Carrier phase positioning with frequency hopping

Abstract

In accordance with example embodiments of the invention there is at least a method and apparatus to perform receiving and / or transmitting a request to perform frequency hopping and report a carrier phase measurement with a central frequency of a combined frequency hop; initiating a frequency hopping to perform at least one carrier phase measurement from downlink positioning reference signals in a communication network, comprising performing the at least one carrier phase measurement for at least one of selected or used frequency hops; performing at least one carrier phase measurement for at least one of selected or used frequency hops; reporting to a network node a a central frequency of the combined frequency hop from the at least one of selected or used frequency hops and the at least one carrier phase measurement.

Description

CARRIER PHASE POSITIONING WITH FREQUENCY HOPPING CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION:

[0001] This application claims priority from, and the benefit of, US Provisional Application No.63 / 547161, filed November 3, 2023, the contents of which are hereby incorporated by reference in their entirety. TECHNICAL FIELD:

[0002] The teachings in accordance with the exemplary embodiments of this invention relate generally to a novel method and apparatus to enhance an accuracy of UE reported reference signal carrier phase (RSCP) and RSCPD measurement and, more specifically, relate to enhancing the accuracy of UE reported reference signal carrier phase (RSCP) and RSCPD measurement at LMF for the RedCap positioning estimate. BACKGROUND:

[0003] This section is intended to provide a background or context to the invention that is recited in the claims. The description herein may include concepts that could be pursued, but are not necessarily ones that have been previously conceived or pursued. Therefore, unless otherwise indicated herein, what is described in this section is not prior art to the description and claims in this application and is not admitted to be prior art by inclusion in this section.

[0004] Certain abbreviations that may be found in the description and / or in the Figures are herewith defined as follows: BW Bandwidth CP Carrier Phase CPP Carrier phase positioning FH Frequency hop gNB 5G Base Station LO Local OscillatorNR New Radio (5G) PRS Positioning Reference Signal PRU Positioning Reference Unit RedCap Reduced Capabilities RSCP reference signal carrier phase RSCPD reference signal carrier phase difference Rx Reception SRS Sounding Reference Signal Tx Transmission UE User Equipment WID Work Item Description

[0005] Some standards at the time of this application certain conditions and enhancements for enhanced positioning accuracy for NR positioning.

[0006] In such NR positioning there can be problems related to carrier phase positioning with frequency hopping for UEs, including UEs with Reduced Capabilities (RedCap).

[0007] These problems can be related to conditions needed for enhanced positioning accuracy, but not assumed / guaranteed / supported in the frequency hopping for a UE such as a RedCap UE, with agreements at the time of this application.

[0008] Example embodiments of this invention proposes improved operations for addressing at least these issues. SUMMARY:

[0009] This section contains examples of possible implementations and is not meant to be limiting.

[0010] In another example aspect of the invention, there is an apparatus, such as a user equipment side apparatus, comprising: at least one processor; and at least one non-transitory memory storing instructions, that when executed by the at least one processor, cause the apparatus at least to: receive a request to perform frequency hopping and report a carrier phase measurement with a central frequency of a combined frequency hop; initiate a frequency hopping to perform at least one carrier phasemeasurement from downlink positioning reference signals in a communication network, comprising the apparatus is caused to: perform the at least one carrier phase measurement for at least one of selected or used frequency hops; and report to a network node of the communication network information comprising a central frequency of the combined frequency hop from the at least one of selected or used frequency hops and the at least one carrier phase measurement.

[0011] In still another example aspect of the invention, there is a method, comprising: receiving a request to perform frequency hopping and report a carrier phase measurement with a central frequency of a combined frequency hop; initiating a frequency hopping to perform at least one carrier phase measurement from downlink positioning reference signals in a communication network, comprising performing the at least one carrier phase measurement for at least one of selected or used frequency hops; and reporting to a network node of the communication network information comprising a central frequency of the combined frequency hop from the at least one of selected or used frequency hops and the at least one carrier phase measurement.

[0012] A further example embodiment is an apparatus and a method comprising the apparatus and the method of the previous paragraphs, wherein there is reporting to a network node at least one condition that is applied for the at least one of selected or used frequency hops for the at least one carrier phase measurement, wherein there is further identifying, based on particular conditions, that a central frequency of at least one successive carrier phase measurement is different than at least one previous carrier phase measurement, wherein at least one successive carrier phase measurement is obtained from at least one frequency hop combination that is different from the frequency hop combination used to obtain the previous carrier phase measurement, wherein the information comprises a differential value of a current central frequency compared to a central frequency of a previous measurement, wherein a selected or used different frequency hop combination is selected or used, by the apparatus based on positioning reference signal hop collision due to at least one of other high priority signals, channel conditions, or a certain metric, wherein there is reporting to the network node at least one indication: that at least one carrier phase difference measurement is obtained from carrier phase measurements that have different central frequencies, or that have the same central frequency, wherein there is reporting to thenetwork node at least one carrier phase difference measurement, associated central frequencies, and at least one condition applied to the frequency hops that are selected or used to obtain at least one carrier phase difference measurement, wherein there is reporting to a location management function of the communication network that the apparatus is unable to enforce a same central frequency for different carrier phase measurements of different network entities that are used to obtain the carrier phase difference measurement, and report a failure, wherein the apparatus is a RedCap user equipment, wherein the network node is a location management function of the communication network, wherein there is receiving, from the network node, an indication to use a specific criteria in deciding the central frequency for the carrier phase measurements of different network entities, wherein the apparatus is indicated to use the central frequency of at least one selected or used frequency hop for one specific network entity as the central frequency of the carrier phase measurements obtained for other network entities of the communication network, and / or wherein there is, based on a central frequency not being indicated by the network node, proactively determining criteria to determine the central frequency of the selected or used frequency hops to obtain at least one carrier phase measurement based on apparatus capability; and reporting the at least one carrier phase measurement along with the respective central frequency based on the determined criteria, wherein the apparatus is a RedCap user equipment or a typical user equipment, wherein the network node is a location management function of the communication network, and / or wherein the network entity is a base station.

[0013] A non-transitory computer-readable medium storing program code, the program code executed by at least one processor to perform at least the method as described in the paragraphs above.

[0014] In yet another example aspect of the invention, there is an apparatus comprising: means for receiving a request to perform frequency hopping and report a carrier phase measurement with a central frequency of a combined frequency hop; initiating a frequency hopping to perform at least one carrier phase measurement from downlink positioning reference signals in a communication network, comprising means for performing the at least one carrier phase measurement for at least one of selected or used frequency hops; and means for reporting to a network node of the communication network information comprising a central frequency of the combined frequency hopfrom the at least one of selected or used frequency hops and the at least one carrier phase measurement.

[0015] In accordance with the example embodiments as described in the paragraph above, at least the means for receiving, initiating, performing, and reporting comprises a network interface, and computer program code stored on a computer- readable medium and executed by at least one processor.

[0016] In another example aspect of the invention, there is an apparatus, such as a positioning reference unit apparatus, comprising: at least one processor; and at least one non-transitory memory storing instructions, that when executed by the at least one processor, cause the positioning reference unit apparatus at least to: receive a request to perform frequency hopping and report a carrier phase measurement with a central frequency of a combined frequency hop; initiate a frequency hopping to perform at least one carrier phase measurement from downlink positioning reference signals in a communication network, comprising the positioning reference unit is caused to: perform the at least one carrier phase measurement for at least one of selected or used frequency hops; and report to a network node of the communication network information comprising a central frequency of the combined frequency hop from the at least one of selected or used frequency hops and the carrier phase measurement.

[0017] In still another example aspect of the invention, there is a method, comprising: receiving a request to perform frequency hopping and report a carrier phase measurement with a central frequency of a combined frequency hop; initiating a frequency hopping to perform at least one carrier phase measurement from downlink positioning reference signals in a communication network, comprising the positioning reference unit is caused to: performing the at least one carrier phase measurement for at least one of selected or used frequency hops; and reporting to a network node of the communication network information comprising a central frequency of the combined frequency hop from the at least one of selected or used frequency hops and the carrier phase measurement.

[0018] A further example embodiment is an apparatus and a method comprising the apparatus and the method of the previous paragraphs, wherein the positioning reference unit is requested by the network node to perform frequency hopping and use a same central frequency of a combined frequency hop to report carrier phase measurements, and / or, wherein the network node receives, from the positioningreference unit, at least one carrier phase measurements along with the respective central frequency of a combined frequency hop and obtains the carrier phase difference measurement using the positioning reference unit carrier phase measurement and the apparatus carrier phase measurement that have the central frequency of combined frequency hops.

[0019] A non-transitory computer-readable medium storing program code, the program code executed by at least one processor to perform at least the method as described in the paragraphs above.

[0020] In yet another example aspect of the invention, there is an apparatus comprising: means for receiving a request to perform frequency hopping and report a carrier phase measurement with a central frequency of a combined frequency hop; means for initiating a frequency hopping to perform at least one carrier phase measurement from downlink positioning reference signals in a communication network, comprising the positioning reference unit is caused to: performing the at least one carrier phase measurement for at least one of selected or used frequency hops; and means for reporting to a network node of the communication network information comprising a central frequency of the combined frequency hop from the at least one of selected or used frequency hops and the carrier phase measurement.

[0021] In accordance with the example embodiments as described in the paragraph above, at least the means for receiving, initiating, performing, and reporting comprises a network interface, and computer program code stored on a computer- readable medium and executed by at least one processor.

[0022] In another example aspect of the invention, there is an apparatus, such as a network side apparatus, comprising: at least one processor; and at least one non- transitory memory storing instructions, that when executed by the at least one processor, cause the network side apparatus at least to: transmit a request to perform frequency hopping and report a carrier phase measurement with a central frequency of a combined frequency hop; initiate a frequency hopping to perform at least one carrier phase measurement from downlink positioning reference signals in a communication network, comprising the apparatus is caused to: receive from the user equipment, information comprising a central frequency of a combined frequency hop from at least one of selected or used frequency hops and the carrier phase measurement.

[0023] In still another example aspect of the invention, there is a method, comprising: transmitting a request to perform frequency hopping and report a carrier phase measurement with a central frequency of a combined frequency hop; initiating a frequency hopping to perform at least one carrier phase measurement from downlink positioning reference signals in a communication network, comprising receiving from the user equipment, information comprising a central frequency of a combined frequency hop from at least one of selected or used frequency hops and the carrier phase measurement.

[0024] A further example embodiment is an apparatus and a method comprising the apparatus and the method of the previous paragraphs, wherein there is receiving from the user equipment, based on a successive carrier phase measurement, an identification, based on particular conditions, that a central frequency of at least one successive carrier phase measurement is different than a center frequency of at least one previous carrier phase measurement, wherein at least one successive carrier phase measurement is obtained from at least one frequency hop combination that is different from the frequency hop combination used to obtain the previous carrier phase measurement, wherein a different frequency hop combination is at least one of selected or used resulting in a different central frequency, wherein the selected or used different frequency hop combination is selected or used based on positioning reference signal hop collision due to at least one of other high priority signals, channel conditions, or a certain metric, wherein the information comprises a differential value of a current central frequency compared to a central frequency of a previous measurement reporting with the reference signal carrier phase measurement, wherein there is communicating with a user equipment of the communication network conditions or metrics on a selection of frequency hops for a reference signal carrier phase measurement, wherein the network node receives a report from a user equipment comprising at least one frequency hop number, at least one frequency hop identification (ID), and one or more conditions or metrics that are applied to select or use one or more frequency hops to obtain at least one carrier phase measurement, wherein the conditions or metrics comprises selected frequency flatness check among the hops, and hops satisfying certain flatness condition or probability, wherein a carrier phase measurement is obtained by a user equipment by initiating a frequency hopping to use or select at least one frequency hop to perform at least one carrier phase measurement from downlinkpositioning reference signals and report one or more carrier phase measurement with a central frequency of a combined frequency hop to the network node, wherein there is receiving from the user equipment, a different reference signal carrier phase measurement associated central frequencies, and at least one condition applied for at least one selected or used different frequency hop combination, wherein there is, based on a same central frequency being used with more than one network node of the communication network reference signal carrier phase measurement, receiving from the user equipment, reporting comprising a single central frequency with reference signal carrier phase difference, wherein there is, during the successive frequency hopping aggregation conditions estimate, due to certain conditions being met and a different frequency hop combination is one of selected or used resulting in a different central frequency, receiving from the user equipment, reporting comprising a differential value of a current central frequency compared to a central frequency of a previous measurement value with reference signal carrier phase difference, wherein there is receiving from the user equipment, reporting comprising a reference signal carrier phase difference and a reference signal carrier phase difference measurement based on the determined criteria, wherein there is sending to a positioning reference unit a set of positioning reference signal frequency hops wherein each frequency hop has its own central frequency and request a positioning reference unit to perform at least one carrier phase measurement using the indicated frequency hop configuration(s) and their respective central frequencies, wherein there is receiving from the user equipment an indication of use of a sidelink communication channel with the positioning reference unit and a central frequency that is used, wherein there is, based on the indication, determining reference signal carrier phase difference of the user equipment and the positioning reference unit associated with a same central frequency as is being used, and / or wherein the network node comprises a location server with a location management function of the communication network.

[0025] A non-transitory computer-readable medium storing program code, the program code executed by at least one processor to perform at least the method as described in the paragraphs above.

[0026] In yet another example aspect of the invention, there is an apparatus comprising: means for transmitting a request to perform frequency hopping and report a carrier phase measurement with a central frequency of a combined frequency hop;means for initiating a frequency hopping to perform at least one carrier phase measurement from downlink positioning reference signals in a communication network, comprising means for receiving from the user equipment, information comprising a central frequency of a combined frequency hop from at least one of selected or used frequency hops and the carrier phase measurement.

[0027] In accordance with the example embodiments as described in the paragraph above, at least the means for transmitting, initiating, and receiving comprises a network interface, and computer program code stored on a computer-readable medium and executed by at least one processor.

[0028] A communication system comprising the network side apparatus and the user equipment side apparatus performing operations as described above. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS:

[0029] The above and other aspects, features, and benefits of various embodiments of the present disclosure will become more fully apparent from the following detailed description with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which like reference signs are used to designate like or equivalent elements. The drawings are illustrated for facilitating better understanding of the embodiments of the disclosure and are not necessarily drawn to scale, in which:

[0030] FIG.1 shows an example of a downlink positioning reference signal (DL PRS);

[0031] FIG.2 shows ranging by using carrier phase;

[0032] FIG.3 shows an illustrative concept of carrier phase positioning;

[0033] FIG. 4 shows a signalling flow in accordance with example embodiments of the invention;

[0034] FIG. 5 shows another signalling flow in accordance with example embodiments of the invention;

[0035] FIG. 6 shows another signalling flow in accordance with example embodiments of the invention;

[0036] FIG. 7 shows a high level block diagram of various devices used in carrying out various aspects of the invention; and

[0037] FIG.8A, FIG.8B, and FIG.8C each show a method in accordance with example embodiments of the invention which may be performed by an apparatus. DETAILED DESCRIPTION:

[0038] In example embodiments of this invention there is provided at least a method and apparatus for a novel method and apparatus to enhance at least accuracy of UE reported reference signal carrier phase (RSCP) and RSCPD measurement at LMF for the RedCap positioning estimate. The RedCap UE may support only 20 MHz bandwidth for FR1 and 100 MHz for FR2. To overcome the bandwidth limitation, the RedCap UE performs frequency hopping to measure a wideband PRS.

[0039] Standards at the time of this application for NR positioning contains several enhancements, including UEs with Reduced Capabilities (RedCap). The WID of RedCap positioning is defined to: ^ Specify support of Frequency Hopping (FH) beyond maximum RedCap UE bandwidth for reception of DL PRS and transmission of UL SRS for positioning: ^ NOTE: The complexity of the corresponding capabilities for RedCap UEs should be addressed for the introduction of appropriate capabilities for RedCap UEs; ^ Specify RRM requirements for positioning including RRM measurements and procedures for RedCap UEs for both with and without frequency hopping.

[0040] As noted in the above WID, the RedCap are bandwidth (BW) limited devices. However, the accuracy of positioning is proportional to the positioning reference signal BW. Hence, to solve the BW limitedness problem of RedCap and to improve the positioning accuracy, frequency hopping strategy (for example, as shown in FIG.1) has been agreed to in standards at the time of this application.

[0041] As part of PRS frequency stitching / hopping as shown in FIG.1, the UE may need to align the phase of multiple frequency “chunks” (hops) to remove errors due to phase offsets between the chunks or positioning errors. This procedure can be done by having overlapping frequency part for concurrent chunks (or hops). As an example of frequency hopping procedure, the UE receives a PRS over multiple hops. There may be overlapped RBs (Resource Blocks) between adjacent or consecutive hops, and the UE estimates phase difference between hops. The UE uses the estimatedphase difference information when it combines multiple hops into one wideband PRS. The UE obtains a CP measurement from the combined hops. This is similar to the UL case, the gNB receives an SRS over multiple hops. There may be overlapped RBs (Resource Blocks) between adjacent or consecutive hops, and the gNB estimates phase difference between hops. The gNB uses the estimated phase difference information when it combines multiple hops into one wideband SRS.

[0042] In standards at the time of this application, the following agreement on “hopping and measurement reporting” was made:

[0043] Agreement: For DL Rx hopping or UL Tx hopping, support the UE or gNB to report the following: • A single measurement based on receiving multiple hops of the DL PRS or UL SRS for positioning; • One measurement where a measurement is associated with one received hop; • FFS: indication of how many received hops / which received hops where used in the measurement report; • Note: no new measurement definition is introduced in RAN1; • FFS: conditions when the above measurements are reported, and whether the above measurements can be reported together.

[0044] Note that the above agreement indicates that the receiver has flexibility in using the number of hops (not necessary all) for the positioning measurement including two FFS points, which are worth investigating further impacting the RedCap positioning accuracy.

[0045] According to RedCap WID, the use of specific positioning method is not restricted. Thus, the use of NR carrier phase positioning (NR CPP) for high accuracy RedCap positioning can also be the candidate solution for RedCap UEs. Carrier phase positioning in brief:

[0046] Positioning based on carrier phase measurement is one of a promising technique that has been used in GPS / GNSS for cm-level accuracy. The carrier phase measurement can be utilized to estimate a range between a transmitter and receiver with a granularity of carrier wavelength as shown in FIG.2.

[0047] From FIG. 2, it can be seen that a range between the transmitter and receiver can be expressed by using the fractional and integer multiple of carrier wavelength (λ), i.e., Range (d) = λN + λφ, (1) ,

[0048] Where φ is carrier phase measured in cycle. Note that in the above ranging expression, the receiver only can measure the fractional phase term φ, the integer value N cannot be directly measured. The integer part needs to be resolved by using some indirect methods, and hence N is known as integer ambiguity.

[0049] With expression (1), and using the Trilateration positioning method, for example as shown in FIG.3, NR CPP positioning is being standardized for normal UE.

[0050] For more detail on the NR CPP method / agreements, below there is a highlight high level concept in brief.

[0051] For the transmitted PRS (positioning reference signal) resource from the i^^gNB, and utilizing expression (1) the k^^UE measured phase can be expressed as: φ^^=d^^^ λ^(^− N^^^^)+ ^δ^(^^^)− δ^(^^^)^, (2) where φ^^denotes the phase measurement in cycles, d^^denotes actual geographical distance between the k^^UE and the i^^gNB, λ^(^^^)is the wavelength associated with i^^gNB (say with center frequency f^), N^^denotes integer ambiguity of the propagated wavelength.

[0052] In expression (2), notations δ^(^^^)and δ^(^^^)are used to denote the phase offsets due k^^UE and i^^gNB, respectively. The phase offsets, for example, could be caused by time offsets, frequency offsets, LO (Local Oscillator) initial phases, etc. between UE and gNB.

[0053] To calculate the UE location using (2), the phase offsets δ^(^^^)and δ^(^^^)need to be removed. This is done by using the single-difference phase measurement and double-difference phase measurement. a) single-difference phase measurement: To do this, an additional gNB measurement is used by k^^UE. Let us assume that j^^gNB is used, and the measured phase at the k^^UE for the transmitted PRS from the j^^gNB can be written as =d"^^− N"^+ −(3)"=f ), the single-difference phase, i.e., subtracting φ"^from φ^^is as follows: Δφ^" =Δ^ ^d^"^λ − ΔN^^"+ Δδ^^",(4)" = tob) double-difference phase measurement: To do this, an additional reference UE is used (e.g., positioning reference unit (PRU)). Let us assume that the p^^UE is the PRU. Under similar condition, the single-difference phase measurement for the p^^PRU can be written as Δφ^"=Δd(( ^"^λ − ΔN( (^" + Δδ^",(5)example use of same central frequencies). They can be eliminated by subtracting Δφ(^"from Δφ^^"as follows: ^(ΔΔφ^(^"=ΔΔd^" ^− ΔΔN^(^" ,(6)−

[0054] location can be estimated by using the single and double-differenced phase in the CPP method to achieve the target positioning accuracy (e.g., in the range of cm-level).

[0055] To define the specific RF frequency associated with the CP measurements, it has been agreed to support definitions for the DL RSCP / RSCPD and UL RSCP measurements.

[0056] In standards at the time of this application, to define the specific RF frequency associated with the CP measurements, RAN1 has agreed to support the following definitions for the DL RSCP / RSCPD and UL RSCP measurements, respectively as follows:

[0057] Agreement:The specific RF frequency associated with a DL carrier phase measurement is defined as the center frequency of the DL PFL by default: • Note: It is open to further discussion whether a frequency other than the center frequency of the DL PFL can also be the specific RF frequency for non-default case(s), if RAN1 agrees to introduce them.

[0058] Agreement: The specific RF frequency associated with a UL carrier phase measurement is defined, by default, as the center frequency of the transmission bandwidth of the SRS for positioning purpose: Note: It is open to further discussion whether a frequency other than the center frequency of the UL carrier can also be the specific RF frequency for a non-default case(s), if RAN1 agrees to introduce them. To limit reporting the DL RSCPD / RSCP from only one positioning frequency layer (PFL), RAN1 has agreed on the following:

[0059] Agreement: When DL RSCPD / RSCP measurements are reported together with the DL RSTD / UE Rx – Tx time difference measurements, the DL RSCPD / RSCP measurements are obtained from a single DL PFL only. Note: From RAN1’s perspective, the reporting of the carrier phase measurements from one DL PFL has no impact on the reporting of the DL RSTD and / or UE Rx – Tx time difference measurements from the same DL PFL or other DL PFLs.

[0060] Furthermore, RAN1 has agreed to require the UE, which supports CPP in RRC_INACTIVE / RRC_IDLE state, to measure the CP measurements from the whole DL PFL not only the initial DL BWP (bandwidth part) as follows:

[0061] Agreement: A UE, which has the capability to support CPP in RRC_INACTIVE / RRC_IDLE state, should measure the DL PRS from the whole DL PFL, i.e., not limited to its initial DL BWP. The RF frequencyassociated with the DL RSCP / RSCPD when UE is in RRC_INACTIVE / RRC_IDLE state can be defined in the same way as a UE in RRC_CONNECTED state.

[0062] To support UL Tx frequency hopping for different UE states, RAN1 has agreed to:

[0063] Agreement: SRS Tx Frequency hopping is supported for both RRC_CONNECTED and RRC_INACTIVE state.

[0064] Agreement: PRS Rx frequency hopping for RRC_INACTIVE state and for RRC_IDLE state is supported for a RedCap UE.

[0065] In addition, in standards at the time of this application, for the DL PRS Rx hopping assistance data, RAN1 has agreed to support the LMF with the following:

[0066] Agreement: For DL PRS Rx hopping, support the LMF to include an explicit request for DL PRS Rx hopping measurements and reporting in the location request signaling. The location information request can also optionally include the total bandwidth of all hops.

[0067] However, RAN1 did not define a solution / signaling to remove / minimize the positioning measurement errors due to center frequency discrepancies in RedCap frequency hopping based CPP. Furthermore, no method has been proposed in the literature to align the center frequency of the positioning measurements between the RedCap UE and PRU in RedCap frequency hopping based CPP.

[0068] However, it is noted that there has not been defined a solution / signaling to avoid the positioning errors due to center frequency discrepancies between the CP measurements and reference signals transmissions in the UL and DL CPP.

[0069] Further, it is noted that at the time of this application there has not been defined a solution or signaling to avoid the positioning errors due to center frequency discrepancies between the CP measurements and reference signals transmissions in the UL and DL CPP.

[0070] Example embodiments of the invention address at least these issues.

[0071] Before describing the example embodiment of the invention as disclosed herein in detail, reference is made to FIG.7 for illustrating a simplified block diagram of various electronic devices that are suitable for use in practicing the example embodiments of this invention.

[0072] FIG. 7 shows a block diagram of one possible and non-limiting exemplary system in which the example embodiment of the invention may be practiced. In FIG. 7, a user equipment (UE) 10 is in wireless communication with a wireless network 1 or network, 1 as in FIG.7. The wireless network 1 or network 1 as in FIG.7 can comprise a communication network such as a mobile network e.g., the mobile network 1 or first mobile network as disclosed herein. Any reference herein to a wireless network 1 as in FIG. 7 can be seen as a reference to any wireless network as disclosed herein. Further, the wireless network 1 as in FIG. 7 can also comprises hardwired features as may be required by a communication network. A UE is a wireless, typically mobile device that can access a wireless network. The UE, for example, may be a mobile phone (or called a "cellular" phone) and / or a computer with a mobile terminal function. For example, the UE or mobile terminal may also be a portable, pocket, handheld, computer-embedded or vehicle-mounted mobile device and performs a language signaling and / or data exchange with the RAN.

[0073] The UE 10 includes one or more processors DP 10A, one or more memories MEM 10B, and one or more transceivers TRANS 10D interconnected through one or more buses. Each of the one or more transceivers TRANS 10D includes a receiver and a transmitter. The one or more buses may be address, data, or control buses, and may include any interconnection mechanism, such as a series of lines on a motherboard or integrated circuit, fiber optics or other optical communication equipment, and the like. The one or more transceivers TRANS 10D which can be optionally connected to one or more antennas for communication to NN 12 and NN 13, respectively. The one or more memories MEM 10B include computer program code PROG 10C. The UE 10 communicates with NN 12 and / or NN 13 via a wireless link 11 or 16.

[0074] The NN 12 (NR / 5G Node B, an evolved NB, or LTE device) is a network node such as a master or secondary node base station (e.g., for NR or LTE long term evolution) that communicates with devices such as NN 13 and UE 10 of FIG. 7. The NN 12 provides access to wireless devices such as the UE 10 to the wirelessnetwork 1. The NN 12 includes one or more processors DP 12A, one or more memories MEM 12B, and one or more transceivers TRANS 12D interconnected through one or more buses. In accordance with the example embodiment of the invention these TRANS 12D can include X2 and / or Xn interfaces for use to perform the example embodiments. Each of the one or more transceivers TRANS 12D includes a receiver and a transmitter. The one or more transceivers TRANS 12D can be optionally connected to one or more antennas for communication over at least link 11 with the UE 10. The one or more memories MEM 12B and the computer program code PROG 12C are configured to cause, with the one or more processors DP 12A, the NN 12 to perform one or more of the operations as described herein. The NN 12 may communicate with another gNB or eNB, or a device such as the NN 13 such as via link 16. Further, the link 11, link 16 and / or any other link may be wired or wireless or both and may implement, e.g., an X2 or Xn interface. Further the link 11 and / or link 16 may be through other network devices such as, but not limited to an NCE / MME / SGW / UDM / PCF / AMF / SMF / LMF 14 device as in FIG.7. The NN 12 may perform functionalities of an MME (Mobility Management Entity) or SGW (Serving Gateway), such as a User Plane Functionality, and / or an Access Management functionality for LTE and similar functionality for 5G.

[0075] The NN 13 can be for WiFi or Bluetooth or other wireless device associated with a mobility function device such as an AMF or SMF, further the NN 13 may comprise a NR / 5G Node B or possibly an evolved NB a base station such as a master or secondary node base station (e.g., for NR or LTE long term evolution) that communicates with devices such as the NN 12 and / or UE 10 and / or the wireless network 1. The NN 13 includes one or more processors DP 13A, one or more memories MEM 13B, one or more network interfaces, and one or more transceivers TRANS 13D interconnected through one or more buses. In accordance with the example embodiment of the invention these network interfaces of NN 13 can include X2 and / or Xn interfaces for use to perform the example embodiments. Each of the one or more transceivers TRANS 13D includes a receiver and a transmitter that can optionally be connected to one or more antennas. The one or more memories MEM 13B include computer program code PROG 13C. For instance, the one or more memories MEM 13B and the computer program code PROG 13C are configured to cause, with the one or more processors DP 13A, the NN 13 to perform one or more of the operations asdescribed herein. The NN 13 may communicate with another mobility function device and / or eNB such as the NN 12 and the UE 10 or any other device using, e.g., link 11 or link 16 or another link. The Link 16 as shown in FIG.7 can be used for communication with the NN12. These links maybe wired or wireless or both and may implement, e.g., an X2 or Xn interface. Further, as stated above the link 11 and / or link 16 may be through other network devices such as, but not limited to an NCE / MME / SGW device such as the NCE / MME / SGW / UDM / PCF / AMF / SMF / LMF 14 of FIG.7.

[0076] The one or more buses of the device of FIG.7 may be address, data, or control buses, and may include any interconnection mechanism, such as a series of lines on a motherboard or integrated circuit, fiber optics or other optical communication equipment, wireless channels, and the like. For example, the one or more transceivers TRANS 12D, TRANS 13D and / or TRANS 10D may be implemented as a remote radio head (RRH), with the other elements of the NN 12 being physically in a different location from the RRH, and these devices can include one or more buses that could be implemented in part as fiber optic cable to connect the other elements of the NN 12 to a RRH.

[0077] It is noted that although FIG. 7 shows a network nodes such as NN 12 and NN 13, any of these nodes may can incorporate or be incorporated into an eNodeB or eNB or gNB such as for LTE and NR, and would still be configurable to perform example embodiments.

[0078] Also it is noted that description herein indicates that “cells” perform functions, but it should be clear that the gNB that forms the cell and / or a user equipment and / or mobility management function device that will perform the functions. In addition, the cell makes up part of a gNB, and there can be multiple cells per gNB.

[0079] The wireless network 1 or any network it can represent may or may not include a NCE / MME / SGW / UDM / PCF / AMF / SMF / LMF 14 that may include (NCE) network control element functionality, MME (Mobility Management Entity) / SGW (Serving Gateway) functionality, and / or serving gateway (SGW), and / or MME (Mobility Management Entity) and / or SGW (Serving Gateway) functionality, and / or user data management functionality (UDM), and / or PCF (Policy Control) functionality, and / or Access and Mobility Management Function (AMF) functionality, and / or Session Management (SMF) functionality, and / or Location Management Function (LMF), and / or Authentication Server (AUSF) functionality and which provides connectivitywith a further network, such as a telephone network and / or a data communications network (e.g., the Internet), and which is configured to perform any 5G and / or NR operations in addition to or instead of other standard operations at the time of this application. The NCE / MME / SGW / UDM / PCF / AMF / SMF / LMF 14 is configurable to perform operations in accordance with example embodiments in any of an LTE, NR, 5G and / or any standards based communication technologies being performed or discussed at the time of this application. In addition, it is noted that the operations in accordance with example embodiments, as performed by the NN 12 and / or NN 13, may also be performed at the NCE / MME / SGW / UDM / PCF / AMF / SMF / LMF 14.

[0080] The NCE / MME / SGW / UDM / PCF / AMF / SMF / LMF 14 includes one or more processors DP 19A, one or more memories MEM 19B, and one or more network interfaces (N / W I / F(s)), interconnected through one or more buses coupled with the link 13 and / or link 16. In accordance with the example embodiments these network interfaces can include X2 and / or Xn interfaces for use to perform the example embodiments. The one or more memories MEM 19B include computer program code PROG 14C. The one or more memories MEM19B and the computer program code PROG 14C are configured to, with the one or more processors DP 19A, cause the NCE / MME / SGW / UDM / PCF / AMF / SMF / LMF 14 to perform one or more operations which may be needed to support the operations in accordance with the example embodiments.

[0081] It is noted that that the NN 12 and / or NN 13 and / or UE 10 can be configured (e.g. based on standards implementations etc.) to perform functionality of a Location Management Function (LMF). The LMF functionality may be embodied in any of these network devices or other devices associated with these devices. In addition, an LMF such as the LMF of the MME / SGW / UDM / PCF / AMF / SMF / LMF 14 of FIG. 7, as at least described below, can be co-located with UE 10 such as to be separate from the NN 12 and / or NN 13 of FIG. 7 for performing operations in accordance with example embodiment of the invention as disclosed herein.

[0082] The wireless Network 1 may implement network virtualization, which is the process of combining hardware and software network resources and network functionality into a single, software-based administrative entity, a virtual network. Network virtualization involves platform virtualization, often combined with resource virtualization. Network virtualization is categorized as either external, combining manynetworks, or parts of networks, into a virtual unit, or internal, providing network-like functionality to software containers on a single system. Note that the virtualized entities that result from the network virtualization are still implemented, at some level, using hardware such as processors DP10, DP12A, DP13A, and / or DP19A and memories MEM 10B, MEM 12B, MEM 13B, and / or MEM 19B, and also such virtualized entities create technical effects.

[0083] The computer readable memories MEM 12B, MEM 13B, and MEM 19B may be of any type suitable to the local technical environment and may be implemented using any suitable data storage technology, such as semiconductor based memory devices, flash memory, magnetic memory devices and systems, optical memory devices and systems, fixed memory and removable memory. The computer readable memories MEM 12B, MEM 13B, and MEM 19B may be means for performing storage functions. The processors DP10, DP12A, DP13A, and DP19A may be of any type suitable to the local technical environment, and may include one or more of general purpose computers, special purpose computers, microprocessors, digital signal processors (DSPs) and processors based on a multi-core processor architecture, as non-limiting examples. The processors DP10, DP12A, DP13A, and DP19A may be means for performing functions, such as controlling the UE 10, NN 12, NN 13, and other functions as described herein.

[0084] In general, various embodiments of any of these devices can include, but are not limited to, cellular telephones such as smart phones, tablets, personal digital assistants (PDAs) having wireless communication capabilities, portable computers having wireless communication capabilities, image capture devices such as digital cameras having wireless communication capabilities, gaming devices having wireless communication capabilities, music storage and playback appliances having wireless communication capabilities, Internet appliances permitting wireless Internet access and browsing, tablets with wireless communication capabilities, as well as portable units or terminals that incorporate combinations of such functions.

[0085] Further, the various embodiments of any of these devices can be used with a UE vehicle, a High Altitude Platform Station, or any other such type node associated with a terrestrial network or any drone type radio or a radio in aircraft or other airborne vehicle or a vessel that travels on water such as a boat.

[0086] In expression (6) it is noted that the double-difference phase is free of gNBs and target UE phase offsets biases under certain condition, which is essential for enhanced positioning accuracy (e.g., in the range of cm-level). The conditions assumed are: • Condition C1: target UE measuring carrier phases across the gNBs are associated with the same central frequencies, to cancel out the target UE’s phase offsets in the single-difference phase measurement (calculation). The single- difference phase is also called reference signal carrier phase difference (RSCPD). The RSCPD is calculated by the target UE in the DL CPP (UE- assisted mode), and then reported to the positioning server (e.g., location management function (LMF)). • Condition C2: PRU using same central frequencies across the gNBs, as that used by the target UE, to cancel out the gNBs’ phase offsets in the double- difference phase measurement (calculation). The double-difference phase is calculated by the LMF in the DL CPP (UE-assisted mode), utilizing the RSCPD reported by the target UE and PRU. • Condition C3: If the central frequencies used by UE / PRU are different than the center frequencies suggested by LMF, the new central frequencies used are known to the LMF for the estimation of target UE position, for example using Trilateration positioning method using expression (3).

[0087] The above three conditions assume that gNBs, target UE, and PRU are set with the same central frequency for the measurement of carrier phases (and if any one entity deviates, then the positioning accuracy might be compromised). However, this condition is not assumed / guaranteed / supported with the current agreement in the frequency hopping based CPP for the RedCap UE. For example: • With the UE flexibility of using number of hops for positioning measurements, LMF may not know the central frequency of the aggregated hops associated with the phase measurements, as needed by condition C3; • Depending on which and how many frequencies hops the target UE uses for each gNB, the center frequency of CP measurement with respect to gNBs (reference gNB and other gNBs) can be different. This violates the condition C1 above, in which, the target UE may need to use same central frequencies for all gNBs in order to calculate RSCPD;• The central frequency used by the target UE may not be known to PRU to satisfy condition C2.

[0088] Example embodiments of the invention address at least these issues.

[0089] Example embodiments of the invention address the issues at least describe above, to enhance the accuracy of RedCap frequency hopped based Carrier phase positioning. Specifically, in accordance with example embodiments of the invention there is provided a method to enhance the accuracy of UE reported reference signal carrier phase (RSCP) and RSCPD measurement at LMF for the RedCap positioning estimate.

[0090] In brief, in accordance with example embodiments of the invention there is provided at least the following:

[0091] Example embodiments of this invention addresses the issues described herein, to enhance the accuracy of RedCap frequency hopping based Carrier phase positioning. Specifically, the invention proposes a method to avoid the discrepancies in the center frequency associated with the RSCP and RSCPD measurements reported by the UE to the LMF for UE positioning estimation.

[0092] In brief, example embodiments of the invention provided at least the following: • RedCap UE reports to LMF the central frequency of the “selected / used” frequency hops along with reference signal carrier phase (RSCP) measurement. This is required to accurately estimate the UE location using the reported RSCP measurements (by the UE) at LMF; • The accuracy of RSCPD measurement depends on the measurement of RSCP associated with the same central frequency across gNBs. This may be hard to achieve as RedCap has flexibility to “select / use” different frequency hops to adept certain condition, resulting into different central frequency across gNBs. Example embodiments of the invention provide a method to prevent / eliminate the RSCPD measurement errors due to using RSCP measurements associated with different center frequencies; • Phase error free double-difference carrier phase is essential for high accuracy positioning. This requires PRU and target UE to use same central frequencies across gNBs. This may be hard to achieve because RedCap UE operates with FH strategy (resulting different carrier frequency depending on “selected / used” hops) and PRUoperates with wide band reception. A method in accordance with example embodiments of the invention work to enable the LMF to create the double-difference CP measurements using the RSCPD measurements reported by PRU and RedCap UE that have the same center frequency.

[0093] RedCap UE reports to LMF the central frequency of the “selected / used” frequency hops along with reference signal carrier phase (RSCP) measurement. This is required to accurately express range from UE reported RSCP measurement at LMF.

[0094] It can be noted that RedCap UE is taken to ease the description, and there does not necessarily be a need to restrict only to RedCap UE. The problem and the provided solution apply to carrier phase positioning, in general, with frequency hopping for any UE.

[0095] Below example embodiments of the invention provide detail on avoiding the measurement errors due to center frequency discrepancies in A) RedCap UE reported RSCP measurements with FH, B) RedCap UE reported RSCPD measurements with FH, and C) double-difference phase measurements at the LMF in RedCap frequency hopping based CPP. A. Avoiding the measurement errors due to center frequency discrepancies in RedCap UE reported RSCP measurement with FH.

[0096] Central frequency information (or wavelength) at LMF is required to accurately express range from UE reported RSCP (see expression (1)). Thus, in accordance with example embodiments of the invention there are following proposals: • LMF indicates to UE conditions / metrics on the selection of FHs for RSCP measurement; • For example, the condition / metric could be (1) to aggregate FHs satisfying frequency flatness within certain threshold (see FIG.4 through FIG.7 for more detail), (2) the FHs should be continuous (i.e., aggregated FHs should be adjacent to each other), etc.; • LMF requests to UE to report RSCP measurement and associated central frequency; • UE performs RSCP measurements from selected / used FHs satisfying certain condition;• UE reports to LMF the central frequency of the “selected / used” frequency hops along with reference signal carrier phase (RSCP) measurement; o Along with RSCP reporting the UE may also report the condition that is applied for the selected / used FHs, for the measurement of RSCP. The UE may also report, to the LMF, the number frequency hops, frequency hop ID(s), and the frequency hop flatness check / metric that have used to obtain the RSCP measurements: o In an additional embodiment, the UE may report to LMF, a differential value of the central frequency of the current RSCP measurement compared to the central frequency of the previous RSCP measurement.

[0097] For example, if certain condition(s) is(are) met, a different set of frequency hops can be selected / used in RSCP measurement i different than that used in RSCP measurement i-1, leading to a different center frequency associated with RSCP measurement i (than that is associated with RSCP measurement i-1). The need to use / select different frequency hop combinations between different RSCP measurements could be due to PRS hop collision with other high priority signals and / or channel conditions based on certain metric(s) (e.g., frequency flatness check among the hops, selection of frequency hops satisfying certain flatness condition / probability,…etc.).

[0098] An example signal flow diagram in accordance with the above steps is shown in FIG.4.

[0099] As shown in step 1 of FIG.4, there is the signaling operations identified of initiating carrier phase positioning with frequency hopping including indicating conditions on the selection of frequency hops (FHs) for RSCP measurement.

[0100] As shown in step 2 of FIG. 4, the LMF may request the UE to report RSCP and associated central frequency.

[0101] As shown in steps 4 and 5 of FIG. 4, the UE may perform FH measurements by repeatedly receiving DL PRS hop based on DL PRS transmitted by the gNB.

[0102] As shown in step 6 of FIG.4, there is the signaling operations of the UE, based on FH aggregation condition, estimating RSCP for at least one of selected or used FHs.

[0103] As shown in step 7 of FIG.4, there is the signaling operations of the UE, reporting to the LMF RSCP, associated central frequency, and the condition that is applied for the at least one of selected or used FHs.

[0104] As shown in steps 9 and 10 of FIG. 4, the UE may again perform FH measurements by repeatedly receiving DL PRS hop based on DL PRS transmitted by the gNB.

[0105] As shown in step 11 of FIG. 4, there is the signaling operations of the UE, based on FH aggregation condition, again estimating RSCP for at least one of selected or used FHs.

[0106] As shown in step 12 of FIG. 4, there is the signaling operations of the UE, reporting to the LMF RSCP, associated central frequency, (or reporting differential value of the current central frequency compared to the central frequency of the previous measurement), and the condition that is applied for the at least one of selected or used FHs.

[0107] As shown in step 13 of FIG.4, the LMF may perform carrier phase based ranging and / or positioning based at least in part on the reporting signaling from the UE. B. Avoiding the measurement errors due to center frequency discrepancies in the single-difference phase measurement (i.e., RSCPD) with FH.

[0108] Case 1: Initial phase offsets are not sensitive to the change in the center frequency of the RSCP measurements (i.e., initial phase offsets may be mainly due to LO initial phase offsets, timing offsets, etc.), or the accuracy requirement is not strict. In this case, the UE is allowed to calculate the RSCPD measurements (through (4)) using RSCP measurements of different gNBs that are associated with different center frequencies. However, the center frequency associated with each RSCP measurement (which is obtain by selection a certain group of frequency hops to satisfy a specific condition, as indicated / predefined by the LMF) needs to be reported to LMF, to convert phase values to distance accurately.

[0109] In such case, subject to the UE capability, example embodiments of the invention propose: o UE reports to LMF the central frequencies that are used to measure RSCP of each gNB, along with RSCPD reporting. If UE uses same central frequencywith both gNBs RSCP measurements, UE reports to LMF single central frequency with RSCPD reporting: ^ Reason for this Signalling: Central frequencies (wavelengths) information is required by LMF to express RSCPD pseudo range in (4) (note that (4) is simplified assuming same central frequency is used, which can be easily generalized); ^ In an additional embodiment, the UE may report to LMF, a differential value of the central frequency of the current RSCP measurement compared to the central frequency of the previous RSCP measurement; ^ In all of the above signaling, the UE may also report, to the LMF, the number frequency hops, frequency hop ID(s), and the frequency hop flatness check / metric that have used to obtain the RSCP measurements.

[0110] Case 2: initial phase offsets are sensitive to using different center frequencies with different RSCP measurements. Hence, it is essential to use the same center frequency for each gNB RSCP measurement, to successfully calculate the RSCPD measurements (using (4)). If same central frequency among gNBs RSCP measurement is not possible to achieve, the permissible difference in central frequency is indicated.

[0111] LMF instructs UE to use specific central frequency (and hop ID) for all gNBs RSCP measurement.

[0112] In one embodiment, LMF indicates certain criteria to UE in deciding the central frequency for the RSCP measurements for all gNBs.

[0113] For example, UE may use the central frequency of the “selected / used” frequency hops of the reference cell for all other gNBs RSCP measurement.

[0114] Indicating particular gNB (e.g., reference cell) has highest priority.

[0115] Given that UE can save / store received measurement hops, the UE may be indicated to find a central frequency such that the “selected / used” number of frequency hops satisfying certain condition (e.g., frequency flatness among the hops, contiguous hops, etc.) can be maximized for all the gNBs.

[0116] In another embodiment, if criteria in deciding central frequency to UE is not indicted by LMF. UE may proactively decide the criteria based on the UE capability, and report along with RSCP / RSCPD measurement.

[0117] In another embodiment, LMF may indicate UE a permissible central frequency difference between the gNBs RSCP measurement, which is acceptable for the calculation of RSCPD.

[0118] Based on permissible difference in the central frequencies, UE measure RSCP of each gNBs. Then UE reports the RSCPD measurement to LMF along with the central frequencies used.

[0119] Note that in all above cases, UE reports to LMF the central frequency of the “selected / used” frequency hops associated with RSCP for each gNB along with RSCPD measurements.

[0120] An example signal flow diagram of the above steps is shown in FIG.5.

[0121] As shown in step 1 of FIG. 5, there is the signaling operations of initiating carrier phase positioning with frequency hopping including indicating conditions on the selection of frequency hops (FHs) for RSCP measurement.

[0122] As shown in step 2 of FIG. 5, there is the signaling operations of the LMF optionally indicating if RSCPD measurement can be from different central frequencies or a same central frequency should be enforced.

[0123] As shown in step 4 of FIG.5, there is further the operations of the LMF optionally indicating a request to report RSCPD and associated central frequencies.

[0124] As shown in step 5 of FIG. 5, there is further the operations of the UE performing FH reception from serving and one or more neighbour gNBs.

[0125] As shown in step 6 of FIG.5, there is the operations of the UE, based on FH aggregation condition, estimating RSCP for at least one of selected or used FHs. As shown in step 7 of FIG. 5, there is the operations of the UE estimating RSCPD from the estimated RSCP of serving and one or more neighbour gNBs.

[0126] As shown in step 8 of FIG.5, there is the signaling operations of the UE indicating to the LMF one or more of: the estimated RSCPD, associated central frequencies, and the condition that is applied for selected / used FHs.

[0127] As shown in step 10 of FIG.5, there is further the operations of the LMF optionally indicating a request to report RSCPD and associated central frequency; and further, as shown in step 11 of FIG.5, to indicate a specific central frequency to be used or which method the UE should use to enforce the same central frequency.

[0128] As shown in step 11 of FIG. 5, there is the signaling operations of the LMF indicating to the UE a specific central frequency to be used for RSCPDmeasurement with FHs (or method is indicated for UE to enforce same central frequency).

[0129] As shown in step 12 of FIG.5, there is further the operations of the UE performing FH reception from serving and one or more neighbour gNBs.

[0130] As shown in step 13 of FIG. 5, there is the operations of the UE, based on FH aggregation condition, estimating RSCP from at least one of selected or used FHs enforcing same central frequency for serving cell and neighbor cell(s).

[0131] As shown in step 14 of FIG. 5, there is the operations of the UE, estimating RSCPD from RSCP of serving cell or neighboring cell(s).

[0132] As shown in step 15 of FIG. 5, there is the signaling operations of the UE, reporting to the LMF one or more of: the estimated RSCPD, associated central frequency, and condition that is applied for at least one of selected or used FHs.

[0133] As shown in step 16 of FIG. 5, there is the signaling operations of the UE, indicating to the LMF UE is not able to enforce same centra frequency, and reporting failure. Step 16 may be taken instead of any or all of steps 10-15.

[0134] As shown in step 17 of FIG.5, the LMF may perform carrier phase based ranging and / or positioning based at least in part on the reporting signaling from the UE. C. Avoiding the measurement errors due to center frequency discrepancies in double-difference phase measurement with FH.

[0135] The proposals in above bullets (A) and (B) are to avoid positioning errors due to center frequency discrepancies in the RSCP and RSCPD measurements to enable using the double-differential phase measurements at the LMF to estimate the UE location.

[0136] However, these proposals do not guarantee that the double-differential phase measurements (that are calculated by the LMF using the RSCPD measurements from PRU and target UE are free from the phase offsets. The reason is PRU is not necessary operating with frequency hopping strategy, and the RSCP / RSCPD measurements reported by the target UE may have a center frequency (associated with one or multiple selected / used frequency hops) that is different than the center frequency of the RSCP / RSCPD measurements reported by the PRU. So, there can be mismatch between the center frequency per gNB used by target UE and PRU.

[0137] In such case example embodiments of the invention propose: • LMF requests RedCap UE and PRU to use same center frequency for the RSCP measurement of each gNB: o However, this may not guarantee the same center frequency between PRU and RedCap UE, as RedCap UE has the flexibility to obtain the RSCP measurements using one or multiple selected / used frequency hops; • LMF provides the PRU with a set of PRS frequency hops, where each frequency hop has its own center frequency, and request to measure RSCP measurement for all central frequencies in the set: o Then LMF calculate RSCPD for PRU based on the target UE reported central frequency that is used for RSCPD measurement. This ensures PRU and target UE RSCPD measurements are associated with the same central frequency; o In one embodiment, LMF instructs the PRU to use a pool of frequency hop ID(s) associated with specific center frequency ID(s) that are separated from the center frequency ID(s) of the frequency hops used by the target RedCap UE within a configured / predefined certain threshold. • In another embodiment target UE may use sidelink communication channel with PRU and indicate the central frequency that it is using:

[0138] For example: target UE may decide central frequency as explained above (see, item B-> Case 2) , and report to PRU via sidelink.

[0139] An example signal flow diagram of the above steps is shown in FIG.6.

[0140] As shown in step 1 of FIG. 6, there is the signaling operations of initiating carrier phase positioning with frequency hopping.

[0141] As shown in step 2 of FIG. 6, there is the signaling operations of the LMF, indicating to the PRU all possible FH central frequencies, and requesting to report RSCPD for all central frequencies.

[0142] As shown in step 3 of FIG.6, there is the operations of FH reception of PRSs, estimating RSCP from selected / used FHs and calculating RSCPD from the RSCPs.

[0143] As shown in step 4 of FIG.6, there is the signaling operations of the UE, reporting to the LMF RSCPD and associated central frequency. As shown in step 5 of FIG. 6, there is the signaling operation of the PRU reporting RSCPDs and associated central frequencies.

[0144] As shown in step 6 of FIG. 6, there is the operations of the LMF, determining RSCPDs of the UE and PRU which are associated with the same central frequency, and as shown in step 7 of FIG. 6, the LMF may perform double difference phase calculations.

[0145] As shown in step 8 of FIG.8, the LMF may perform carrier phase based ranging and / or positioning. Frequency flatness test to aggregate FHs:

[0146] There could be several ways to test PRS hops channel flatness (depending on implementation). For example: a. Use of delay spread: i. obtain raw channel estimates of each PRS hops. Let )*+,-. / ,0denote channel estimate of jth resource element (RE) of ith PRS hop. Let estimated delay spread of ith PRS hopped channel be 123, / ., ii. If delay spread of PRS hops (e.g., 123, / 123, / 45, 123, / 46) are within a certain range, e.g., 789 (123, / − 123, / 45) < ; and so on for other hops, the hops (i, i+1, i+2) are aggregated for RSCP estimation. This is because coherence bandwidth can be approximated to be reciprocal of delay spread; b. Using the gain of channel estimates of each PRS hops )*+,-. / ,0: i. obtain gain of each RE channel gain of ith789()*+,-. / ,0)); ii.of 789()*+,-. / ,0), say variance < / = =7>?7@AB { 789()*+,-. / ,0}); iii. the PRS hops whose channel gain variance (< / ) are within a certain threshold are aggregated for RSCP measurement.

[0147] FIG.8A, FIG.8B, and FIG.8C each show a method in accordance with example embodiments of the invention which may be performed by an apparatus.

[0148] FIG.8A illustrates operations which may be performed by a device such as, but not limited to, a device such as a network device (e.g., the UE 10 as in FIG.7). As shown in block 905 of FIG. 8A there is receiving a request to perform frequency hopping and report a carrier phase measurement with a central frequency of a combined frequency hop. As shown in block 910 of FIG. 8A there is initiating a frequency hopping to perform at least one carrier phase measurement from downlink positioning reference signals in a communication network. Then comprising as shown in block 915 of FIG. 8A there is performing the at least one carrier phase measurement for at least one of selected or used frequency hops. Then as shown in block 920 of FIG.8A there is reporting to a network node of the communication network information comprising a central frequency of the combined frequency hop from the at least one of selected or used frequency hops and the at least one carrier phase measurement.

[0149] In accordance with the example embodiment of the invention as described in the paragraph above, wherein there is reporting to a network node at least one condition that is applied for the at least one of selected or used frequency hops for the at least one carrier phase measurement.

[0150] In accordance with the example embodiment of the invention as described in the paragraphs above, there is further identifying, based on particular conditions, that a central frequency of at least one successive carrier phase measurement is different than at least one previous carrier phase measurement, wherein at least one successive carrier phase measurement is obtained from at least one frequency hop combination that is different from the frequency hop combination used to obtain the previous carrier phase measurement, and wherein the information comprises a differential value of a current central frequency compared to a central frequency of a previous measurement.

[0151] In accordance with the example embodiment of the invention as described in the paragraphs above, wherein a selected or used different frequency hop combination is selected or used, by the apparatus based on positioning reference signal hop collision due to at least one of other high priority signals, channel conditions, or a certain metric.

[0152] In accordance with the example embodiment of the invention as described in the paragraphs above, wherein there is reporting to the network node at least one indication: that at least one carrier phase difference measurement is obtainedfrom carrier phase measurements that have different central frequencies, or that have the same central frequency.

[0153] In accordance with the example embodiment of the invention as described in the paragraphs above, wherein there is reporting to the network node at least one carrier phase difference measurement, associated central frequencies, and at least one condition applied to the frequency hops that are selected or used to obtain at least one carrier phase difference measurement.

[0154] In accordance with the example embodiment of the invention as described in the paragraphs above, wherein there is reporting to a location management function of the communication network that the apparatus is unable to enforce a same central frequency for different carrier phase measurements of different network entities that are used to obtain the carrier phase difference measurement, and report a failure.

[0155] In accordance with the example embodiment of the invention as described in the paragraphs above, wherein the apparatus is a RedCap user equipment.

[0156] In accordance with the example embodiment of the invention as described in the paragraphs above, wherein the network node is a location management function of the communication network.

[0157] In accordance with the example embodiment of the invention as described in the paragraphs above, wherein there is receiving, from the network node, an indication to use a specific criteria in deciding the central frequency for the carrier phase measurements of different network entities, wherein the apparatus is indicated to use the central frequency of at least one selected or used frequency hop for one specific network entity as the central frequency of the carrier phase measurements obtained for other network entities of the communication network.

[0158] In accordance with the example embodiment of the invention as described in the paragraphs above, wherein there is, based on a central frequency not being indicated by the network node, proactively determining criteria to determine the central frequency of the selected or used frequency hops to obtain at least one carrier phase measurement based on apparatus capability; and reporting the at least one carrier phase measurement along with the respective central frequency based on the determined criteria.

[0159] In accordance with the example embodiment of the invention as described in the paragraphs above, wherein the network entity is a base station.

[0160] A non-transitory computer-readable medium (MEM 10B as in FIG. 3) storing program code (PROG 10C of as in FIG. 7), the program code executed by at least one processor (DP 10A as in FIG.7) to perform the operations as at least described in the paragraphs above.

[0161] In accordance with an example embodiment of the invention as described above there is an apparatus comprising: means for receiving (one or more transceivers 10D; MEM 10B; PROG 10C; and DP 10A as in FIG. 7) a request to perform frequency hopping and report a carrier phase measurement with a central frequency of a combined frequency hop; means for initiating (one or more transceivers 10D; MEM 10B; PROG 10C; and DP 10A as in FIG.7) a frequency hopping to perform at least one carrier phase measurement from downlink positioning reference signals in a communication network (Network 1 as in FIG.7), comprising means for performing (one or more transceivers 10D; MEM 10B; PROG 10C; and DP 10A as in FIG. 7) the at least one carrier phase measurement for at least one of selected or used frequency hops; and means for reporting (one or more transceivers 10D; MEM 10B; PROG 10C; and DP 10A as in FIG.7) to a network node of the communication network information comprising a central frequency of the combined frequency hop from the at least one of selected or used frequency hops and the at least one carrier phase measurement.

[0162] In the example aspect of the invention according to the paragraph above, wherein at least the means for receiving, initiating, performing, and reporting comprises a non-transitory computer readable medium [MEM 10B as in FIG. 7] encoded with a computer program [PROG 10C as in FIG.7] executable by at least one processor [DP 10A as in FIG.7].

[0163] FIG.8B illustrates operations which may be performed by a device such as, but not limited to, a device such as a positioning reference unit apparatus or device (e.g., the NN 12 and / or NN 13 as in FIG.7). As shown in block 940 of FIG. 8B there is a receiving a request to perform frequency hopping and report a carrier phase measurement with a central frequency of a combined frequency hop. As shown in block 945 of FIG. 8B there is initiating a frequency hopping to perform at least one carrier phase measurement from downlink positioning reference signals in a communication network. As shown in block 950 of FIG.8B there is performing the at least one carrier phase measurement for at least one of selected or used frequency hops. Then as shown in block 855 of FIG. 8B there is reporting to a network node of the communicationnetwork information comprising a central frequency of the combined frequency hop from the at least one of selected or used frequency hops and the carrier phase measurement.

[0164] In accordance with the example embodiment of the invention as described in the paragraph above, wherein the positioning reference unit is requested by the network node to perform frequency hopping and use a same central frequency of a combined frequency hop to report carrier phase measurements.

[0165] In accordance with the example embodiment of the invention as described in the paragraphs above, wherein the network node receives, from the positioning reference unit, at least one carrier phase measurements along with the respective central frequency of a combined frequency hop and obtains the carrier phase difference measurement using the positioning reference unit carrier phase measurement and the apparatus carrier phase measurement that have the central frequency of combined frequency hops.

[0166] A non-transitory computer-readable medium (MEM 12B and / or MEM 13B as in FIG. 7) storing program code (PROG 12C and / or PROG 13C as in FIG. 7), the program code executed by at least one processor (DP 12A and / or DP 13A as in FIG. 7) to perform the operations as at least described in the paragraphs above.

[0167] In accordance with an example embodiment of the invention as described above there is an apparatus comprising: means for receiving (one or more transceivers 12 and / or one or more transceivers 13D; MEM 12B and / or MEM 13B; PROG 12C and / or PROG 13C; and DP 12A and / or DP 13A as in FIG. 7) a request to perform frequency hopping and report a carrier phase measurement with a central frequency of a combined frequency hop; means for initiating (one or more transceivers 12 and / or one or more transceivers 13D; MEM 12B and / or MEM 13B; PROG 12C and / or PROG 13C; and DP 12A and / or DP 13A as in FIG. 7) a frequency hopping to perform at least one carrier phase measurement from downlink positioning reference signals in a communication network, comprising means for performing (one or more transceivers 12 and / or one or more transceivers 13D; MEM 12B and / or MEM 13B; PROG 12C and / or PROG 13C; and DP 12A and / or DP 13A as in FIG. 7) the at least one carrier phase measurement for at least one of selected or used frequency hops; and means for reporting (one or more transceivers 12 and / or one or more transceivers 13D; MEM 12B and / or MEM 13B; PROG 12C and / or PROG 13C; and DP 12A and / or DP13A as in FIG. 7) to a network node of the communication network information comprising a central frequency of the combined frequency hop from the at least one of selected or used frequency hops and the carrier phase measurement.

[0168] In the example aspect of the invention according to the paragraph above, wherein at least the means for receiving, initiating, performing, and reporting comprises a non-transitory computer readable medium [MEM 12B and / or MEM 13B as in FIG. 7] encoded with a computer program [PROG 12C and / or PROG 13C as in FIG. 7] executable by at least one processor [DP 12A and / or DP 13A as in FIG.7].

[0169] FIG.8C illustrates operations which may be performed by a device such as, but not limited to, a device such as a network node apparatus or device such as a gNB (e.g., the NN 12 and / or NN 13 as in FIG. 7). As shown in block 970 of FIG. 8C there is transmitting a request to perform frequency hopping and report a carrier phase measurement with a central frequency of a combined frequency hop. As shown in block 975 of FIG. 8C there is initiating a frequency hopping to perform at least one carrier phase measurement from downlink positioning reference signals in a communication network. Then as shown in block 980 of FIG. 8C there is receiving from the user equipment, information comprising a central frequency of a combined frequency hop from at least one of selected or used frequency hops and the carrier phase measurement.

[0170] In accordance with the example embodiment of the invention as described in the paragraph above, wherein there is receiving from the user equipment, based on a successive carrier phase measurement, an identification, based on particular conditions, that a central frequency of at least one successive carrier phase measurement is different than a center frequency of at least one previous carrier phase measurement, wherein at least one successive carrier phase measurement is obtained from at least one frequency hop combination that is different from the frequency hop combination used to obtain the previous carrier phase measurement, wherein a different frequency hop combination is at least one of selected or used resulting in a different central frequency.

[0171] In accordance with the example embodiment of the invention as described in the paragraphs above, wherein the selected or used different frequency hop combination is selected or used based on positioning reference signal hop collision due to at least one of other high priority signals, channel conditions, or a certain metric.

[0172] In accordance with the example embodiment of the invention as described in the paragraphs above, wherein the information comprises a differentialvalue of a current central frequency compared to a central frequency of a previous measurement reporting with the reference signal carrier phase measurement.

[0173] In accordance with the example embodiment of the invention as described in the paragraphs above, wherein there is communicating with a user equipment of the communication network conditions or metrics on a selection of frequency hops for a reference signal carrier phase measurement.

[0174] In accordance with the example embodiment of the invention as described in the paragraphs above, wherein the network node receives a report from a user equipment comprising at least one frequency hop number, at least one frequency hop identification (ID), and one or more conditions or metrics that are applied to select or use one or more frequency hops to obtain at least one carrier phase measurement.

[0175] In accordance with the example embodiment of the invention as described in the paragraphs above, wherein the conditions or metrics on the selection of frequency hops, request from the user equipment a reference signal carrier phase measurement for at least one of selected or used frequency hops satisfying at least one condition and the reference signal carrier phase measurement.’

[0176] In accordance with the example embodiment of the invention as described in the paragraphs above, wherein the conditions or metrics comprises selected frequency flatness check among the hops, and hops satisfying certain flatness condition or probability.

[0177] In accordance with the example embodiment of the invention as described in the paragraphs above, wherein a carrier phase measurement is obtained by a user equipment by initiating a frequency hopping to use or select at least one frequency hop to perform at least one carrier phase measurement from downlink positioning reference signals and report one or more carrier phase measurement with a central frequency of a combined frequency hop to the network node.

[0178] In accordance with the example embodiment of the invention as described in the paragraphs above, receive from the user equipment, a different reference signal carrier phase measurement associated central frequencies, and at least one condition applied for at least one selected or used different frequency hop combination.

[0179] In accordance with the example embodiment of the invention as described in the paragraphs above, during the successive transmission of carrier phasemeasurement by a user equipment, receive a differential value of a central frequency current carrier phase measurement compared to the central frequency of a previous carrier phase measurement wherein a current carrier phase measurement is obtained from at least one frequency hop combination that is different from the frequency hop combination used to obtain a previous carrier phase measurement and the center frequency of a current phase carrier phase measurement is different than the center frequency of a previous carrier phase measurement.

[0180] In accordance with the example embodiment of the invention as described in the paragraphs above, there is sending to a positioning reference unit a set of positioning reference signal frequency hops wherein each frequency hop has its own central frequency and request a positioning reference unit to perform at least one carrier phase measurement using the indicated frequency hop configuration(s) and their respective central frequencies.

[0181] In accordance with the example embodiment of the invention as described in the paragraphs above, wherein there is sending the user equipment an indication of a use of a sidelink communication channel with one or more positioning reference units and at least on central frequency of at least one combined frequency hop associated with at least one respective carrier phase measurements that is used.

[0182] In accordance with the example embodiment of the invention as described in the paragraphs above, wherein there is determining at least one carrier phase difference measurement between at least one carrier phase measurement from a user equipment and at least one carrier phase measurement from a positioning reference unit based on at least one carrier phase measurement received from a user equipment and at least one carrier phase measurement received from a positioning reference unit associated with their respective central frequencies of combined frequency hop(s) that are being used.

[0183] In accordance with the example embodiment of the invention as described in the paragraphs above, wherein there is instructing at least one positioning reference unit to use a pool of frequency hop ID(s) associated with specific center frequency ID(s) that are separated from the center frequency ID(s) of the frequency hops that are used a user equipment within a predefined configured certain frequency threshold.

[0184] In accordance with the example embodiment of the invention as described in the paragraphs above, wherein there is, based on a same central frequency being used with more than one network node of the communication network reference signal carrier phase measurement, receiving from the user equipment, reporting comprising a single central frequency with reference signal carrier phase difference.

[0185] In accordance with the example embodiment of the invention as described in the paragraphs above, wherein there is during the successive frequency hopping aggregation conditions estimate, due to certain conditions being met and a different frequency hop combination is one of selected or used resulting in a different central frequency, receive from the user equipment, reporting comprising a differential value of a current central frequency compared to a central frequency of a previous measurement value with reference signal carrier phase difference.

[0186] In accordance with the example embodiment of the invention as described in the paragraphs above, wherein there is receiving from the user equipment, reporting comprising a reference signal carrier phase difference and a reference signal carrier phase difference measurement based on the determined criteria.

[0187] In accordance with the example embodiment of the invention as described in the paragraphs above, wherein there is sending to the user equipment, an indication of a positioning reference unit comprising a set of positioning reference signal hop central frequencies.

[0188] In accordance with the example embodiment of the invention as described in the paragraphs above, there is sending to a positioning reference unit a set of positioning reference signal frequency hops wherein each frequency hop has its own central frequency and request a positioning reference unit to perform at least one carrier phase measurement using the indicated frequency hop configuration(s) and their respective central frequencies

[0189] In accordance with the example embodiment of the invention as described in the paragraphs above, wherein there is receiving from the user equipment an indication of use of a sidelink communication channel with the positioning reference unit and a central frequency that is used.

[0190] In accordance with the example embodiment of the invention as described in the paragraphs above, wherein there is. based on the indication,determining reference signal carrier phase difference of the user equipment and the positioning reference unit associated with a same central frequency as is being used.

[0191] In accordance with the example embodiment of the invention as described in the paragraphs above, wherein the network node comprises a location server with a location management function of the communication network.

[0192] A non-transitory computer-readable medium (MEM 12B and / or MEM 13B as in FIG. 7) storing program code (PROG 12C and / or PROG 13C as in FIG. 7), the program code executed by at least one processor (DP 12A and / or DP 13A as in FIG. 7) to perform the operations as at least described in the paragraphs above.

[0193] In accordance with an example embodiment of the invention as described above there is an apparatus comprising: means for transmitting (one or more transceivers 12 and / or one or more transceivers 13D; MEM 12B and / or MEM 13B; PROG 12C and / or PROG 13C; and DP 12A and / or DP 13A as in FIG. 7) a request to perform frequency hopping and report a carrier phase measurement with a central frequency of a combined frequency hop; means for initiating (one or more transceivers 12 and / or one or more transceivers 13D; MEM 12B and / or MEM 13B; PROG 12C and / or PROG 13C; and DP 12A and / or DP 13A as in FIG. 7) a frequency hopping to perform at least one carrier phase measurement from downlink positioning reference signals in a communication network; then means for receiving (one or more transceivers 12 and / or one or more transceivers 13D; MEM 12B and / or MEM 13B; PROG 12C and / or PROG 13C; and DP 12A and / or DP 13A as in FIG.7) from the user equipment, information comprising a central frequency of a combined frequency hop from at least one of selected or used frequency hops and the carrier phase measurement.

[0194] In the example aspect of the invention according to the paragraph above, wherein at least the means for transmitting, initiating, and receiving comprises a non- transitory computer readable medium [MEM 12B and / or MEM 13B as in FIG. 7] encoded with a computer program [PROG 12C and / or PROG 13C as in FIG. 7] executable by at least one processor [DP 12A and / or DP 13A as in FIG.7].

[0195] Further, in accordance with example embodiments of the invention there is circuitry for performing operations in accordance with example embodiments of the invention as disclosed herein. This circuitry can include any type of circuitry including content coding circuitry, content decoding circuitry, processing circuitry, image generation circuitry, data analysis circuitry, etc.). Further, this circuitry can includediscrete circuitry, application-specific integrated circuitry (ASIC), and / or field- programmable gate array circuitry (FPGA), etc. as well as a processor specifically configured by software to perform the respective function, or dual-core processors with software and corresponding digital signal processors, etc.). Additionally, there are provided necessary inputs to and outputs from the circuitry, the function performed by the circuitry and the interconnection (perhaps via the inputs and outputs) of the circuitry with other components that may include other circuitry in order to perform example embodiments of the invention as described herein.

[0196] In accordance with example embodiments of the invention as disclosed in this application this application, the “circuitry” provided can include at least one or more or all of the following: (a) hardware-only circuit implementations (such as implementations in only analog and / or digital circuitry); (b) combinations of hardware circuits and software, such as (as applicable): (i) a combination of analog and / or digital hardware circuit(s) with software / firmware; and (ii) any portions of hardware processor(s) with software (including digital signal processor(s)), software, and memory(ies) that work together to cause an apparatus, such as a mobile phone or server, to perform various functions, such as functions or operations in accordance with example embodiments of the invention as disclosed herein); and (c) hardware circuit(s) and or processor(s), such as a microprocessor(s) or a portion of a microprocessor(s), that requires software (e.g., firmware) for operation, but the software may not be present when it is not needed for operation.”

[0197] In accordance with example embodiments of the invention, there is adequate circuitry for performing at least novel operations in accordance with example embodiments of the invention as disclosed in this application, this `circuitry` as may be used herein refers to at least the following: (a) hardware-only circuit implementations (such as implementations in only analog and / or digital circuitry); and (b) to combinations of circuits and software (and / or firmware), such as (as applicable): (i) to a combination of processor(s) or (ii) to portions of processor(s) / software (including digital signal processor(s)), software, and memory(ies) that work together tocause an apparatus, such as a mobile phone or server, to perform various functions); and (c) to circuits, such as a microprocessor(s) or a portion of a microprocessor(s), that require software or firmware for operation, even if the software or firmware is not physically present.

[0198] This definition of `circuitry` applies to all uses of this term in this application, including in any claims. As a further example, as used in this application, the term "circuitry" would also cover an implementation of merely a processor (or multiple processors) or portion of a processor and its (or their) accompanying software and / or firmware. The term "circuitry" would also cover, for example and if applicable to the particular claim element, a baseband integrated circuit or applications processor integrated circuit for a mobile phone or a similar integrated circuit in a server, a cellular network device, or other network device.

[0199] In general, the various embodiments may be implemented in hardware or special purpose circuits, software, logic or any combination thereof. For example, some aspects may be implemented in hardware, while other aspects may be implemented in firmware or software which may be executed by a controller, microprocessor or other computing device, although the invention is not limited thereto. While various aspects of the invention may be illustrated and described as block diagrams, flow charts, or using some other pictorial representation, it is well understood that these blocks, apparatus, systems, techniques or methods described herein may be implemented in, as non-limiting examples, hardware, software, firmware, special purpose circuits or logic, general purpose hardware or controller or other computing devices, or some combination thereof.

[0200] Embodiments of the inventions may be practiced in various components such as integrated circuit modules. The design of integrated circuits is by and large a highly automated process. Complex and powerful software tools are available for converting a logic level design into a semiconductor circuit design ready to be etched and formed on a semiconductor substrate.

[0201] The word "exemplary" is used herein to mean "serving as an example, instance, or illustration." Any embodiment described herein as "exemplary" is not necessarily to be construed as preferred or advantageous over other embodiments. All of the embodiments described in this Detailed Description are exemplary embodimentsprovided to enable persons skilled in the art to make or use the invention and not to limit the scope of the invention which is defined by the claims.

[0202] The foregoing description has provided by way of exemplary and non- limiting examples a full and informative description of the best method and apparatus presently contemplated by the inventors for carrying out the invention. However, various modifications and adaptations may become apparent to those skilled in the relevant arts in view of the foregoing description, when read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings and the appended claims. However, all such and similar modifications of the teachings of example embodiments of this invention will still fall within the scope of this invention.

[0203] It should be noted that the terms "connected," "coupled," or any variant thereof, mean any connection or coupling, either direct or indirect, between two or more elements, and may encompass the presence of one or more intermediate elements between two elements that are "connected" or "coupled" together. The coupling or connection between the elements can be physical, logical, or a combination thereof. As employed herein two elements may be considered to be "connected" or "coupled" together by the use of one or more wires, cables and / or printed electrical connections, as well as by the use of electromagnetic energy, such as electromagnetic energy having wavelengths in the radio frequency region, the microwave region and the optical (both visible and invisible) region, as several non-limiting and non-exhaustive examples.

[0204] Furthermore, some of the features of the preferred embodiments of this invention could be used to advantage without the corresponding use of other features. As such, the foregoing description should be considered as merely illustrative of the principles of the invention, and not in limitation thereof.

Claims

CLAIMS What is claimed is:

1. An apparatus, comprising: at least one processor; and at least one non-transitory memory storing instructions, that when executed by the at least one processor, cause the apparatus at least to: receive a request to perform frequency hopping and report a carrier phase measurement with a central frequency of a combined frequency hop; initiate a frequency hopping to perform at least one carrier phase measurement from downlink positioning reference signals in a communication network, comprising the apparatus is caused to: perform the at least one carrier phase measurement for at least one of selected or used frequency hops; and report to a network node of the communication network information comprising a central frequency of the combined frequency hop from the at least one of selected or used frequency hops and the at least one carrier phase measurement.

2. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the instructions, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the apparatus to: report to a network node at least one condition that is applied for the at least one of selected or used frequency hops for the at least one carrier phase measurement.

3. The apparatus of claim 1 or 2, wherein a selected or used different frequency hop combination is selected or used, by the apparatus based on positioning reference signal hop collision due to at least one of other high priority reference signals, channels, channel conditions, or a certain metric.

4. The apparatus of any of claims 1-3, wherein the instructions, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the apparatus to: further identify, based on particular conditions, that a central frequency of at least one successive carrier phase measurement is different than at least one previouscarrier phase measurement, wherein at least one successive carrier phase measurement is obtained from at least one frequency hop combination that is different from the frequency hop combination used to obtain the previous carrier phase measurement, and wherein the information comprises a differential value of a current central frequency compared to a central frequency of a previous measurement.

5. The apparatus of any of claims 1-4, wherein the instructions, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the apparatus to: report to the network node at least one indication: that at least one carrier phase difference measurement is obtained from carrier phase measurements that have different central frequencies, or that have a same central frequency.

6. The apparatus of any of claims 1-4, wherein the at least one non-transitory memory is storing instructions executed by the at least one processor, to cause the apparatus to: report to the network node at least one carrier phase difference measurement, associated central frequencies, and at least one condition applied to the frequency hops that are selected or used to obtain at least one carrier phase difference measurement.

7. The apparatus of any of claims 1-4, wherein the instructions, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the apparatus to: report to a network node of the communication network that the apparatus is unable to enforce a same central frequency for different carrier phase measurements of different network entities that are used to obtain the at least one carrier phase difference measurement, and report a failure.

8. The apparatus of any of claims 1-4, wherein the instructions, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the apparatus to: receive, from the network node, an indication to use a specific criteria in deciding the central frequency for the carrier phase measurements of different network entities, wherein the apparatus is indicated to use the central frequency of at least one selected or used frequency hop for one specific network entity as the central frequencyof the carrier phase measurements obtained for other network entities of the communication network.

9. The apparatus of any of claims 1-4, wherein the instructions, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the apparatus to: based on a central frequency not being indicated by the network node, determine criteria to determine the central frequency of the selected or used frequency hops to obtain at least one carrier phase measurement; and report the at least one carrier phase measurement along with the respective central frequency based on the determined criteria.

10. The apparatus of any of claims 1-9, wherein the apparatus is a RedCap user equipment, wherein the network node is a location management function of the communication network, and wherein the network entity is a base station.

11. A method, comprising: receiving a request to perform frequency hopping and report a carrier phase measurement with a central frequency of a combined frequency hop; initiating a frequency hopping to perform at least one carrier phase measurement from downlink positioning reference signals in a communication network, comprising: performing the at least one carrier phase measurement for at least one of selected or used frequency hops; and reporting to a network node of the communication network information comprising a central frequency of the combined frequency hop from the at least one of selected or used frequency hops and the at least one carrier phase measurement.

12. A positioning reference unit, comprising: at least one processor; and at least one non-transitory memory storing instructions, that when executed by the at least one processor, cause the positioning reference unit at least to: receive a request to perform frequency hopping and report a carrier phase measurement with a central frequency of a combined frequency hop;initiate a frequency hopping to perform at least one carrier phase measurement from downlink positioning reference signals in a communication network, comprising the positioning reference unit is caused to: perform the at least one carrier phase measurement for at least one of selected or used frequency hops; and report to a network node of the communication network information comprising a central frequency of the combined frequency hop from the at least one of selected or used frequency hops and at least one carrier phase measurement.

13. The positioning reference unit of claim 12, wherein the instructions, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the positioning reference unit at least to: receive a request from the network node to perform frequency hopping and to use a same central frequency of a combined frequency hop to report carrier phase measurements.

14. The positioning reference unit of claim 12 or 13, wherein the instructions, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the positioning reference unit at least to: transmit, to the network node, at least one carrier phase measurements along with the respective central frequency of a combined frequency hop.

15. A method, comprising: receiving a request to perform frequency hopping and report a carrier phase measurement with a central frequency of a combined frequency hop; initiating a frequency hopping to perform at least one carrier phase measurement from downlink positioning reference signals in a communication network, comprising the positioning reference unit is caused to: performing the at least one carrier phase measurement for at least one of selected or used frequency hops; and reporting to a network node of the communication network information comprising a central frequency of the combined frequency hop from the at least one of selected or used frequency hops and the carrier phase measurement.

16. A network node, comprising:at least one processor; and at least one non-transitory memory storing instructions, that when executed by the at least one processor, cause the network node at least to: transmit to a user equipment a request to perform frequency hopping and report a carrier phase measurement with a central frequency of a combined frequency hop; initiate a frequency hopping to perform at least one carrier phase measurement from downlink positioning reference signals in a communication network; and receive from the user equipment, information comprising a central frequency of a combined frequency hop from at least one of selected or used frequency hops and at least one carrier phase measurement.

17. The network node of claim 16, wherein the instructions, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the network node at least to: receive from the user equipment, based on a successive carrier phase measurement, an identification, based on particular conditions, that a central frequency of at least one successive carrier phase measurement is different than a center frequency of at least one previous carrier phase measurement, wherein at least one successive carrier phase measurement is obtained from at least one frequency hop combination that is different from the frequency hop combination used to obtain the previous carrier phase measurement.

18. The network node of claim 16 or 17, wherein the selected or used different frequency hop combination is selected or used based on positioning reference signal hop collision due to at least one of other high priority signals, channel conditions, or a certain metric.

19. The network node of any of claims 16-18, wherein the information comprises a differential value of a current central frequency compared to a central frequency of a previous carrier phase measurement.

20. The network node of any of claims 16-19, wherein the instructions, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the network node at least to: provide a user equipment with one or more conditions or metrics on aselection of frequency hops for at least one carrier phase measurement.

21. The network node of any of claims 16-20, wherein the instructions, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the network node at least to: receive a report from a user equipment comprising at least one frequency hop number, at least one frequency hop identification, and one or more conditions or metrics that are applied to select or use one or more frequency hops to obtain at least one carrier phase measurement.

22. The network node of claim 21, wherein the conditions or metrics comprises selected frequency flatness check among the hops, number of hops, and hop identification(s) satisfying certain flatness condition or probability.

23. The network node of any of claims 16-20, wherein the instructions, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the network node at least to: receive from user equipment at least one carrier phase difference measurement along with a respective central frequency wherein the at least one carrier phase difference measurement is obtained from carrier phase measurements of different base station that have the same central frequency.

24. The network node of any of claims 16-20, wherein the instructions, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the network node at least to: receive from the user equipment one or more carrier phase measurement with a central frequency of a combined frequency hop.

25. The network node of any of claims 16-20, wherein the instructions, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the network node at least to: during the successive transmission of carrier phase measurement by a user equipment, receive a differential value of a central frequency current carrier phase measurement compared to the central frequency of a previous carrier phase measurement wherein a current carrier phase measurement is obtained from at least one frequency hop combination that is different from the frequency hop combination used to obtain a previous carrier phase measurement and the center frequency of a currentphase carrier phase measurement is different than the center frequency of a previous carrier phase measurement.

26. The network node of any of claims 16-20, wherein the instructions, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the network node at least to: receive from the user equipment, a report comprising at least one carrier phase difference measurement and at least one carrier phase measurement based on a determined criteria.

27. The network node of any of claims 16-26, wherein the instructions, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the network node at least to: send to a positioning reference unit a set of positioning reference signal frequency hops wherein each frequency hop has its own central frequency and request a positioning reference unit to perform at least one carrier phase measurement using the indicated frequency hop configuration(s) and their respective central frequencies.

28. The network node of any of claims 16-27, wherein the instructions, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the network node at least to: receive from the user equipment an indication of a use of a sidelink communication channel with one or more positioning reference units and at least on central frequency of at least one combined frequency hop associated with at least one respective carrier phase measurements that is used.

29. The network node of any of claims 16-28, wherein the instructions, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the network node at least to: determine at least one carrier phase difference measurement between at least one carrier phase measurement from a user equipment and at least one carrier phase measurement from a positioning reference unit based on at least one carrier phase measurement received from a user equipment and at least one carrier phase measurement received from a positioning reference unit associated with their respective central frequencies of combined frequency hop(s) that are being used.

30. The network node of any of claims 16-29, wherein the instructions, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the network node at least to: instruct at least one positioning reference unit to use a pool of frequency hop ID(s) associated with specific center frequency ID(s) that are separated from the center frequency ID(s) of the frequency hops that are used a user equipment within a predefined configured certain frequency threshold.

31. The network node of any of claims 16-30, wherein the network node comprises a location server with a location management function of the communication network.

32. A method, comprising: transmitting a request to perform frequency hopping and report a carrier phase measurement with a central frequency of a combined frequency hop; initiating a frequency hopping to perform at least one carrier phase measurement from downlink positioning reference signals in a communication network, comprising receiving from the user equipment, information comprising a central frequency of a combined frequency hop from at least one of selected or used frequency hops and the carrier phase measurement.

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