference signal is received within each of a plurality of consecutive time windows after a first time window instead of the first reference signal resource.

[0281]

[0291] Clause 108. A non - transitory computer - readable medium according to Clause 107, wherein the phase - difference reference signal is composed of a single symbol.

[0282]

[0292] Clause 109. Computer - executable instructions which, when executed by a UE, cause the UE to receive a phase - difference reference signal transmitted by a first entity within a second time window subsequent to a first time window. A non-temporary computer-readable medium as described in any one of clauses 97-104 and 107-108, further comprising computer-executable instructions for receiving one or more third reference signal resources transmitted by one or more third entities within a second time window, determining a phase difference between the phase of a first reference signal resource within a first time window and the phase of a phase difference reference signal within a second time window, and determining one or more second RSPD measurements for one or more third reference signal resources based on the phase of the first reference signal resource within a first time window, the phase difference, and the respective phases of one or more third reference signal resources within a second time window.

[0283]

[0293] Clause 110. A non-temporary computer-readable medium as described in any one of Clauses 97 to 109, wherein one or more second reference signal resources comprise multiple second reference signal resources, and the multiple second reference signal resources have different comb offsets, different scrambling sequences, or both.

[0284]

[0294] Clause 111. Non-temporary computer-readable media as described in any one of Clauses 97-110, further including computer-executable instructions that cause the UE to report RSPD measurements to network entities when executed by the UE.

[0285]

[0295] Clause 112. Non-transient computer-readable media as described in Clause 111, including location servers, sensing servers, serving base stations, or positioning engines on UEs.

[0286]

[0296] Clause 113. A non-temporary computer-readable medium as described in any one of Clauses 97 to 112, wherein the first reference signal resource includes a positioning reference signal (PRS) resource, a tracking reference signal (TRS) resource, or a channel status information reference signal (CSI-RS) resource.

[0287]

[0297] Clause 114. A non-temporary computer-readable medium as described in any one of Clauses 97 to 113, in which one or more second reference signal resources include one or more PRS resources, one or more TRS resources, one or more CSI-RS resources, or any combination thereof.

[0288]

[0298] Clause 115. Non-temporary computer-readable medium for storing computer-executable instructions, wherein when a computer-executable instruction is executed by a network entity, the non-temporary computer-readable medium causes the network entity to transmit a configuration to a user device (UE) for obtaining a received signal phase difference (RSPD) measurement between a first reference signal resource transmitted by a first entity, comprising one or more first symbols of a first time window, and one or more second reference signal resources transmitted by one or more second entities, comprising one or more second symbols of a first time window, and causes the UE to receive an RSPD measurement based on the configuration.

[0289]

[0299] Clause 116. A non-temporary computer-readable medium as described in Clause 115, wherein the first time window includes a single slot, and one or more second symbols are the same as one or more first symbols in a single slot.

[0290]

[0300] Clause 117. A non-temporary computer-readable medium as described in Clause 115, wherein the first time window includes a single slot, and one or more second symbols are different from one or more first symbols within the single slot.

[0291]

[0301] Clause 118. Non-temporary computer-readable media as described in Clause 115, wherein the first time window includes two or more adjacent slots.

[0292]

[0302] Clause 119. A non-temporary computer-readable medium as described in any one of Clauses 115 to 118, further comprising a computer-executable instruction which, when executed by a network entity, causes the network entity to receive one or more capability messages from the UE indicating one or more capabilities of the UE for determining RSPD measurements.

[0293]

[0303] A non-temporary computer-readable medium as described in Clause 119, in which one or more capabilities of Clause 120.UE include the number of symbols between the first symbol appearing in a first reference signal resource within a single slot and the first symbols appearing in one or more second reference signal resources.

[0294]

[0304] Non-temporary computer-readable media as described in Clause 119 or 120, wherein one or more of the capabilities of Clause 121.UE include the number of symbols between the first symbol of a first reference signal resource in the first slot of two or more adjacent slots and the first symbol of one or more second reference signal resources in the second slot of two or more adjacent slots.

[0295]

[0305] Clause 122. A non-temporary computer-readable medium as described in any one of Clauses 115 to 121, in which the first reference signal resource is transmitted within each of multiple consecutive time windows.

[0296]

[0306] Clause 123. A non-temporary computer-readable medium as described in any one of Clauses 115 to 121, in which the phase difference reference signal is transmitted in place of a first reference signal resource within each of a plurality of consecutive time windows following a first time window.

[0297]

[0307] Clause 124. A non-transient computer-readable medium as described in Clause 123, wherein the phase difference reference signal consists of a single symbol.

[0298]

[0308] Clause 125. The non - transient computer - readable medium according to any one of Clauses 115 to 124, wherein one or more second reference signal resources include a plurality of second reference signal resources, and the plurality of second reference signal resources have different Com offsets, different scrambling sequences, or both.

[0299]

[0309] Clause 126. The non - transient computer - readable medium according to any one of Clauses 115 to 125, wherein the network entity includes a location server, a sensing server, a serving base station, or a positioning engine on a UE.

[0300]

[0310] Clause 127. The non - transient computer - readable medium according to any one of Clauses 115 to 126, wherein the first reference signal resource includes a positioning reference signal (PRS) resource, a tracking reference signal (TRS) resource, or a channel state information reference signal (CSI - RS) resource.

[0301]

[0311] Clause 128. The non - transient computer - readable medium according to any one of Clauses 115 to 127, wherein one or more second reference signal resources include one or more PRS resources, one or more TRS resources, one or more CSI - RS resources, or any combination thereof.

[0302]

[0312] Additional implementation examples are described in the following numbered clauses.

[0313] Clause 1. A method of wireless communication performed by a user device (UE), comprising: receiving a first reference signal resource transmitted by a first entity, which includes one or more first symbols; receiving one or more second reference signal resources transmitted by one or more second entities, which include one or more second symbols; and determining one or more first received signal phase difference (RSPD) measurements for one or more second reference signal resources based on the phase of the first reference signal resource and the phase of each of the one or more second reference signal resources.

[0303]

[0314] Clause 2. The method according to Clause 1, wherein one or more first symbols are within a first time window, one or more second symbols are within a first time window, the phase of a first reference signal resource is measured within a first time window, and the phase of each of the one or more second reference signal resources is measured within a first time window.

[0304]

[0315] Clause 3. The method according to Clause 2, wherein the first time window includes a single slot, and one or more second symbols are the same as one or more first symbols in the single slot.

[0305]

[0316] Clause 4. The method according to Clause 2 or 3, wherein the first time window includes a single slot, and one or more second symbols are different from one or more first symbols in the single slot.

[0306]

[0317] Clause 5. The method described in any one of Clauses 2 to 4, wherein the first time window includes two or more adjacent slots.

[0307]

[0318] The method according to any one of the clauses 2 to 5, further comprising: receiving a first reference signal resource in a second time window following a first time window; receiving one or more third reference signal resources transmitted by one or more third entities in a second time window; and determining one or more second RSPD measurements for one or more third reference signal resources based on the phase of the first reference signal resource in a second time window and the phase of each of the one or more third reference signal resources in a second time window.

[0308]

[0319] Clause 7. The method according to any one of Clauses 2 to 6, wherein the phase difference reference signal is received in place of the first reference signal resource, within each of a plurality of consecutive time windows following the first time window.

[0309]

[0320] Clause 8. The method according to Clause 7, wherein the phase difference reference signal consists of a single symbol.

[0310]

[0321] The method according to any one of the clauses 2 to 8, further comprising: receiving a phase difference reference signal transmitted by a first entity within a second time window following a first time window; receiving one or more third reference signal resources transmitted by one or more third entities within a second time window; determining the phase difference between the phase of the first reference signal resources within the first time window and the phase of the phase difference reference signal within the second time window; and determining one or more second RSPD measurements for one or more third reference signal resources based on the phase of the first reference signal resources within the first time window, the phase difference, and the phase of each of the one or more third reference signal resources within the second time window.

[0311]

[0322] The method described in any one of the clauses 1 to 9, further comprising reporting one or more capability messages indicating one or more capabilities of the UE for determining RSPD measurements.

[0312]

[0323] The method according to Clause 10, wherein one or more capabilities of Clause 11 include the number of symbols between the first symbol appearing in a first reference signal resource within a single slot and the first symbols appearing in one or more second reference signal resources.

[0313]

[0324] The method according to Clause 10 or 11, wherein one or more capabilities of Clause 12.UE include the number of symbols between the first symbol of a first reference signal resource in the first slot of two or more adjacent slots and the first symbol of one or more second reference signal resources in the second slot of two or more adjacent slots.

[0314]

[0325] Clause 13. The method described in any one of Clauses 1 to 12, wherein the first reference signal resource is received within each of multiple consecutive time windows.

[0315]

[0326] Clause 14. The method according to any one of Clauses 1 to 13, wherein one or more second reference signal resources comprise multiple second reference signal resources, and the multiple second reference signal resources have different comb offsets, different scrambling sequences, or both.

[0316]

[0327] The method described in any one of the clauses 1 to 14, further comprising reporting RSPD measurements to the network entity.

[0317]

[0328] Clause 16. The method according to any one of Clauses 1 to 15, wherein the first reference signal resource includes a positioning reference signal (PRS) resource, a tracking reference signal (TRS) resource, or a channel status information reference signal (CSI-RS) resource, and one or more second reference signal resources include one or more PRS resources, one or more TRS resources, one or more CSI-RS resources, or any combination thereof.

[0318]

[0329] Clause 17. The method according to any one of Clauses 1 to 16, wherein one or more first RSPD measurements are obtained for each frequency layer.

[0319]

[0330] Clause 18. A communication method performed by a network entity, comprising: transmitting to a user device (UE) a configuration for obtaining a received signal phase difference (RSPD) measurement between a first reference signal resource transmitted by a first entity, which includes one or more first symbols, and one or more second reference signal resources transmitted by one or more second entities, which include one or more second symbols; and receiving an RSPD measurement from the UE based on the configuration.

[0320]

[0331] Clause 19. The method according to Clause 18, wherein one or more first symbols are in a first time window and one or more second symbols are in a first time window.

[0321]

[0332] Clause 20. The method according to Clause 19, wherein the first time window includes a single slot, and one or more second symbols are the same as one or more first symbols in the single slot, or one or more second symbols are different from one or more first symbols in the single slot.

[0322]

[0333] Clause 21. The method according to Clause 19 or 20, wherein the first time window includes two or more adjacent slots.

[0323]

[0334] Clause 22. The method according to any one of Clauses 19 to 21, wherein the phase difference reference signal is transmitted in place of the first reference signal resource within each of a plurality of consecutive time windows following the first time window.

[0324]

[0335] Clause 23. The method according to Clause 22, wherein the phase difference reference signal consists of a single symbol.

[0325]

[0336] The method described in any one of the clauses 18 to 23, further comprising receiving one or more capability messages from the UE indicating one or more capabilities of the UE for determining RSPD measurements.

[0326]

[0337] The method described in Clause 24, wherein one or more capabilities of Clause 25 include the number of symbols between the first symbol appearing in a first reference signal resource within a single slot and the first symbols appearing in one or more second reference signal resources.

[0327]

[0338] The method of Clause 24 or 25, wherein one or more capabilities of Clause 26 include the number of symbols between the first symbol of a first reference signal resource in the first slot of two or more adjacent slots and the first symbol of one or more second reference signal resources in the second slot of two or more adjacent slots.

[0328]

[0339] Clause 27. The method according to any one of Clauses 18 to 26, wherein one or more second reference signal resources comprise multiple second reference signal resources, and the multiple second reference signal resources have different comb offsets, different scrambling sequences, or both.

[0329]

[0340] Clause 28. The method described in any one of Clauses 18 to 27, wherein the first reference signal resource includes a positioning reference signal (PRS) resource, a tracking reference signal (TRS) resource, or a channel status information reference signal (CSI-RS) resource, and one or more second reference signal resources include one or more PRS resources, one or more TRS resources, one or more CSI-RS resources, or any combination thereof.

[0330]

[0341] Clause 29. User equipment (UE) comprising one or more memories, one or more transceivers, and one or more processors communically coupled to one or more memories and one or more transceivers, wherein one or more processors are configured to receive, either alone or in combination, a first reference signal resource transmitted by a first entity via one or more transceivers, a first reference signal resource comprising one or more first symbols, and to receive, via one or more transceivers, one or more second reference signal resources transmitted by one or more second entities, comprising one or more second symbols, and to determine one or more first received signal phase difference (RSPD) measurements for one or more second reference signal resources based on the phase of the first reference signal resource and the phase of each of the one or more second reference signal resources.

[0331]

[0342] Clause 30. The UE described in Clause 29, wherein one or more first symbols are within a first time window, one or more second symbols are within a first time window, the phase of a first reference signal resource is measured within a first time window, and the phase of each of the one or more second reference signal resources is measured within a first time window.

[0332]

[0343] Clause 31. The UE described in Clause 30, wherein the first time window includes a single slot and one or more second symbols are the same as one or more first symbols in a single slot.

[0333]

[0344] Clause 32. The UE described in Clause 30 or 31, wherein the first time window includes a single slot and one or more second symbols are different from one or more first symbols in a single slot.

[0334]

[0345] Clause 33. A UE described in any one of Clauses 30 to 32, wherein the first time window includes two or more adjacent slots.

[0335]

[0346] A UE as described in any one of the clauses 30 to 33, further configured such that one or more processors, either alone or in combination, receive a first reference signal resource via one or more transceivers in a second time window following a first time window, receive one or more third reference signal resources transmitted by one or more third entities via one or more transceivers in a second time window, and determine one or more second RSPD measurements for one or more third reference signal resources based on the phase of the first reference signal resource in the second time window and the phase of each of the one or more third reference signal resources in the second time window.

[0336]

[0347] Clause 35. A UE described in any one of Clauses 30 to 34, wherein the phase difference reference signal is received in place of the first reference signal resource, within each of several consecutive time windows following the first time window.

[0337]

[0348] Clause 36. The UE described in Clause 35, wherein the phase difference reference signal consists of a single symbol.

[0338]

[0349] UE as described in any one of the clauses 30 to 36, further configured such that one or more processors, either alone or in combination, receive through one or more transceivers a phase difference reference signal transmitted by a first entity in a second time window following a first time window, receive through one or more transceivers one or more third reference signal resources transmitted by one or more third entities in a second time window, determine the phase difference between the phase of the first reference signal resource in the first time window and the phase of the phase difference reference signal in the second time window, and determine one or more second RSPD measurements for one or more third reference signal resources based on the phase of the first reference signal resource in the first time window, the phase difference, and the respective phases of one or more third reference signal resources in the second time window.

[0339]

[0350] A UE described in any one of the clauses 29 to 37, wherein one or more processors are further configured to report one or more capability messages via one or more transceivers indicating one or more capabilities of the UE for determining RSPD measurements, either alone or in combination.

[0340]

[0351] Clause 39. One or more capabilities of the UE include the number of symbols between the first symbol appearing in a first reference signal resource within a single slot and the first symbols appearing in one or more second reference signal resources, as described in Clause 38.

[0341]

[0352] A UE as described in Clause 40. Clause 38 or 39, wherein one or more capabilities of the UE include the number of symbols between the first symbol of a first reference signal resource in the first slot of two or more adjacent slots and the first symbol of one or more second reference signal resources in the second slot of two or more adjacent slots.

[0342]

[0353] Clause 41. A UE described in any one of Clauses 29-40, where the first reference signal resource is received within each of multiple consecutive time windows.

[0343]

[0354] Clause 42. One or more second reference signal resources include multiple second reference signal resources, and the multiple second reference signal resources have different comb offsets, different scrambling sequences, or both, as described in any one of Clauses 29 to 41.

[0344]

[0355] Clause 43. A UE described in any one of Clauses 29 to 42, in which one or more processors are further configured to report RSPD measurements to a network entity via one or more transceivers, either individually or in combination.

[0345]

[0356] Clause 44. A UE as described in any one of Clauses 29 to 43, wherein the first reference signal resource includes a positioning reference signal (PRS) resource, a tracking reference signal (TRS) resource, or a channel status information reference signal (CSI-RS) resource, and one or more second reference signal resources include one or more PRS resources, one or more TRS resources, one or more CSI-RS resources, or any combination thereof.

[0346]

[0357] Clause 45. One or more first RSPD measurements are obtained per frequency layer, as described in any one of Clauses 29-44.

[0347]

[0358] Clause 46. A network entity comprising one or more memories, one or more transceivers, and one or more processors commutably coupled to one or more memories and one or more transceivers, wherein one or more processors are configured to transmit a configuration to a user equipment (UE) via one or more transceivers for obtaining received signal phase difference (RSPD) measurements between a first reference signal resource, which includes one or more first symbols, transmitted by a first entity, and one or more second reference signal resources, which include one or more second symbols, transmitted by one or more second entities, and to receive RSPD measurements from the UE via one or more transceivers based on the configuration.

[0348]

[0359] Clause 47. A network entity as described in Clause 46, wherein one or more first symbols are within a first time window and one or more second symbols are within a first time window.

[0349]

[0360] Clause 48. A network entity as described in Clause 47, wherein the first time window includes a single slot, and one or more second symbols are the same as one or more first symbols in the single slot, or one or more second symbols are different from one or more first symbols in the single slot.

[0350]

[0361] Clause 49. A network entity as described in Clause 47 or 48, whose first time window includes two or more adjacent slots.

[0351]

[0362] Clause 50. A network entity as described in any one of Clauses 47-49, in which a phase difference reference signal is transmitted in place of a first reference signal resource within each of several consecutive time windows following a first time window.

[0352]

[0363] Clause 51. A network entity as described in Clause 50, wherein the phase difference reference signal consists of a single symbol.

[0353]

[0364] A network entity as described in any one of the clauses 46 to 51, wherein one or more processors are further configured to receive one or more capability messages from a UE via one or more transceivers indicating one or more capabilities of the UE for determining RSPD measurements, either individually or in combination.

[0354]

[0365] A network entity as described in Clause 52, wherein one or more of the capabilities of Clause 53 UE include the number of symbols between the first symbol appearing in a first reference signal resource within a single slot and the first symbols appearing in one or more second reference signal resources.

[0355]

[0366] A network entity as described in Clause 52 or 53, wherein one or more capabilities of Clause 54 include the number of symbols between the first appearing symbol of a first reference signal resource in the first appearing slot of two or more adjacent slots and the first appearing symbols of one or more second reference signal resources in the second appearing slot of two or more adjacent slots.

[0356]

[0367] Clause 55. A network entity as described in any one of Clauses 46 to 54, wherein one or more second reference signal resources include multiple second reference signal resources, and the multiple second reference signal resources have different comb offsets, different scrambling sequences, or both.

[0357]

[0368] Clause 56. A network entity as described in any one of Clauses 46 to 55, wherein the first reference signal resource includes a positioning reference signal (PRS) resource, a tracking reference signal (TRS) resource, or a channel status information reference signal (CSI-RS) resource, and one or more second reference signal resources include one or more PRS resources, one or more TRS resources, one or more CSI-RS resources, or any combination thereof.

[0358]

[0369] Clause 57. A user device (UE) comprising: means for receiving a first reference signal resource transmitted by a first entity, which includes one or more first symbols; means for receiving one or more second reference signal resources transmitted by one or more second entities, which include one or more second symbols; and means for determining one or more first received signal phase difference (RSPD) measurements for one or more second reference signal resources based on the phase of the first reference signal resource and the respective phases of the one or more second reference signal resources.

[0359]

[0370] Clause 58. A UE as described in Clause 57, wherein one or more first symbols are within a first time window, one or more second symbols are within a first time window, the phase of a first reference signal resource is measured within a first time window, and the phase of each of the one or more second reference signal resources is measured within a first time window.

[0360]

[0371] Clause 59. The UE described in Clause 58, wherein the first time window includes a single slot and one or more second symbols are the same as one or more first symbols in a single slot.

[0361]

[0372] Clause 60. A UE as described in Clause 58 or 59, wherein the first time window includes a single slot and one or more second symbols are different from one or more first symbols in the single slot.

[0362]

[0373] Clause 61. A UE as described in any one of Clauses 58-60, wherein the first time window includes two or more adjacent slots.

[0363]

[0374] A UE as described in any one of the clauses 58 to 61, further comprising: means for receiving a first reference signal resource in a second time window following a first time window; means for receiving one or more third reference signal resources transmitted by one or more third entities in a second time window; and means for determining one or more second RSPD measurements for one or more third reference signal resources based on the phase of the first reference signal resource in the second time window and the phase of each of the one or more third reference signal resources in the second time window.

[0364]

[0375] Clause 63. A UE as described in any one of Clauses 58 to 62, wherein the phase difference reference signal is received in place of the first reference signal resource, within each of several consecutive time windows following the first time window.

[0365]

[0376] Clause 64. The UE described in Clause 63, wherein the phase difference reference signal consists of a single symbol.

[0366]

[0377] Clause 65. A UE as described in any one of Clauses 58 to 64, further comprising: means for receiving a phase difference reference signal transmitted by a first entity in a second time window following a first time window; means for receiving one or more third reference signal resources transmitted by one or more third entities in a second time window; means for determining a phase difference between the phase of a first reference signal resource in a first time window and the phase of a phase difference reference signal in a second time window; and means for determining one or more second RSPD measurements for one or more third reference signal resources based on the phase of a first reference signal resource in a first time window, the phase difference, and the phase of each of the one or more third reference signal resources in a second time window.

[0367]

[0378] A UE described in any one of the clauses 57 to 65, further comprising means for reporting one or more capability messages indicating one or more capabilities of the UE for determining RSPD measurements.

[0368]

[0379] The UEs described in Clause 66, wherein one or more of the capabilities of the UE include the number of symbols between the first symbol appearing in a first reference signal resource within a single slot and the first symbols appearing in one or more second reference signal resources.

[0369]

[0380] A UE as described in Clause 66 or 67, wherein one or more capabilities of the UE include the number of symbols between the first symbol of a first reference signal resource in the first slot of two or more adjacent slots and the first symbol of one or more second reference signal resources in the second slot of two or more adjacent slots.

[0370]

[0381] Clause 69. A UE described in any one of Clauses 57-68, where the first reference signal resource is received within each of multiple consecutive time windows.

[0371]

[0382] Clause 70. A UE as described in any one of Clauses 57 to 69, wherein one or more second reference signal resources include multiple second reference signal resources, and the multiple second reference signal resources have different comb offsets, different scrambling sequences, or both.

[0372]

[0383] Clause 71. The UE further provides means for reporting RSPD measurements to network entities, as specified in any one of Clauses 57-70.

[0373]

[0384] Clause 72. A UE as described in any one of Clauses 57 to 71, wherein the first reference signal resource includes a positioning reference signal (PRS) resource, a tracking reference signal (TRS) resource, or a channel status information reference signal (CSI-RS) resource, and one or more second reference signal resources include one or more PRS resources, one or more TRS resources, one or more CSI-RS resources, or any combination thereof.

[0374]

[0385] Clause 73. One or more first RSPD measurements are obtained per frequency layer, as described in any one of Clauses 57-72.

[0375]

[0386] Clause 74. A network entity comprising: a first reference signal resource transmitted by a first entity, comprising one or more first symbols; and a configuration for transmitting to a user device (UE) a configuration for obtaining received signal phase difference (RSPD) measurements between the first reference signal resource and one or more second reference signal resources transmitted by one or more second entities, comprising one or more second symbols; and a configuration for receiving RSPD measurements from the UE based on the configuration.

[0376]

[0387] Clause 75. A network entity as described in Clause 74, wherein one or more first symbols are within a first time window and one or more second symbols are within a first time window.

[0377]

[0388] Clause 76. A network entity as described in Clause 75, wherein the first time window includes a single slot, and one or more second symbols are the same as one or more first symbols in the single slot, or one or more second symbols are different from one or more first symbols in the single slot.

[0378]

[0389] Clause 77. A network entity as described in Clause 75 or 76, whose first time window includes two or more adjacent slots.

[0379]

[0390] Clause 78. A network entity as described in any one of Clauses 75-77, in which a phase difference reference signal is transmitted in place of a first reference signal resource within each of several consecutive time windows following a first time window.

[0380]

[0391] Clause 79. A network entity as described in Clause 78, wherein the phase difference reference signal consists of a single symbol.

[0381]

[0392] A network entity as described in any one of the clauses 74-79, further comprising means for receiving one or more capability messages from a UE indicating one or more capabilities of the UE for determining RSPD measurements.

[0382]

[0393] A network entity as described in Clause 80, in which one or more capabilities of Clause 81.UE include the number of symbols between the first symbol appearing in a first reference signal resource within a single slot and the first symbols appearing in one or more second reference signal resources.

[0383]

[0394] A network entity as described in Clause 80 or 81, wherein one or more of the capabilities of Clause 82.UE include the number of symbols between the first appearing symbol of a first reference signal resource in the first appearing slot of two or more adjacent slots and the first appearing symbol of one or more second reference signal resources in the second appearing slot of two or more adjacent slots.

[0384]

[0395] Clause 83. A network entity as described in any one of Clauses 74 to 82, wherein one or more second reference signal resources include multiple second reference signal resources, and the multiple second reference signal resources have different comb offsets, different scrambling sequences, or both.

[0385]

[0396] Clause 84. A network entity as described in any one of Clauses 74 to 83, wherein the first reference signal resource includes a positioning reference signal (PRS) resource, a tracking reference signal (TRS) resource, or a channel status information reference signal (CSI-RS) resource, and one or more second reference signal resources include one or more PRS resources, one or more TRS resources, one or more CSI-RS resources, or any combination thereof.

[0386]

[0397] Clause 85. Non-temporary computer-readable medium for storing computer executable instructions, which, when a computer executable instruction is executed by a user device (UE), causes the UE to receive a first reference signal resource transmitted by a first entity, comprising one or more first symbols; receive one or more second reference signal resources transmitted by one or more second entities, comprising one or more second symbols; and determine one or more first received signal phase difference (RSPD) measurements for one or more second reference signal resources based on the phase of the first reference signal resource and the phase of each of the one or more second reference signal resources.

[0387]

[0398] Clause 86. A non-temporary computer-readable medium as described in Clause 85, wherein one or more first symbols are within a first time window, one or more second symbols are within a first time window, the phase of a first reference signal resource is measured within a first time window, and the phase of each of the one or more second reference signal resources is measured within a first time window.

[0388]

[0399] Clause 87. A non-temporary computer-readable medium as described in Clause 86, wherein the first time window includes a single slot, and one or more second symbols are the same as one or more first symbols in a single slot.

[0389]

[0400] Clause 88. A non-temporary computer-readable medium as described in Clause 86 or 87, wherein the first time window includes a single slot, and one or more second symbols are different from one or more first symbols within the single slot.

[0390]

[0401] Clause 89. A non-temporary computer-readable medium as described in any one of Clauses 86 to 88, wherein the first time window includes two or more adjacent slots.

[0391]

[0402] Clause 90. A non-temporary computer-readable medium as described in any one of Clauses 86 to 89, further comprising a computer-executable instruction which, when executed by a UE, causes the UE to receive a first reference signal resource in a second time window following a first time window, to receive one or more third reference signal resources transmitted by one or more third entities in the second time window, and to determine one or more second RSPD measurements for one or more third reference signal resources based on the phase of the first reference signal resource in the second time window and the phase of each of the one or more third reference signal resources in the second time window.

[0392]

[0403] Clause 91. A non-temporary computer-readable medium as described in any one of Clauses 86 to 90, in which the phase difference reference signal is received in each of several consecutive time windows after the first time window, instead of the first reference signal resource.

[0393]

[0404] Clause 92. A non-temporary computer-readable medium as described in Clause 91, wherein the phase difference reference signal consists of a single symbol.

[0394]

[0405] Clause 93. A non-temporary computer-readable medium as described in any one of Clauses 86 to 92, further comprising a computer-executable instruction that, when executed by a UE, causes the UE to receive a phase difference reference signal transmitted by a first entity in a second time window following a first time window; to receive one or more third reference signal resources transmitted by one or more third entities in the second time window; to determine the phase difference between the phase of the first reference signal resource in the first time window and the phase of the phase difference reference signal in the second time window; and to determine one or more second RSPD measurements for one or more third reference signal resources based on the phase of the first reference signal resource in the first time window, the phase difference, and the phases of each of the one or more third reference signal resources in the second time window.

[0395]

[0406] Clause 94. A non-temporary computer-readable medium as described in any one of Clauses 85 to 93, further comprising a computer-executable instruction which, when executed by a UE, causes the UE to report one or more capability messages indicating one or more capabilities of the UE for determining RSPD measurements.

[0396]

[0407] Non-temporary computer-readable media as described in Clause 94, in which one or more of the capabilities of Clause 95.UE include the number of symbols between the first symbol appearing in a first reference signal resource within a single slot and the first symbols appearing in one or more second reference signal resources.

[0397]

[0408] Non-temporary computer-readable media as described in Clause 94 or 95, wherein one or more of the capabilities of Clause 96.UE include the number of symbols between the first symbol of a first reference signal resource in the first slot of two or more adjacent slots and the first symbol of one or more second reference signal resources in the second slot of two or more adjacent slots.

[0398]

[0409] Clause 97. A non-temporary computer-readable medium as described in any one of Clauses 85 to 96, in which the first reference signal resource is received within each of several consecutive time windows.

[0399]

[0410] Clause 98. A non-temporary computer-readable medium as described in any one of Clauses 85 to 97, wherein one or more second reference signal resources include multiple second reference signal resources, and the multiple second reference signal resources have different comb offsets, different scrambling sequences, or both.

[0400]

[0411] Clause 99. A non-temporary computer-readable medium as described in any one of Clauses 85-98, further including a computer-executable instruction that causes the UE to report RSPD measurements to a network entity when executed by the UE.

[0401]

[0412] Clause 100. A non-temporary computer-readable medium as described in any one of Clauses 85 to 99, wherein the first reference signal resource includes a positioning reference signal (PRS) resource, a tracking reference signal (TRS) resource, or a channel status information reference signal (CSI-RS) resource, and one or more second reference signal resources include one or more PRS resources, one or more TRS resources, one or more CSI-RS resources, or any combination thereof.

[0402]

[0413] Clause 101. One or more first RSPD measurements are obtained per frequency layer on a non-temporary computer-readable medium as described in any one of Clauses 85 to 100.

[0403]

[0414] Clause 102. Non-temporary computer-readable medium for storing computer-executable instructions, wherein when a computer-executable instruction is executed by a network entity, the non-temporary computer-readable medium causes the network entity to transmit a configuration to a user device (UE) for obtaining a received signal phase difference (RSPD) measurement between a first reference signal resource transmitted by a first entity, comprising one or more first symbols, and one or more second reference signal resources transmitted by one or more second entities, comprising one or more second symbols, and causes the UE to receive an RSPD measurement based on the configuration.

[0404]

[0415] Clause 103. A non-temporary computer-readable medium as described in Clause 102, wherein one or more first symbols are located within a first time window, and one or more second symbols are located within the first time window.

[0405]

[0416] Clause 104. A non-temporary computer-readable medium as described in Clause 103, wherein the first time window includes a single slot, and one or more second symbols are the same as one or more first symbols in the single slot, or one or more second symbols are different from one or more first symbols in the single slot.

[0406]

[0417] Clause 105. Non-temporary computer-readable media as described in Clause 103 or 104, wherein the first time window includes two or more adjacent slots.

[0407]

[0418] Clause 106. A non-temporary computer-readable medium as described in any one of Clauses 103 to 105, in which a phase difference reference signal is transmitted in place of a first reference signal resource within each of a plurality of consecutive time windows following a first time window.

[0408]

[0419] Clause 107. A non-temporary computer-readable medium as described in Clause 106, wherein the phase difference reference signal consists of a single symbol.

[0409]

[0420] Clause 108. A non-temporary computer-readable medium as described in any one of Clauses 102 to 107, further comprising a computer-executable instruction which, when executed by a network entity, causes the network entity to receive one or more capability messages from the UE indicating one or more capabilities of the UE for determining RSPD measurements.

[0410]

[0421] Non-temporary computer-readable media as described in Clause 108, in which one or more of the capabilities of Clause 109.UE include the number of symbols between the first symbol appearing in a first reference signal resource within a single slot and the first symbols appearing in one or more second reference signal resources.

[0411]

[0422] Non-temporary computer-readable media as described in Clause 108 or 109, wherein one or more of the capabilities of Clause 110.UE include the number of symbols between the first symbol of a first reference signal resource in the first slot of two or more adjacent slots and the first symbol of one or more second reference signal resources in the second slot of two or more adjacent slots.

[0412]

[0423] Clause 111. A non-temporary computer-readable medium as described in any one of Clauses 102 to 110, wherein one or more second reference signal resources comprise multiple second reference signal resources, and the multiple second reference signal resources have different comb offsets, different scrambling sequences, or both.

[0413]

[0424] Clause 112. A non-temporary computer-readable medium as described in any one of Clauses 102 to 111, wherein the first reference signal resource includes a positioning reference signal (PRS) resource, a tracking reference signal (TRS) resource, or a channel status information reference signal (CSI-RS) resource, and one or more second reference signal resources include one or more PRS resources, one or more TRS resources, one or more CSI-RS resources, or any combination thereof.

[0414]

[0425] Those skilled in the art will understand that information and signals can be represented using any of a variety of different techniques and methods. For example, data, instructions, commands, information, signals, bits, symbols, and chips that may be mentioned throughout the above description may be represented by voltage, electric current, electromagnetic waves, magnetic fields or magnetic particles, light fields or optical particles, or any combination thereof.

[0415]

[0426] Furthermore, those skilled in the art will understand that various exemplary logic blocks, modules, circuits, and algorithmic steps described in relation to the embodiments disclosed herein may be implemented as electronic hardware, computer software, or a combination of both. To clearly demonstrate this hardware-software compatibility, various exemplary components, blocks, modules, circuits, and steps have been outlined above in relation to their functions. Whether such functions are implemented as hardware or executed as software depends on the specific application and the design constraints imposed on the overall system. Those skilled in the art may implement the described functions in various ways for specific applications, but such implementation decisions should not be construed as causing a departure from the scope of this disclosure.

[0416]

[0427] The various exemplary logic blocks, modules, and circuits described in relation to the embodiments disclosed herein may be implemented or run using general-purpose processors, digital signal processors (DSPs), ASICs, field-programmable gate arrays (FPGAs), or other programmable logic devices, discrete gate or transistor logic, discrete hardware components, or any combination thereof designed to perform the functions described herein. A general-purpose processor may be a microprocessor, but alternatively, the processor may be any conventional processor, controller, microcontroller, or state machine. The processor may also be implemented as a combination of computing devices, such as a combination of a DSP and a microprocessor, multiple microprocessors, one or more microprocessors working with a DSP core, or any other such configuration.

[0417]

[0428] The methods, sequences, and / or algorithms described in relation to the embodiments disclosed herein may be embodied in hardware directly, in software modules executed by a processor, or in a combination of both. The software modules may reside in random access memory (RAM), flash memory, read-only memory (ROM), erasable programmable ROM (EPROM), electrically erasable programmable ROM (EEPROM®), registers, hard disks, removable disks, CD-ROMs, or any other form of storage medium known in the art. An exemplary storage medium is coupled to the processor so that the processor can read information from and write information to the storage medium. Alternatively, the storage medium may be integrated with the processor. The processor and storage medium may reside within an ASIC. The ASIC may reside within a user terminal (e.g., a UE). Alternatively, the processor and storage medium may reside within a user terminal as separate components.

[0418]

[0429] In one or more exemplary embodiments, the functions described may be implemented in hardware, software, firmware, or any combination thereof. Where implemented in software, these functions may be stored on or transmitted via computer-readable media as one or more instructions or codes. Computer-readable media include both computer storage media and communication media, including any media that facilitate the transfer of computer programs from one location to another. Storage media may be any available media accessible by a computer. Such computer-readable media may include, but are not limited to, RAM, ROM, EEPROM, CD-ROM or other optical disk storage, magnetic disk storage or other magnetic storage devices, or any other media accessible by a computer that can be used to carry or store desired program code in the form of instructions or data structures. Furthermore, any connection may be appropriately referred to as computer-readable media. For example, if software is transmitted from a website, server, or other remote source using coaxial cable, fiber optic cable, twisted pair, digital subscriber line (DSL), or wireless technologies such as infrared, radio, and microwave, then those coaxial cable, fiber optic cable, twisted pair, DSL, or wireless technologies such as infrared, radio, and microwave are included in the definition of medium. As used herein, disk and disc include compact disc (CD), laserdisc (registered trademark) (disc), optical disc (disc), digital versatile disc (DVD), floppy disk (registered trademark) (disk), and Blu-ray (registered trademark) disc (disc), where a disk typically reproduces data magnetically and a disc optically reproduces data using a laser.The above combinations should also be included within the scope of computer-readable media.

[0419]

[0430] While the above disclosures illustrate exemplary aspects of the Disclosure, it should be noted that various changes and modifications can be made herein without departing from the scope of the Disclosure as defined by the appended claims. For example, the functions, steps, and / or actions of the method claims in the aspects of the Disclosure described herein do not need to be performed in any particular order. Furthermore, no component, function, action, or instruction described herein or in the claims should be construed as important or essential unless explicitly stated so. In addition, terms such as “set,” “group,” etc., as used herein are intended to include one or more of the elements described. Also, terms such as “has,” “have,” “having,” “comprises,” “comprising,” “includes,” and “including,” as used herein, do not exclude the existence of one or more additional elements (for example, an element that “has” A may also have B). Furthermore, the phrase “based on,” is intended to mean “at least partially based on,” unless otherwise specified. Furthermore, the term “or” as used herein, when used in a series, is intended to be inclusive and may be used interchangeably with “and / or” unless otherwise specified (for example, when used in combination with “either” or “only one of”) or the choices are not mutually exclusive (for example, “one or more” should not be interpreted as “one and more”). Moreover, components, functions, actions, and instructions may be described or claimed in the singular, but unless explicitly stated to be limited to the singular, the plural is intended. Thus, the articles “a,” “an,” “the,” and “said” as used herein are intended to include one or more of the elements described.In addition, the terms “at least one” and “one or more” as used herein include “one” component, function, action, or instruction as described or claimed, and further include “two or more” components, functions, actions, or instructions as described or claimed.

Claims

1. One or more memory devices, One or more transceivers, One or more memory and one or more processors communicatively coupled to one or more transceivers, A user device (UE) comprising, wherein the one or more processors operate individually or in combination A first reference signal resource transmitted by a first entity, comprising one or more first symbols, is received via the one or more transceivers. One or more second reference signal resources transmitted by one or more second entities, each including one or more second symbols, are received via the one or more transceivers. Based on the phase of the first reference signal resource and the phases of each of the one or more second reference signal resources, one or more first received signal phase difference (RSPD) measurements for the one or more second reference signal resources are determined. It is structured in such a way. User equipment (UE).

2. The one or more of the aforementioned first symbols are within the first time window, The one or more of the aforementioned second symbols are within the first time window, The phase of the first reference signal resource is measured within the first time window. The phase of each of the one or more second reference signal resources is measured within the first time window. The UE according to claim 1.

3. The first time window includes a single slot, The one or more second symbols are the same as the one or more first symbols in the single slot. The UE according to claim 2.

4. The first time window includes a single slot, The one or more second symbols are different from the one or more first symbols in the single slot. The UE according to claim 2.

5. The UE according to claim 2, wherein the first time window includes two or more adjacent slots.

6. The aforementioned one or more processors, either individually or in combination, The first reference signal resource is received via the one or more transceivers within a second time window following the first time window. One or more third reference signal resources transmitted by one or more third entities within the second time window are received via the one or more transceivers. Based on the phase of the first reference signal resource in the second time window and the phase of each of the one or more third reference signal resources in the second time window, one or more second RSPD measurements for the one or more third reference signal resources are determined. It is further structured in such a way. The UE according to claim 2.

7. The UE according to claim 2, wherein the phase difference reference signal is received in place of the first reference signal resource, within each of a plurality of consecutive time windows after the first time window.

8. The UE according to claim 7, wherein the phase difference reference signal is composed of a single symbol.

9. The aforementioned one or more processors, either individually or in combination, The phase difference reference signal transmitted by the first entity within a second time window following the first time window is received via the one or more transceivers. One or more third reference signal resources transmitted by one or more third entities within the second time window are received via the one or more transceivers. Determine the phase difference between the phase of the first reference signal resource in the first time window and the phase of the phase difference reference signal in the second time window. Based on the phase of the first reference signal resource in the first time window, the phase difference, and the phase of each of the one or more third reference signal resources in the second time window, one or more second RSPD measurements for the one or more third reference signal resources are determined. It is further structured in such a way. The UE according to claim 2.

10. The aforementioned one or more processors, either individually or in combination, The system is further configured to report via the one or more transceivers one or more capability messages indicating one or more capabilities of the UE for determining RSPD measurements. The UE according to claim 1.

11. The UE according to claim 10, wherein the one or more capabilities of the UE include the number of symbols between the first symbol appearing in the first reference signal resource in a single slot and the first symbol appearing in the one or more second reference signal resources.

12. The UE according to claim 10, wherein the one or more capabilities of the UE include the number of symbols between the first symbol of the first reference signal resource in the first slot of two or more adjacent slots and the first symbol of the one or more second reference signal resources in the second slot of the two or more adjacent slots.

13. The UE according to claim 1, wherein the first reference signal resource is received within each of a plurality of consecutive time windows.

14. The one or more second reference signal resources include a plurality of second reference signal resources, The plurality of second reference signal resources have different comb offsets, different scrambling sequences, or both. The UE according to claim 1.

15. The aforementioned one or more processors, either individually or in combination, The system is further configured to report the RSPD measurement values ​​to the network entity via the one or more transceivers. The UE according to claim 1.

16. The first reference signal resource includes a positioning reference signal (PRS) resource, a tracking reference signal (TRS) resource, or a channel status information reference signal (CSI-RS) resource. The one or more second reference signal resources include one or more PRS resources, one or more TRS resources, one or more CSI-RS resources, or any combination thereof. The UE according to claim 1.

17. The UE according to claim 1, wherein one or more first RSPD measurements are acquired for each frequency layer.

18. One or more memory devices, One or more transceivers, One or more memory and one or more processors communicatively coupled to one or more transceivers, A network entity comprising, wherein one or more processors operate individually or in combination A configuration for obtaining a measured value of the received signal phase difference (RSPD) between a first reference signal resource transmitted by a first entity, which includes one or more first symbols, and one or more second reference signal resources transmitted by one or more second entities, which include one or more second symbols, is transmitted to a user device (UE) via one or more transceivers. Based on the above configuration, the RSPD measurement values ​​are received from the UE via the one or more transceivers. It is structured in such a way. Network entity.

19. The one or more of the aforementioned first symbols are within the first time window, The one or more of the aforementioned second symbols are located within the first time window. The network entity according to claim 18.

20. The first time window includes a single slot, The one or more second symbols are the same as the one or more first symbols in the single slot, or The one or more second symbols are different from the one or more first symbols in the single slot. The network entity according to claim 19.

21. The network entity according to claim 19, wherein the first time window includes two or more adjacent slots.

22. The network entity according to claim 19, wherein a phase difference reference signal is transmitted in place of the first reference signal resource within each of a plurality of consecutive time windows following the first time window.

23. The network entity according to claim 22, wherein the phase difference reference signal is composed of a single symbol.

24. The aforementioned one or more processors, either individually or in combination, The system is further configured to receive one or more capability messages from the UE via the one or more transceivers, indicating one or more capabilities of the UE for determining RSPD measurements. The network entity according to claim 18.

25. The network entity according to claim 24, wherein the one or more capabilities of the UE include the number of symbols between the first symbol appearing in the first reference signal resource in a single slot and the first symbol appearing in the one or more second reference signal resources.

26. The network entity according to claim 24, wherein the one or more capabilities of the UE include the number of symbols between the first symbol of the first reference signal resource in the first slot of two or more adjacent slots and the first symbol of the one or more second reference signal resources in the second slot of the two or more adjacent slots.

27. The one or more second reference signal resources include a plurality of second reference signal resources, The plurality of second reference signal resources have different comb offsets, different scrambling sequences, or both. The network entity according to claim 18.

28. The first reference signal resource includes a positioning reference signal (PRS) resource, a tracking reference signal (TRS) resource, or a channel status information reference signal (CSI-RS) resource. The one or more second reference signal resources include one or more PRS resources, one or more TRS resources, one or more CSI-RS resources, or any combination thereof. The network entity according to claim 18.

29. A method of wireless communication performed by user equipment (UE), Receiving a first reference signal resource transmitted by a first entity, which includes one or more first symbols, Receiving one or more second reference signal resources transmitted by one or more second entities, which include one or more second symbols, Determining one or more first received signal phase difference (RSPD) measurements for one or more second reference signal resources based on the phase of the first reference signal resource and the phase of each of the one or more second reference signal resources, Methods that include...

30. A communication method performed by a network entity, Transmitting to a user device (UE) a configuration for obtaining a measured value of the received signal phase difference (RSPD) between a first reference signal resource transmitted by a first entity, which includes one or more first symbols, and one or more second reference signal resources transmitted by one or more second entities, which include one or more second symbols; Based on the above configuration, the RSPD measurement value is received from the UE, Methods that include...

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