Multi-slot PDCCH Monitoring in Search Space Sets for Higher Carrier Frequency Operation

Abstract

A user equipment (UE) configured for operation in a fifth generation new radio (NR) system may decode higher layer signaling including configuration information received from a gNodeB (gNB) that configures the UE with a search space (SS) set for multi-slot physical downlink control channel (PDCCH) monitoring. At least some slots of the SS set may be indicated as having PDCCH monitoring opportunities (MOs), and each SS set may be configured in a number (Y) of consecutive slots in a slot group of a slot group size of a number (X) of consecutive slots. The UE may perform multi-slot PDCCH monitoring by monitoring the MO slots for PDCCH candidates and non-overlapping control channel elements (CCEs). The slot group has X consecutive slots (slot group size=X), and there are Y consecutive MO slots in each slot group.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] (Reference to Related Application) This application claims the benefit of priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 170,997, filed April 5, 2021 [Reference No. AD5818-Z], U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 174,975, filed April 14, 2021 [Reference No. AD6006-Z], U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 228,875, filed August 3, 2021 [Reference No. AD8161-Z], and U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 250,893, filed September 30, 2021 [Reference No. AD9265-Z], all of which are incorporated by reference herein in their entireties.

[0002] (Technical field) Embodiments relate to wireless communications. Some embodiments relate to wireless networks, including 5G networks, including 3GPP (Third Generation Partnership Project) and 5G New Radio (NR) (or 5G-NR) networks. Some embodiments relate to sixth generation (6G) networks. Some embodiments relate to physical downlink control channel (PDCCH) monitoring for higher-carrier frequency operations. [Background technology]

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

[0004] One issue with higher carrier frequency operation (i.e., carrier frequencies above 52.6 GHz) is that the larger subcarrier spacing (SCS) results in shorter slot durations, which makes it more difficult for a UE to detect the PDCCH in these shorter slots. Thus, what is needed is an improved technique for PDCCH detection for higher carrier frequency operation. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0005] [Figure 1A] 1 illustrates a network architecture according to some embodiments.

[0006] [Figure 1B] 1 illustrates a non-roaming 5G system architecture according to some embodiments. [Figure 1C] 1 illustrates a non-roaming 5G system architecture according to some embodiments.

[0007] [Figure 2] 1 illustrates a short slot duration for a larger subcarrier spacing (SCS) according to some embodiments.

[0008] [Figure 3A] 1 illustrates an example of PDCCH monitoring capabilities for a fixed group pattern of X slots, according to some embodiments.

[0009] [Figure 3B] 1 illustrates an example of PDCCH monitoring capability over Y symbols with a gap of at least X slots, according to some embodiments.

[0010] [Figure 4] 1 illustrates an example of PDCCH monitoring occasions (MOs) in Y=2 slots according to some embodiments.

[0011] [Figure 5] 1 illustrates an example of a maximum number of monitored PDCCH candidates and non-overlapping control channel elements (CCEs), according to some embodiments.

[0012] [Figure 6] 10 illustrates another example of the maximum number of monitored PDCCH candidates and non-overlapping CCEs according to some embodiments.

[0013] [Figure 7] 1 illustrates a delay for PDCCH monitoring associated with Search Space Set Group (SSSG) switching, according to some embodiments.

[0014] [Figure 8] 8 illustrates delay reduction for PDCCH monitoring in conjunction with SSSG switching of FIG. 7, according to some embodiments.

[0015] [Figure 9] 1 illustrates a functional block diagram of a wireless communication device according to some embodiments. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0016] The following description and drawings sufficiently illustrate particular embodiments to enable those skilled in the art to practice them. Other embodiments may incorporate structural, logical, electrical, process, and other changes. Portions and features of some embodiments may be included in, or substituted for, portions and features of other embodiments. Embodiments set forth in the claims encompass all available equivalents of those claims.

[0017] Some embodiments are directed to physical downlink control channel (PDCCH) monitoring capability handling and search space set configuration for higher carrier frequency operation. Some embodiments are directed to multi-slot PDCCH monitoring. Some embodiments are directed to dropping overbooked search space sets. These embodiments are described in more detail below.

[0018] Some embodiments are directed to user equipment (UN) configured for operation in a fifth-generation new radio (NR) system. In these embodiments, the UE may decode higher-layer signaling (call control) including configuration information received from a gNodeB (gNB). In these embodiments, the configuration information may configure the UE with a search space (SS) set for multi-slot physical downlink control channel (PDCCH) monitoring. In these embodiments, at least some slots of the SS set may be indicated as having a PDCCH monitoring occasion (MO). In these embodiments, each SS set may consist of a number (Y) of consecutive slots (MO slots) in a slot group of a slot group size consisting of a number (X) of consecutive slots. In these embodiments, the UE may perform multi-slot PDCCH monitoring by monitoring the MO slot for PDCCH candidates and non-overlapping control channel elements (CCEs). In these embodiments, a slot group may have X consecutive slots (slot group size=X), and there are Y consecutive MO slots within each slot group, although the scope of the embodiments is not limited in this respect.

[0019] In some embodiments, when the SS set includes a UE-specific search space (USS) set, the number (Y) of consecutive MO slots may be limited to less than or equal to half the number (X) of consecutive slots in a slot group of (X) slots. In these embodiments, the total number of monitored PDCCH candidates and non-overlapping CCEs may be limited by monitoring capabilities (e.g., the maximum number of monitored PDCCH candidates and non-overlapping CCEs), although the scope of the embodiments is not limited in this respect. These embodiments are discussed in more detail below.

[0020] In some of these embodiments, the SS set may be monitored within Y consecutive MO slots having a slot group of X slots. In some embodiments, the Y consecutive MO slots may be located anywhere within the slot group of X slots. In some embodiments, the location of the Y consecutive MO slots within the slot group of X slots may be maintained across different slot groups. In these embodiments, the start of the first slot group within a subframe may be aligned with a subframe boundary, and the start of each slot group may be aligned with a slot boundary, although the scope of the embodiments is not limited in this respect.

[0021] In some embodiments, when the SS set includes a USS set, the UE may be configured to perform multi-slot PDCCH monitoring by discarding the USS set in all (Y)MO slots in the associated slot group when the USS set is overbooked in the associated slot group and monitoring the (Y)MO slots for PDCCH candidates and non-overlapping CCEs in any USS set that has not been discarded, although the scope of the embodiments is not limited in this respect.

[0022] In some embodiments, the UE may be configured to discard USS sets based on search space set index. In these embodiments, USS sets in slot groups with higher indices are discarded before USS sets in slot groups with lower indices. In these embodiments, all USS sets in a slot group are discarded, although the scope of the embodiments is not limited in this respect.

[0023] In some embodiments, the UE may be configured to determine a number of USS sets to drop from a slot group based on monitoring capabilities associated with a serving cell, although the scope of the embodiments is not limited in this respect.

[0024] In some of these embodiments, when the SS set includes a common search space (CSS) set, the UE may refrain from discarding any of the CSS sets in one or more slot groups (i.e., because the UE does not anticipate overbooking for the CSS sets). In these embodiments, when the SS set includes a USS set, a Type 1 common search space set configured with dedicated RRC signaling, and a Type 3 CSS, the number of consecutive MO slots (Y) may be limited to less than or equal to half the number of consecutive slots in a slot group of (X) slots, although the scope of the embodiments is not limited in this respect.

[0025] In these embodiments, overbooking of SS sets may be allowed in a multi-slot PDCCH monitoring function and may be applied per slot group. In these embodiments, overbooking of SS sets may be allowed for USS sets in the PCell and PSCell, but the UE expects no overbooking of CSS sets in the PCell and PSCell, and no overbooking of SS sets in the SCell. In these embodiments, the UE discards UE-specific search space sets in slot groups with higher indices when an SS set is overbooked. In these embodiments, the UE expects no overbooking in Type 1 and Type 3 CSS sets (i.e., overbooking may be expected only in USS sets), although the scope of the embodiments is not limited in this respect.

[0026] In some embodiments, when a UE has the capability to support multi-slot PDCCH monitoring for multiple combinations including multiple specific combinations of consecutive MO slots within slot groups of various slot group sizes, and when the SS set configured for the UE includes one or more of the specific combinations supported by the UE (i.e., when the SS configured for the UE fulfills the specific combinations), the UE may select up to two or more of the specific combinations configured for the UE that have the maximum value for the number of consecutive slots within the slot group. In these embodiments, the maximum value may correspond to the maximum number of monitored PDCCH candidates and non-overlapping CCEs. In these embodiments, the UE may report that it has the capability to support four combinations of consecutive MO slots within slot groups of various slot group sizes (e.g., (4,1), (4,2), (8,1), (8,4)). If the SS set configured for the UE fulfills at least some of these supported combinations (e.g., combination (4,2) (8,4)), the UE may select combination (8,4) (i.e., the combination with the maximum value for the number of consecutive slots within the slot group), although the scope of the embodiments is not limited in this respect. In these embodiments, the UE may indicate to the gNB that it supports multi-slot PDCCH monitoring, although the scope of the embodiments is not limited in this respect.

[0027] In some embodiments, when a UE has the capability to support multi-slot PDCCH monitoring for multiple combinations including various numbers (Y) of consecutive MO slots in the same-sized slot group (i.e., the same value of X for different values ​​of Y), the UE may determine the maximum number of monitored PDCCH candidates and non-overlapping CCEs to monitor based on the number (X) of consecutive MO slots in the slot group. In these embodiments, the maximum blind decoding (BD) / CCE budget may be determined by X (i.e., the number of consecutive MO slots in the slot group, the number of slots in the slot group, rather than Y), although the scope of the embodiments is not limited in this respect.

[0028] In some embodiments, when a UE is configured for multiple serving cells and has the capability to support multi-slot PDCCH monitoring for multiple combinations including different numbers (Y) of consecutive M0 slots in slot groups of different sizes (i.e., multiple combinations of X and Y), the UE may determine the maximum number of monitored PDCCH candidates and non-overlapping CCEs to monitor based on the number (X) of consecutive slots in the slot group for each of the serving cells. In these embodiments, to determine the maximum number, the UE may group together serving cells having slot groups of the same size (i.e., the same (X) number of consecutive slots in the slot group). In these embodiments, multiple cells having the same slot group size (X) share a BD / CCE budget, although the scope of the embodiments is not limited in this respect.

[0029] In some embodiments, when a UE is configured for multiple serving cells and has the capability to support multi-slot PDCCH monitoring for multiple combinations including various numbers (Y) of consecutive MO slots in slot groups of various sizes (i.e., multiple combinations of X and Y), and when the serving cell for the UE is configured with dynamic switching of two of the multiple combinations (e.g., search space set group (SSSG) switching), the UE may determine a maximum number of monitored PDCCH candidates and non-overlapping CCEs to monitor for each of the multiple combinations and may discard any USS sets in one or more slot groups when the USS sets are overbooked, although the scope of the embodiments is not limited in this respect.

[0030] In some embodiments, for a downlink bandwidth portion (DL BWP) with a subcarrier spacing (SCS) of 960 kHz, the maximum number of monitored PDCCH candidates per slot group of four consecutive slots (i.e., X=4) may be limited to half the maximum number of monitored PDCCH candidates per slot group of eight consecutive slots (i.e., X=8), and the maximum number of non-overlapping CCEs per slot group of four consecutive slots (i.e., X=4) may be limited to half the maximum number of non-overlapping CCEs per slot group of eight consecutive slots (i.e., X=8). In these embodiments, for a DL BWP with a 960 kHz SCS, the maximum number of monitored PDCCH candidates per slot group of four consecutive slots (i.e., X=4) may be 10, and the maximum number of monitored PDCCH candidates per slot group of eight consecutive slots (i.e., X=8) may be 20. In these embodiments, for a DL BWP with a 960 kHz SCS, the maximum number of non-overlapping CCEs per slot group of 4 consecutive slots (i.e., X=4) may be 16, and the maximum number of non-overlapping CCEs per slot group of 8 consecutive slots (i.e., X=8) may be 32. In these embodiments, for a DL BWP with a 480 kHz SCS, the maximum number of monitored PDCCH candidates per slot group of 4 consecutive slots (i.e., X=4) may be 20, and the maximum number of non-overlapping CCEs per slot group of 4 consecutive slots (i.e., X=4) may be 32, although the scope of the embodiments is not limited in this respect.

[0031] In some embodiments, when a UE is capable of supporting multi-slot PDCCH monitoring for multiple combinations including various numbers (Y) of consecutive MO slots in slot groups of various slot group sizes (i.e., multiple combinations of X and Y), for a 480 kHz SCS, the number of consecutive slots in a slot group (X) may be 4, and the number of consecutive MO slots (Y) in each SS set that includes a PDCCH MO may be 2. In these embodiments, for a 960 kHz SCS, the number of consecutive slots in a slot group (X) may be 8, and the number of consecutive MO slots (Y) in each SS set that includes a PDCCH MO may be 4. In these embodiments, the number of consecutive slots in a slot group (X) and the number of consecutive MO slots (Y) in each SS set that includes a PDCCH MO may be based on the subcarrier spacing (SCS), although the scope of the embodiments is not limited in this respect.

[0032] In some embodiments, the UE may be configured to perform multi-slot PDCCH monitoring for high frequency operation, including operation with carrier frequencies above 52.6 GHz having subcarrier spacings (SCSs) of 480 kHz and 960 kHz. In these embodiments, the UE may refrain from performing multi-slot PDCCH monitoring for high frequency operation with an SCS of 120 kHz. In these embodiments, the UE may refrain from performing multi-slot PDCCH monitoring for low frequency operation, including operation with carrier frequencies below 52.6 GHz, although the scope of the embodiments is not limited in this respect.

[0033] Some embodiments are directed to a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium storing instructions for execution by processing circuitry of a user equipment (UE) configured for operation in a fifth-generation new radio (NR) system. In these embodiments, the instructions may configure the processing circuitry to decode upper layer signaling including configuration information received from a gNodeB (gNB). In these embodiments, the configuration information may configure the UE with a search space (SS) set for multi-slot physical downlink control channel (PDCCH) monitoring. At least some slots of the SS set may be indicated as having PDCCH monitoring opportunities (MOs). In these embodiments, each SS set may be configured with a number (Y) of consecutive slots (MO slots) within a slot group of a slot group size consisting of a number (X) of consecutive slots. In these embodiments, the UE may perform multi-slot PDCCH monitoring by monitoring the MO slot for PDCCH candidates and non-overlapping control channel elements (CCEs), although the scope of the embodiments is not limited in this respect.

[0034] Some embodiments are directed to a gNodeB (gNB) configured for operation in a fifth-generation new radio (NR) system. In these embodiments, the gNB may encode higher layer signaling including configuration information for transmission to a user equipment (UE). In these embodiments, the configuration information may configure the UE with a search space (SS) set for multi-slot physical downlink control channel (PDCCH) monitoring. At least some slots of the SS set may be indicated as having PDCCH monitoring opportunities (MOs). In these embodiments, each SS set may be configured with a number (Y) of consecutive slots (MO slots) within a slot group of a slot group size consisting of a number (X) of consecutive slots. In these embodiments, the higher layer signaling may configure the UE to perform multi-slot PDCCH monitoring by monitoring the MO slot for PDCCH candidates and non-overlapping control channel elements (CCEs), although the scope of the embodiments is not limited in this respect. These embodiments are described in more detail below.

[0035] 1A illustrates a network architecture according to some embodiments. Network 140A is shown to include user equipment 101 and UE 102. UE 101 and 102 are shown as smartphones (e.g., handheld touchscreen mobile computing devices capable of connecting to one or more cellular networks) but may include any mobile or non-mobile computing device, such as a personal digital assistant (PDA), a pager, a laptop computer, a desktop computer, a wireless handset, a drone, or any other computing device that includes a wired and / or wireless communication interface. UE 101 and UE 102 may be collectively referred to herein as UE 101, and UE 101 may be used to implement one or more of the techniques disclosed herein.

[0036] The wireless links described herein (e.g., as used in network 140A or any other illustrated network) may operate according to any example wireless communication technology and / or standard.

[0037] LTE and LTE-Advanced are standards for high-speed data wireless communications for UEs, such as mobile phones. In LTE-Advanced and various wireless systems, carrier aggregation is a technique that may use multiple carrier signals operating at different frequencies to carry communications for a single UE, thus increasing the bandwidth available to a single device. In some embodiments, carrier aggregation may be used when one or more component carriers operate on unlicensed frequencies.

[0038] The embodiments described herein can be used in the context of any spectrum management scheme, including, for example, dedicated licensed spectrum, unlicensed spectrum, (licensed) shared spectrum (such as Licensed Shared Spectrum (LSA) in 2.3-2.4 GHz, 3.4-3.6 GHz, 3.6-3.8 GHz, additional frequencies in 3.55-3.7 GHz and additional frequencies and Spectrum Access Systems (SAS)).

[0039] The embodiments described herein can also be applied to different single carriers or OFDM flavors (CP-OFDM, SC-FDMA, SC-OFDM, Filter Bank Based Multi-Carrier (FBMC), OFDMA, etc.), particularly 3GPP® NR (New Radio), by allocating OFDM carrier data bit vectors to corresponding symbol resources.

[0040] In some embodiments, either of the UEs 101 and 102 may comprise an Internet of Things (IoT) UE or a cellular IoT (CIoT) UE, which may include a network access layer designed for low-power IoT applications utilizing short-lived UE connections. In some embodiments, either of the UEs 101 and 102 may comprise a narrowband (NB) IoT UE (e.g., an enhanced NB-IoT (eNB-IoT) UE and a further enhanced (FeNB-IoT) UE). The IoT UE may utilize technologies such as machine-to-machine (M2M) or machine-type communication (MTC) to exchange data with an MTC server or device via a public land mobile network (PLMN), proximity-based services (ProSe) or device-to-device (D2D) communication, a sensor network, or an IoT network. The M2M or MTC exchange of data may be machine-initiated. The IoT network includes interconnecting IoT UEs, which may include uniquely identifiable embedded computing devices (within the Internet infrastructure) and involve short-lived connections. The IoT UE may run background applications (e.g., keep-alive messages, status updates, etc.) to facilitate connectivity to the IoT network.

[0041] In some embodiments, either of the UEs 101 and 102 may include enhanced MTC (eMTC) UEs or further enhanced MTC (FeMTC) UEs.

[0042] UEs 101 and 102 may be configured to communicatively couple with, for example, a radio access network (RAN) 110. RAN 110 may be, for example, an Evolved Universal Mobile Telecommunications System (UMTS), a Terrestrial Radio Access Network (E-UTRAN), a NextGen RAN (NG RAN), or some other type of RAN. UEs 101 and 102 utilize connections 103 and 104, each of which includes a physical communication interface or layer (discussed further below). In this example, connections 103 and 104 are shown as air interfaces for enabling communicative coupling and may be consistent with cellular communication protocols such as a Global System for Mobile Communications (GSM) protocol, a Coded-Division Multiple Access (CDMA) network protocol, a Push-to-Talk (PTT) protocol, a PTT over Cellular (POC) protocol, a Universal Mobile Telecommunication System (UMTS) protocol, a 3GP Long Term Evolution (LTE) protocol, a 5th Generation (5G) protocol, a New Radio (NR) protocol, etc.

[0043] In one aspect, the UEs 101 and 102 may further directly exchange communication data via the ProSe interface 105. Alternatively, the ProSe interface 105 may be referred to as a sidelink interface, which includes one or more logical channels, including, but not limited to, a physical sidelink control channel (PSCCH), a physical sidelink shared channel (PSSCH), a physical sidelink discovery channel (PSDCH), and a physical sidelink broadcast channel (PSBCH).

[0044] The UE 102 is shown configured to access an access point 106 via a connection 107. The connection 107 may include a local wireless connection, such as a connection conforming to any IEEE 802.11 protocol, and accordingly, the AP 106 may include a wireless fidelity (WiFi) router. In this example, the AP 106 is shown connected to the Internet without connecting to a core network of a wireless system (as described in more detail below).

[0045] The RAN 110 may include one or more access nodes that enable the connections 103 and 104. These access nodes (ANs) may be referred to as base stations (BSs), NodeBs, evolved NodeBs (eNodeBs), NExt Generation NodeBs (gNBs), RAN nodes, etc., and may include earth stations (e.g., terrestrial access points) or satellite stations (e.g., cells) that provide coverage within a geographic area. In some embodiments, the communication nodes 111 and 112 may be transmission / reception points (TRPs). When the communication nodes 111 and 112 are NodeBs (e.g., eNBs or gNBs), one or more TRPs may function within the communication cell of the NodeB. The RAN 110 may include one or more RAN nodes for providing a macrocell, e.g., a macro RAN node 111, and one or more RAN nodes for providing a femtocell or picocell (e.g., a cell having smaller coverage, or smaller user capacity, or higher bandwidth compared to a macrocell), e.g., a low power (LP) RAN node 112.

[0046] Either of RAN nodes 111 and 112 can terminate air interface protocols and can be the first point of contact for UEs 101 and 102. In some embodiments, either of RAN nodes 111 and 112 can fulfill various logical functions for RAN 110, including, but not limited to, radio network controller (RNC) functions, such as radio bearer management, uplink and downlink dynamic radio resource management, data packet scheduling, and mobility management. In one example, either of nodes 111 and / or 112 can be a new generation Node-B (gNB), an evolved Node-B (eNB), or another type of RAN node.

[0047] The RAN 110 is shown communicatively coupled to a core network (CN) 120 via an S1 interface 113. In an embodiment, the CN 120 may be an evolved packet core (EPC) network, a NextGen Packet Core (NPC) network, or some other type of CN (e.g., as shown with reference to FIGS. 1B-1C ). In this aspect, the S1 interface 113 is divided into two parts: an S1-U interface 114 that carries traffic data between the RAN nodes 111 and 112 and a serving gateway (S-GW) 122, and an MME interface 115 that is a signaling interface between the RAN nodes 111 and 112 and an Si-mobility management entity (MME) 121.

[0048] In this aspect, the CN 120 includes an MME 121, an S-GW 122, a packet data network (PDN) gateway 123, and a home subscriber server (HSS) 124. The MME 121 is similar in function to the control plane of a legacy Serving General Packet Radio Service (GPRS) Support Node (SGSN). The MME 121 may manage access mobility implementations such as gateway selection and tracking area list management. The HSS 124 may include a database for network users containing subscriber-related information to support network entity processing of communication sessions. The CN 120 may include one or several HSSs 124s, depending on the number of mobile subscribers, device capabilities, network organization, etc. For example, the HSS 124 may provide support for routing / roaming, authentication, authorization, naming / addressing resolution, location dependencies, etc.

[0049] The S-GW 122 may terminate the S1 interface 113 towards the RAN 110 and route data packets between the RAN 110 and the CN 120. In addition, the S-GW 122 may be a local mobility anchor point for inter-RAN node handovers and may also provide an anchor for inter-3GPP mobility. Other responsibilities of the S-GW 122 may include lawful intercept, charging, and some policy enforcement.

[0050] The P-GW 123 may terminate the SGi interface toward the PDN. The P-GW 123 may route data packets between the EPC network 120 and external networks, such as a network including an application server 184 (alternatively referred to as an application function (AF)), via an Internet Protocol (IP) interface 125. The P-GW 123 may also communicate data to other external networks 131A, which may include the Internet, an IP Multimedia Subsystem (IPS) network, and other networks. In general, the application server 184 may be element offering applications that use IP bearer resources with the core network (e.g., a UMTS packet service (PS) domain, LTE PS data services, etc.). In this aspect, the P-GW 123 is shown communicatively coupled to the application server 184 via the IP interface 125. The application server 184 may also be configured to support one or more communication services (e.g., Voice-over-Internet Protocol (VoIP) sessions, PTT sessions, group communication sessions, social networking services, etc.) for the UEs 101 and 102 via the CN 120.

[0051] The P-GW 123 may also be a node for policy enforcement and charging data collection. A Policy and Charging Rules Function (PCRF) 126 is the policy and charging control element of the CN 120. In a non-roaming scenario, in some embodiments, there may be a single PCRF in the Home Public Land Mobile Network (HPLMN) associated with the UE's Internet Protocol Connectivity Access Network (IP-CAN) session. In a roaming scenario with a localized traffic breakout, there may be two PCRFs associated with the UE's IP-CAN session: a Home PCRF (H-PCRF) in the HPLMN and a Visited PCRF (V-PCRF) in the Visited Public Land Mobile Network (VPLMN). The PCRF 126 may be communicatively coupled to the application server 184 via the P-GW 123.

[0052] In some embodiments, communication network 140A may be an IoT network or a 5G network, including a 5G new radio network that uses communications in licensed (5G NR) and unlicensed (5G NR-U) spectrum. One of the current enablers of IoT is Narrowband IoT (NB-IoT).

[0053] The NG system architecture may include a RAN 110 and a 5G network core 120. The NG-RAN 110 may include multiple nodes, such as a gNB and an NG-eNB. The core network 120 (e.g., a 5G core network or 5GC) may include an access and mobility function (AMF) and / or a user plane function (UPF). The AMF and UPF may be communicatively coupled to the gNB and the NG-eNB via an NG interface. More specifically, in some embodiments, the gNB and the NG-eNB may be connected to the AMF by an NG-C interface and to the UPF by an NG-U interface. The gNB and the NG-eNB may be coupled to each other via an Xn interface.

[0054] In some embodiments, the NG system architecture may use reference points between various nodes as provided by 3GPP® Technical Specification (TS) 23.501 (e.g., V15.4.0, 2018-12). In some embodiments, each of the gNB and NG-eNB may be implemented as a base station, a mobile edge server, a small cell, a home eNB, etc. In some embodiments, the gNB may be a master node (MN) and the NG-eNB may be a secondary node (SN) in the 5G architecture.

[0055] FIG. 1B illustrates a non-roaming 5G system architecture according to some embodiments. Referring to FIG. 1B, a 5G system architecture 140B is illustrated in a reference point representation. More specifically, a UE 102 can communicate with a RAN 110 and one or more other 5G Core (5GC) network entities. The 5G system architecture 140B includes multiple network functions (NFs), such as an access and mobility management function (AMF) 132, a session management function (SMF) 136, a policy control function (PCF) 148, an application function (AF) 150, a user plane function (UPF) 134, a network slice selection function (NSSF) 142, an authentication server function (AUSF) 144, and a unified data management (UDM) / home subscriber server (HSS) 146. The UPF 134 can provide connectivity to a data network 152, which can include, for example, operator services, internet access, or third-party services. The AMF 132 can be used to manage access control and mobility and can also include network slice selection functionality. The SMF 136 can be configured to set up and manage various sessions according to network policies. The UPF 134 can be deployed in one or more configurations according to the desired service type. The PCF 148 can be configured to provide a policy framework using network slicing, mobility management, and roaming (similar to a PCRF in a 4G communication system). The UDM can be configured to store subscriber profiles and data (similar to an HSS in a 4G communication system).

[0056] In some embodiments, the 5G system architecture 140B includes an IP Multimedia Subsystem (IMS) 168B and multiple IP Multimedia Core Network subsystem entities, such as a Call Session Control Function (CSCF). More specifically, the IMS 168B includes a CSCF that can act as a Proxy CSCF (P-CSCF) 162B, a Serving CSCF (S-CSCF) 164B, an Emergency CSCF (E-CSCF) (not shown in FIG. 1B), or an Interrogating CSCF (I-CSCF) 166B. The P-CSCF 162B can be configured to be the first point of contact for the UE 102 within the IM subsystem 168B. The S-CSCF 164B can be configured to handle session state within the network, and the E-CSCF can be configured to handle specific aspects of the emergency session, such as routing emergency requests to the correct emergency center or PSAP. The I-CSCF 166B can be configured to serve as a contact point within the network of the network operator for all IMS connections directed to that network operator's subscribers or roaming subscribers currently located within that network operator's service area. In some embodiments, the I-CSCF 166B can be connected to another IP multimedia network 170E, e.g., an IMS operated by a different network operator.

[0057] In some embodiments, UDM / HSS 146 can be coupled to an application server 160E, which can include a telephony application server (TAS) or another application server (AS). AS 160B can be coupled to IMS 168B via S-CSCF 164B or I-CSCF 166B.

[0058] 1B shows the following reference points: N1 (between the UE 102 and the AMF 132), N2 (between the RAN 110 and the AMF 132), N3 (between the RAN 110 and the UPF 134), N4 (between the SMF 136 and the UPF 134), N5 (between the PCF 148 and the AF 150, not shown), N6 (between the UPF 134 and the DN 152), N7 (between the SMF 136 and the PCF 148, not shown), N8 (between the UDM 146 and the AMF 132, not shown), N9 (between two UPFs 134, not shown), N10 (between the UDM 146 and the SMF 136, not shown), N11 (between the UDM 146 and the SMF 136, not shown), N12 (between the UDM 146 and the AMF 132, not shown), N13 (between the UPF 134 and the DN 152, not shown), N14 (between the UDM 146 and the SMF 136, not shown), N15 (between the UPF 134 and the DN 152, not shown), N16 (between the UPF 134 and the DN 152, not shown), N17 (between the UDM 146 and the AMF 132, not shown), N18 (between the UDM 146 and the AMF 132, not shown), N19 (between two UPFs 134, not shown), N20 (between the UDM 146 and the SMF 136, not shown), N21 (between the UPF 134 and the DN 1 1B , N11 (between the AMF 132 and the SMF 136), N12 (between the AUSF 144 and the AMF 132, not shown), N13 (between the AUSF 144 and the UD 146M, not shown), N14 (between two AMFs 132, not shown), N15 (between the PCF 148 and the AMF 132 in the case of a non-roaming scenario, and between the PCF 148 and the visited network and the AMF 132 in the case of a roaming scenario, not shown), N16 (between two SMFs, not shown), and N22 (between the AMF 132 and the NSSF 142, not shown). Other reference point representations not shown in FIG. 1B can also be used.

[0059] 1C shows a 5G system architecture 140C and a service-based representation. In addition to the network entities shown in FIG. 1B, the system architecture 140C may also include a network exposure function (NDF) 154 and a network repository function (NRF) 156. In some embodiments, the 5G system architecture may be service-based, and interactions between network functions may be represented by corresponding point-to-point reference points N or as service-based interfaces.

[0060] 1C , a service-based representation may be used to represent network functions in the control plane that allow other authorized network functions to access those services. In this regard, the 5G system architecture 140C may include the following service-based interfaces: Namf 158H (service-based interface indicated by AMF 132), Nsmf 158I (service-based interface indicated by SMF 136), Nnef 158B (service-based interface indicated by NEF 154), Npcf 158D (service-based interface indicated by PCF 148), Nudm 158E (service-based interface indicated by UDM 146), Naf 158F (service-based interface indicated by AF 150), Nnrf 158C (service-based interface indicated by NRF 156), Nnssf 158A (service-based interface indicated by NSSF 142), Nausf 158G (service-based interface indicated by AUSF 144). Other service-based interfaces not shown in FIG. 1C (e.g., Nudr, N5g-eir, and Nudsf) may also be used.

[0061] In some embodiments, any of the UEs or base stations described in connection with FIGS. 1A-1C may be configured to perform the functionality described herein.

[0062] Rel-15 NR systems are designed to operate in licensed spectrum. NR-Unlicensed (NR-U), a shorthand notation for NR-based access to unlicensed spectrum, is the technology that enables NR systems to operate over unlicensed spectrum.

[0063] As defined in NR, one slot has 14 symbols. For systems operating at carrier frequencies above 52.6 GHz, if a large subcarrier spacing, e.g., 960 kHz, is utilized, the slot duration can be very short. For example, for SCS 960 kHz, one slot duration is approximately 15.6 μs, as shown in Figure 2.

[0064] In NR, a control resource set (CORESET) is a set of time / frequency resources that carry PDCCH transmissions. The CORESET is divided into multiple control channel elements (CCEs). A physical downlink control channel (PDCCH) candidate with an aggregation level (AL) L consists of L CCEs. L can be 1, 2, 4, 8, or 16. A search space set can be configured for a UE, which configures the timing for PDCCH monitoring and the CCE set that carries the PDCCH candidates for the UE. A UE can be configured with up to 40 search space sets for a serving cell. The maximum number of search space sets per bandwidth portion (BWP) is 10.

[0065] In NR Rel-15, the maximum number of BDs and CCEs for PDCCH monitoring decreases substantially when subcarrier spacing increases from 15 kHz to 120 kHz. This is primarily due to UE processing capabilities with shorter symbol and slot durations. For systems operating at carrier frequencies between 52.6 GHz and 71 GHz, the maximum number of BDs and CCEs for PDCCH monitoring is expected to be further reduced when larger subcarrier spacing is introduced. For example, the number of BDs for PDCCH monitoring may be reduced to ~10 or even smaller when 960 kHz subcarrier spacing is utilized.

[0066] In NR-U, search space set group (SSSG) switching is supported for UE PDCCH monitoring. In a typical configuration, the default SSSG is configured with frequent PDCCH monitoring opportunities for at least DCI format 2_0. Once the gNB gains channel access after a successful LBT (Listen-before-talk) operation, the gNB can quickly transmit DCI 2_0 to indicate channel occupancy. On the other hand, inside the gNB-initiated COT, the UE can switch to PDCCH monitoring according to a second SSSG configuration that does not include frequent PDCCH monitoring opportunities.

[0067] Some embodiments disclosed herein provide detailed designs for handling UE capabilities on PDCCH monitoring and search space set configuration when SSSG switching is considered. Some embodiments disclosed herein provide detailed designs for PDCCH monitoring capability handling and search space set configuration in systems operating at carrier frequencies above 52.6 GHz.

[0068] PDCCH monitoring capability

[0069] For systems operating at higher carrier frequencies, when a larger subcarrier spacing (SCS) is introduced, it is expected that the maximum number of monitored PDCCH candidates and non-overlapping CCEs for PDCCH monitoring will be further reduced. In particular, for non-overlapping CCEs, this causes limitations on the aggregation level (AL) of PDCCH candidates. For example, if the maximum number of non-overlapping CCEs is less than eight, both PDCCH AL8 and AL16 cannot be supported frequently. On the other hand, if the total number of monitored PDCCH candidates and non-overlapping CCEs in a slot is not reduced, the total number of monitored PDCCH candidates and non-overlapping CCEs in consecutive slots will become very large, which will result in extremely high UE capacity for PDCCH monitoring.

[0070] To balance PDCCH monitoring in slots and multiple consecutive slots, the PDCCH monitoring capability can be defined such that the maximum number for PDCCH monitoring is applied to a group of consecutive slots. The total number of PDCCH candidates and non-duplicate CCEs monitored in a group of slots is respectively limited to the corresponding maximum numbers.

[0071] In the first option, in the PDCCH monitoring capability, the PDCCH MO is only configured in the Y slots, for example, the first Y consecutive slots within any group of X consecutive slots, where Y < X. The position of the Y slots can be fixed in all X slot groups. The total number of PDCCH candidates and non-duplicate CCEs monitored in the Y slots is limited by the corresponding maximum number of the PDCCH monitoring capability. The number and position of the slots configured by the PDCCH MO within the Y slots may be the same or different in different slot groups. FIG. 3A shows an example of the PDCCH monitoring capability defined in the first two slots of each group of Y slots. Alternatively, X and / or Y can be defined in terms of the number of symbols. For example, Y can be at most 3 symbols, or Y can be greater than 3 symbols. This capability can be represented as a combination of (X, Y), where X is the fixed size of the slot group.

[0072] In a second option, the PDCCH monitoring capability is defined by a combination (X, Y), where a PDCCH MO is configured in each slot within a span of up to Y consecutive slots, and the distance between the starting slots of two adjacent spans is at least X slots, with Y≦X. Alternatively, the PDCCH MO may be configured in a span of Y consecutive symbols, and / or X may be defined in number of symbols. For example, Y can be up to 3 symbols, or Y can be greater than 3 symbols. This capability can be expressed as a combination (X, Y), where X is the minimum gap between two spans. The span is defined starting from the first slot with a configured PDCCH MO. Figure 3 shows an example where the span has a maximum of 2 slots and the gap between spans is 4 slots.

[0073] In some embodiments, if the PDCCH monitoring capability is defined over Y slots in a group of X slots, or over a span of Y slots in a combination (X, Y), if the number of monitored PDCCH candidates and / or non-overlapping CCEs in Y slots exceeds the corresponding maximum number, then USS sets are discarded until the corresponding maximum number is not exceeded. This is also known as PDCCH overbooking. For example, the USS set with the highest SS set index configured in Y slots is discarded. This procedure is repeated until the maximum number is not exceeded. Similarly, the PDCCH overbooking procedure may be expressed as maintaining the USS set with the lowest SS set index until the maximum number of monitored PDCCH candidates and / or non-overlapping CCEs is reached.

[0074] In some embodiments, if a USS set is configured in multiple slots within Y slots, and if the USS set should be discarded, the USS set is discarded in all multiple slots. Figure 4 shows the configuration of MO for the USS set with the highest SS set ID in Y=2 slots. If the number of monitored PDCCH candidates and / or non-overlapping CCEs in Y slots exceeds the corresponding maximum number, USS sets MO1 and MO2 are discarded together.

[0075] In some other embodiments, if a USS set is configured in multiple slots within Y slots, and if the USS set is to be discarded, the UE discards the MO of the USS set in one remaining slot of the multiple slots. In Figure 4, if the number of monitored PDCCH candidates and / or non-overlapping CCEs in Y slots exceeds the corresponding maximum number, MO2 of the USS set in the second slot is discarded first. If the number still exceeds the corresponding maximum number, MO1 of the USS set in the first slot is also discarded.

[0076] In some embodiments, in carrier aggregation, if the PDCCH monitoring capability is defined over Y slots in a group of X slots or over a span of Y slots in a combination (X, Y), the maximum number of monitored PDCCH candidates and non-overlapping CCEs for a serving cell can be determined by the parameters X and Y in the PDCCH monitoring capability definition. In NR, two sets of maximum numbers for PDCCH monitoring are applicable. One set is the maximum number for PDCCH monitoring for one scheduled serving cell, and they are, respectively, TIFF0007772816000001.tif9169 and The other sets are maximum numbers that apply to multiple cells, and are shown as: TIFF0007772816000003.tif7169 and Shown as TIFF0007772816000004.tif8169. TIFF0007772816000005.tif8169 and TIFF0007772816000006.tif7169 is a Rel-15 specification determined for multiple serving cells with the same SCS configuration μ in Section 10.1 of TS38.213. TIFF0007772816000007.tif8169 and Corresponds to TIFF0007772816000008.tif8169.

[0077] In some embodiments, TIFF0007772816000009.tif8169 and TIFF0007772816000010.tif8169 is determined for a serving cell with the same configuration μ and PDCCH monitoring capability with the same X and Y.

[0078] In some other embodiments, TIFF0007772816000011.tif7169 and TIFF0007772816000012.tif7169 is determined for serving cells with the same configuration μ and PDCCH monitoring capabilities with the same X. The multiple PDCCH monitoring capabilities of the multiple serving cells have the same maximum number of monitored PDCCH candidates and non-overlapping CCEs. Alternatively, the multiple PDCCH monitoring capabilities of the multiple serving cells may have different maximum numbers of monitored PDCCH candidates and non-overlapping CCEs.

[0079] Figure 5 shows the maximum number of monitored PDCCH candidates and non-overlapping CCEs for CC#1 with SCS 480 kHz where X = 4 and Y = 2 and CC#2 with 480 kHz where X = 4 and Y = 1. Since the two CCs have the same slot group duration and the same SCS, TIFF0007772816000013.tif9169 and TIFF0007772816000014.tif7169 is determined for two CCs.

[0080] In some other embodiments, TIFF0007772816000015.tif7169 and TIFF0007772816000016.tif8169 is determined for serving cells having the same absolute duration of X slots defined in their PDCCH monitoring capabilities. The PDCCH monitoring capabilities of the serving cells have the same maximum number of monitored PDCCH candidates and non-overlapping CCEs. Alternatively, the PDCCH monitoring capabilities of the serving cells may have different maximum numbers of monitored PDCCH candidates and non-overlapping CCEs.

[0081] In some other embodiments, TIFF0007772816000017.tif8169 and TIFF0007772816000018.tif8169 is determined for serving cells that have the same absolute duration of X and Y slots or symbols defined in their PDCCH monitoring capabilities. The multiple PDCCH monitoring capabilities of the multiple serving cells have the same maximum number of monitored PDCCH candidates and non-overlapping CCEs. Alternatively, the multiple PDCCH monitoring capabilities of the multiple serving cells may have different maximum numbers of monitored PDCCH candidates and non-overlapping CCEs.

[0082] Figure 6 shows the maximum number of monitored PDCCH candidates and non-overlapping CCEs for CC#1 with SCS 480 kHz where X = 4 and Y = 2 and CC#2 with SCS 960 kHz where X = 8 and Y = 4. Although the SCSs are different, the duration of the Y slots and slot groups containing the PDCCH MOs are the same for both. TIFF0007772816000019.tif8169 and TIFF0007772816000020.tif8169 is determined for two CCs.

[0083] (Multiple PDCCH monitoring capability)

[0084] A UE may enable one or more combinations (X, Y) of multi-slot PDCCH monitoring capability. One or more supported combinations (X, Y) may be pre-configured. Alternatively, one or more supported combinations (X, Y) can be reported by the UE. The UE's configured search space set must satisfy at least one of the UE's supported combinations (X, Y). For a UE that supports a set of combinations (X, Y), the gNB may configure the UE with a subset of the set of combinations (X, Y) through higher layer signaling. Thus, the UE's configured search space set must satisfy at least one combination (X, Y) from the subset of the configured combinations (X, Y).

[0085] In some embodiments, a UE may support one or more combinations (X, Y) of multi-slot PDCCH monitoring capabilities. Alternatively, a UE may support one or more combinations (X, Y) of per-slot PDCCH monitoring capabilities and multi-slot PDCCH monitoring capabilities. Multiple combinations (X, Y) belong to the same option from the first or second options of multi-slot PDCCH monitoring capabilities (shown in FIGS. 3A and 3B). Multiple combinations (X, Y) are distinguished by different values ​​of X and / or Y. Alternatively, multiple combinations (X, Y) may belong to the same or different options from the first or second options of multi-slot PDCCH monitoring capabilities (shown in FIGS. 3A and 3B).

[0086] In some embodiments, multiple combinations (X, Y) may be associated with the same maximum number of monitored PDCCH candidates and non-overlapping CCEs. In one example, if multiple combinations (X, Y) with the same X and different Y are supported by a UE, the multiple combinations (X, Y) may be associated with the same maximum number of monitored PDCCH candidates and non-overlapping CCEs over a period of X slots. In this way, when the pattern of PDCCH monitoring changes, the number of monitored PDCCH candidates and non-overlapping CCEs in X slots remains the same.

[0087] In some other embodiments, the multiple combinations (X, Y) may be associated with different maximum numbers of monitored PDCCH candidates and non-overlapping CCEs. There is no restriction on the maximum number of monitored PDCCH candidates and non-overlapping CCEs for the multiple combinations (X, Y).

[0088] In some other embodiments, multiple combinations (X, Y) may be associated with different maximum numbers of monitored PDCCH candidates and non-overlapping CCEs. Furthermore, the maximum number of monitored PDCCH candidates and non-overlapping CCEs for combination (X, Y) may be proportional to the value X. Denoting the maximum numbers of monitored PDCCH candidates for two combinations (X1, Y1) and (X2, Y2) as M1 and M2, M1 / M2 = X1 / X2 is an integer time of X1, and the maximum number of monitored PDCCH candidates in a time period of X2 slots for combination (X1, Y1) is equal to M2, which is the same as for combination (X2, Y2). Furthermore, for two combinations (X1, Y1) and (X2, Y2) supported by the UE, the ratio of X may also be equal to the ratio of Y, i.e., M1 / M2 = X1 / X2 = Y1 / Y2.

[0089] Specifically, the per-slot PDCCH monitoring capability can be viewed as the combination (1, 1). If the maximum numbers of monitored PDCCH candidates for a combination (X, Y) of the per-slot PDCCH monitoring capability and the multi-slot PDCCH monitoring capability are denoted as M1 and M2, respectively, then M1 / M2=1 / X or M1 / M2=1 / X=1 / Y, and the maximum number of monitored PDCCH candidates in time period X for the per-slot PDCCH monitoring capability is equal to M2, which is the same as the multi-slot PDCCH monitoring capability combination (X, Y).

[0090] In some embodiments, if the UE can support multiple combinations (X, Y) of multi-slot PDCCH monitoring capabilities, and if the UE's configured search space set satisfies two or more of the multiple combinations (X, Y), the UE monitors the PDCCH according to one combination (X, Y) from the two or more combinations (X, Y).

[0091] In some embodiments, the UE monitors the PDCCH according to a combination (X,Y) from two or more combinations (X,Y) associated with a maximum number of monitored PDCCH candidates and non-overlapping CCEs in Y slots of the two or more combinations (X,Y).

[0092] In some other embodiments, the UE monitors the PDCCH according to a combination (X,Y) from two or more combinations (X,Y) associated with a maximum value X of the two or more combinations (X,Y).

[0093] In some other embodiments, the UE monitors the PDCCH according to a combination (X,Y) from two or more combinations (X,Y) associated with the minimum value Y of the two or more combinations (X,Y).

[0094] In some other embodiments, the UE monitors the PDCCH according to a combination (X,Y) from two or more combinations (X,Y) determined by one or more of the following parameters in priority: The maximum number of monitored PDCCH candidates and non-overlapping CCEs in Y slots for two or more combinations (X, Y); Two or more pairs (X,Y) of value X, · Two or more pairs (X,Y) of value Y. For example, parameters may be checked in order of decreasing priority. The maximum value X of two or more combinations (X,Y), The minimum value Y of two or more combinations (X,Y). Alternatively, the parameters may be checked in order of decreasing priority. The maximum value X of two or more combinations (X,Y), · The maximum number of monitored PDCCH candidates and non-overlapping CCEs in Y slots for two or more combinations (X, Y). Alternatively, the parameters may be checked in order of decreasing priority. The maximum number of monitored PDCCH candidates and non-overlapping CCEs in Y slots for two or more combinations (X, Y); The minimum value Y of two or more combinations (X,Y). Alternatively, the parameters may be checked in order of decreasing priority. The maximum number of monitored PDCCH candidates and non-overlapping CCEs in Y slots for two or more combinations (X, Y); The maximum value X of two or more combinations (X,Y), The minimum value Y of two or more combinations (X,Y). Alternatively, the parameters may be checked in order of decreasing priority. The maximum value X of two or more combinations (X,Y), The maximum number of monitored PDCCH candidates and non-overlapping CCEs in Y slots for two or more combinations (X, Y); The minimum value Y of two or more combinations (X,Y).

[0095] (PDCCH Monitoring for Second SSSG)

[0096] In NR operation, a search space set for PDCCH monitoring for a UE can be configured by higher layers. Specifically, the search space set configuration is s PDCCH monitoring periodicity of slots and s It includes monitoringSlotPeriodicityAndOffset, which indicates the PDCCH monitoring offset of the slot. Furthermore, the symbols within the slot for PDCCH monitoring are controlled by monitoringSymbolsWithinSlot. For example, k s Assuming that one slot in each slot period is used for the search space set, the larger k s If k is configured, better power savings can be obtained. On the other hand, the gNB needs to wait a longer time to find a PDCCH monitoring opportunity for the search space set if a larger k is used.

[0097] In NR-U, search space set group (SSSG) switching is supported for UE PDCCH monitoring. In a typical configuration, the first (default) SSSG is configured with frequent PDCCH monitoring opportunities. Consequently, if the gNB obtains channel occupancy after a successful LBT, the gNB can quickly start scheduling DL transmissions. On the other hand, within the gNB-initiated COT, the UE can switch to less frequent PDCCH monitoring according to a second SSSG configuration. The second SSSG configuration may include a larger number of PDCCH candidates with one or more DCI formats in the PDCCH monitoring opportunity, which enables efficient DL and UL scheduling. In NR-U, switching from the first SSSG to the second SSSG can be triggered by an indicator in DCI2_0 or by the reception of any PDCCH in the first SSSG. SSSG switching from the second SSSG to the first SSSG can be triggered by an indicator in DCI2_0, by the end of the indicated channel occupation time (COT), or by the expiration of a timer.

[0098] The UE requires processing time, i.e., an SSSG switching delay d1, to perform the SSSG switching. Furthermore, an additional delay d2 is required for the gNB to start scheduling DL and UL transmissions using the second SSSG, which is affected by the PDCCH monitoring periodicity and the offset for the search space set in the second SSSG. Because the second SSSG targets more efficient scheduling than the first SSSG, a larger value of d2 results in degraded DL and UL transmission performance.

[0099] Figure 7 shows an example of the effective delay when a gNB schedules DL and UL transmissions for UEs monitoring PDCCH in the second SSSG. In this example, the periodicity for the search space set in the second SSSG is assumed to be 4 slots. After detecting DCI2_0, which indicates SSSG switching, a switching delay d1 is required to process PDCCH monitoring following the second SSSG. An additional delay of d2, approximately 3 slots, is required to wait for a valid PDCCH monitoring opportunity in the second SSSG.

[0100] In some embodiments, an offset X that shifts the configured search space set in the second SSSG can be indicated by a DCI format in the first SSSG. For example, DCI format 2_0 may be configured in the first SSSG to provide offset X. By applying offset X, the configured PDCCH monitoring occasions of the search space set in the second SSSG can be shifted to earlier timings that satisfy the SSSG switching time d1. For example, the PDCCH monitoring pattern for each search space set can still be configured by the NR parameters monitoringSlotPeriodicityAndOffset and monitoringSymbolsWithinSlot. Then, offset X is applied.

[0101] Figure 8 shows an example of delay reduction for a gNB to schedule DL and UL transmissions for UEs monitoring the PDCCH in the second SSSG. The same assumptions as in Figure 3A are used. The SSSG switching delay is still present. However, assuming a two-slot left shift is indicated by DCI2_0, which triggers SSSG switching, the additional delay d2 to the start of PDCCH monitoring in the second SSSG may be less than one slot.

[0102] In some embodiments, DCI format 2_0 may include an SSSG switching flag for each group of serving cells, and an offset X that shifts the configured search space set in the second SSSG for each group of serving cells. For example, when the UE detects DCI2_0 in the first SSSG that indicates switching to the second SSSG via the search space set group switching flag, the offset X of the second SSSG is applied to the configured PDCCH monitoring occasions of the second SSSG.

[0103] In some other embodiments, DCI format 2_0 may indicate, for each group of serving cells, SSSG switching and offset X together. For example, Table 1 shows SSSG switching and offset X for each 2-bit information.

[0104] Table 1: SSSG Switching and Offset X [Table 1]

[0105] In some other embodiments, DCI format 2_0 may include an offset X that shifts the configured search space set in the second SSSG for each group of serving cells. However, the SSSG switching flag is not included in the SSSG. For example, when the UE detects DCI2_0 or another DCI format in the first SSSG, the UE switches to monitoring the PDCCH in the second SSSG. The offset X in the second SSSG is applied to the configured PDCCH monitoring occasions of the second SSSG.

[0106] In yet another option, the configured search space set configuration in the second SSSG may be shifted by an offset X indicated by the DCI in the first SSSG, so that REs unavailable for PDSCH transmission should be adapted accordingly. In NR, the time / frequency resources determined by the CORESET and search space set configuration may be semi-statically configured to be unavailable for PDSCH transmission. Furthermore, the rate matching indicator in DCI formats 1_1 and 1_2 may dynamically indicate PDSCH rate matching according to the resources in the rateMatchPatternGroup. The rateMatchPatternGroup may include the time / frequency resources determined by the CORESET and search space set configuration. When the configured search space set in the second SSSG is shifted by an offset X, dynamically indicated or semi-statically configured REs unavailable for PDSCH transmission may be shifted in the same manner. On the other hand, the CSS set may not be shifted. Furthermore, the USS in the first SSSG may be shifted.

[0107] Switching Between PDCCH Monitoring Capabilities

[0108] SSSG switching may be supported for PDCCH monitoring of a UE. The first and second SSSG configurations may be associated with different PDCCH monitoring capabilities in terms of the definition of the maximum number of monitored PDCCH candidates and non-overlapping CCEs. The PDCCH monitoring capabilities may differ in the number of monitored PDCCH candidates and non-overlapping CCEs (i.e., the first or second option described above defining the multi-slot PDCCH monitoring capability shown in FIGS. 3A and 3B) and / or the method of counting the maximum number of monitored PDCCH candidates and non-overlapping CCEs. As a result, switching between the first and second SSSG configurations may result in switching between PDCCH monitoring functions.

[0109] In some embodiments, switching between a first SSSG configuration and a second SSSG configuration may result in switching between a PDCCH monitoring capability for a maximum number of monitored PDCCH candidates and non-overlapping CCEs defined per slot and another multi-slot PDCCH monitoring capability for a corresponding maximum number defined in a group of slots.

[0110] In some other embodiments, switching between a first SSSG configuration and a second SSSG configuration may result in switching between two different multi-slot PDCCH monitoring capabilities regarding the maximum number of monitored PDCCH candidates and non-overlapping CCEs, and both two PDCCH monitoring capabilities are defined in groups of slots.

[0111] In NR, two sets of maximum numbers for PDCCH monitoring are applicable to the serving cell. One set is: TIFF0007772816000022.tif7169 and TIFF0007772816000023.tif8169 are the maximum numbers for PDCCH monitoring of one scheduled serving cell. TIFF0007772816000024.tif7169 and This is the maximum number calculated assuming multiple serving cells with the same SCS configuration μ in Section 10.1 of TS38.213, shown as TIFF0007772816000025.tif7169, respectively. In NR, a single PDCCH monitoring capability is used for cells that do not change dynamically.

[0112] If multi-slot PDCCH monitoring capability is used and the PDCCH monitoring capability can be dynamically changed over time for the serving cell, the configured PDCCH monitoring opportunity pattern and the maximum number of monitored PDCCH candidates and non-overlapping CCEs may be changed accordingly. In the following description, the above parameters for the serving cell TIFF0007772816000026.tif7169 and TIFF0007772816000027.tif8166 is TIFF0007772816000028.tif7169 and They are represented as TIFF0007772816000029.tif8166, respectively.

[0113] For serving cells configured with dynamic switching of PDCCH monitoring capability, e.g., SSSG switching, the maximum number TIFF0007772816000030.tif8166 and TIFF0007772816000031.tif7166 is determined by the corresponding maximum number of active PDCCH monitoring capabilities of the serving cell. Furthermore, for the group of serving cells TIFF0007772816000032.tif8166 and The determination of TIFF0007772816000033.tif8166 may be modified accordingly. The PDCCH monitoring capability, e.g., value X, or both value X and value Y, may be the same for a group of serving cells. Alternatively, the PDCCH monitoring capability may have the same maximum number of monitored PDCCH candidates and non-overlapping CCEs for a group of serving cells.

[0114] In some embodiments, for a serving cell configured with dynamic switching of PDCCH monitoring capability, e.g., SSSG switching, a maximum number of TIFF0007772816000034.tif8169 and TIFF0007772816000035.tif7169 is determined separately for licensed and unlicensed cells.

[0115] In some embodiments, for a serving cell configured with dynamic switching of PDCCH monitoring capability, e.g., SSSG switching, a maximum number of TIFF0007772816000036.tif7169 and TIFF0007772816000037.tif7169 is determined separately from a serving cell configured with semi-static or fixed PDCCH monitoring capability.

[0116] In some embodiments, for a serving cell configured with dynamic switching of PDCCH monitoring capability, e.g., SSSG switching, a maximum number of TIFF0007772816000038.tif7169 and TIFF0007772816000039.tif7169 is determined separately for each provided cell. TIFF0007772816000040.tif9169 and TIFF0007772816000041.tif7169 cannot be shared between providing cells. TIFF0007772816000042.tif7169 and TIFF0007772816000043.tif8169 is determined by the active PDCCH monitoring capability for the serving cell.

[0117] In some embodiments, for a serving cell configured with dynamic switching of PDCCH monitoring capabilities, e.g., SSSG switching, the reference PDCCH monitoring capabilities may be TIFF0007772816000044.tif7167 and Used to derive TIFF0007772816000045.tif7167.

[0118] In some embodiments, TIFF0007772816000046.tif7167 and TIFF0007772816000047.tif10167 may be determined separately for a first group of serving cells that initiate channel occupation and for a second group of serving cells that do not initiate channel occupation.

[0119] In some embodiments, if SSSG switching is generally applied to a group of serving cells, the maximum number TIFF0007772816000048.tif7167 and TIFF0007772816000049.tif8167 is determined for a group of serving cells. In NR-U, the UE may be provided with cellGroupsForSwitchList indicating one or more groups of serving cells, and SSSG switching is applied separately within each group.

[0120] In some embodiments, if SSSG switching is generally applied to a group of serving cells: TIFF0007772816000050.tif8167 and TIFF0007772816000051.tif7167 may be determined separately for a first subgroup of serving cells that initiate channel occupancy and for a second subgroup of serving cells that do not initiate channel occupancy. In NR-U, a UE may be provided with a cellGroupsForSwitchList indicating one or more groups of serving cells, and SSSG switching is applied separately within each group.

[0121] In yet another embodiment, a PDCCH monitoring device having PDCCH monitoring capability UE capabilities for multiple downlink cells for TIFF0007772816000052.tif9169 may differ in supported PDCCH monitoring capabilities. The UE may have different PDCCH monitoring capabilities. Alternatively, the UE may report the reference PDCCH monitoring capability value separately. Next, regarding the PDCCH monitoring capability, The TIFF0007772816000055.tif7169 value can be determined by the PDCCH monitoring capability and the reference PDCCH monitoring capability. For example, The TIFF0007772816000056.tif8169 value is inversely proportional to the maximum number of monitored PDCCH candidates and non-overlapping CCEs.

[0122] In another embodiment, for a serving cell configured with dynamic switching of two combinations (X, Y) of PDCCH monitoring capabilities, e.g., SSSG switching, the two combinations (X, Y) may be associated with a maximum number of monitored PDCCH candidates and non-overlapping CCEs. For example, the two combinations (X, Y) have the same value X and the same maximum number of monitored PDCCH candidates and non-overlapping CCEs. Using the value X and the maximum number of monitored PDCCH candidates and non-overlapping CCEs for the serving cell, the serving cell's CA operation within a period of X slots may be TIFF0007772816000057.tif8169 and Therefore, the dynamic switching of the PDCCH monitoring capability of the serving cell can be determined by the TIFF0007772816000059.tif7169 and This does not affect the determination of TIFF0007772816000060.tif8169.

[0123] In another embodiment, for a serving cell configured with dynamic switching of two combinations (X, Y) of PDCCH monitoring capabilities, e.g., SSSG switching, the maximum number of monitored PDCCH candidates and non-overlapping CCEs for the two combinations (X, Y) may be proportional to the value X. Specifically, the PDCCH monitoring capability per slot can be viewed as a combination (1, 1). Denoting the two combinations as (X1, Y1) and (X2, Y2), where X2 is an integer time of X1, the two combinations (X1, Y1) and (X2, Y2) result in the same maximum number of monitored PDCCH candidates and non-overlapping CCEs in time period X2. Using the value X2 and the maximum number of monitored PDCCH candidates and non-overlapping CCEs of the combination (X2, Y2), the PDCCH monitoring capability of the serving cell during CA operation for a period of X2 slots may be calculated. TIFF0007772816000061.tif8169 and Therefore, the dynamic switching between the two combinations (X1, Y1) and (X2, Y2) of the serving cell is performed by the CA operation. TIFF0007772816000063.tif7169 and This does not affect the determination of TIFF0007772816000064.tif8169.

[0124] 9 illustrates a functional block diagram of a wireless communication device 900 suitable for use as a UE or gNB configured for operation in a 5G NR network, in accordance with some embodiments.

[0125] The communications device 900 may include communications circuitry 902 and a transceiver 910 for transmitting and receiving signals to and from other communications devices using one or more antennas 901. The communications circuitry 902 may include circuitry capable of operating physical layer (PHY) communications and / or medium access control (MAC) communications for controlling access to a wireless medium, and / or any other communications layer for transmitting and receiving signals. The communications device 900 may include processing circuitry 906 and memory 908 arranged to perform the operations described herein. In some embodiments, the communications circuitry 902 and the processing circuitry 906 may be configured to perform the operations detailed in the figures, drawings, and flows described above.

[0126] According to some embodiments, the communications circuitry 902 may be configured to contend for a wireless medium and may configure frames or packets for communication over the wireless medium. The communications circuitry 902 may be configured to transmit and receive signals. The communications circuitry 902 may include circuitry for modulation / demodulation, upconversion / downconversion, filtering, amplification, etc. In some embodiments, the processing circuitry 906 of the communications device 900 may include one or more processors. In other embodiments, two or more antennas 901 may be coupled to the communications circuitry 902 arranged to transmit and receive signals. The memory 908 may store information for configuring the processing circuitry 906 to perform operations for composing and transmitting message frames and performing various operations described herein. The memory 908 may include any type of memory, including non-transitory memory, for storing information in a form readable by a machine (e.g., a computer). For example, memory 908 may include computer-readable storage devices, read-only memory (ROM), random access memory (RAM), magnetic disk storage media, optical storage media, flash memory devices, and other storage devices and media.

[0127] In some embodiments, communication device 900 may be part of a portable wireless communication device, such as a personal digital assistant (PDA), a laptop or portable computer with wireless communication capabilities, a web tablet, a wireless telephone, a smartphone, a wireless headset, a pager, an instant messaging device, a digital camera, an access point, a television, a medical device (e.g., a heart rate monitor, a blood pressure monitor, etc.), a wearable computing device, or another device that may send and receive information wirelessly.

[0128] In some embodiments, the communications device 900 may include one or more antennas 901. The antenna 901 may include one or more directional or omnidirectional antennas, including, for example, a dipole antenna, a monopole antenna, a patch antenna, a loop antenna, a microstrip antenna, or other types of antennas suitable for transmitting RF signals. In some embodiments, a single antenna with multiple apertures may be used instead of two or more antennas. In these embodiments, each aperture may be considered a separate antenna. In some multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO) embodiments, the antennas may be effectively separated due to spatial diversity and different channel characteristics that may occur between each of the antennas of the transmitting device and the antenna.

[0129] In some embodiments, communications device 900 may include one or more of a keyboard, a display, a non-volatile memory port, multiple antennas, a graphics processor, an application processor, a speaker, and other mobile device elements. The display may be an LCD screen, including a touch screen.

[0130] Although communications device 900 is shown as having several separate functional elements, two or more of the functional elements may be combined and implemented by a combination of software-configured elements, such as processing elements including digital signal processors (DSPs), and / or other hardware elements. For example, some elements may include one or more microprocessors, DSPs, field programmable gate arrays (FPGAs), application specific integrated circuits (ASICs), radio frequency integrated circuits (RFICs), and combinations of various hardware and logic circuitry to perform at least the functions described herein. In some embodiments, the functional elements of communications device 900 may refer to one or more processes operating on one or more processing elements.

[0131] (example)

[0132] Example 1 may include a method of wireless communication for PDCCH monitoring capability processing and search space set configuration.

[0133] Example 2 may include the method of Example 1 or any other example herein, wherein if the PDCCH monitoring capability is defined in Y slots within a group of X slots or in a span of Y slots of a combination (X, Y), if the number of monitored PDCCH candidates and / or non-overlapping CCEs in the Y slots exceeds a corresponding maximum number, discarding the USS set is performed until the corresponding maximum number is not exceeded.

[0134] Example 3 may include the method of Example 2 or any other example herein, where a USS set is configured in multiple slots within a Y slot, and if the USS set is to be discarded, the USS set is discarded in all multiple slots.

[0135] Example 4 may include the method of Example 2 or any other example herein, wherein if a USS set is configured in multiple slots within Y slots and if the USS set is to be discarded, the UE discards the MOS of the USS set in one remaining slot of the multiple slots.

[0136] Example 5 may include the method of Example 1 or some other example herein, where if the PDCCH monitoring capability is defined over a span of Y slots in a group of X slots, or Y slots in a combination (X, Y), then the maximum number of monitored PDCCH candidates and non-overlapping CCEs for the serving cell in the carrier aggregation is determined by X and Y.

[0137] Example 6 may include the method of example 5 or some other example herein, wherein the same maximum number is determined for a serving cell having PDCCH monitoring capability with the same configuration μ and the same X and Y.

[0138] Example 7 may include the method of example 5 or some other example herein, wherein the same maximum number is determined for a serving cell with PDCCH monitoring capability having the same configuration μ and the same X.

[0139] Example 8 may include the method of example 5 or some other example herein, where the same maximum number is determined for serving cells having the same absolute duration of X slots.

[0140] Example 9 may include the method of example 5 or some other example herein, where the same maximum number is determined for serving cells having the same absolute duration of X and Y slots.

[0141] Example 10 may include the method of example 1 or any other example herein, wherein the UE is capable of one or more combinations (X, Y) of multi-slot PDCCH monitoring capabilities, with or without support for per-slot PDCCH monitoring capabilities.

[0142] Example 11 may include the method of Example 10 or some other example herein, wherein multiple combinations (X, Y) have the same X and different Y and are associated with the same maximum number of monitoring PDCCH candidates and non-overlapping CCEs over a period of X slots.

[0143] Example 12 may include the method of example 10 or some other example herein, wherein the maximum number of monitored PDCCH candidates and non-overlapping CCEs for the combination (X, Y) is proportional to the value X.

[0144] Example 13 may include the method of example 12 or example 13 or some other example herein, wherein the per-slot PDCCH monitoring capability is viewed as a combination (1,1).

[0145] Example 14 may include the method of Example 10 or any other example herein, wherein if the UE supports multiple combinations (X, Y) of multi-slot PDCCH monitoring capabilities, and if the configured search space set of the UE satisfies two or more of the multiple combinations (X, Y), the UE monitors the PDCCH according to one combination (X, Y) from the two or more combinations (X, Y).

[0146] Example 15 may include the method of Example 14 or any other example herein, wherein a combination (X, Y) is associated with a maximum number of monitored PDCCH candidates and non-overlapping CCEs in Y slots for two or more combinations (X, Y).

[0147] Example 16 may include the method of example 14 or some other example herein, wherein the combination (X, Y) is associated with the largest value X among two or more combinations (x, Y).

[0148] Example 17 may include the method of example 14 or some other example herein, wherein the combination (X, Y) is associated with the minimum value Y among the two or more combinations (X, Y).

[0149] Example 18 may include the method of Example 14 or some other example herein, wherein the combination (X, Y) is determined by one or more of the following parameters in priority:

[0150] The maximum number of monitored PDCCH candidates and non-overlapping CCEs in Y slots for two or more combinations (X, Y).

[0151] The value X of two or more combinations (X,Y).

[0152] The value Y of two or more combinations (X,Y).

[0153] Example 19 may include the method of Example 1 or any other example herein, wherein if two search space set groups (SSSGs) are configured for PDCCH monitoring, an offset X for shifting the configured search space set(s) in the second SSSG is indicated by a DCI format in the first SSSG.

[0154] Example 20 may include the method of Example 19 or some other example herein, wherein DCI format 2_0 indicates an SSSG switching flag and an offset X, or indicates SSSG switching and an offset X together, or indicates only an offset X.

[0155] Example 21 may include the method of example 19 or some other example herein, wherein the REs that are not available for PDSCH transmission are adapted accordingly.

[0156] Example 22 may include the method of example 1 or some other example herein, wherein for a serving cell configured with dynamic switching of PDCCH monitoring capabilities, the maximum numbers M_PDCCĤmax and C_PDCCĤmax are determined by the corresponding maximum numbers of active PDCCH monitoring capabilities of the serving cell.

[0157] Example 23 may include the method of example 1 or some other example herein, wherein the determination of M_“PDCCH”^“total” and C_“PDCCH”^“total” for a group of serving cells is modified to account for dynamic switching of PDCCH monitoring capabilities.

[0158] Example 24 may include the method of example 19 or some other example herein, wherein the maximum numbers M_“PDCCH”^“total” and C_“PDCCH”^“total” are determined separately for licensed cells and unlicensed cells.

[0159] Example 25 may include the method of example 19 or some other example herein, wherein the maximum numbers M_“PDCCH”^“total” and C_“PDCCH”^“total” are determined separately for each serving cell.

[0160] Example 26 may include the method of example 19 or some other example herein, wherein the reference PDCCH monitoring capability is used to derive M_“PDCCH”^“total” and C_“PDCCH2^”total” for multiple serving cells.

[0161] Example 27 may include the method of example 19 or some other example herein, wherein M_“PDCCH”^“total” and C_“PDCCH”^“total” are determined separately for a first group of serving cells that initiate channel occupancy and a second group of serving cells that do not initiate channel occupancy.

[0162] Example 28 may include the method of Example 27 or some other example herein, wherein if SSSG switching is generally applied to a group of serving cells, the maximum numbers M_“PDCCH”^“total” and C_“PDCCH”^“total” are determined for the group of serving cells.

[0163] Example 29 may include the method of Example 19 or some other example herein, wherein the multiple PDCCH monitoring capabilities have the same maximum number of monitored PDCCH candidates and non-overlapping CCEs in a time period, and M_“PDCCH”^“total” and C_“PDCCH”^“total” are determined for the time period.

[0164] Example 30 may include the method of example 1 or some other example herein, wherein the UE capabilities for the number of downlink cells N_“cells”^“cap” for PDCCH monitoring with PDCCH monitoring capability vary for the supported PDCCH monitoring capabilities.

[0165] Example 31 includes a method for a user equipment (UE), the method including:

[0166] Receiving, by the UE, a Search Space Set Group (SSSG).

[0167] Performing, by a UE, one or more (Y) slot physical downlink control channel (PDCCH) monitoring within a group of (X) slots or within a span of Y slots of a combination (X, Y), wherein a number of monitored PDCCH candidates or non-overlapping control channel elements (CCEs) within the Y slots exceeds a corresponding maximum number, and the PDCCH monitoring includes discarding a UE-specific search space (USS) set until the corresponding maximum number is not exceeded.

[0168] Example 32 may include the method of Example 31 or some other example herein, wherein USS sets are configured in multiple slots within a Y slot, and if a particular USS set is to be discarded, the particular USS set is discarded in all multiple slots.

[0169] Example 33 may include the method of Example 31 or some other example herein, wherein the USS set is configured in multiple slots within Y slots, and if the USS set is to be discarded, the UE discards a measurement object (MOS) of the USS set in one remaining slot of the multiple slots.

[0170] Example 34 may include the method of Example 31 or some other example herein, further including determining a first maximum number of monitored PDCCH candidates and non-overlapping CCEs defined per slot and a second maximum number of monitored PDCCH candidates defined in a group of slots.

[0171] Example 35 may include the method of example 34 or some other example herein, wherein the first and second maximum numbers are determined based on an active PDCCH monitoring capability of the serving cell.

[0172] Example 36 may include the method of Example 34 or some other example herein, wherein the first and second maximum numbers are determined for the group of serving cells based on dynamic switching of PDCCH monitoring capabilities.

[0173] Example 37 may include the method of example 34 or some other example herein, wherein the first maximum number and the second maximum number are determined separately for licensed cells and unlicensed cells.

[0174] Example 38 may include the method of Example 34 or some other example herein, wherein the first maximum number and the second maximum number are separately determined based on one or more provisions configured with semi-stationary or fixed PDCCH monitoring capability.

[0175] Example 39 may include the method of Example 31 or some other example herein, wherein the UE supports a plurality of combinations (X, Y) of multi-slot PDCCH monitoring capabilities, and a configured search space set of the UE satisfies two or more of the plurality of combinations (X, Y), and the method further includes selecting a first combination (X, Y) for PDCCH monitoring from the two or more combinations (X,).

[0176] Example 40 may include the method of Example 39 or some other example herein, wherein the selected first combination (X, Y) is associated with a maximum number of monitored PDCCH candidates and non-overlapping CCEs in Y slots of the two or more combinations (X, Y).

[0177] Example 41 may include the method of Example 39 or some other example herein, wherein the selected first combination (X, Y) is associated with the largest value X of the two or more combinations (X, Y).

[0178] Example 42 may include the method of Example 39 or some other example herein, wherein the selected first combination (X, Y) is associated with the minimum value Y of the two or more combinations (X, Y).

[0179] Example 43 may include the method of Example 39 or some other example herein, wherein the first combination (X, Y) is selected based on one or more of the following parameters:

[0180] The maximum number of monitored PDCCH candidates and non-overlapping CCEs in Y slots for two or more combinations (X, Y).

[0181] The value X of two or more combinations (X,Y).

[0182] The value Y of two or more combinations (X,Y).

[0183] The Abstract is provided to comply with 37 CFR Section 1.72(b), requiring an abstract that will allow the reader to ascertain the nature and summary of the technical disclosure. It is submitted with the understanding that it will not be used to limit or interpret the scope or meaning of the claims. The following claims are incorporated into the Detailed Description, with each claim standing on its own as a separate embodiment.

Claims

1. 1. A user equipment (UE) configured for operation in a fifth generation new radio (NR) system, the UE including processing circuitry and memory; the processing circuitry is configured to decode higher layer signaling received from a gNodeB (gNB), the configuration information including configuration information configuring the UE with a UE-specific search space (USS) set for multi-slot physical downlink control channel (PDCCH) monitoring; For the USS set, the configuration information indicates a PDCCH monitoring pattern indicating a number of slots in a group of consecutive slots; the processing circuitry is configured to perform multi-slot PDCCH monitoring by monitoring a maximum number of non-overlapping control channel elements (CCEs) for corresponding PDCCH candidates in each group of consecutive slots; For a serving cell having a subcarrier spacing (SCS) configuration of one of 480 kHz and 960 kHz frequencies, the number of slots in each group of consecutive slots that the UE monitors for PDCCH candidates is less than or equal to half the number of slots in each group of slots; The PDCCH monitoring capability of the UE is indicated as a combination of the number of slots in the group of consecutive slots, the processing circuitry configures the UE to perform multi-slot PDCCH monitoring by monitoring a maximum number of non-overlapping CCEs for corresponding PDCCH candidates at monitoring occasions in each group of consecutive slots; the maximum number of non-overlapping CCEs for the corresponding PDCCH candidates at the monitoring occasions in each group of consecutive slots is less than or equal to half the number of non-overlapping CCEs in each group of consecutive slots. UE.

2. 2. The UE of claim 1, wherein for a serving cell having the SCS configuration of 480 kHz, the maximum number of PDCCH candidates is 20 for a group of 4 consecutive slots.

3. 3. The UE of claim 2, wherein for a serving cell having the SCS configuration of 960 kHz, the maximum number of PDCCH candidates is 10 for a group of 4 consecutive slots and the maximum number of PDCCH candidates is 20 for a group of 8 consecutive slots.

4. 4. The UE of claim 3, wherein for a serving cell having the SCS configuration of 480 kHz, the maximum number of non-overlapping CCEs is 32 for a group of 4 consecutive slots.

5. 5. The UE of claim 4, wherein for a serving cell having the SCS configuration of 960 kHz, the maximum number of non-overlapping CCEs is 16 for a group of 4 consecutive slots and the maximum number of non-overlapping CCEs is 32 for a group of 8 consecutive slots.

6. 10. The UE of claim 1, wherein the processing circuitry is configured to refrain from monitoring more than a maximum number of non-overlapping CCEs for corresponding PDCCH candidates in each group of consecutive slots.

7. 2. The UE of claim 1, wherein the processing circuitry is configured to discard one or more of the USS sets having more than a maximum number of non-overlapping CCEs configured to monitor corresponding PDCCH candidates in each group of consecutive slots.

8. the processing circuitry configures the UE to perform the multi-slot PDCCH monitoring by monitoring non-overlapping CCEs on an active downlink bandwidth portion (DL-BWP) of the serving cell for corresponding PDCCH candidates in each group of consecutive slots; The active DL-BWP uses carrier frequencies above 52.6 GHz for the SCS configurations of 480 kHz and 960 kHz. The UE of claim 1.

9. A non-transitory computer-readable storage medium storing instructions for execution by processing circuitry, wherein a user equipment (UE) is configured for operation in a fifth generation new radio (NR) system; the processing circuitry is configured to decode higher layer signaling including configuration information received from a gNodeB (gNB), the configuration information configuring the UE with a UE-specific search space (USS) set for multi-slot physical downlink control channel (PDCCH) monitoring; For the USS set, the configuration information indicates a PDCCH monitoring pattern indicating a number of slots in a group of consecutive slots; the processing circuitry is configured to perform multi-slot PDCCH monitoring by monitoring a maximum number of non-overlapping control channel elements (CCEs) for corresponding PDCCH candidates in each group of consecutive slots; For a serving cell having a subcarrier spacing (SCS) configuration of one of 480 kHz and 960 kHz frequencies, the number of slots in each group of consecutive slots that the UE monitors for PDCCH candidates is less than or equal to half the number of slots in each group of slots; The PDCCH monitoring capability of the UE is indicated as a combination of the number of slots in a group of consecutive slots; the processing circuitry configures the UE to perform multi-slot PDCCH monitoring by monitoring a maximum number of non-overlapping CCEs for corresponding PDCCH candidates at monitoring occasions in each group of consecutive slots; the maximum number of non-overlapping CCEs for the corresponding PDCCH candidates at the monitoring occasions in each group of consecutive slots is less than or equal to half the number of non-overlapping CCEs in each group of consecutive slots. A non-transitory computer-readable storage medium.

10. 10. The non-transitory computer-readable storage medium of claim 9, wherein for a serving cell having the SCS configuration of 480 kHz, the maximum number of PDCCH candidates is 20 for a group of four consecutive slots.

11. 11. The non-transitory computer-readable storage medium of claim 10, wherein for a serving cell having the SCS configuration of 960 kHz, the maximum number of PDCCH candidates is 10 for a group of 4 consecutive slots and the maximum number of PDCCH candidates is 20 for a group of 8 consecutive slots.

12. 12. The non-transitory computer-readable storage medium of claim 11, wherein for a serving cell having the SCS configuration of 480 kHz, the maximum number of non-overlapping CCEs is 32 for a group of four consecutive slots.

13. 13. The non-transitory computer-readable storage medium of claim 12, wherein for a serving cell having the SCS configuration of 960 kHz, the maximum number of non-overlapping CCEs is 16 for a group of 4 consecutive slots and the maximum number of non-overlapping CCEs is 32 for a group of 8 consecutive slots.

14. 1. A gNodeB (gNB) apparatus configured for operation in a fifth-generation new radio (NR) system, the apparatus including: processing circuitry; and a memory; the processing circuitry is configured to encode higher layer signaling including configuration information for configuring a user equipment (UE) with a UE-specific search space (USS) set for multi-slot physical downlink control channel (PDCCH) monitoring; For the USS set, the configuration information indicates a PDCCH monitoring pattern indicating a number of slots in a group of consecutive slots, and the configuration information configures the UE to perform multi-slot PDCCH monitoring by monitoring a maximum number of non-overlapping control channel elements (CCEs) for corresponding PDCCH candidates in each group of consecutive slots; For a serving cell having a subcarrier spacing (SCS) configuration of one of 480 kHz and 960 kHz frequencies, the number of slots in each group of consecutive slots that the UE monitors for PDCCH candidates is less than or equal to half the number of slots in each group of slots; The PDCCH monitoring capability of the UE is indicated as a combination of the number of slots in a group of consecutive slots; the processing circuitry configures the UE to perform multi-slot PDCCH monitoring by monitoring a maximum number of non-overlapping CCEs for corresponding PDCCH candidates at monitoring occasions in each group of consecutive slots; the maximum number of non-overlapping CCEs for the corresponding PDCCH candidates at the monitoring occasions in each group of consecutive slots is less than or equal to half the number of non-overlapping CCEs in each group of consecutive slots. Device.

15. For a serving cell having the SCS configuration of 480 kHz, the maximum number of PDCCH candidates is 20 for a group of 4 consecutive slots; For a serving cell with the SCS configuration of 960 kHz, the maximum number of PDCCH candidates is 10 for a group of 4 consecutive slots, and the maximum number of PDCCH candidates is 20 for a group of 8 consecutive slots.

15. The apparatus of claim 14.

16. For a serving cell having the SCS configuration of 480 kHz, the maximum number of non-overlapping CCEs is 22 for a group of 4 consecutive slots; For a serving cell having the SCS configuration of 960 kHz, the maximum number of non-overlapping CCEs is 16 for a group of 4 consecutive slots, and the maximum number of non-overlapping CCEs is 22 for a group of 8 consecutive slots.

16. The apparatus of claim 15.

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