Managing 5G New Radio (NR) Antenna Switching Concurrency

Abstract

A method of wireless communication in a user equipment (UE) is presented. The UE may include one or more antennas shared between a first network connection and a second network connection in a dual connectivity mode. The method includes reporting a first sounding reference signal (SRS) antenna switching capability to a base station. The method also includes transmitting an SRS to the base station via a second SRS antenna switching capability when the first network connection has priority over the second network connection, where the second SRS antenna switching capability is reduced relative to the first SRS antenna switching capability.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] cross reference This patent application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 005,767, filed April 6, 2020, by Gopal et al., entitled "MANAGING FIFTH GENERATION (5G) NEW RADIO (NR) ANTENNA-SWITCHING CONCURRENCY," and U.S. Patent Application No. 17 / 199,322, filed March 11, 2021, by Gopal et al., entitled "MANAGING FIFTH GENERATION (5G) NEW RADIO (NR) ANTENNA-SWITCHING CONCURRENCY," each of which is assigned to the assignee of the present application and each of which is expressly incorporated herein by reference.

[0002] Aspects of the present disclosure relate generally to wireless communications, and more particularly to techniques and apparatus for managing fifth-generation (5G) new radio (NR) sounding reference signal (SRS) antenna switching concurrency. [Background technology]

[0003] Wireless communication systems are widely deployed to provide various telecommunication services such as telephony, video, data, messaging, and broadcasts. A typical wireless communication system may employ multiple-access technologies capable of supporting communication with multiple users by sharing available system resources (e.g., bandwidth, transmit power, etc.). Examples of such multiple-access technologies include code division multiple access (CDMA) systems, time division multiple access (TDMA) systems, frequency division multiple access (FDMA) systems, orthogonal frequency division multiple access (OFDMA) systems, single-carrier frequency division multiple access (SC-FDMA) systems, time division synchronous code division multiple access (TD-SCDMA) systems, and Long Term Evolution (LTE). LTE / LTE-Advanced is a set of enhancements to the Universal Mobile Telecommunications System (UMTS) mobile standard promulgated by the 3rd Generation Partnership Project (3GPP®).

[0004] A wireless communication network may include several base stations that can support communication for several user equipments (UEs). The UEs may communicate with the base stations via downlink and uplink communications. The downlink (or forward link) refers to the communication link from the base station to the UE, and the uplink (or reverse link) refers to the communication link from the UE to the base station. As described in more detail herein, a base station may be referred to as a Node B, gNB, access point (AP), radio head, transmit receive point (TRP), new radio (NR) base station, 5G Node B, etc.

[0005] The above multiple access technologies have been adopted in various telecommunications standards to provide common protocols that enable different user equipment to communicate on a city, national, regional, or even global scale. NR, sometimes referred to as 5G, is a set of extensions to the LTE mobile standard promulgated by the Third Generation Partnership Project (3GPP). NR is designed to better support mobile broadband Internet access by improving spectral efficiency, lowering costs, improving service, utilizing new spectrum, and using orthogonal frequency division multiplexing (OFDM) with cyclic prefix (CP) (CP-OFDM) on the downlink and CP-OFDM and / or SC-FDM (e.g., also known as discrete Fourier transform spread OFDM (DFT-s-OFDM)) on the uplink, as well as better integration with other open standards that support beamforming, multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO) antenna technology, and carrier aggregation. Summary of the Invention [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] So that the features of the present disclosure may be understood in detail, a detailed description may be had by reference to embodiments, some of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. It should be noted, however, that the accompanying drawings illustrate only some embodiments of the present disclosure and therefore should not be considered limiting of its scope, as this description may allow for other equally effective embodiments. The same reference numbers in different drawings may identify the same or similar elements. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0007] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a block diagram conceptually illustrating an example of a wireless communication network, in accordance with various aspects of the present disclosure. [Figure 2]FIG. 1 is a block diagram conceptually illustrating an example of a base station in communication with user equipment (UE) in a wireless communication network, in accordance with various aspects of the present disclosure. [Figure 3] FIG. 1 illustrates an example of NR SRS antenna switching according to aspects of the present disclosure. [Figure 4A] FIG. 1 illustrates an example of NR SRS antenna switching according to aspects of the present disclosure. [Figure 4B] FIG. 1 illustrates an example of NR SRS antenna switching according to aspects of the present disclosure. [Figure 4C] FIG. 1 illustrates an example of NR SRS antenna switching according to aspects of the present disclosure. [Figure 4D] FIG. 1 illustrates an example of NR SRS antenna switching according to aspects of the present disclosure. [Figure 4E] FIG. 1 illustrates an example of NR SRS antenna switching according to aspects of the present disclosure. [Figure 5] FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating an NR subframe and an LTE subframe, according to an aspect of the present disclosure. [Figure 6] FIG. 1 is a block diagram of a device supporting a method for managing fifth-generation (5G) new radio (NR) sounding reference signal (SRS) antenna switching concurrency in an evolved universal mobile telecommunications service (E-UMTS) terrestrial radio access network (E-UTRAN) new radio dual connectivity (ENDC) in accordance with an aspect of the present disclosure. [Figure 7] FIG. 1 is a block diagram of a device supporting a method for managing 5G NR SRS antenna switching concurrency in an ENDC according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 8] FIG. 1 is a block diagram of a communications manager supporting a method for managing 5G NR SRS antenna switching concurrency in an ENDC according to an aspect of the disclosure. [Figure 9] FIG. 1 is a diagram of a system including a device supporting a method for managing 5G NR SRS antenna switching concurrency in an ENDC, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 10]1 is a flowchart illustrating a method for supporting a method for managing 5G NR SRS antenna switching concurrency in an ENDC, according to an aspect of the disclosure. [Figure 11] 1 is a flowchart illustrating a method for supporting a method for managing 5G NR SRS antenna switching concurrency in an ENDC, according to an aspect of the disclosure. [Figure 12] 1 is a flowchart illustrating a method for supporting a method for managing 5G NR SRS antenna switching concurrency in an ENDC, according to an aspect of the disclosure. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0008] Various aspects of the present disclosure are described more fully below with reference to the accompanying drawings. However, the present disclosure may be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to any specific structure or function presented throughout this disclosure. Rather, these aspects are provided so that this disclosure will be thorough and complete, and will fully convey the scope of the disclosure to those skilled in the art. Based on the teachings herein, those skilled in the art will appreciate that the scope of the present disclosure encompasses any aspect of the present disclosure, whether implemented independently or in combination with any other aspect of the present disclosure. For example, an apparatus may be implemented or a method may be practiced using any number of the described aspects. In addition, the scope of the present disclosure encompasses such apparatuses or methods practiced using other structure, functionality, or structure and functionality in addition to or other than the various aspects of the present disclosure described. It should be understood that any aspect of the present disclosure disclosed may be embodied by one or more elements of a claim.

[0009] Several aspects of a telecommunications system will now be presented with reference to various apparatus and techniques. These apparatus and techniques will be described in the following detailed description and illustrated in the accompanying drawings by various blocks, modules, components, circuits, steps, processes, algorithms, etc. (collectively referred to as "elements"). These elements may be implemented using hardware, software, or a combination thereof. Whether such elements are implemented as hardware or software depends on the particular application and design constraints imposed on the overall system.

[0010] Although aspects may be described using terminology commonly associated with 5G and later wireless technologies, it should be noted that aspects of the present disclosure may be applied in other generation-based communication systems such as and including 3G and / or 4G technologies.

[0011] 1 illustrates an example of a wireless communication system 100 supporting a method for managing fifth-generation (5G) New Radio (NR) sounding reference signal (SRS) antenna switching continuity according to an aspect of the present disclosure. The wireless communication system 100 may include one or more base stations 105, one or more UEs 115, and a core network 130. In some examples, the wireless communication system 100 may be a Long Term Evolution (LTE) network, an LTE Advanced (LTE-A) network, an LTE-A Pro network, or a New Radio (NR) network. In some examples, the wireless communication system 100 may support enhanced broadband communications, ultra-reliable (e.g., mission-critical) communications, low-latency communications, communications with low-cost and low-complexity devices, or any combination thereof.

[0012] The base stations 105 may be dispersed throughout a geographic area to form the wireless communication system 100 and may be devices in different forms or with different capabilities. The base stations 105 and the UEs 115 may communicate wirelessly via one or more communication links 125. Each base station 105 may provide a coverage area 110 over which the UEs 115 and the base stations 105 may establish one or more communication links 125. The coverage area 110 may be an example of a geographic area over which the base stations 105 and the UEs 115 may support communication of signals via one or more radio access technologies.

[0013] The UEs 115 may be dispersed throughout the coverage area 110 of the wireless communication system 100, and each UE 115 may be fixed or mobile, or both, at different times. The UEs 115 may be devices in different forms or with different capabilities. Some example UEs 115 are shown in FIG. 1. The UEs 115 described herein may be able to communicate with various types of devices, such as other UEs 115, base stations 105, or network equipment (e.g., core network nodes, relay devices, integrated access and backhaul (IAB) nodes, or other network equipment), as shown in FIG. 1.

[0014] The base stations 105 may communicate with the core network 130, with each other, or both. For example, the base stations 105 may interface with the core network 130 through one or more backhaul links 120 (e.g., via an S1, N2, N3, or other interface). The base stations 105 may communicate with each other over the backhaul links 120 (e.g., via an X2, Xn, or other interface), either directly (e.g., directly between base stations 105), or indirectly (e.g., via the core network 130), or both. In some examples, the backhaul links 120 may be or include one or more wireless links.

[0015] One or more of the base stations 105 described herein may include or be referred to by those skilled in the art as a base transceiver station, radio base station, access point, radio transceiver, Node B, eNode B (eNB), Next Generation Node B or GigaNode B (any of which may be referred to as gNB), Home Node B, Home eNode B, or other suitable terminology.

[0016] The UE 115 may include or be referred to as a mobile device, wireless device, remote device, handheld device, or subscriber device, or some other suitable terminology, where a “device” may also be referred to as a unit, station, terminal, or client, among other examples. The UE 115 may also include or be referred to as a personal electronic device, such as a cellular phone, a personal digital assistant (PDA), a tablet computer, a laptop computer, or a personal computer. In some examples, the UE 115 may include or be referred to as a wireless local loop (WLL) station, an Internet of Things (IoT) device, an Internet of Everything (IoE) device, or a machine-type communication (MTC) device, among other examples, which may be implemented in various items, such as an appliance, a vehicle, a meter, among other examples.

[0017] The UEs 115 described herein may be capable of communicating with various types of devices, such as other UEs 115, which may act as relays, as shown in FIG. 1, as well as base stations 105 and network equipment, including macro eNBs or gNBs, small cell eNBs or gNBs, or relay base stations, among other examples.

[0018] The UE 115 and the base station 105 may wirelessly communicate with each other via one or more communication links 125 on one or more carriers. The term “carrier” may refer to a set of radio frequency spectrum resources having a defined physical layer structure for supporting the communication link 125. For example, a carrier used for the communication link 125 may include a portion (e.g., a bandwidth part (BWP)) of a radio frequency spectrum band operating according to one or more physical layer channels for a given radio access technology (e.g., LTE, LTE-A, LTE-A Pro, NR). Each physical layer channel may carry collection signaling (e.g., synchronization signals, system information), control signaling coordinating operation on the carrier, user data, or other signaling. The wireless communication system 100 may support communication with the UE 115 using carrier aggregation or multi-carrier operation. The UE 115 may be configured with multiple downlink component carriers and one or more uplink component carriers according to a carrier aggregation configuration. Carrier aggregation can be used with both frequency division duplex (FDD) and time division duplex (TDD) component carriers.

[0019] In some examples (e.g., in carrier aggregation configurations), a carrier may also have acquisition signaling or control signaling to coordinate operation with other carriers. A carrier may be associated with a frequency channel (e.g., an Evolved Universal Mobile Telecommunications System Terrestrial Radio Access (E-UTRA) Absolute Radio Frequency Channel Number (EARFCN)) and may be arranged according to a channel raster for discovery by the UE 115. A carrier may operate in a standalone mode, where initial acquisition and connection may be made by the UE 115 via the carrier, or the carrier may operate in a non-standalone mode, where connection is anchored using a different carrier (e.g., of the same or different radio access technology).

[0020] The communication links 125 shown in the wireless communication system 100 may include uplink transmissions from the UE 115 to the base station 105 or downlink transmissions from the base station 105 to the UE 115. A carrier may carry downlink or uplink communications (e.g., in FDD mode) or may be configured to carry downlink and uplink communications (e.g., in TDD mode).

[0021] A carrier may be associated with a particular bandwidth of the radio frequency spectrum, and in some examples, the carrier bandwidth may be referred to as the carrier or the “system bandwidth” of the wireless communication system 100. For example, the carrier bandwidth may be one of several determined bandwidths for a particular radio access technology carrier (e.g., 1.4, 3, 5, 10, 15, 20, 40, or 80 megahertz (MHz)). The devices of the wireless communication system 100 (e.g., the base station 105, the UE 115, or both) may have a hardware configuration that supports communication on a particular carrier bandwidth or may be configurable to support communication on one carrier bandwidth of a set of carrier bandwidths. In some examples, the wireless communication system 100 may include a base station 105 or a UE 115 that supports simultaneous communication via carriers associated with multiple carrier bandwidths. In some examples, each served UE 115 may be configured to operate on a portion (e.g., a sub-band, BWP) or all of the carrier bandwidth.

[0022] A signal waveform transmitted on a carrier may be composed of multiple subcarriers (e.g., using a multicarrier modulation (MCM) technique such as orthogonal frequency division multiplexing (OFDM) or discrete Fourier transform spread OFDM (DFT-S-OFDM)). In a system employing an MCM technique, a resource element may consist of one symbol period (e.g., the duration of one modulation symbol) and one subcarrier, where the symbol period and subcarrier spacing are inversely related. The number of bits carried by each resource element may depend on the modulation scheme (e.g., the order of the modulation scheme, the coding rate of the modulation scheme, or both). Thus, the more resource elements and the higher the order of the modulation scheme received by the UE 115, the higher the data rate of the UE 115 may be. Wireless communication resources may refer to a combination of radio frequency spectrum resources, time resources, and spatial resources (e.g., spatial layers or beams), and the use of multiple spatial layers may further increase the data rate or data integrity for communications with the UE 115.

[0023] One or more numerologies for a carrier may be supported, where the numerology may include a subcarrier spacing (Δf) and a cyclic prefix. A carrier may be divided into one or more BWPs with the same or different numerologies. In some examples, a UE 115 may be configured with multiple BWPs. In some examples, a single BWP for a carrier may be active at a given time, and communication for the UE 115 may be limited to one or more active BWPs.

[0024] The time interval for the base station 105 or the UE 115 may be, for example, T s =1 / (Δf max N f ) seconds, where Δf max may represent the maximum supported subcarrier spacing, and N fmay represent the maximum supported discrete Fourier transform (DFT) size. The communication resource time intervals may be organized according to radio frames, each having a specified duration (e.g., 10 milliseconds (ms)). Each radio frame may be identified by a system frame number (SFN) (e.g., ranging from 0 to 1023).

[0025] Each frame may include multiple consecutively numbered subframes or slots, and each subframe or slot may have the same duration. In some examples, a frame may be divided (e.g., in the time domain) into subframes, and each subframe may be further divided into several slots. Alternatively, each frame may include a variable number of slots, and the number of slots may depend on the subcarrier spacing. Each slot may include several symbol periods (e.g., depending on the length of a cyclic prefix prepended to each symbol period). In some wireless communications systems 100, a slot may be further divided into multiple minislots, each containing one or more symbols. Excluding the cyclic prefix, each symbol period may include one or more (e.g., N f The duration of a symbol period may depend on the subcarrier spacing or the frequency band of operation.

[0026] A subframe, slot, minislot, or symbol may be the smallest scheduling unit (e.g., in the time domain) of the wireless communication system 100 and may be referred to as a transmission time interval (TTI). In some examples, the TTI duration (e.g., the number of symbol periods in a TTI) may be variable. Additionally or alternatively, the smallest scheduling unit of the wireless communication system 100 may be dynamically selected (e.g., in bursts of shortened TTIs (sTTIs)).

[0027] Physical channels may be multiplexed on carriers according to various techniques. Physical control channels and physical data channels may be multiplexed on downlink carriers using, for example, one or more of a time division multiplexing (TDM) technique, a frequency division multiplexing (FDM) technique, or a hybrid TDM-FDM technique. A control region (e.g., a control resource set (CORESET)) for a physical control channel may be defined by a number of symbol periods and may span the system bandwidth of the carrier or a subset of the system bandwidth. One or more control regions (e.g., CORESET) may be configured for a set of UEs 115. For example, one or more of the UEs 115 may monitor or search the control region for control information according to one or more search space sets, and each search space set may include one or more control channel candidates at one or more aggregation levels arranged in a cascaded manner. The aggregation level for a control channel candidate may refer to the number of control channel resources (e.g., control channel elements (CCEs)) associated with coded information for a control information format having a given payload size. The search space sets may include a common search space set configured to send control information to multiple UEs 115 and a UE-specific search space set for sending control information to a specific UE 115.

[0028] Each base station 105 may provide communication coverage via one or more cells, e.g., macro cells, small cells, hot spots, or other types of cells, or any combination thereof. The term “cell” may refer to a logical communication entity used for communication with the base station 105 (e.g., on a carrier) and may be associated with an identifier (e.g., a physical cell identifier (PCID), a virtual cell identifier (VCID), or other) to distinguish neighboring cells. In some examples, a cell may also refer to a geographic coverage area 110 or a portion (e.g., a sector) of a geographic coverage area 110 in which the logical communication entity operates. Such a cell may range from a smaller area (e.g., a structure, a subset of a structure) to a larger area, depending on various factors such as the capabilities of the base station 105. For example, a cell may be or include a building, a subset of a building, or an outer space between or overlapping with the geographic coverage area 110, among other examples.

[0029] A macro cell generally covers a relatively large geographic area (e.g., a few kilometers in radius) and may allow unrestricted access by UEs 115 that subscribe to service with the network provider that supports the macro cell. Small cells may be associated with lower-power base stations 105 compared to macro cells, and the small cells may operate in the same or different (e.g., licensed, unlicensed) frequency bands as the macro cell. A small cell may provide unrestricted access to UEs 115 that subscribe to service with the network provider, or may provide restricted access to UEs 115 that have an association with the small cell (e.g., UEs 115 in a closed subscriber group (CSG), UEs 115 associated with users in their homes or offices). A base station 105 may support one or more cells and may also support communication on one or more cells using one or more component carriers.

[0030] In some examples, a carrier may support multiple cells, and different cells may be configured according to different protocol types (e.g., MTC, Narrowband IoT (NB-IoT), enhanced Mobile Broadband (eMBB)) that may provide access to different types of devices.

[0031] In some examples, the base stations 105 may be mobile and thus may provide communication coverage to moving geographic coverage areas 110. In some examples, different geographic coverage areas 110 associated with different technologies may overlap, but the different geographic coverage areas 110 may be supported by the same base station 105. In other examples, overlapping geographic coverage areas 110 associated with different technologies may be supported by different base stations 105. The wireless communication system 100 may include a heterogeneous network, for example, where different types of base stations 105 provide coverage to various geographic coverage areas 110 using the same or different radio access technologies.

[0032] The wireless communication system 100 may be configured to support ultra-reliable or low-latency communications, or various combinations thereof. For example, the wireless communication system 100 may be configured to support ultra-reliable low-latency communications (URLLC) or mission-critical communications. The UE 115 may be designed to support ultra-reliable, low-latency, or critical functionality (e.g., mission-critical functionality). Ultra-reliable communications may include private or group communications and may be supported by one or more mission-critical services, such as mission-critical push-to-talk (MCPTT), mission-critical video (MCVideo), or mission-critical data (MCData). Support for mission-critical functionality may include service prioritization, and the mission-critical services may be used for public safety or general commercial applications. The terms ultra-reliable, low-latency, mission-critical, and ultra-reliable low-latency may be used interchangeably herein.

[0033] In some examples, the UE 115 may also be able to communicate directly with other UEs 115 over a device-to-device (D2D) communication link 135 (e.g., using a peer-to-peer (P2P) protocol or a D2D protocol). One or more UEs 115 utilizing D2D communication may be within the geographic coverage area 110 of the base station 105. Other UEs 115 in such a group may be outside the geographic coverage area 110 of the base station 105 or may in some cases be unable to receive transmissions from the base station 105. In some examples, a group of UEs 115 communicating via D2D communication may utilize a one-to-many (1:M) system in which each UE 115 transmits to every other UE 115 in the group. In some examples, the base station 105 facilitates scheduling of resources for D2D communication. In other cases, D2D communication occurs between UEs 115 without the involvement of the base station 105.

[0034] In some systems, the D2D communication link 135 may be an example of a communication channel between vehicles (e.g., UE 115), such as a sidelink communication channel. In some examples, the vehicles may communicate using vehicle-to-everything (V2X) communication, vehicle-to-vehicle (V2V) communication, or some combination thereof. The vehicles may signal information related to traffic conditions, signal scheduling, weather, safety, emergencies, or any other information relevant to the V2X system. In some examples, the vehicles in the V2X system may communicate with roadside infrastructure, such as roadside units, and / or with a network via one or more network nodes (e.g., base stations 105) using vehicle-to-network (V2N) communication.

[0035] The core network 130 may provide user authentication, access authorization, tracking, Internet Protocol (IP) connectivity, and other access, routing, or mobility functions. The core network 130 may be an Evolved Packet Core (EPC) or 5G Core (5GC), which may include at least one control plane entity (e.g., a mobility management entity (MME), an access and mobility management function (AMF)) that manages access and mobility, and at least one user plane entity (e.g., a serving gateway (S-GW), a packet data network (PDN) gateway (P-GW), or a user plane function (UPF)) that routes packets or interconnects to external networks. The control plane entity may manage non-access stratum (NAS) functions, such as mobility, authentication, and bearer management, for UEs 115 served by base stations 105 associated with the core network 130. User IP packets may be forwarded through the user plane entity, which may provide IP address allocation and other functions. The user plane entities may be connected to one or more network operators' IP services 150. The IP services 150 may include access to the Internet, an intranet, an IP Multimedia Subsystem (IMS), or packet-switched streaming services.

[0036] Some of the network devices, such as the base station 105, may include sub-components such as an access network entity 140, which may be an example of an access node controller (ANC). Each access network entity 140 may communicate with the UE 115 through one or more other access network transmitting entities 145, which may be referred to as a radio head, a smart radio head, or a transmit / receive point (TRP). Each access network transmitting entity 145 may include one or more antenna panels. In some configurations, various functions of each access network entity 140 or base station 105 may be distributed across various network devices (e.g., radio heads and ANCs) or integrated into a single network device (e.g., the base station 105).

[0037] The wireless communication system 100 may operate using one or more frequency bands, typically in the range of 300 megahertz (MHz) to 300 gigahertz (GHz). The 300 MHz to 3 GHz region is commonly known as the ultra-high frequency (UHF) region or decimeter band because wavelengths range in length from approximately 1 decimeter to 1 meter. Although UHF waves may be blocked or redirected by buildings and environmental features, these waves can penetrate structures sufficiently for a macrocell to serve UEs 115 located indoors. Transmission of UHF waves may be associated with smaller antennas and shorter distances (e.g., less than 100 kilometers) compared to transmissions using lower frequencies and longer waves in the shortwave (HF) or very high frequency (VHF) portions of the spectrum below 300 MHz.

[0038] The wireless communication system 100 may utilize both licensed and unlicensed radio frequency spectrum bands. For example, the wireless communication system 100 may employ License Assisted Access (LAA), LTE-Unlicensed (LTE-U), or NR technology in an unlicensed band, such as the 5 GHz Industrial, Scientific, and Medical (ISM) band. When operating in an unlicensed radio frequency spectrum band, devices such as the base station 105 and the UE 115 may employ carrier sensing for collision detection and avoidance. In some examples, operation in an unlicensed band may be based on a carrier aggregation configuration in conjunction with component carriers operating in a licensed band (e.g., LAA). Operation in an unlicensed spectrum may include downlink transmissions, uplink transmissions, P2P transmissions, or D2D transmissions, among other examples.

[0039] The base station 105 or the UE 115 may be equipped with multiple antennas that can be used to employ techniques such as transmit diversity, receive diversity, multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO) communications, or beamforming. The antennas of the base station 105 or the UE 115 may be located in one or more antenna arrays or antenna panels that can support MIMO operation or transmit or receive beamforming. For example, one or more base station antennas or antenna arrays may be co-located in an antenna assembly such as an antenna tower. In some examples, antennas or antenna arrays associated with the base station 105 may be located in diverse geographic locations. The base station 105 may have an antenna array with several rows and columns of antenna ports that the base station 105 may use to support beamforming of communications with the UE 115. Similarly, the UE 115 may have one or more antenna arrays that can support various MIMO or beamforming operations. Additionally or alternatively, the antenna panel may support radio frequency beamforming for signals transmitted through the antenna ports.

[0040] A base station 105 or a UE 115 may use MIMO communications to exploit multipath signal propagation and increase spectral efficiency by transmitting or receiving multiple signals via different spatial layers. Such techniques are sometimes referred to as spatial multiplexing. Multiple signals may be transmitted by a transmitting device via different antennas or different combinations of antennas, for example. Similarly, multiple signals may be received by a receiving device via different antennas or different combinations of antennas. Each of the multiple signals may be referred to as a separate spatial stream and may carry bits associated with the same data stream (e.g., the same codeword) or different data streams (e.g., different codewords). Different spatial layers may be associated with different antenna ports used for channel measurement and reporting. MIMO techniques include single-user MIMO (SU-MIMO), in which multiple spatial layers are transmitted to the same receiving device, and multi-user MIMO (MU-MIMO), in which multiple spatial layers are transmitted to multiple devices.

[0041] Beamforming, sometimes referred to as spatial filtering, directional transmission, or directional reception, is a signal processing technique that may be used at a transmitting or receiving device (e.g., base station 105, UE 115) to shape or steer an antenna beam (e.g., transmit beam, receive beam) along a spatial path between the transmitting and receiving devices. Beamforming may be achieved by combining signals communicated through antenna elements of an antenna array such that some signals propagating at a particular orientation relative to the antenna array experience constructive interference and other signals experience destructive interference. Adjusting signals communicated through antenna elements may include the transmitting or receiving device applying an amplitude offset, a phase offset, or both to signals carried through antenna elements associated with the device. The adjustment associated with each of the antenna elements may be defined by a beamforming weight set associated with a particular orientation (e.g., relative to the antenna array of the transmitting or receiving device or to some other orientation).

[0042] The base station 105 or the UE 115 may use beam sweeping techniques as part of a beamforming operation. For example, the base station 105 may use multiple antennas or antenna arrays (e.g., antenna panels) to perform a beamforming operation for directional communication with the UE 115. Some signals (e.g., synchronization signals, reference signals, beam selection signals, or other control signals) may be transmitted multiple times by the base station 105 in different directions. For example, the base station 105 may transmit signals according to different beamforming weight sets associated with different directions of transmission. The transmissions in different beam directions may be used (e.g., by a transmitting device such as the base station 105 or by a receiving device such as the UE 115) to identify beam directions for subsequent transmission or reception by the base station 105.

[0043] Some signals, such as data signals associated with a particular receiving device, may be transmitted by the base station 105 in a single beam direction (e.g., a direction associated with a receiving device such as the UE 115). In some examples, the beam direction associated with a transmission along a single beam direction may be determined based on signals transmitted in one or more beam directions. For example, the UE 115 may receive one or more of the signals transmitted by the base station 105 in different directions and may report to the base station 105 an indication of the signal that the UE 115 received with the highest signal quality or otherwise acceptable signal quality.

[0044] In some examples, transmission by a device (e.g., by the base station 105 or the UE 115) may be performed using multiple beam directions, and the device may use a combination of digital precoding or radio frequency beamforming to generate a combined beam for transmission (e.g., from the base station 105 to the UE 115). The UE 115 may report feedback indicating precoding weights for one or more beam directions, where the feedback may correspond to a configured number of beams across the system bandwidth or one or more subbands. The base station 105 may transmit a reference signal (e.g., a cell-specific reference signal (CRS), a channel state information reference signal (CSI-RS)) that may be precoded or ampliconed. The UE 115 may provide feedback for beam selection, which may be a precoding matrix indicator (PMI) or codebook-based feedback (e.g., a multi-panel type codebook, a linear combination type codebook, a port selection type codebook). Although these techniques are described with reference to signals transmitted by the base station 105 in one or more directions, the UE 115 may employ similar techniques to transmit a signal multiple times in different directions (e.g., to identify a beam direction for subsequent transmission or reception by the UE 115) or to transmit a signal in a single direction (e.g., to transmit data to a receiving device).

[0045] A receiving device (e.g., UE 115) may attempt multiple receive configurations (e.g., directional listening) when receiving various signals, such as synchronization signals, reference signals, beam selection signals, or other control signals, from the base station 105. For example, the receiving device may attempt multiple receive directions by receiving via different antenna subarrays, by processing received signals according to different antenna subarrays, by receiving according to different receive beamforming weight sets (e.g., different directional listening weight sets) applied to signals received at multiple antenna elements of the antenna array, or by processing received signals according to different receive beamforming weight sets applied to signals received at multiple antenna elements of the antenna array, any of which may be referred to as “listening” with different receive configurations or receive directions. In some examples, the receiving device may use a single receive configuration to receive along a single beam direction (e.g., when receiving a data signal). The single receive configuration may be aligned to a beam direction determined based on listening with different receive configuration directions (e.g., a beam direction determined to have the highest signal strength, highest signal-to-noise ratio (SNR), or otherwise acceptable signal quality based on listening with multiple beam directions).

[0046] The wireless communication system 100 may be a packet-based network operating according to a layered protocol stack. In the user plane, communications at the bearer or Packet Data Convergence Protocol (PDCP) layer may be IP-based. The Radio Link Control (RLC) layer may perform packet segmentation and reassembly to communicate on logical channels. The Medium Access Control (MAC) layer may perform priority handling and multiplexing of logical channels onto transport channels. The MAC layer may also use error detection, error correction, or both to support retransmissions at the MAC layer and improve link efficiency. In the control plane, the Radio Resource Control (RRC) protocol layer may establish, configure, and maintain RRC connections between the UE 115 and the base station 105 or core network 130, which support radio bearers for user plane data. In the physical layer, transport channels may be mapped to physical channels.

[0047] The UE 115 and the base station 105 may support retransmission of data to increase the likelihood of successful reception of the data. Hybrid automatic repeat request (HARQ) feedback is one technique for increasing the likelihood that data will be correctly received over the communication link 125. HARQ may include a combination of error detection (e.g., using a cyclic redundancy check (CRC)), forward error correction (FEC), and retransmission (e.g., automatic repeat request (ARQ)). HARQ may improve throughput at the MAC layer in poor radio conditions (e.g., low signal-to-noise conditions). In some examples, a device may support same-slot HARQ feedback, in which the device may provide HARQ feedback in a particular slot for data received in a previous symbol within that slot. In other cases, the device may provide HARQ feedback in a subsequent slot or according to some other time interval.

[0048] In some aspects, the UE 115 and base station 105 of the wireless communication system 100 may support techniques for managing SRS antenna switching concurrency. In particular, the UE 115 of the wireless communication system 100 may be configured to determine whether the SRS should be transmitted using the maximum SRS antenna switching capability supported by the UE 115 or using reduced SRS antenna switching capability. In some cases, while operating in an Evolved UMTS (Universal Mobile Telecommunications Service) Terrestrial Radio Access Network (E-UTRAN) New Radio Dual Connectivity (ENDC) mode of operation, the UE 115 may be configured to determine whether the SRS should be transmitted using the maximum antenna switching capability or using reduced antenna switching capability based on the relative priority of LTE and NR communications (e.g., based on the relative priority of a first (LTE) network connection and a second (NR) network connection). According to some implementations, the UE 115 may transmit the SRS using the maximum SRS antenna switching capability when the NR network connection is prioritized over the LTE network connection. Conversely, according to some implementations, the UE 115 may transmit SRS with reduced SRS antenna switching capabilities when an LTE network connection is prioritized over an NR network connection.

[0049] In some aspects, the UE 115 may be configured to determine the relative priority of the LTE network connection and the NR network connection based on one or more characteristics or parameters associated with each of the respective network connections. Parameters associated with the network connections that may be used to determine the relative priority of the network connections may include, but are not limited to, an antenna switching diversity (ASDIV) configuration implemented by the UE 115, a prioritization rule or policy, a type of call (e.g., high priority call) being performed on the respective network connection, uplink and / or downlink activity on the respective network connection, an uplink / downlink granted rate on the respective network connection, an SNR of the respective network connection, a power headroom (PHR) metric of the respective network connection, an amount of failed messages (e.g., RACH Msg 1, RACH Msg 3, scheduling requests) associated with the respective network connection, or any combination thereof.

[0050] The techniques described herein may enable improved SRS transmission in the context of a UE 115 operating in an ENDC mode of operation. In particular, the techniques described herein may enable a UE 115 to determine the relative prioritization of LTE and NR network connections, which may be used to determine the SRS antenna switching capabilities over which the SRS should be transmitted. By adjusting the SRS antenna switching capabilities based on the relative priorities of the network connections, the techniques described herein may improve the efficiency of SRS transmission while reducing or eliminating interruptions in LTE communications due to SRS transmission.

[0051] 2 shows a block diagram of a design 200 of a base station 205 and a UE 215, which may be one of the base stations and one of the UEs in FIG. 1. Base station 205 may be equipped with T antennas 234-1 through 234-t, and UE 215 may be equipped with R antennas 252-1 through 252-r, where in general T≧1 and R≧1.

[0052] At the base station 205, the transmit processor 220 may receive data for one or more UEs from a data source 212, select one or more modulation and coding schemes (MCSs) for each UE based at least in part on a channel quality indicator (CQI) received from the UE, process (e.g., encode and modulate) the data for each UE based at least in part on the MCS selected for the UE, and provide data symbols to all UEs. The transmit processor 220 may also process system information (e.g., for semi-static resource partitioning information (SRPI), etc.) and control information (e.g., CQI requests, grants, upper layer signaling, etc.) and provide overhead symbols and control symbols. The transmit processor 220 may also generate reference symbols for reference signals (e.g., cell-specific reference signals (CRSs)) and synchronization signals (e.g., primary synchronization signals (PSSs) and secondary synchronization signals (SSSs)). The transmit (TX) multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO) processor 230 may perform spatial processing (e.g., precoding) on ​​the data symbols, control symbols, overhead symbols, and / or reference symbols, if applicable, and may provide T output symbol streams to T modulators (MODs) 232-1 through 232-t. Each modulator 232 may process a respective output symbol stream (e.g., for OFDM, etc.) to obtain an output sample stream. Each modulator 232 may further process (e.g., convert to analog, amplify, filter, and upconvert) the output sample stream to obtain a downlink signal. The T downlink signals from modulators 232-1 through 232-t may be transmitted via T antennas 234-1 through 234-t, respectively. According to various aspects described in more detail below, synchronization signals may be generated using location coding to convey additional information.

[0053] At UE 215, antennas 252-1 through 252-r may receive downlink signals from base station 205 and / or other base stations and may provide received signals to demodulators (DEMODs) 254-1 through 254-r, respectively. Each demodulator 254 may condition (e.g., filter, amplify, downconvert, and digitize) the received signal to obtain input samples. Each demodulator 254 may further process the input samples (e.g., for OFDM, etc.) to obtain received symbols. A MIMO detector 256 may obtain received symbols from all R demodulators 254-1 through 254-r, perform MIMO detection on the received symbols, if applicable, and provide detected symbols. A receive processor 258 may process (e.g., demodulate and decode) the detected symbols and provide decoded data for UE 215 to a data sink 260 and decoded control and system information to controller / processor 280. The channel processor may determine a reference signal received power (RSRP), a received signal strength indicator (RSSI), a reference signal received quality (RSRQ), a CQI, etc. In some aspects, one or more components of the UE 215 may be included in a housing.

[0054] On the uplink, at the UE 215, a transmit processor 264 may receive and process data from a data source 262 and control information from a controller / processor 280 (e.g., for reports including RSRP, RSSI, RSRQ, CQI, etc.). The transmit processor 264 may also generate reference symbols for one or more reference signals. The symbols from the transmit processor 264 may be precoded by a TX MIMO processor 266, further processed by modulators 254-1 through 254-r (e.g., for DFT-s-OFDM, CP-OFDM, etc.), and transmitted to the base station 205. At the base station 205, uplink signals from the UE 215 and other UEs may be received by antennas 234, processed by a demodulator 254, detected by a MIMO detector 236, if applicable, and further processed by a receive processor 238 to obtain decoded data and control information sent by the UE 215. The receive processor 238 may provide the decoded data to a data sink 239 and the decoded control information to the controller / processor 240. The base station 205 may include a communication unit 244 and may communicate with the network controller 225 via the communication unit 244. The network controller 225 may include a communication unit 294, a controller / processor 290, and a memory 292.

[0055] The controller / processor 240 of the base station 205, the controller / processor 280 of the UE 215, and / or any other components of FIG. 2 may perform one or more techniques associated with machine learning for nonlinearities, as described in more detail elsewhere. For example, the controller / processor 240 of the base station 205, the controller / processor 280 of the UE 215, and / or any other components of FIG. 2 may perform or direct the operations of, for example, the processes of FIGS. 10-12 and / or other processes described. The memories 242 and 282 may store data and program codes for the base station 205 and the UE 215, respectively. The scheduler 246 may schedule UEs for data transmission on the downlink and / or uplink.

[0056] In some aspects, the UE 215 may include means for advertising a maximum SRS antenna switching capability to a base station. The UE 215 may also include means for transmitting SRS to a base station via a reduced SRS antenna switching capability or a maximum SRS antenna switching capability. Such means may include one or more components of the UE 215 described with respect to FIG. 2.

[0057] As noted above, Figure 2 is given as an example only. Other examples may differ from those described with respect to Figure 2.

[0058] In some aspects, 5G NR SRS antenna switching is specified by 3GPP standard specifications and deployed by some operators for time division duplex (TDD) bands. In TDD, there is uplink / downlink channel reciprocity due to the downlink and uplink being on the same frequency channel. A UE may have multiple receive antennas. SRS antenna switching allows the UE to select one or more receive antennas for transmitting SRS. The SRS is transmitted from the UE to a base station (e.g., eNB / gNB) on the uplink. The SRS may improve downlink precoding for downlink MIMO enhancements.

[0059] The evolved Universal Mobile Telecommunications Service (UMTS) Terrestrial Radio Access Network (E-UTRAN) New Radio Dual Connectivity (ENDC) operating mode is one of the multi-radio access technology (RAT) dual connectivity (MR-DC) modes defined in the 3GPP standard. In the ENDC mode (e.g., dual connectivity mode), the LTE is the primary cell (PCell) (e.g., the master cell group (MCG)), and the NR is the primary secondary cell (PSCell) (e.g., the secondary cell group (SCG)). The LTE and NR may have multiple carriers, and therefore, each of the LTE and NR may be in a different cell group.

[0060] Various configurations may be specified for the ENDC mode. For example, in an NR system, such as an NR sub-6 GHz (NRsub6) system, NR SRS antenna switching may be performed across different UE antennas to transmit SRS on the uplink. Different NR SRS antenna switching configurations may be specified. For example, NR SRS antenna switching may have a 1T4R configuration (e.g., one transmit antenna selected from four receive antennas) or a 1T2R configuration (e.g., one transmit antenna selected from two receive antennas). An NR sub-6 GHz system with uplink MIMO may have a 2T4R configuration for SRS antenna switching. An LTE system may have a 1T4R or 1T2R configuration. In the ENDC mode, the radio frequency (RF) front end may share four, five, or six antennas between LTE and NR. An antenna cross switch may be shared between LTE and NR to transmit SRS.

[0061] A dual connectivity LTE+NR system may be configured as an FDD+TDD system, a TDD+TDD system (e.g., synchronous and asynchronous network topologies), an FDD+FDD system, or a TDD+FDD system. SRS antenna switching may be performed in LTE FDD and NR (FDD+TDD) systems. In this example, for NR, the UE may perform carrier-based SRS antenna switching, in which the UE performs downlink / uplink on an FDD PSCell and downlink only on an (NR) TDD SCell. Nevertheless, the UE may suspend the FDD PSCell downlink / uplink to switch to a TDD SCell and transmit SRS symbols on a TDD carrier to support TDD downlink MIMO precoding using the SRS transmitted on the uplink. The FDD PSCell downlink / uplink may be suspended via NR SRS antenna switching.

[0062] In LTE and NR uplink MIMO configurations, NR uplink MIMO is 2x2 (e.g., spatial multiplexing via two uplink antennas), and downlink MIMO is 4x4. For example, NR uplink / downlink MIMO SRS antenna switching capability may be 2T4R (e.g., LTE 1T4R and NR 2T4R, but 2T4R SRS over NR). For LTE carrier aggregation (CA) and NR CA ENDC configurations, LTE1 may be a PCell (1T4R), LTE2 may be a SCell (1T4R), NR1 may be a PSCell (2T4R SRS), and NR2 may be a SCell (1T4R SRS). That is, various antenna configurations may be used in different scenarios (e.g., MIMO, CA, etc.).

[0063] The SRS may be configured for periodic transmission (e.g., semi-static transmission). The periodic transmission may be configured via RRC signaling. The period of the SRS configuration may include 1, 2, 4, 5, 8, 10, 16, 20, 32, 40, 64, 80, 160, 320, 640, 1280, or 2560 slots. Alternatively, the SRS may be configured for aperiodic transmission (e.g., dynamic transmission) via a grant (e.g., DCI format 1_1 and DCI format 0_1). Furthermore, the SRS may be semi-persistently activated / deactivated via the MAC control element (MAC-CE).

[0064] For each ENDC band combination, the UE can be configured for SRS antenna switching via the supportedSRS-TxPortSwitch field in the 3GPP standard. The supportedSRS-TxPortSwitch field specifies whether the UE is configured for antenna switching and the types of switching supported. For example, the supportedSRS-TxPortSwitch field can be enumerated as follows: {t1r2, t1r4, t2r4, t1r4-t2r4, t1r1, t2r2, t4r4, notSupported} as specified in 3GPP TS 38.214, V15.5.0, Section 6.2.1.2.

[0065] The txSwitchImpactToRx field may indicate bands in the ENDC band combination that may have transmissions affected by an SRS antenna switch. The txSwitchImpactToRx field may be set with one or more integer values ​​to identify the bands. Additionally, the txSwitchWithAnotherBand field may indicate bands in the ENDC that may have receptions affected by an SRS antenna switch. The txSwitchWithAnotherBand field may be set with one or more integer values ​​to identify the bands.

[0066] In ENDC mode, LTE and NR uplink and downlink transmissions can be synchronous or asynchronous. Synchronous or asynchronous uplink and downlink transmissions can be configured in the standard. Table 1 provides an example of a standard section for configuring synchronous or asynchronous uplink and downlink transmissions for LTE and NR. Table 1 is specified in 3GPP TS 38.306 and 38.331. [Table 1]

[0067] Due to RF front-end antenna and cross-switch sharing, NR SRS antenna switching can affect LTE transmit (Tx) and / or receive (Rx) operations. LTE transmissions may be affected due to interruptions caused by NR SRS antenna switching. LTE transmission interruptions result in loss of ENDC uplink transmissions at the UE. Therefore, it is desirable to avoid LTE transmission interruptions to prevent loss of uplink transmissions.

[0068] In ENDC mode, RRC / Non-Access Stratum (NAS) control signaling may be supported via system resource block (SRB) 1 (SRB1), SRB2, or both on a dedicated control channel (e.g., logical channel) between the UE and the base station. Additionally, in ENDC mode, an SRB3 (e.g., SRB3) may be configured to transport NR RRC messages between the UE and the base station over the NR air interface (see 3GPP TS 36.331 Section 4.2.2). Nevertheless, SRB3 may not be supported on commercial networks. Therefore, for a UE operating in ENDC mode on a current commercial network, the UE may transmit control signals to the base station over the LTE / MCG link via SRB1 / SRB2. Maintaining reliability of control signal transmission is desirable.

[0069] For TDD synchronous LTE and NR dual connectivity configurations (e.g., TDD+TDD), LTE transmissions may be blanked or interrupted if NR SRS antenna switching causes NR transmissions to switch to (e.g., compete with) an LTE transmit / receive (Tx / Rx) antenna. In TDD+TDD mode, the UE may not support simultaneous LTE transmit / receive (Tx / Rx) in parallel with NR transmission. In this example, LTE reception is implied to be in parallel with NR reception because LTE reception cannot be in parallel with NR transmission. Parallel LTE and NR reception is indicated to the base station (e.g., eNB, gNB) via UE capability signaling referenced in the UE's RRC signaling.

[0070] For FDD+TDD LTE and NR dual connectivity configurations, both LTE transmission and LTE reception may be blanked or suspended when NR SRS antenna switching causes NR transmission to switch to the LTE transmit / receive (Tx / Rx) antenna. In LTE FDD, LTE transmission and LTE reception may operate in full-duplex mode.

[0071] In some aspects, a UE may be configured to prioritize one network connection over another based on one or more characteristics associated with the UE, characteristics associated with the network, characteristics associated with communications performed over the respective network connections, or any combination thereof. For example, when a high priority call (e.g., critical traffic), such as an emergency 911 call, a voice call, or a video telephony call, is being performed on a first network connection (e.g., an LTE network connection), the first network connection may be prioritized over a second network connection (e.g., an NR network connection) to reduce or prevent interruption of the high priority call. Similarly, when a higher priority call is being performed on the first NR network connection, the first NR network connection may be prioritized over a second NR network connection to reduce or prevent interruption of the high priority call.

[0072] In some aspects, LTE ACK / NACK bundling for LTE TDD HARQ feedback may generate a single ACK / NACK report based on the ACK / NACKs of assigned subframes within a set of associated subframes. Thus, interruptions in LTE bundled ACK / NACK report transmission may affect LTE performance and / or reliability.

[0073] In some cases, the UE selects a Tx antenna via the Tx ASDIV function. In particular, the Tx ASDIV may be configured to select the best Tx antenna. For example, when a user holds the UE, the Tx ASDIV function may select a Tx antenna that is not blocked by the user. In some aspects, in a dual connectivity mode (e.g., ENDC mode), when LTE and NR share an antenna and antenna cross switch, LTE may be prioritized to select a Tx antenna via the UE's Tx ASDIV function. Different LTE ASDIV configurations may affect LTE Tx / Rx interruptions due to NR SRS antenna switching.

[0074] On the other hand, reducing the number of antennas used for NR SRS switching can affect NR downlink performance due to the inability to sound on all possible NR Rx antenna ports. For example, if a UE's NR SRS capability is 1T4R, reducing it to 1T2R can reduce NR downlink throughput because the base station may receive sounding information on only two antennas instead of four. That is, although the UE is capable of transmitting SRS from one of four antennas, the UE may transmit SRS only on one of two antennas. Signaling a downgrade of the UE's SRS UE capability instructs the UE to declare a radio link failure and perform an attach / detach procedure to provide updated radio capabilities. Therefore, signaling the downgrade can be time-consuming and can degrade performance.

[0075] Aspects of the present disclosure are directed to reporting (e.g., advertising) a maximum NR SRS antenna switching capability while dynamically adjusting the NR SRS antenna switching capability. In some aspects, the maximum NR SRS antenna switching capability is the UE's antenna switching configuration for SRS antenna switching (mTnR, where m and n indicate the number of transmit and receive antennas). In some aspects, the maximum NR SRS antenna switching capability may refer to the antenna switching configuration for which the UE is configured (when performing NR SRS antenna switching). In other aspects, the maximum NR SRS antenna switching capability may refer to the maximum antenna switching configuration for which the UE may be configured. In one configuration, if NR SRS antenna switching interrupts LTE Tx based on a prioritization policy (e.g., a predefined prioritization policy), NR SRS antenna switching is performed at a reduced capability. That is, if NR SRS antenna switching causes some LTE Tx interruption (e.g., temporary loss of LTE Tx signal), NR SRS antenna switching capability may be reduced. In some cases, the base station may not be notified of the reduced capability. Aspects of the present disclosure are described with respect to an RF front-end design with an RF front-end or antenna shared between LTE and NR in dual connectivity mode (e.g., ENDC).

[0076] Additional aspects of the present disclosure are directed to prioritizing LTE Tx antennas or prioritizing NR SRS antenna switching capability based on prioritization criteria. Prioritizing LTE Tx antennas may allow a UE to select a preferred Tx antenna at the expense of reducing NR SRS antenna switching capability. For example, if LTE Tx is prioritized, the LTE Tx antenna will not be interrupted due to NR SRS antenna switching. In this example, the maximum NR SRS antenna switching capability may be 1T4R. NR SRS antennas may be masked to prevent conflict with LTE Tx antennas, thereby avoiding LTE Tx interruption / blanking. Masking one or more NR SRS antennas may reduce the effective NR SRS antenna switching to 1T3R, 1T2R, or 1T1R.

[0077] As described, the supportedSRS-TxPortSwitch field may be listed as {t1r2, t1r4, t2r4, t1r4-t2r4, t1r1, t2r2, t4r4, notSupported}. In some cases, t1r3 is not listed in the supportedSRS-TxPortSwitch field. Nevertheless, from the UE's perspective, if the UE signals T1R4 to the network via RRC signaling procedures, the UE may use a less capable NR SRS antenna switching configuration, such as T1R3, T1R2, or T1R1. This configuration may depend on the Tx antenna ASDIV antenna switching capability of the LTE Tx antenna. That is, when reducing the capability of the NR SRS antenna switching configuration, the UE may select a configuration not listed in the supportedSRS-TxPortSwitch field (e.g., T1R3). In addition, the UE may select the reduced configuration without notifying the base station (eg, the UE may autonomously select the reduced configuration).

[0078] Prioritizing NR SRS antenna switching capability allows NR SRS antenna switching to be performed at full capacity. For example, with 1T4R NR SRS antenna switching capability, NR SRS can switch across four antennas even if LTE Tx is blanked due to a shared cross switch / antenna.

[0079] In some aspects, prioritization between LTE and NR may be semi-statically determined based on call type. For example, if the call type is a high-priority call type, such as an IP Multimedia System (IMS) call (e.g., voice call, video telephony call), emergency call, E-911-type call, or other high-priority call type, LTE may be prioritized. In some aspects, when LTE is prioritized, LTE Tx may not be interrupted. Additionally, when LTE is prioritized, NR SRS antenna switching capability may be reduced below maximum capability. For example, 1T4R capability may be reduced to 1T3R or 1T2R. This prioritization protects data and control signaling sent on the LTE uplink when such a call type is initiated. Otherwise, NR SRS antenna switching may be prioritized to utilize maximum capacity. For example, if the NR SRS antenna switching maximum capability is 1T4R, the NR SRS may transmit SRS from all four antennas.

[0080] Exemplary pseudocode for prioritizing LTE based on high priority call type is as follows: IF LTE CALL_TYPE == {IMS, Emergency, E-911, VoLTE}, Prioritize LTE uplink Set NR SRS antenna switching to reduced capability (e.g., 1T4R -> 1T3R) ELSE Set NR SRS antenna switching to maximum capability (e.g., 1T4R) END Here, VoLTE stands for Voice over LTE.

[0081] In one configuration, the UE dynamically performs NR SRS antenna switching at reduced capacity based on the LTE ASDIV configuration and / or the LTE Tx timing relative to the NR SRS antenna switching timing. If a conflict is detected between the LTE Tx antenna and the NR SRS Tx antenna, the UE may sound (e.g., transmit) NR SRS on the non-conflicting antenna. That is, the NR SRS antenna switching capacity may be reduced to avoid the conflict. For example, when the UE detects a conflict between transmissions from the NR target SRS antenna and transmissions from the LTE target antenna, the NR SRS antenna switching capacity may be dynamically reduced from 1T4R to 1T3R. The conflict may be determined from the RF antenna cross-switch and antenna sharing topology.

[0082] In one configuration, NR SRS antenna switching capability reduction may be performed semi-statically based on LTE ASDIV functionality (e.g., ASDIV configuration). As shown in Figures 3 and 4A-4E, NR SRS antenna switching is shut off for one or more antennas selected as LTE Tx antennas by the ASDIV functionality (e.g., ASDIV configuration). In some aspects, the UE's NR L1 / MAC may perform NR SRS antenna switching at a reduced capability (e.g., 1 TxR instead of 1 T4R, where X<4). Additionally or alternatively, NR SRS antenna switching capability reduction may be performed dynamically based on LTE Tx antenna selection (e.g., ASDIV configuration) and / or LTE Tx subframe time opportunity (for LTE TDD).

[0083] As shown in Figure 3, the UE may be configured with four antennas (e.g., Ant 0 through Ant 3). Additionally, in the example of Figure 3, LTE is operating on band 3 (B3) and NR is operating on band 41 (N41). As shown in Figure 3, for ASDIV configuration 0, LTE transmission (B3 Tx) is designated for antenna 0 (Ant 0). Additionally, LTE may receive on antennas 0 through 3 (B3 Rx0 through B3 Rx3).

[0084] Further, for the example of FIG. 3, NR control information (e.g., PUCCH) is transmitted on antenna 3 (N41 Tx). SRS may be transmitted on the last set of symbols of the slot (e.g., the last six symbols). Based on a specified pattern, the UE may transmit the SRS via any one of antennas 0 through 3. The NR SRS Tx antenna may be selected by switching one or more gates 300-a through 300-f of the cross switch (XSW) box. As shown in FIG. 3, cross switch boxes (e.g., XSW 1 and XSW 2) are cascaded. For example, if the SRS is transmitted periodically, the SRS is transmitted from each antenna once at a certain time in each transmission period.

[0085] In this example, when SRS is transmitted via antenna 0, LTE Tx may be temporarily disconnected. That is, LTE B3 Tx or Rx0 on antenna 0 may be affected. In addition, LTE Rx2 may be affected by switching from the first gate 300-a to the third gate 300-c. Nevertheless, LTE Tx via antenna 0 is selected based on the ASDIV configuration. Therefore, LTE Tx may be prioritized over NR SRS Tx from antenna 0. Therefore, NR SRS may be reduced to transmission via only antennas 1 through 3.

[0086] 4A shows an example of blocking NR SRS Tx from Antenna 0 while an ASDIV configuration specifies LTE Tx via Antenna 0. In one configuration, the UE is aware of the ASDIV configuration prior to selecting Antenna 0 for NR SRS transmission. Thus, the UE does not transmit NR SRS from Antenna 0 while Antenna 0 is specified for LTE Tx.

[0087] FIG. 4B shows another example in which NR SRS Tx from antenna 0 is blocked while the ASDIV configuration specifies LTE Tx via antenna 0. In the case of reduced capacity, NR SRS can be transmitted only from antennas 1 through 3. In the case of full capacity, NR SRS can be transmitted from antennas 0 through 3.

[0088] Figure 4C shows an example of blocking NR SRS Tx from antenna 2 while the ASDIV configuration specifies LTE Tx via antenna 2. In the case of reduced capacity, NR SRS may be transmitted only from antennas 0, 1, and 3. In the case of maximum capacity, NR SRS may be transmitted from antennas 0 through 3.

[0089] Figure 4D shows an example of blocking NR SRS Tx from antenna 3 while the ASDIV configuration specifies LTE Tx via antenna 3. In the case of reduced capacity, NR SRS can be transmitted only from antennas 0 through 2. In the case of full capacity, NR SRS can be transmitted from antennas 0 through 3.

[0090] Figure 4E shows an example in which the ASDIV configuration blocks NR SRS Tx from antenna 1 while specifying LTE Tx via antenna 1. In the case of reduced capacity, NR SRS may be transmitted only from antennas 0, 2, and 3. In the case of maximum capacity, NR SRS may be transmitted from antennas 0 through 3.

[0091] In another aspect, NR SRS antenna switching capability reduction may be dynamically performed based on LTE Tx antenna selection (e.g., ASDIV configuration) and / or LTE Tx activity time opportunities (for LTE FDD). The activity time opportunities may be based on known Tx opportunities. The Tx opportunities may be determined from an activity periodicity type, such as Voice over LTE (VoLTE), whereby a priori known LTE Tx subframes are used for LTE VoLTE transmissions, and timing information may be provided to the UE's NR SRS controller in the modem (e.g., start / end times referencing a common, known timing source provided by the LTE controller to the NR L1 controller). In some aspects, the UE may prioritize a first or second network connection over other network connections based on timing conflicts between sets of transmission opportunities associated with calls running on the respective network connections. In particular, conflicts between calls with known transmission opportunities may be used to prioritize one network connection over another. For example, the UE may prioritize a first network connection over a second network connection based on a timing conflict between a first set of transmission opportunities associated with a first call performed on the first network connection and a second set of transmission opportunities associated with a second call performed on the second network connection. The calls performed on each network connection may include any calls known in the art, including, but not limited to, E-911 calls, IMS calls, VoIP calls, VoLTE calls, video telephony calls, etc.

[0092] As another example, the activity time opportunities may include known LTE ON / OFF opportunities, such as LTE connected mode discontinuous reception (CDRX)-ON / OFF periods. Such periods and timing information may be provided to the UE's NR SRS controller (e.g., LTE CDRX ON / OFF durations and periods, referencing a common, known timing source provided from LTE to the NR software module). In some aspects, the UE may be configured to prioritize one network connection over another based on timing conflicts between DRX procedures (e.g., CDRX procedures) associated with the respective network connections. For example, the UE may prioritize a first network connection over a second network connection based at least in part on a first DRX procedure associated with the first network connection and a second DRX procedure associated with the second network connection. In particular, the UE may prioritize a first network connection over a second network connection based at least in part on a timing conflict between a first ON duration of the first DRX procedure and a second ON duration of the second DRX procedure.

[0093] FIG. 5 shows an example of an LTE TDD config-2 DL / UL configuration using NR pattern 1. As shown in FIG. 5, the subframe pattern 500 of LTE config-2 includes six downlink subframes (e.g., D0, D3, D4, D5, D8, and D9), two special subframes (e.g., S1 and S6), and two uplink subframes (e.g., U2 and U7). FIG. 5 also shows a subframe configuration 502 of NR pattern 1. A 3 ms delay or a 2 ms subframe offset may synchronize the LTE TDD subframe pattern 500 and the NR subframe pattern 1 502 so that Tx / Rx is synchronized between LTE and NR.

[0094] In the example of Figure 5, the NR SRS 504 is transmitted in an NR uplink subframe 506 that overlaps with an LTE uplink subframe (SF) 508. According to aspects of the present disclosure, the UE determines whether to operate NR SRS antenna switching at full capacity or reduced capacity when SRS Tx from the NR uplink SF 506 overlaps with LTE Tx from the LTE uplink SF 508. In the example of Figure 5, NR SRS antenna switching occurs at a periodicity of 20 ms.

[0095] In aspects of the present disclosure, a UE dynamically adjusts NR SRS antenna switching capability based on LTE uplink activity. For example, if LTE uplink activity is greater than an uplink activity threshold for a certain period of time, LTE may be prioritized and NR SRS antenna switching capability may be reduced to avoid LTE Tx blanking. In some aspects, LTE uplink activity may be determined based on uplink subframe activity of a physical uplink shared channel (PUSCH) or a physical uplink control channel (PUCCH). For example, if one out of ten uplink subframes in a radio frame is associated with a PUCCH / PUSCH, the uplink activity may be determined to be 10% (e.g., 10% uplink activity). The uplink activity may be observed for a certain period of time, such as 500 ms or 1 second. In some aspects, an average uplink activity may be determined and compared to an uplink activity threshold. For example, if the threshold is 20% and the observed LTE uplink activity is 30% (e.g., the average uplink activity is greater than the uplink activity threshold), the LTE uplink may be prioritized and the NR SRS may be specified to operate at a reduced capacity. In some cases, the uplink activity threshold may be differentiated between when LTE TDD ACK / NACK bundling is supported in the network and when LTE TDD ACK / NACK bundling is not supported. For example, when ACK / NACK bundling is supported, a more conservative threshold may be specified (e.g., 10%), and when ACK / NACK bundling is not supported, a less conservative threshold may be specified (e.g., 25%).

[0096] By specifying an uplink activity threshold, the UE can detect when there is sufficient uplink LTE traffic, thereby ensuring avoidance of LTE uplink interruptions due to NR SRS antenna switching.

[0097] Example pseudocode for prioritizing LTE based on an uplink activity threshold may be as follows: IF LTE UL_Activity > Threshold Prioritize LTE uplink Set NR SRS antenna switching to reduced capability (e.g., 1T4R -> 1T3R) ELSE Set NR SRS antenna switching to maximum capability (e.g., 1T4R) END

[0098] In one configuration, the UE dynamically adjusts NR SRS antenna switching capability based on the LTE PDCCH grant rate. For example, if the LTE PDCCH downlink grant rate exceeds a downlink grant rate threshold (e.g., PDCCH downlink grant rate > downlink grant rate threshold), NR SRS antenna switching capability is reduced. Otherwise, NR SRS antenna switching operates at full capacity. Additionally or alternatively, if the LTE PDCCH uplink grant rate exceeds an uplink grant rate threshold (e.g., PDCCH uplink grant rate > uplink grant rate threshold), NR SRS antenna switching capability is reduced. Otherwise, NR SRS antenna switching operates at full capacity. The downlink grant rate threshold may be the same as or different from the uplink grant rate threshold.

[0099] In one configuration, when LTE traffic exceeds a threshold, the NR SRS operates at reduced capacity. The NR SRS operates at reduced capacity until LTE traffic falls below the threshold. This process takes into account several network policies that direct data traffic to the NR RAT if the device supports NR, while preserving LTE network capacity for legacy devices that do not support the NR RAT.

[0100] Example pseudocode for prioritizing LTE based on the PDCCH granted rate for LTE may be as follows: IF LTE PDCCH_DL_GrantRate > Threshold1 Prioritize LTE uplink Set NR SRS antenna switching to reduced capability (e.g., 1T4R -> 1T3R) ELSE IF LTE PDCCH_UL_GrantRate > Threshold2 Prioritize LTE uplink Set NR SRS antenna switching to reduced capability (e.g., 1T4R -> 1T3R) ELSE Set NR SRS antenna switching to maximum capability (e.g., 1T4R) END

[0101] In one configuration, the UE dynamically adjusts the NR SRS antenna switching capability based on the LTE PDCCH grant rate and SNR and / or the uplink PHR. For example, if the LTE PDCCH downlink grant rate exceeds the downlink grant rate threshold (e.g., PDCCH downlink grant rate > downlink grant rate threshold) and the LTE SNR is less than the SNR threshold (e.g., SNR < SNR threshold), the NR SRS antenna switching capability can be reduced. Otherwise, the NR SRS antenna switching can operate at maximum capacity. Additionally or alternatively, if the LTE PDCCH uplink grant rate exceeds the uplink grant rate threshold (e.g., PDCCH uplink grant rate > uplink grant rate threshold) and the LTE PHR is less than the PHR threshold (e.g., PHR < PHR threshold), the NR SRS antenna switching capability can be reduced. Otherwise, the NR SRS antenna switching can operate at maximum capacity. The downlink grant rate threshold, uplink grant rate threshold, SNR threshold, and PHR threshold may be the same as or different from each other.

[0102] As described, if the LTE downlink grant rate is high (e.g., greater than the downlink grant rate threshold) and the LTE SNR is low (e.g., less than the SNR threshold), the NR SRS antenna switching capability can be reduced. Additionally, when the LTE uplink grant rate is high (e.g., greater than the uplink grant rate threshold) and the LTE PHR is low (e.g., less than the PHR threshold), the NR SRS antenna switching capability can be reduced.

[0103] Exemplary pseudo-code for prioritizing LTE based on the LTE PDCCH grant rate and one of the SNR or PHR can be as follows. IF (LTE PDCCH_DL_GrantRate > Threshold1) AND (LTE_SNR < Threshold3) Prioritize the LTE uplink Set NR SRS antenna switching to reduced capability (e.g., 1T4R -> 1T3R) ELSE IF (LTE PDCCH_UL_GrantRate > Threshold2) AND (LTE_PHR < Threshold4) Prioritize LTE uplink Set NR SRS antenna switching to reduced capability (e.g., 1T4R -> 1T3R) ELSE Set NR SRS antenna switching to maximum capability (e.g., 1T4R) END

[0104] In one configuration, the UE dynamically adjusts NR SRS antenna switching capability based on LTE counts of random access channel (RACH) Msg-1 failures, RACH Msg-3 failures, and / or scheduling request (SR) failures. For example, if RACH Msg-1 failures are greater than a first threshold, RACH Msg-3 failures are greater than a second threshold, SR failures are greater than a third threshold, or any combination thereof, NR SRS antenna switching capability is reduced. Otherwise, NR SRS antenna switching operates at full capacity. The threshold may be a failure count value. The first threshold, second threshold, and third threshold may be the same as or different from each other.

[0105] High-priority messages, such as RACH messages and scheduling requests, specify a reliable uplink channel. Failure to transmit one or more of these messages can result in a radio link failure. In the case of a dual connectivity mode (e.g., ENDC), a radio link failure results in both an LTE radio link failure and an NR radio link failure. Therefore, it is desirable to reduce the NR SRS antenna switching capability to provide a reliable uplink channel for high-priority messages.

[0106] Example pseudocode for prioritizing LTE based on RACH procedure and scheduling request may be as follows: IF (RACH Msg_1_fail_count > Threshold1) OR (RACH Msg_3_fail_count > Threshold2) OR (SR_fail_count > Threshold3) Prioritize LTE uplink Set NR SRS antenna switching to reduced capability (e.g., 1T4R -> 1T3R) ELSE Set NR SRS antenna switching to maximum capability (e.g., 1T4R) END

[0107] As noted above, Figures 3-5 are given as examples. Other examples may differ from those described with respect to Figures 3-5.

[0108] 6 shows a block diagram 600 of a device 605 supporting a method for managing 5G NR SRS antenna switching concurrency in an ENDC according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. The device 605 may be an example of an embodiment of a UE 115 as described herein. The device 605 may include a receiver 610, a communications manager 615, and a transmitter 620. The device 605 may also include a processor. Each of these components may be in communication with each other (e.g., via one or more buses).

[0109] The receiver 610 may receive information such as packets, user data, or control information associated with various information channels (e.g., information regarding a control channel, a data channel, and a method for managing 5G NR SRS antenna switching concurrency in the ENDC, etc.). The information may be passed to other components of the device 605. The receiver 610 may be an example of an aspect of the transceiver 920 described with reference to FIG. 9. The receiver 610 may utilize a single antenna or a set of antennas.

[0110] The communications manager 615 may report the maximum SRS antenna switching capability to the base station and transmit the SRS to the base station via the reduced SRS antenna switching capability. The communications manager 615 may be an example of an aspect of the communications manager 910 described herein.

[0111] Communications manager 615, or a subcomponent thereof, may be implemented in hardware, code executed by a processor (e.g., software or firmware), or any combination thereof. If implemented in code executed by a processor, the functions of communications manager 615, or a subcomponent thereof, may be performed by a general-purpose processor, a digital signal processor (DSP), an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a field-programmable gate array (FPGA) or other programmable logic device, discrete gate or transistor logic, discrete hardware components, or any combination thereof designed to perform the functions described in this disclosure.

[0112] The communications manager 615 or its subcomponents may be physically located in various locations, including being distributed such that portions of the functionality are implemented by one or more physical components at different physical locations. In some examples, the communications manager 615 or its subcomponents may be separate and distinct components according to various aspects of the present disclosure. In some examples, the communications manager 615 or its subcomponents may be combined with one or more other hardware components, including, but not limited to, an input / output (I / O) component, a transceiver, a network server, another computing device, one or more other components described in this disclosure, or combinations thereof according to various aspects of the present disclosure.

[0113] The transmitter 620 may transmit signals generated by other components of the device 605. In some examples, the transmitter 620 may be co-located with the receiver 610 in a transceiver module. For example, the transmitter 620 may be an example of an aspect of the transceiver 920 described with reference to FIG. 9. The transmitter 620 may utilize a single antenna or a set of antennas.

[0114] 7 shows a block diagram 700 of a device 705 supporting a method for managing 5G NR SRS antenna switching concurrency in an ENDC according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. The device 705 may be an example of an embodiment of a device 605 or a UE 115 as described herein. The device 705 may include a receiver 710, a communications manager 715, and a transmitter 730. The device 705 may also include a processor. Each of these components may be in communication with each other (e.g., via one or more buses).

[0115] The receiver 710 may receive information such as packets, user data, or control information associated with various information channels (e.g., information regarding a control channel, a data channel, and a method for managing 5G NR SRS antenna switching concurrency in the ENDC, etc.). The information may be passed to other components of the device 705. The receiver 710 may be an example of an aspect of the transceiver 920 described with reference to FIG. 9. The receiver 710 may utilize a single antenna or a set of antennas.

[0116] Communications manager 715 may be an example of an aspect of communications manager 615 as described herein. Communications manager 715 may include a UE capabilities reporting manager 720 and an SRS transmission manager 725. Communications manager 715 may be an example of an aspect of communications manager 910 as described herein.

[0117] The UE capability reporting manager 720 may report the maximum SRS antenna switching capability to the base station.

[0118] The SRS transmission manager 725 may transmit the SRS to the base station via reduced SRS antenna switching capabilities.

[0119] The transmitter 730 may transmit signals generated by other components of the device 705. In some examples, the transmitter 730 may be co-located with the receiver 710 in a transceiver module. For example, the transmitter 730 may be an example of an aspect of the transceiver 920 described with reference to FIG. 9. The transmitter 730 may utilize a single antenna or a set of antennas.

[0120] 8 shows a block diagram 800 of a communications manager 805 supporting a method for managing 5G NR SRS antenna switching concurrency in an ENDC according to an aspect of the present disclosure. Communications manager 805 may be an example of an aspect of communications manager 615, communications manager 715, or communications manager 910 described herein. Communications manager 805 may include a UE capabilities reporting manager 810, an SRS transmission manager 815, and a prioritization manager 820. Each of these modules may communicate directly or indirectly with each other (e.g., via one or more buses).

[0121] The UE capability reporting manager 810 may report the maximum SRS antenna switching capability to the base station.

[0122] The SRS transmission manager 815 may transmit the SRS to the base station via reduced SRS antenna switching capability. In some examples, the SRS transmission manager 815 may transmit the SRS via reduced SRS antenna switching capability when a first network connection takes priority over a second network connection. In some examples, the SRS transmission manager 815 may transmit at least one additional SRS via maximum SRS antenna switching capability when the second network connection takes priority over the first network connection. In some examples, reducing the SRS antenna switching capability includes masking at least one NR SRS antenna.

[0123] The prioritization manager 820 may prioritize a first network connection over a second network connection when the first network connection includes a high priority call type or when the uplink activity of the first network connection is greater than a threshold.

[0124] In some examples, the prioritization manager 820 may prioritize a first network connection over a second network connection when the control channel downlink grant rate of the first network connection is greater than a first threshold or when the control channel uplink grant rate of the first network connection is greater than a second threshold.

[0125] In some examples, the prioritization manager 820 may prioritize a first network connection over a second network connection when the control channel downlink grant rate of the first network connection is greater than a first threshold and the signal-to-noise ratio of the first network connection is less than a third threshold, or when the control channel uplink grant rate of the first network connection is greater than a second threshold and the power headroom of the first network connection is less than a fourth threshold.

[0126] In some examples, the prioritization manager 820 may prioritize a first network connection over a second network connection when the random access message 1 failure count of the first network connection is greater than a first threshold, when the random access message 3 failure count of the first network connection is greater than a second threshold, or when the scheduling request failure count of the first network connection is greater than a third threshold.

[0127] In some examples, the prioritization manager 820 may prioritize a first network connection over a second network connection based on a transmit antenna selected by a transmit antenna switching diversity function for the first network connection, a timing conflict between the first network connection and the second network connection, or a combination thereof.

[0128] In some examples, the prioritization manager 820 may semi-statically prioritize a first network connection over a second network connection based on the transmit antenna selected by a transmit antenna switching diversity function.

[0129] In some examples, the prioritization manager 820 may dynamically prioritize the first network connection over the second network connection based on the transmit antenna selected by the transmit antenna switching diversity function and one of the subframe timing of the first network connection or the activity timing of the first network connection. The activity timing may be associated with FDD communication for the first network connection. For example, the activity timing may be based on a set of known transmission opportunities for periodic communication (e.g., VoLTE) with known Tx subframes for transmission. In such cases, the activity timing information may be provided to the SRS controller of the UE (e.g., start / end times of transmissions referencing a common, known timing source). Additionally or alternatively, the activity timing may be based on known on / off opportunities for communication performed on the first network connection (e.g., LTE CDRS on / off periodicity configured for LTE CDRX mode). In such cases, the periodicity and timing information (e.g., activity timing) may be provided to the SRS controller of the UE (e.g., CDRX on / off durations and periodicity for LTE communication may refer to a common, known timing).

[0130] In some examples, when the first network connection includes critical traffic or critical control signaling, the first network connection is prioritized over the second network connection. In some aspects, the terms "critical traffic" or "critical control signaling" may refer to the relative priority of traffic and control signaling and may be based on the type of traffic / control signaling. For example, emergency calls (e.g., E911-type calls), IMS-type calls (e.g., voice calls, video telephony calls) may have higher priority than other types of calls and may be referred to as critical traffic.

[0131] In some cases, the first network connection includes an LTE connection and the second network connection includes a 5G NR connection, and in other cases, the first network connection includes a first 5G NR connection and the second network connection includes a second 5G NR connection.

[0132] 9 shows a diagram of a system 900 including a device 905 supporting a method for managing 5G NR SRS antenna switching concurrency in an ENDC according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. The device 905 may be an example of or may include components of a device 605, a device 705, or a UE 115 as described herein. The device 905 may include components for two-way voice and data communication, including components for transmitting and receiving communications, including a communications manager 910, an I / O controller 915, a transceiver 920, an antenna 925, a memory 930, and a processor 940. These components may be in electronic communication via one or more buses (e.g., bus 945).

[0133] The communications manager 910 may report the maximum SRS antenna switching capability to the base station and transmit the SRS to the base station via the reduced SRS antenna switching capability.

[0134] The I / O controller 915 may manage input and output signals for the device 905. The I / O controller 915 may also manage peripheral devices not integrated into the device 905. In some cases, the I / O controller 915 may represent a physical connection or port to an external peripheral device. In some cases, the I / O controller 915 may utilize an operating system such as iOS®, ANDROID®, MS-DOS®, MS-WINDOWS®, OS / 2®, UNIX®, LINUX®, or another known operating system. In other cases, the I / O controller 915 may represent or interact with a modem, keyboard, mouse, touchscreen, or similar device. In some cases, the I / O controller 915 may be implemented as part of the processor. In some cases, a user may interact with the device 905 through the I / O controller 915 or through hardware components controlled by the I / O controller 915.

[0135] The transceiver 920 may communicate bidirectionally via one or more antennas, wired links, or wireless links, as described above. For example, the transceiver 920 may represent a wireless transceiver and may communicate bidirectionally with another wireless transceiver. The transceiver 920 may also include a modem for modulating packets and providing the modulated packets to an antenna for transmission, and for demodulating packets received from the antenna.

[0136] In some cases, a wireless device may include a single antenna 925. However, in some cases, the device may have two or more antennas 925 that may be capable of simultaneously transmitting or receiving multiple wireless transmissions.

[0137] The memory 930 may include random access memory (RAM) and read-only memory (ROM). The memory 930 may store computer-readable computer-executable code 935, which includes instructions that, when executed, cause the processor to perform various functions described herein. In some cases, the memory 930 may include a basic I / O system (BIOS), which may control basic hardware or software operations, such as interaction with peripheral components or devices, among other things.

[0138] Processor 940 may include an intelligent hardware device (e.g., a general-purpose processor, a DSP, a central processing unit (CPU), a microcontroller, an ASIC, an FPGA, a programmable logic device, discrete gate or transistor logic components, discrete hardware components, or any combination thereof). In some cases, processor 940 may be configured to operate a memory array using a memory controller. In other cases, the memory controller may be integrated into processor 940. Processor 940 may be configured to execute computer-readable instructions stored in a memory (e.g., memory 930) to cause device 905 to perform various functions (e.g., functions or tasks supporting a method for managing 5G NR SRS antenna switching concurrency in an ENDC).

[0139] The code 935 may include instructions for implementing aspects of the present disclosure, including instructions for supporting wireless communication. The code 935 may be stored in a non-transitory computer-readable medium, such as system memory or other type of memory. In some cases, the code 935 may not be directly executable by the processor 940, but may (e.g., when compiled and executed) cause a computer to perform functions described herein.

[0140] FIG. 10 shows a flowchart illustrating a method 1000 supporting a method for managing 5G NR SRS antenna switching concurrency in an ENDC according to an aspect of the present disclosure. The operations of method 1000 may be implemented by a UE 115 or components thereof as described herein. For example, the operations of method 1000 may be performed by a communications manager as described with reference to FIGS. 6-9. In some examples, the UE may execute a set of instructions to control functional elements of the UE to perform functions described below. Additionally or alternatively, the UE may perform aspects of the functions described below using dedicated hardware.

[0141] 10 illustrates an example process 1000, performed by, for example, a UE, according to various aspects of the present disclosure. The method operations may be implemented by the UE 215 or components thereof as described herein with reference to FIG. 2. In some examples, the UE 215 may execute a set of codes for controlling functional elements of the device to perform functions described below. The example process 1000 is one example of adjusting NR SRS antenna switching capabilities.

[0142] At 1005, the UE may report (e.g., advertise) a first SRS antenna switching capability (e.g., a maximum SRS antenna switching capability) to the base station. In one aspect, the UE advertises the maximum SRS antenna switching capability via a supportedSRS-TxPortSwitch field. The operations of 1005 may be performed in accordance with methods described herein. In some examples, aspects of the operations of 1005 may be performed by a UE capabilities reporting manager such as those described with reference to FIGS. 6-9.

[0143] At 1010, the UE may transmit an SRS to the base station via a second SRS antenna switching capability when the first network connection has priority over the second network connection, where the second SRS antenna switching capability is reduced relative to the first SRS antenna switching capability. The UE may transmit the SRS to the base station via the reduced SRS antenna switching capability or the maximum SRS antenna switching capability. The SRS may be transmitted via the reduced SRS antenna switching capability when the first network connection has priority over the second network connection, or via the maximum SRS antenna switching capability when the second network connection has priority over the first network connection. The operations of 1010 may be performed according to methods described herein. In some examples, aspects of the operations of 1010 may be performed by an SRS transmission manager such as those described with reference to FIGS. 6-9.

[0144] In one configuration, the first network connection is prioritized over the second network connection based on prioritization criteria, which may include call type, downlink throughput, uplink throughput, message failure rate, and / or other criteria. In one configuration, the first network connection is prioritized over the second network connection based on a transmit antenna selected by a transmit antenna switching diversity function for the first network connection and / or timing conflicts between the first and second network connections.

[0145] As described with respect to Figure 3, the transmit antenna switching diversity function (ASDIV) can affect receive antennas. That is, some receive antennas may be interrupted (e.g., affected) due to SRS antenna switching performed in response to the transmit antenna selected by the ASDIV function and the antenna cross switch hardware configuration. For example, a 3x3 cross switch has a different impact on receive antenna remapping due to the Tx ASDIV function compared to the remapping impact of a 4x4 cross switch.

[0146] FIG. 11 shows a flowchart illustrating a method 1100 supporting a method for managing 5G NR SRS antenna switching concurrency in an ENDC according to an aspect of the present disclosure. The operations of method 1100 may be implemented by a UE 115 or components thereof as described herein. For example, the operations of method 1100 may be performed by a communications manager as described with reference to FIGS. 6-9. In some examples, the UE may execute a set of instructions to control functional elements of the UE to perform functions described below. Additionally or alternatively, the UE may perform aspects of the functions described below using dedicated hardware.

[0147] At 1105, the UE may report a first SRS antenna switching capability (e.g., a maximum SRS antenna switching capability) to the base station. The operations of 1105 may be performed according to methods described herein. In some examples, aspects of the operations of 1105 may be performed by a UE capability reporting manager such as those described with reference to FIGS. 6-9.

[0148] At 1110, the UE may transmit an SRS via a second SRS antenna switching capability when the first network connection has priority over the second network connection, where the second SRS antenna switching capability is reduced relative to the first SRS antenna switching capability. The operations of 1110 may be performed according to methods described herein. In some examples, aspects of the operations of 1110 may be performed by an SRS transmission manager such as those described with reference to FIGS. 6-9.

[0149] At 1115, the UE may transmit at least one additional SRS via the first SRS antenna switching capability when the second network connection takes priority over the first network connection. The operations of 1115 may be performed according to methods described herein. In some examples, aspects of the operations of 1115 may be performed by an SRS transmission manager such as those described with reference to FIGS. 6-9.

[0150] FIG. 12 shows a flowchart illustrating a method 1200 supporting a method for managing 5G NR SRS antenna switching concurrency in an ENDC according to an aspect of the present disclosure. The operations of method 1200 may be implemented by a UE 115 or components thereof as described herein. For example, the operations of method 1200 may be performed by a communications manager as described with reference to FIGS. 6-9. In some examples, the UE may execute a set of instructions to control functional elements of the UE to perform functions described below. Additionally or alternatively, the UE may perform aspects of the functions described below using dedicated hardware.

[0151] At 1205, the UE may report a first SRS antenna switching capability (e.g., a maximum SRS antenna switching capability) to the base station. The operations of 1205 may be performed according to methods described herein. In some examples, aspects of the operations of 1205 may be performed by a UE capability reporting manager such as those described with reference to FIGS. 6-9.

[0152] At 1210, the UE may prioritize a first network connection over a second network connection when the first network connection includes a high priority call type or when uplink activity of the first network connection is greater than a threshold. The operations of 1210 may be performed according to methods described herein. In some examples, aspects of the operations of 1210 may be performed by a prioritization manager such as those described with reference to FIGS. 6-9.

[0153] At 1215, the UE may transmit the SRS via the second SRS antenna switching capability when the first network connection takes priority over the second network connection. The operations of 1215 may be performed according to methods described herein. In some examples, aspects of the operations of 1215 may be performed by an SRS transmission manager such as those described with reference to FIGS. 6-9.

[0154] At 1220, the UE may transmit at least one additional SRS via the first SRS antenna switching capability when the second network connection takes priority over the first network connection. The operations of 1220 may be performed according to methods described herein. In some examples, aspects of the operations of 1220 may be performed by an SRS transmission manager such as those described with reference to FIGS. 6-9.

[0155] It should be noted that the methods described herein represent possible implementations, that the operations and steps may be rearranged or otherwise modified, and that other implementations are possible. Furthermore, aspects from two or more of the methods may be combined.

[0156] The following provides a summary of aspects of the present disclosure.

[0157] Aspect 1: A method of wireless communication in a UE having one or more antennas shared between a first network connection and a second network connection in a dual connectivity mode, the method including: reporting a first SRS antenna switching capability to a base station; and, when the first network connection has priority over the second network connection, transmitting an SRS to the base station via a second SRS antenna switching capability, wherein the second SRS antenna switching capability is reduced relative to the first SRS antenna switching capability.

[0158] Aspect 2: The method of aspect 1, further comprising transmitting the SRS via the first SRS antenna switching capability when the second network connection has priority over the first network connection.

[0159] Aspect 3: The method of any of aspects 1 to 2, further comprising prioritizing the first network connection over the second network connection when the first network connection includes a high priority call type or when uplink activity of the first network connection is greater than a threshold.

[0160] Aspect 4: The method of aspect 3, wherein the high priority call type comprises an E-911 call, an Internet Protocol (IP) Multimedia System (IMS) call, a Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) call, a Voice over Long Term Evolution (VoLTE) call, a Voice over 5G NR (VoNR) call, a video telephony call, or any combination thereof.

[0161] Aspect 5: The method of any of aspects 1 to 4, further comprising prioritizing the first network connection over the second network connection when a control channel downlink grant rate of the first network connection is greater than a first threshold or when a control channel uplink grant rate of the first network connection is greater than a second threshold.

[0162] Aspect 6: The method of any of aspects 1 to 5, further comprising: prioritizing the first network connection over the second network connection when a control channel downlink grant rate of the first network connection is greater than a first threshold and a signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) of the first network connection is less than a third threshold, or when a control channel uplink grant rate of the first network connection is greater than a second threshold and a power headroom (PHR) of the first network connection is less than a fourth threshold.

[0163] Aspect 7: The method of any of aspects 1 to 6, further comprising: prioritizing the first network connection over the second network connection when a random access message 1 failure count of the first network connection is greater than a first threshold, when a random access message 3 failure count of the first network connection is greater than a second threshold, or when a scheduling request failure count of the first network connection is greater than a third threshold.

[0164] Aspect 8: The method of any of aspects 1 to 7, further comprising prioritizing the first network connection over the second network connection based at least in part on a timing conflict between a first set of transmission opportunities associated with a first call performed on the first network connection and a second set of transmission opportunities associated with a second call performed on the second network connection.

[0165] Aspect 9: The method of aspect 8, wherein the first call, the second call, or both, comprise an E-911 call, an Internet Protocol (IP) Multimedia System (IMS) call, a Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) call, a Voice over Long Term Evolution (VoLTE) call, a Voice over 5G NR (VoNR) call, a video telephony call, or any combination thereof.

[0166] Aspect 10: The method of any of aspects 1 to 9, further including prioritizing the first network connection over the second network connection based at least in part on a first discontinuous reception procedure associated with the first network connection and a second discontinuous reception procedure associated with the second network connection.

[0167] Aspect 11: The method of aspect 10, further comprising prioritizing the first network connection over the second network connection based at least in part on a timing conflict between the first on-duration of the first discontinuous reception procedure and the second on-duration of the second discontinuous reception procedure.

[0168] Aspect 12: The method of any of aspects 1 to 11, further including prioritizing the first network connection over the second network connection based on a transmit antenna selected by a transmit antenna switching diversity function for the first network connection, a timing conflict between the first network connection and the second network connection, or a combination thereof.

[0169] Aspect 13: The method of aspect 12, further comprising semi-statically prioritizing the first network connection over the second network connection based on a transmit antenna selected by a transmit antenna switching diversity function.

[0170] Aspect 14: The method of any of aspects 12 to 13, further comprising dynamically prioritizing the first network connection over the second network connection based on a transmit antenna selected by a transmit antenna switching diversity function and one of a subframe timing of the first network connection or an activity timing of the first network connection.

[0171] Aspect 15: The method of any of aspects 1 to 14, further comprising prioritizing the first network connection over the second network connection when the first network connection includes critical traffic or critical control signaling.

[0172] Aspect 16: The method of any of aspects 1 to 15, wherein the first network connection comprises a Long Term Evolution (LTE) connection and the second network connection comprises a fifth generation (5G) New Radio (NR) connection, or the first network connection comprises a first 5G NR connection and the second network connection comprises a second 5G NR connection.

[0173] Aspect 17: The method of any of aspects 1 to 16, wherein the second SRS antenna switching capability is reduced relative to the first SRS antenna switching capability by masking at least one New Radio (NR) SRS antenna.

[0174] Aspect 18: An apparatus comprising: a processor; a memory coupled to the processor; and instructions stored in the memory and executable by the processor to cause the apparatus to perform the method of any of aspects 1 to 17.

[0175] Embodiment 19: An apparatus comprising at least one means for carrying out the method of any of embodiments 1 to 17.

[0176] Aspect 20: A non-transitory computer-readable medium storing code, the code comprising instructions executable by a processor to perform the method of any of aspects 1 to 17.

[0177] Although aspects of an LTE, LTE-A, LTE-A Pro, or NR system may be described as examples, and LTE, LTE-A, LTE-A Pro, or NR terminology may be used throughout much of the description, the techniques described herein may be applicable to networks other than LTE, LTE-A, LTE-A Pro, or NR. For example, the techniques described may be applicable to various other wireless communication systems, such as Ultra Mobile Broadband (UMB), Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) 802.11 (Wi-Fi), IEEE 802.16 (WiMAX), IEEE 802.20, Flash-OFDM, and other systems and radio technologies not explicitly mentioned herein.

[0178] The information and signals described herein may be represented using any of a variety of different technologies and techniques. For example, data, instructions, commands, information, signals, bits, symbols, and chips that may be referred to throughout the description may be represented by voltages, currents, electromagnetic waves, magnetic fields or particles, optical fields or particles, or any combination thereof.

[0179] The various example blocks and components described in connection with the disclosure herein may be implemented or performed using a general purpose processor, a DSP, an ASIC, a CPU, an FPGA or other programmable logic device, 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 processor, controller, microcontroller, or state machine. A processor may also be implemented as a combination of computing devices (e.g., a combination of a DSP and a microprocessor, multiple microprocessors, one or more microprocessors in conjunction with a DSP core, or any other such configuration).

[0180] The functions described herein may be implemented in hardware, software executed by a processor, firmware, or any combination thereof. If implemented in software executed by a processor, the functions may be stored on or transmitted via a computer-readable medium as one or more instructions or code. Other examples and implementations are within the scope of this disclosure and the appended claims. For example, due to the nature of software, the functions described herein may be implemented using software executed by a processor, hardware, firmware, hardwiring, or any combination thereof. The features implementing the functions may also be physically located in various locations, including being distributed so that portions of the functions are implemented in different physical locations.

[0181] Computer-readable media includes both non-transitory computer storage media and communication media, including any medium that facilitates transfer of a computer program from one place to another. Non-transitory storage media may be any available medium that can be accessed by a general-purpose or special-purpose computer. By way of example, and not limitation, non-transitory computer-readable media may include RAM, ROM, Electrically Erasable Programmable Read Only Memory (EEPROM), Flash memory, Compact Disc (CD) ROM or other optical disk storage, magnetic disk storage or other magnetic storage devices, or any other non-transitory medium that can be used to carry or store desired program code means in the form of instructions or data structures and that can be accessed by a general-purpose or special-purpose computer or processor. Also, any connection is properly termed a computer-readable medium. 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, the coaxial cable, fiber optic cable, twisted pair, DSL, or wireless technologies such as infrared, radio, and microwave are included within the definition of computer-readable media. As used herein, disk and disc include CDs, laser discs, optical discs, digital versatile discs (DVDs), floppy disks, and Blu-ray discs, where disks typically reproduce data magnetically and discs reproduce data optically using lasers. Combinations of the above are also included within the scope of computer-readable media.

[0182] As used herein, including in the claims, "or" as used in a list of items (e.g., a list of items ending with a phrase such as "at least one of" or "one or more of") indicates an inclusive list, such as, for example, a list of at least one of A, B, or C means A or B or C or AB or AC or BC or ABC (i.e., A and B and C). Also, the phrase "based on" as used herein should not be construed as referring to a closed set of conditions. For example, an example step described as "based on condition A" could be based on both condition A and condition B without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. In other words, the phrase "based on" as used herein should be construed similarly to the phrase "based at least in part on."

[0183] In the accompanying figures, similar components or features may have the same reference label. Furthermore, various components of the same type may be distinguished by following the reference label with a dash and a second label that distinguishes among the similar components. If only a first reference label is used herein, the description is applicable to any of the similar components having the same first reference label, regardless of a second reference label or other subsequent reference labels.

[0184] The description set forth herein with reference to the accompanying drawings describes exemplary configurations and does not represent every example that may be implemented or fall within the scope of the claims. As used herein, the term "example" means "serving as an example, instance, or illustration" and does not mean "preferred" or "advantageous over other examples." The detailed description includes specific details for the purpose of providing an understanding of the described techniques. However, these techniques may be practiced without these specific details. In some instances, known structures and devices are shown in block diagram form in order to avoid obscuring the concepts of the described examples.

[0185] The description herein is provided to enable any person skilled in the art to make or use the disclosure. Various modifications of the disclosure will be apparent to those skilled in the art, and the general principles defined herein may be applied to other variations without departing from the scope of the disclosure. Thus, the disclosure is not limited to the examples and designs described herein but is to be accorded the widest scope consistent with the principles and novel features disclosed herein. [Explanation of symbols]

[0186] 100 Wireless Communication System 105 Base station 110 Coverage Area, Geographic Coverage Area 115 UE 120 backhaul links 125 communication links 130 Core Network 135 Device-to-Device (D2D) Communication Link, D2D Communication Link 140 Access Network Entity 145 Access Network Transmission Entity 150 IP Services 200 designs 205 Base Station 212 Data Sources 215 UE 220 Transmit Processor 225 Network Controller 230 Transmit (TX) Multiple Input Multiple Output (MIMO) Processor 232 Modulator 232-1~232-t Modulator (MOD), Modulator 234, 234-1 to 234-t antennas 236 MIMO detector 238 Receive Processor 239 Data Sink 240 Controllers / Processors 242 memory 244 communication unit 246 Scheduler 252-1~252-r Antenna 254 demodulator 254-1~254-r Demodulator (DEMOD), Demodulator, Modulator 256 MIMO detector 258 Receive Processor 260 Data Sink 262 Data Sources 264 Transmit Processor 266 TX MIMO Processor 280 Controller / Processor 282 memory 290 Controller / Processor 292 memory 294 Communication Unit 300-a~300-f Gate 300-a First Gate 300-c Third Gate 500 subframe patterns, LTE TDD subframe patterns 502 Subframe configuration of NR pattern 1, NR subframe pattern 1 504 NR SRS 506 NR uplink subframe, NR uplink SF 508 LTE uplink subframe, LTE uplink SF 600 Block Diagram 605 devices 610 Receiver 615 Communications Manager 620 Transmitter 700 Block Diagram 705 devices 710 Receiver 715 Communications Manager 720 UE Capability Reporting Manager 725 SRS Transmission Manager 730 Transmitter 800 Block Diagram 805 Communications Manager 810 UE Capability Reporting Manager 815 SRS Transmission Manager 820 Prioritization Manager 900 System 905 devices 910 Communications Manager 915 I / O Controller 920 Transceiver 925 Antenna 930 memory 935 Computer-readable computer-executable code, code 940 processor 945 Bus 1000 methods and processes 1100 methods 1200 methods

Claims

1. 1. A method of wireless communication in a user equipment (UE) having one or more antennas shared between a first network connection and a second network connection in a dual connectivity mode, comprising: reporting a first sounding reference signal (SRS) antenna switching capability to a base station; transmitting an SRS to the base station via a second SRS antenna switching capability when the first network connection is prioritized over the second network connection, wherein the second SRS antenna switching capability is reduced relative to the first SRS antenna switching capability; and (b) prioritizing the first network connection over the second network connection when the first network connection includes a high priority call type or when uplink activity of the first network connection is greater than a threshold; (c) prioritizing the first network connection over the second network connection when a control channel downlink grant rate of the first network connection is greater than a first threshold or when a control channel uplink grant rate of the first network connection is greater than a second threshold; (d) prioritizing the first network connection over the second network connection when a control channel downlink grant rate of the first network connection is greater than a first threshold and a signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) of the first network connection is less than a third threshold, or when a control channel uplink grant rate of the first network connection is greater than a second threshold and a power headroom (PHR) of the first network connection is less than a fourth threshold; (e) prioritizing the first network connection over the second network connection when a random access message 1 failure count of the first network connection is greater than a first threshold, when a random access message 3 failure count of the first network connection is greater than a second threshold, or when a scheduling request failure count of the first network connection is greater than a third threshold; (f) prioritizing the first network connection over the second network connection based at least in part on a timing conflict between a first set of transmission opportunities associated with a first call being performed on the first network connection and a second set of transmission opportunities associated with a second call being performed on the second network connection; (g) prioritizing the first network connection over the second network connection based at least in part on a first discontinuous reception procedure associated with the first network connection and a second discontinuous reception procedure associated with the second network connection. (h) prioritizing the first network connection over the second network connection based at least in part on a timing conflict between a first on-duration of the first discontinuous reception procedure and a second on-duration of the second discontinuous reception procedure; (i) prioritizing the first network connection over the second network connection based on a transmit antenna selected by a transmit antenna switching diversity function for the first network connection, a timing conflict between the first network connection and the second network connection, or a combination thereof; and (j) prioritizing the first network connection over the second network connection when the first network connection contains critical traffic or critical control signaling. The method includes at least one of:

2. 10. The method of claim 1, wherein the high priority call types include an E-911 call, an Internet Protocol (IP) Multimedia System (IMS) call, a Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) call, a Voice over Long Term Evolution (VoLTE) call, a Voice over 5G NR (VoNR) call, a video telephony call, or any combination thereof.

3. 10. The method of claim 1, wherein the first call, the second call, or both comprise an E-911 call, an Internet Protocol (IP) Multimedia System (IMS) call, a Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) call, a Voice over Long Term Evolution (VoLTE) call, a Voice over 5G NR (VoNR) call, a video telephony call, or any combination thereof.

4. (a) semi-statically prioritizing the first network connection over the second network connection based on the transmit antenna selected by the transmit antenna switching diversity function; and (b) dynamically prioritizing the first network connection over the second network connection based on the transmit antenna selected by the transmit antenna switching diversity function and one of a subframe timing of the first network connection or an activity timing of the first network connection. The method of claim 1 , further comprising at least one of:

5. the first network connection comprises a Long Term Evolution (LTE) connection and the second network connection comprises a Fifth Generation (5G) New Radio (NR) connection, or the first network connection comprises a first 5G NR connection and the second network connection comprises a second 5G NR connection; and / or 2. The method of claim 1, wherein the second SRS antenna switching capability is reduced relative to the first SRS antenna switching capability by masking at least one New Radio (NR) SRS antenna.

6. 1. An apparatus for wireless communication in a user equipment (UE) having one or more antennas shared between a first network connection and a second network connection in a dual connectivity mode, comprising: means for reporting a first sounding reference signal (SRS) antenna switching capability to a base station; means for transmitting SRS to the base station via a second SRS antenna switching capability when the first network connection is prioritized over the second network connection, the second SRS antenna switching capability being reduced relative to the first SRS antenna switching capability; and (b) means for prioritizing the first network connection over the second network connection when the first network connection includes a high priority call type or when uplink activity of the first network connection is greater than a threshold; (c) means for prioritizing the first network connection over the second network connection when a control channel downlink grant rate of the first network connection is greater than a first threshold or when a control channel uplink grant rate of the first network connection is greater than a second threshold; (d) means for prioritizing the first network connection over the second network connection when a control channel downlink grant rate of the first network connection is greater than a first threshold and a signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) of the first network connection is less than a third threshold, or when a control channel uplink grant rate of the first network connection is greater than a second threshold and a power headroom (PHR) of the first network connection is less than a fourth threshold; (e) means for prioritizing the first network connection over the second network connection when a random access message 1 failure count of the first network connection is greater than a first threshold, when a random access message 3 failure count of the first network connection is greater than a second threshold, or when a scheduling request failure count of the first network connection is greater than a third threshold; (f) means for prioritizing the first network connection over the second network connection based at least in part on timing conflicts between a first set of transmission opportunities associated with a first call being performed on the first network connection and a second set of transmission opportunities associated with a second call being performed on the second network connection; (g) means for prioritizing the first network connection over the second network connection based at least in part on a first discontinuous reception procedure associated with the first network connection and a second discontinuous reception procedure associated with the second network connection. (h) means for prioritizing the first network connection over the second network connection based on a transmit antenna selected by a transmit antenna switching diversity function for the first network connection, a timing conflict between the first network connection and the second network connection, or a combination thereof; and (i) means for prioritizing the first network connection over the second network connection when the first network connection contains critical traffic or critical control signaling; An apparatus comprising at least one of:

7. 7. The apparatus of claim 6, wherein the high priority call types include an E-911 call, an Internet Protocol (IP) Multimedia System (IMS) call, a Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) call, a Voice over Long Term Evolution (VoLTE) call, a Voice over 5G NR (VoNR) call, a video telephony call, or any combination thereof.

8. 7. The apparatus of claim 6, wherein the first call, the second call, or both comprise an E-911 call, an Internet Protocol (IP) Multimedia System (IMS) call, a Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) call, a Voice over Long Term Evolution (VoLTE) call, a Voice over 5G NR (VoNR) call, a video telephony call, or any combination thereof.

9. means for prioritizing the first network connection over the second network connection based at least in part on a timing conflict between a first on-duration of the first discontinuous reception procedure and a second on-duration of the second discontinuous reception procedure. The apparatus of claim 6, further comprising:

10. (a) means for semi-statically prioritizing the first network connection over the second network connection based on the transmit antenna selected by the transmit antenna switching diversity function; and (b) means for dynamically prioritizing the first network connection over the second network connection based on the transmit antenna selected by the transmit antenna switching diversity function and one of a subframe timing of the first network connection or an activity timing of the first network connection. The apparatus of claim 6, further comprising at least one of:

11. 7. The apparatus of claim 6, wherein the first network connection comprises a Long Term Evolution (LTE) connection and the second network connection comprises a fifth generation (5G) New Radio (NR) connection, or the first network connection comprises a first 5G NR connection and the second network connection comprises a second 5G NR connection.

12. 7. The apparatus of claim 6, wherein the second SRS antenna switching capability is reduced relative to the first SRS antenna switching capability by masking at least one New Radio (NR) SRS antenna.

13. 6. A computer-readable medium having program code recorded thereon for wireless communication in a user equipment (UE), the program code causing a processor to perform the method of any one of claims 1 to 5.

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