Method, apparatus and computer program

Abstract

There is provided a user equipment comprising: means for receiving, from a network entity, an indication that a transmission configuration indicator, TCI, state is to be the current TCI state for the user equipment, and means for, when a channel state information reference signal, CSI-RS, resource of the TCI state is associated with a CSI-RS resource set configured for time and frequency tracking, determining whether the CSI-RS resource of the TCI state is also associated a CSI-RS resource set configured for beam management. The user equipment further comprises: means for, based on the determining, performing beam measurements based on one of: the CSI-RS resource, or a synchronisation signal block, SSB, that is quasi co-located with the CSI-RS resource, wherein the beam measurements are performed based on the CSI-RS resource when it is determined that the CSI-RS resource is associated with the CSI-RS resource set configured for beam management, or the beam measurements are performed based on the SSB when it is determined that the CSI-RS resource is not associated with the CSI-RS resource set configured for beam management.

Description

METHOD, APPARATUS AND COMPUTER PROGRAMTECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] Various examples of this disclosure relate to methods, apparatuses, and computer programs. In particular, methods, apparatuses, and computer programs for a communication network.BACKGROUND

[0002] A communication network can be seen as a facility that enables communications between two or more communication devices or provides communication devices access to a data network. A mobile or wireless communication network is one example of a communication network. A communication device may be provided with a service by an application server.

[0003] Such communication networks operate in accordance with standards such as those provided by 3GPP (Third Generation Partnership Project) or ETSI (European Telecommunications Standards Institute). Examples of standards are the so-called 5G (5th Generation) standards provided by 3GPP.SUMMARY

[0004] Some examples of this disclosure will be described with respect to certain aspects. These aspects are not intended to indicate key or essential features of the embodiments of this disclosure, nor are they intended to be used to limit the scope thereof. Other features, aspects, and elements will be readily apparent to a person skilled in the art in view of this disclosure. For example, it should be appreciated that further aspects may be provided by the combination of any two or more of the various aspects described below.

[0005] According to a first aspect, there is provided a user equipment comprising: means for receiving, from a network entity, an indication that a transmission configuration indicator, TCI, state is to be the current TCI state for the user equipment; means for, when a channel state information reference signal, CSI-RS, resource of the TCI state is associated with a CSI-RS resource set configured for time and frequency tracking, determining whether the CSI-RS resource of the TCI state is also associated a CSI-RS resource set configured for beam management; and means for, based on the determining, performing beam measurements based on one of: the CSI-RS resource, or a synchronisation signal block, SSB, that is quasi co-located with the CSI-RS resource, wherein the beam measurements are performed based on the CSI-RS resource when it is determined that the CSI-RS resource is associated with the CSI-RS resource set configured for beam management, or the beam measurements areperformed based on the SSB when it is determined that the CSI-RS resource is not associated with the CSI-RS resource set configured for beam management.

[0006] According to a second aspect, there is provided a user equipment comprising: at least one processor, and at least one memory storing instructions that, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the user equipment to perform: receiving, from a network entity, an indication that a transmission configuration indicator, TCI, state is to be the current TCI state for the user equipment; when a channel state information reference signal, CSI-RS, resource of the TCI state is associated with a CSI-RS resource set configured for time and frequency tracking, determining whether the CSI-RS resource of the TCI state is also associated a CSI-RS resource set configured for beam management; and based on the determining, performing beam measurements based on one of: the CSI-RS resource, or a synchronisation signal block, SSB, that is quasi co-located with the CSI-RS resource, wherein the beam measurements are performed based on the CSI-RS resource when it is determined that the CSI-RS resource is associated with the CSI-RS resource set configured for beam management, or the beam measurements are performed based on the SSB when it is determined that the CSI-RS resource is not associated with the CSI-RS resource set configured for beam management.

[0007] According to a third aspect, there is provided a user equipment comprising: circuitry configured to perform: receiving, from a network entity, an indication that a transmission configuration indicator, TCI, state is to be the current TCI state for the user equipment; circuitry configured to perform: when a channel state information reference signal, CSI-RS, resource of the TCI state is associated with a CSI-RS resource set configured for time and frequency tracking, determining whether the CSI-RS resource of the TCI state is also associated a CSI- RS resource set configured for beam management; and circuitry configured to perform: based on the determining, performing beam measurements based on one of: the CSI-RS resource, or a synchronisation signal block, SSB, that is quasi co-located with the CSI-RS resource, wherein the beam measurements are performed based on the CSI-RS resource when it is determined that the CSI-RS resource is associated with the CSI-RS resource set configured for beam management, or the beam measurements are performed based on the SSB when it is determined that the CSI-RS resource is not associated with the CSI-RS resource set configured for beam management.

[0008] According to a fourth aspect, there is provided a method performing by a user equipment, the method comprising: receiving, from a network entity, an indication that a transmission configuration indicator, TCI, state is to be the current TCI state for the user equipment; when a channel state information reference signal, CSI-RS, resource of the TCI state is associated with a CSI-RS resource set configured for time and frequency tracking, determining whether the CSI-RS resource of the TCI state is also associated a CSI-RSresource set configured for beam management; and based on the determining, performing beam measurements based on one of: the CSI-RS resource, or a synchronisation signal block, SSB, that is quasi co-located with the CSI-RS resource, wherein the beam measurements are performed based on the CSI-RS resource when it is determined that the CSI-RS resource is associated with the CSI-RS resource set configured for beam management, or the beam measurements are performed based on the SSB when it is determined that the CSI-RS resource is not associated with the CSI-RS resource set configured for beam management.

[0009] According to a fifth aspect, there is provided a computer program comprising instructions, which when executed by a user equipment, cause the user equipment to perform at least the following: receiving, from a network entity, an indication that a transmission configuration indicator, TCI, state is to be the current TCI state for the user equipment; when a channel state information reference signal, CSI-RS, resource of the TCI state is associated with a CSI-RS resource set configured for time and frequency tracking, determining whether the CSI-RS resource of the TCI state is also associated a CSI-RS resource set configured for beam management; and based on the determining, performing beam measurements based on one of: the CSI-RS resource, or a synchronisation signal block, SSB, that is quasi colocated with the CSI-RS resource, wherein the beam measurements are performed based on the CSI-RS resource when it is determined that the CSI-RS resource is associated with the CSI-RS resource set configured for beam management, or the beam measurements are performed based on the SSB when it is determined that the CSI-RS resource is not associated with the CSI-RS resource set configured for beam management.

[0010] The following are applicable to each (e.g., one or more, including all) of the above first to fifth aspects.

[0011] In some examples, the CSI-RS resource of the TCI state, that is associated with the CSI-RS resource set configured for time and frequency tracking is the only type of reference signal that is associated with the TCI state.

[0012] In some examples, the CSI-RS resource of the TCI state, that is associated with the CSI-RS resource set configured for time and frequency tracking, is a tracking reference signal, TRS, resource.

[0013] In some examples, the TRS is the QCL source RS of the TCI state, wherein the TCI state is the current TCI state.

[0014] In some examples, the CSI-RS resource set that is configured for time and frequency tracking comprises a first parameter, trs-info, that indicates that CSI-RS resources in the resource set are for the user equipment to use for time and frequency tracking.

[0015] In some examples, the CSI-RS resource set that is configured for beam management comprises a second parameter, repetition, that indicates that CSI-RS resources in the resource set are for the user equipment to use for beam management.

[0016] In some examples, the user equipment is caused to perform: receiving, from a network entity, a configuration for event-based beam reporting, wherein the configuration comprises the TCI state, wherein a CSI-RS resource of the TCI state is either: associated with a CSI- RS resource set configured for time and frequency tracking and associated with a CSI-RS resource set configured for beam management, or associated with a CSI-RS resource set configured for time and frequency tracking.

[0017] In some examples, the user equipment is caused to perform: determining that an event has occurred based on the measurements; and based on the event, transmitting a beam report to the network entity.

[0018] In some examples, the TRS associated with the TCI state is a type-d TRS.

[0019] In some examples, the TRS resource is a non-zero power CSI-RS, NZP-CSI-RS, resource.

[0020] According to a sixth aspect, there is provided a network entity comprising: means for configuring beam measurements, for a user equipment, to be based on, respectively, one of: a channel state information reference signal, CSI-RS, resource, or a synchronisation signal block, SSB, that is quasi co-located with the CSI-RS resource, by, respectively, associating the CSI-RS resource of a transmission configuration indicator, TCI, state with: a CSI-RS resource set configured for time and frequency tracking and a CSI-RS resource set configured for beam management, or a CSI-RS resource set configured for time and frequency tracking; and means for transmitting, to the user equipment, an indication that the TCI state is to be the current TCI state for the user equipment.

[0021] According to a seventh aspect, there is provided a network entity comprising: at least one processor, and at least one memory storing instructions that, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the network entity to perform: configuring beam measurements, for a user equipment, to be based on, respectively, one of: a channel state information reference signal, CSI-RS, resource, or a synchronisation signal block, SSB, that is quasi colocated with the CSI-RS resource, by, respectively, associating the CSI-RS resource of a transmission configuration indicator, TCI, state with: a CSI-RS resource set configured for time and frequency tracking and a CSI-RS resource set configured for beam management, or a CSI-RS resource set configured for time and frequency tracking; and transmitting, to the user equipment, an indication that the TCI state is to be the current TCI state for the user equipment.

[0022] According to an eighth aspect, there is provided a network entity comprising: circuitry configured to perform: configuring beam measurements, for a user equipment, to be based on, respectively, one of: a channel state information reference signal, CSI-RS, resource, or a synchronisation signal block, SSB, that is quasi co-located with the CSI-RS resource, by, respectively, associating the CSI-RS resource of a transmission configuration indicator, TCI,state with: a CSI-RS resource set configured for time and frequency tracking and a CSI-RS resource set configured for beam management, or a CSI-RS resource set configured for time and frequency tracking; and circuitry configured to perform: transmitting, to the user equipment, an indication that the TCI state is to be the current TCI state for the user equipment.

[0023] According to a ninth aspect, there is provided a method performed by network entity, the method comprising: configuring beam measurements, for a user equipment, to be based on, respectively, one of: a channel state information reference signal, CSI-RS, resource, or a synchronisation signal block, SSB, that is quasi co-located with the CSI-RS resource, by, respectively, associating the CSI-RS resource of a transmission configuration indicator, TCI, state with: a CSI-RS resource set configured for time and frequency tracking and a CSI-RS resource set configured for beam management, or a CSI-RS resource set configured for time and frequency tracking; and transmitting, to the user equipment, an indication that the TCI state is to be the current TCI state for the user equipment.

[0024] According to a tenth aspect, there is provided a computer program comprising instructions, which when executed by a network entity, cause the network entity to perform at least the following: configuring beam measurements, for a user equipment, to be based on, respectively, one of: a channel state information reference signal, CSI-RS, resource, or a synchronisation signal block, SSB, that is quasi co-located with the CSI-RS resource, by, respectively, associating the CSI-RS resource of a transmission configuration indicator, TCI, state with: a CSI-RS resource set configured for time and frequency tracking and a CSI-RS resource set configured for beam management, or a CSI-RS resource set configured for time and frequency tracking; and transmitting, to the user equipment, an indication that the TCI state is to be the current TCI state for the user equipment.

[0025] The following are applicable to each (e.g., one or more, including all) of the above sixth to tenth aspects.

[0026] In some examples, the CSI-RS resource of the TCI state, that is associated with the CSI-RS resource set configured for time and frequency tracking, is a tracking reference signal, TRS, resource.

[0027] In some examples, the CSI-RS resource set that is configured for time and frequency tracking comprises a first parameter, trs-info, that indicates that CSI-RS resources in the resource set are for the user equipment to use for time and frequency tracking.

[0028] In some examples, the CSI-RS resource set that is configured for beam management comprises a second parameter, repetition, that indicates that CSI-RS resources in the resource set are for the user equipment to use for beam management.

[0029] In some examples, the network entity is caused to perform: transmitting, to the user equipment, a configuration for event-based beam reporting, wherein the configurationcomprises the TCI state, wherein the CSI-RS resource of the TCI state is either: associated with the CSI-RS resource set configured for time and frequency tracking and associated with the CSI-RS resource set configured for beam management, or associated with the CSI-RS resource set configured for time and frequency tracking.

[0030] In some examples, the network entity is caused to perform: receiving, from the user equipment, a beam report that indicates that an event has been determined to have occurred at the user equipment based on the measurements.

[0031] In some examples, the TRS associated with the TCI state is a type-d TRS.

[0032] In some examples, the TRS resource is an NZP-CSI-RS resource.

[0033] A computer product stored on a medium may cause an apparatus to perform the methods as described herein.

[0034] A non-transitory computer readable medium comprising program instructions, that, when executed by an apparatus, cause the apparatus to perform the methods as described herein.

[0035] An electronic device may comprise apparatus as described herein.

[0036] Various other aspects and further embodiments are also described in the following detailed description and in the attached claims.

[0037] According to some aspects, there is provided the subject matter of the independent claims. Some further aspects are defined in the dependent claims. The embodiments that do not fall under the scope of the claims are to be interpreted as examples useful for understanding the disclosure.

[0038] List of Abbreviations:AF: Application FunctionAN: Access NetworkBM: Beam managementBS: Base StationCN: Core NetworkCSI: Channel State InformationCSI-RS: CSI reference signalCRI: CSI-RS resource indicatorDL: Downlink eNB: eNodeB gNB: gNodeBLTE: Long Term EvolutionMS: Mobile StationNG-RAN: Next Generation Radio Access NetworkNF: Network FunctionNR: New RadioNW: NetworkNZP: Non-zero powerPLMN: Public Land Mobile NetworkQCL: Quasi co-locationRAN: Radio Access NetworkRL: Reinforcement learningRF: Radio FrequencyRS: Reference signalSSB: Synchronisation signal blockTCI: Transmission configuration indicatorTRS: Tracking reference signalUE: User EquipmentUL: UplinkZP: Zero power3GPP: 3rdGeneration Partnership Project5G: 5thGeneration5GC: 5G Core network5G-AN: 5G Radio Access Network5GS: 5G SystemBRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0039] Some examples will now be described, by way of illustrative and non-limiting example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:

[0040] FIG. 1 shows a schematic representation of a 5G communication system;

[0041] FIG. 2 shows a schematic representation of an apparatus for the 5G communication system of FIG. 1 ;

[0042] FIG. 3 shows a schematic representation of a communication device;

[0043] FIGS. 4a to 4d show schematic representations of different configurations of transmission configuration indication states;

[0044] FIG. 5 shows an example flow diagram of operations performed by a user equipment;

[0045] FIG. 6 shows an example signalling and operations diagram for a user equipment and a network entity;

[0046] FIG. 7 shows an example method flow diagram performed by an apparatus;

[0047] FIG. 8 shows another example method flow diagram performed by an apparatus; and

[0048] FIG. 9 shows a schematic representation of an apparatus.DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0049] A communication device (e.g., a user equipment (UE)) may receive reference signals, e.g., channel station information reference signals (CSI-RSs), from a network entity (e.g., a base station) to be used for beamforming support and / or for measuring CSI feedback. For beamforming support, CSI-RS may be configured by layer 3 to be either beam-specific or device / UE-specific. CSI-RS are mapped onto certain resources in the frequency and time domain. These reference signals are used for performing tasks such as beam acquisition and evaluation, adaptation of the beam (e.g., beam refinement), decision making for beam switching, and UE tracking with steerable beams.

[0050] A network may schedule reference signals (e.g., CSI-RS) as a specific ‘reference signals per-beam’ to allow them to be distinguished from one another. When an RS is associated with a beam, this means that a UE measuring an RS is, in essence, measuring a specific beam.

[0051] Resource elements (REs) carrying the CSI-RS may be configured to be either zero power CSI-RS (ZP-CSI-RS) or non-zero power CSI-RS (NZP-CSI-RS). ZP and NZP allow for a configuration that contains transmission gaps so that a UE is able perform interference measurements and provide feedback. In addition, this allows optional beamforming implementations where the ZP and NZP concept is used to distinguish between beams.

[0052] NZP-CSI-RS is used for many procedures such as channel measurement, beam management, beam measurement, connected mode mobility, etc. There may be dedicated signalling from the network to the UE to configure the reception of such signals. ZP-CSI-RS are ‘special’ empty resource elements. ZP-CSI-RS are commonly used for interference measurements. ZP-CSI-RS defines a set of REs which do not contain any transmission for the UE.

[0053] A UE may be configured with one or more CSI-RS resource sets. These may be referred to as NZP-CSI-RS-ResourceSets. Each CSI-RS resource set includes reference(s) to one or more configured CSI-RS. The CSI-RS resource set may then be used as part of reporting configurations describing measurements and corresponding reporting to be done by a UE.

[0054] UEs may be configured with a set of NZP-CSI-RS resources, whereby UEs are asked out of which to report a subset. The identification of such NZP-CSI-RS resources is done by a CSI-RS resource indicator (CRI). When a UE is configured with more than one NZP CSI-RSs, the UE may report a set of N’ UE-selected CSI-RS resource-related indices. CRI may be used during beam management (BM) procedures when identifying the ‘best’ downlink beam(s). The CRI allows a base station to switch between CSI-RS beams which are typically more directional than synchronization signal block / physical broadcast channel beams. This may be a useful indicator as this may quickly indicate the N’ best CSI-RS resources the network should use further.

[0055] A CSI-RS is considered to a narrow beam that is transmitted by the network. A synchronisation signal block (SSB) is considered to be a wide beam that is transmitted by the network.

[0056] A transmission configuration indicator (TCI), or TCI state, is a term that refers to a set of parameters defining how data is transmitted from a network to a UE. TCI may be communicated via downlink control information (DCI).

[0057] A TCI state may correspond to (or be associated with) at least one RS (or at least one source RS). In this context, the ‘source’ is the network entity transmitting the RS. For example, the source RS (or simply RS) may be a CSI-RS, or SSB. A TCI state may be configured to correspond to a source RS which is quasi co-located (QCLed) with an event-based beam report (to enable fast beam switching).

[0058] Two antenna ports are said to be quasi co-located (QCLed) if properties of the channel over which a symbol on one antenna port is conveyed can be inferred from the channel over which a symbol on the other antenna port is conveyed. There are different types of QCL including Type A, Type B, Type C and Type D.

[0059] Another type of RS is a tracking RS (TRS), which is typically used for beam management. A TRS may be considered to be a type of CSI-RS. When a UE receives a downlink data transmission, the UE needs to track and compensate for time and frequency offsets (i.e., deviations). The UE thus uses TRS in order to perform this tracking. The UE tracks time and frequency by measuring a CSI-RS that is configured for TRS. TRS may be defined in the NZP-CSI-RS resource set with the parameter ‘trs-info’, as shown below.

[0060] NZP-CSI-RS-ResourceSet = SEQUENCE { nzp-CSI-ResourceSetld NZP-CSI-RS-ResourceSetld, nzp-CSI-RS-Resources SEQUENCE (SIZE (1 ..maxNrofNZP-CSI-RS-ResourcesPerSet)) OF NZP-CSI-RS-Resourceld, repetition ENUMERATED { on, off } OPTIONAL, aperiodicTriggeringOffset INTEGER(0..4) OPTIONAL,trs-lnfo ENUMERATED {true} OPTIONAL,}

[0061] As shown above, as the parameter ‘trs-info’ is ‘OPTIONAL’, this means that a CSI-RS resource set may not be configured for TRS. When the resource set is not configured for TRS, this means that resources in the resource set are not for time and frequency tracking by the UE.

[0062] 3GPP 38.331 defines ‘trs-lnfo’ as follows: Indicates that the antenna port for all (NZP- CSI-RS) resources in the CSI-RS resource set is the same. If the field is absent, or released, then the UE applies the value ‘false’.

[0063] For an NZP-CSI-RS-ResourceSet configured with the higher layer parameter ‘trs-lnfo’, the UE shall assume the antenna port with the same antenna port index of the configured NZP CSI-RS resources in the NZP-CSI-RS-ResourceSet is the same.

[0064] For frequency range 1 (FR1 ), the UE may be configured with one or more NZP-CSI-RS resource set(s), where an NZP-CSI-RS-ResourceSet comprises four periodic NZP-CSI-RS resources in two consecutive slots with two periodic NZP-CSI-RS resources in each slot. For frequency range 2(FR2), the UE may be configured with one or more NZP-CSI-RS resource set(s), where a NZP-CSI-RS-ResourceSet comprises two periodic CSI-RS resources in one slot or with a NZP-CSI-RS-ResourceSet of four periodic NZP CSI-RS resources in two consecutive slots with two periodic NZP-CSI-RS resources in each slot.

[0065] In UE-initiated beam reporting (also termed event-based beam reporting), a UE measures the RS associated with a current beam serving the UE and other RS associated with neighbouring beams. A transmission configuration indicator (TCI) state may indicate to the UE which beam is the current beam. The network can select a TCI state and inform the UE of the selected TCI state (which is often termed the ‘current indicated TCI state’). A UE is often configured with a plurality of different TCI states (e.g., up to 128 different TCI states). The UE measures RSs associated with the current indicated TCI state, but also determines whether the UE would be better served by a different beam. If a new beam is better than the current beam, then an event may be triggered. When the event is triggered, the UE sends a beam report to the network.

[0066] However, a current indicated TCI state may not be associated with an RS that the UE is configured to measure, such an CSI-RS or a synchronisation signal block (SSB). In current 3GPP (RTM) standards, there is no provision for the measurement of TRS.

[0067] In legacy beam management procedures, the network would often configure frequent periodic or semi-persistent beam reporting. Alternatively, the network would configure frequent aperiodic beam reporting to timely acquire the best beam for data / control transmissions. However, this results in a large uplink (UL) reporting overhead and control signalling overhead. On the other hand, if less frequent beam reporting is configured, the network may not always acquire the ‘best’ beam(s) as the beam reporting by the UE may be outdated. This leads to performance degradation. As the UE has a better and more-timely knowledge of beam quality changes, UE-initiated beam reporting procedure can lead to more timely beam reports yet with reduced reporting overhead. When the UE determines that the current beam(s) quality becomes poor (e.g., below a threshold, or lower compared to another beam), UE triggers beam reporting, without the network needing to configure or trigger frequent reporting. However, there are some potential issues surrounding event-based / UE-initiated beam reporting, related to the measurement of RSs.

[0068] There may be scenarios whereby the current indicated TCI state is associated with (or configured with) a single RS, wherein the RS is an TRS. A UE may not currently be configured to perform measurements on the TRS for beam management. It had been proposed to introduce an additional scheme, wherein the RS for the current beam can be a CSI-RS for beam management that is derived from the QCL RS in the indicated TCI state. However, a problem associated with this is that the TRS may be using a (wide) SSB beam or a (narrow) CSI-RS beam. Thus, performing measurements from, e.g., CSI-RS, would give the wrong indication to the network if the network was in fact using an SSB beam for the TRS. Alternatively, it had been proposed to further support TRS as a measurement RS of current beam for determining L1 -RSRP. However, this would be problematic in terms of the large workload that this would cause in RAN1 to introduce TRS as a measurement RS. Alternatively, it had been proposed to introduce an additional scheme, whereby the RS for the current beam is explicitly configured by radio resource control (RRC) or medium access control control elemnt (MAC CE). However, a problem with this proposal is that it would introduce additional signalling overhead to the system.

[0069] One or more of the following examples aims to address one or more of the problems identified above.

[0070] In examples, there is provided a user equipment (UE) that is configured for receiving, from a network entity, an indication that a transmission configuration indicator, TCI, state is to be the current TCI state for the user equipment. The UE is also configured for, when a channel state information reference signal, CSI-RS, resource of the TCI state is associated with a CSI- RS resource set configured for time and frequency tracking, determining whether the CSI-RS resource of the TCI state is also associated a CSI-RS resource set configured for beammanagement. The UE is also configured for, based on the determining, performing beam measurements based on one of: the CSI-RS resource, or a synchronisation signal block, SSB, that is quasi co-located with the CSI-RS resource, wherein the beam measurements are performed based on the CSI-RS resource when it is determined that the CSI-RS resource is associated with the CSI-RS resource set configured for beam management, or the beam measurements are performed based on the SSB when it is determined that the CSI-RS resource is not associated with the CSI-RS resource set configured for beam management.

[0071] This example, as well as others, will be described in more detail below, alongside FIGS. 4 to 9.

[0072] Before explaining the examples above in greater detail, an example communication device (as shown in FIG. 3) that is capable of determining and transmitting CSI reports will be described. The communication device is part of a communication system (as shown in FIG. 1 ). The communication device is able to communicate with one or more of the entities of the communication system (as shown in FIG. 1 ) via an apparatus (as shown in FIG. 2), which may be part of / comprised in a base station. As described above, a base station and communication device may communicate with each other, such that the communication device is able to provide CSI reports to the network.

[0073] Certain general aspects of the communication system and the communication device are briefly explained with reference to FIGS. 1 to 3 to assist in understanding the technology underlying the described examples.

[0074] FIG. 1 shows a schematic representation of a 5G communication system 100. In this manner, FIG. 1 illustrates an example of a communication network to which examples disclosed herein may be applied. The communication network or a cellular communication network may comprise a network node 1 10 providing one or more cells, such as cell 100, and a network node 1 12 providing one or more other cells, such as cell 102. Each cell may be, e.g., a macro cell, a micro cell, femto, or a pico cell, for example. The cell may define a coverage area or a service area of the corresponding access node.

[0075] The network node 110 may provide a user equipment (UE) 120 (one or more UEs) with wireless access to the communication network. The wireless access may comprise downlink (DL) communication from the network node to the UE 120 and uplink (UL) communication from the UE 120 to the network node. Examples of uplink channels comprise physical uplink control channel (PUCCH) for transmitting control information and physical uplink shared channel (PUSCH) for transmitting data towards the network. Examples of downlink channels comprise physical downlink control channel (PDCCH) for transmitting control information and physical downlink shared channel (PDSCH) for transmitting data towards the user equipment.

[0076] There may be a plurality of UEs 120, 122 in the system. Each of them may be served by the same or by different network nodes 1 10, 1 12. LIE may be configured with dual connectivity (DC), wherein the LIE, e.g. LIE 120, may be connected to multiple network nodes 1 10, 1 12. The UEs 120, 122 may communicate with each other, in case device-to-device (D2D) communication interface is established between them via a so-called sidelink (SL). Such D2D communications may be referred to as machine-to-machine, peer-to-peer (P2P) communications, or vehicle-to-vehicle (V2V), for example.

[0077] In the case of multiple network nodes in the communication network, the network nodes may be connected to each other via an interface. LTE specifications call such an interface as X2 interface. An interface between an LTE node and a 5G node, or between two 5G nodes may be called Xn interface.

[0078] The network nodes 110 and 1 12 may be further connected via another interface to a core network 1 16 of the communication network. The LTE specifications specify the core network as an evolved packet core (EPC), and the core network may comprise e.g. a mobility management entity (MME) and a gateway node. The MME may handle mobility of terminal devices in a tracking area encompassing a plurality of cells and handle signalling connections between the terminal devices and the core network. The gateway node may handle data routing in the core network and to / from the terminal devices. The 5G specifications specify the core network as a 5G core (5GC). The 5G core may comprise e.g. an access and mobility management function (AMF) and a user plane function / gateway (UPF) and other functions. The AMF may handle termination of non-access stratum (NAS) signalling, NAS ciphering & integrity protection, registration management, connection management, mobility management, access authentication and authorization, security context management. The UPF node may support packet routing and forwarding, packet inspection and quality of service (QoS) handling, for example.

[0079] FIG. 2 illustrates an example of an apparatus 200. The apparatus 200 may be for the 5G communication system of FIG. 1. The apparatus 200 may be for controlling a function of one or more network entities and / or network functions, such as the entities of the 5G-RAN or the 5GC as illustrated on FIG. 1 . The apparatus 200 comprises at least one random access memory (RAM) 21 1 a, at least one read only memory (ROM) 211 b, at least one processor 212, 213 and an input / output interface 214. The at least one processor 212, 213 is coupled to the RAM 21 1 a and the ROM 21 1 b. The at least one processor 212, 213 may be configured to execute an appropriate software code 215. The software code 215 may for example allow to perform one or more steps to perform one or more of the present aspects or examples. The software code 215 may be stored in the ROM 211 b. The apparatus 200 may be interconnected with another apparatus 200 controlling another entity / f unction of the 5G-AN or the 5GC. . Insome examples, apparatus 200 may be configured to provide one or more functions of the 5G-AN or the 5GC. For example, apparatus 200 may be configured to perform at least some functionality of a particular function of the 5G-AN or the 5GC. For example, apparatus 200 may be configured to operate as a particular function of the 5G-AN or the 5GC. In alternative examples, apparatus 200 may be configured to perform at least some functionality of two or more functions of the 5G-AN and / or the 5GC. For example, apparatus 200 may be configured to operate as two or more functions of the 5G-AN and / or the 5GC. The apparatus 200 may comprise one or more circuits, or circuitry (not shown) which may be configured to perform one or more of the present aspects or examples.

[0080] FIG. 3 illustrates an example of a communication device 300. The communication device 300 may be similar to the communication device 102 illustrated in FIG. 1. The communication device 300 may be provided by any device capable of sending and receiving radio signals. Non-limiting examples of a communication device 300 are a user equipment, a terminal, a mobile station (MS) or mobile device such as a mobile phone or what is known as a ’smart phone’, a computer provided with a wireless interface card or other wireless interface facility (e.g., USB dongle), a personal data assistant (PDA) or a tablet provided with wireless communication capabilities, a machine-type communications (MTC) device, a Cellular Internet of things (CloT) device, or a terrestrial / maritime / aerial vehicle such as a car, a truck, a boat, an air plane, or a drone, or any combinations of these or the like. The communication device 300 may provide, for example, communication of data for carrying communications. The communications may be one or more of voice, electronic mail (email), text message, multimedia, data, machine data and so on.

[0081] The communication device 300 may receive signals over an air or radio interface 307 via appropriate apparatus for receiving and may transmit signals via appropriate apparatus for transmitting radio signals. In FIG. 3, a transceiver apparatus is designated schematically by block 306. The transceiver apparatus 306 may be provided for example by means of a radio part and associated antenna arrangement. The antenna arrangement may be arranged internally or externally to the mobile device.

[0082] The communication device 300 may be provided with at least one processor 301 , at least one memory ROM 302a, at least one RAM 302b and other possible components 303 for use in software and hardware aided execution of tasks it is designed to perform, including control of access to and communications with access systems and other communication devices. The at least one processor 301 is coupled to the RAM 302b and the ROM 302a. The at least one processor 301 may be configured to execute an appropriate software code 308. The software code 308 may for example allow to perform one or more of the present aspects. The software code 308 may be stored in the ROM 302a. The communication device 300 maycomprise one or more circuits, or circuitry (not shown) which may be configured to perform one or more of the present aspects or examples.

[0083] The processor, storage and other relevant control apparatus may be provided on an appropriate circuit board and / or in chipsets. This feature is denoted by reference 304. The communication device may optionally have a user interface such as keypad 305, touch sensitive screen or pad, combinations thereof or the like. Optionally one or more of a display, a speaker and a microphone may be provided depending on the type of the device.

[0084] FIGS. 4a to 4d show schematic representations of different configurations of transmission configuration indication states.

[0085] A communication device, such as a UE, may be configured with a plurality of different TCI states. For example, a UE may be configured with up to 128 different TCI states. The network then indicates to the UE which TCI state is the current TCI state. The current TCI state may also be referred to as the current indicated TCI state, or active TCI state. The current TCI state is the TCI state that the UE will use, e.g., for beam management purposes.

[0086] As shown in FIG. 4a, there is a TCI state #A 401 . The TCI state #A 401 is one of the plurality of different TCI states that are configured for a UE (not shown). The TCI state #A 401 is associated with (or configured with) two RSs (i.e., multiple RSs). A first RS is a ‘type-a’ RS, namely QCL RS 1 (type-a: doppler, time parameters). The second RS is a ‘type-d’ RS, namely QCL RS 2 (type-d: beam). The first RS and / or second RS may be a CSI-RS, or SSB, for example.

[0087] There are four different types of QCL, as described as follows: QCL-TypeA = Doppler shift, Doppler spread, average delay, delay spread. QCL-TypeB = Doppler shift, Doppler spread. QCL-TypeC = Average delay, Doppler shift. QCL-TypeD = Spatial Rx parameter.

[0088] As shown in FIG. 4b, there is a TCI state #B 403. The TCI state #B 403 is one of the plurality of different TCI states that are configured for a UE (not shown). The TCI state #B 403 is associated with one RS (i.e., a single RS). A first RS is an TRS. The TRS is both type-a and type-d. As described above, a TRS may be considered to be a CSI-RS (resource) that is configured for time and frequency tracking. Stated differently, the CSI-RS resource belongs to a resource set that is configured with the trs-info parameter (as ‘true’). In this manner, the CSI- RS resource may then be termed a ‘TRS resource’.

[0089] As shown in FIG. 4c, there is a TCI state #C 405. The TCI state #C 405 is one of the plurality of different TCI states that are configured for a UE (not shown). The TCI state #C 405 is associated with two RSs (i.e., multiple RSs). A first RS is a TRS which is a ‘type-a’ RS, namely QCL RS 1 (type-a: doppler, time parameters). The second RS is also a TRS, but atype-d’ RS, namely QCL RS 2 (type-d: beam). In this manner, both RSs of the TCI state #C 405 are TRSs.

[0090] As shown in FIG. 4d, there is a TCI state #D 407. The TCI state #D 407 is one of the plurality of different TCI states that are configured for a UE (not shown). The TCI state #D 407 is associated with one RS (i.e., a single RS). A first RS is an TRS, wherein the TRS is type-a (only). There may not be a type-d RS configured in TCI state #D 407 because the TCI state is applicable for frequency range 1 (FR1 ). In FR1 , it is assumed that type-a is only used (and not type-d). In other words, FR1 type-D may not be applicable in FR1 as a UE may not have (or be configured with) analog beamforming for the reception and / or transmission. The other TCI states 401 , 403, 405 may be configured for FR2, in some examples. Different frequency ranges are available for 5G, wherein the different ranges have been designated FR1 and FR2. The bands in FR1 may be used to carry much of the traditional cellular mobile communications traffic. The higher frequency bands in range FR2 are aimed at providing short-range, high data-rate capability for 5G communications.

[0091] It should be understood that the following examples are not limited to 5G systems and are also applicable to other cellular standards such as, e.g., 4G, 6G and beyond.

[0092] In the examples of FIGS. 4b to 4c, each of the TCI states 403, 405, 407 is associated with TRS as a reference signal, and no other types of reference signals. Stated differently, the only reference signal associated with the TCI state (e.g., 403, 405, 407) is a TRS.

[0093] In examples, a UE receives an indication of a TCI state that is to be the current indicated TCI state for the UE. The TCI state may be one of a plurality of TCI states that are configured at the UE. The UE determines, from the current TCI state, a CSI-RS resource of the TCI state is associated with a resource set configured for time and frequency tracking. For example, the resource set may be a NZP-CSI-RS resource set that is configured with the parameter ‘trs-info’. As the CSI-RS of the TCI state is associated with a resource set configured for time and frequency tracking, the CSI-RS resource may be referred to as a TRS resource. The current TCI state is not associated with any other types of RS (only the CSI-RS resource which is configured as a TRS resource).

[0094] The UE then determines whether the CSI-RS resource / TRS resource is also associated with beam management. For this determination, the UE determines whether the CSI-RS resource of the TCI state (i.e., the TRS resource) is also associated a CSI-RS resource set configured for beam management (or beam measurement). A resource set that is configured for beam management is configured with the parameter named ‘repetition’. When the repetition parameter is configured, it may be marked as either ‘ON’ or ‘OFF’. Whether ‘repetition’ is ‘ON’ or ‘OFF’ in the resource set, this will still be considered as being configuredfor the resource set. Stated differently, the CSI-RS resource set will be configured for beam management when the ‘repetition’ parameter is indicated as either ‘ON’ or ‘OFF’. When the ‘repetition’ parameter is not included in the CSI-RS resource set (or marked as null / void), then the resource set is not configured for beam management.

[0095] When the UE determines that the CSI-RS resource / TRS resource is associated with both a resource set configured for time and frequency tracking and a resource set configured for beam management, then the UE performs beam measurements based on the CSI-RS resource (or TRS resource). Here, the CSI-RS / TRS resource is the QCL source RS of the current indicated TCI state. When the UE determines that the CSI-RS resource / TRS resource is associated (only) to a resource set configured for time and frequency tracking, then the UE performs measurement from a SSB related to the CSI-RS resource. The SSB may be an SSB that is quasi co-located with the CSI-RS resource.

[0096] The network may control the behavior of the UE by configuring the TCI states, and then indicating / activating specific TCI states at the UE. For example, ‘Configuration 1 ’: for a first TCI state: CSI-RS resource in the first TCI state is associated with: an NZP-CSI-RS resource set configured with trs-info and an NZP-CSI-RS resource set configured with repetition (on / off). ‘Configuration 2’: for a second TCI state: CSI-RS resource in the second TCI state is associated with an NZP-CSI-RS resource set configured with trs-info, but not an NZP-CSI-RS resource set configured with repetition (on / off). Based on which one of the first and second TCI states is indicated / active at the UE, the network is able to control which resources are measured by the UE for beam management (or beam measurements). This will be described in more detail below.

[0097] FIG. 5 shows an example flow diagram of operations performed by a user equipment.

[0098] At S501 , a user equipment (UE) receives, from a network entity (e.g., a base station, or gNB), a configuration for event-based beam reporting. The configuration may indicate at least one TCI state for the UE. In this example, it is assumed that the configuration comprises a plurality of TCI states.

[0099] At S502, the UE receives, from the network entity, an activation of the configuration. Once activated, the UE is configured with the plurality of TCI states.

[0100] At S503, the UE receives, from the network entity, an indication of a TCI state from the plurality of TCI states to be the current indicated TCI state. The current indicated TCI state (or simply ‘current TCI state’) is the TCI state that is active / operational at the UE.

[0101] At S504, the UE determines, based on the current TCI state, that a CSI-RS resource of the current TCI state is associated with TRS. This determination may comprise: determiningthat the CSI-RS resource of the current TCI state is associated with a CSI-RS resource set that is configured from time and frequency tracking. A CSI-RS (or NZP-CSI-RS) resource set configured with the parameter, trs-info, means that CSI-RS resources in the resource set are to provide the UE with resources for time and frequency tracking.

[0102] As the CSI-RS resource of the current TCI state is associated with TRS, the CSI-RS resource may be referred to as a TRS resource.

[0103] At S505, the UE determines whether the CSI-RS resource (which may be termed the ‘TRS resource’) is also associated with a beam management. This determination may comprise: determining whether the CSI-RS resource is also associated with a CSI-RS resource set that is configured for beam management. A CSI-RS (or NZP-CSI-RS) resource set configured with a parameter, repetition, wherein repetition may be ‘on’ or ‘off’, means that CSI-RS resources in the set are to provide the UE with resources for beam measurements.

[0104] Each CSI-RS resource (or TRS resource) may have an associated an identity (ID). The ID may be unique to the CSI-RS resource. A specific CSI-RS resource (or TRS resource) with a unique ID may be associated to both resource sets (one for time and frequency tracking, one for beam management). The resource sets may also have an ID, or unique ID.

[0105] At S506, when the outcome of the determination of S505 is yes / true, then the UE performs beam measurements based on the CSI-RS resource. As described above, the CSI- RS resource may be referred to as a TRS resource (meaning that measurements are performed on the TRS resource).

[0106] At S507, when the outcome of the determination of S505 is no / false, then the UE performs beam measurements based on an SSB that is associated with the CSI-RS resource. The SSB is QCLed with the CSI-RS of the TCI state.

[0107] In this manner, the UE performs either narrow beam measurements (on the CSI-RS / TRS resource) (see S506), or performs wide beam measurements (on the SSB) (see S507).

[0108] It should be understood that in other examples, one or more of the operations of FIG. 5 may not be performed or may be performed in a different order.

[0109] FIG. 6 shows an example signalling and operations diagram for a user equipment and a network entity.

[0110] At S601 , the network entity sends, to the UE, a configuration for event-based reporting.

[0111] At S602, the UE sends, to the network entity, an acknowledgement using RRC.

[0112] At S603, the network entity sends, to the UE, a configuration of a CSI-RS resource (or CSI-RS resources) to be associated with a resource set configured with trs-info and a resourceset configured with repetition. The CSI-RS resource set configured with trs-info means that CSI-RS resources in the set are to provide the UE with resources for time and frequency tracking. The CSI-RS resource set configured with the repetition parameter (where repetition may be ‘on’ or ‘off’) means that CSI-RS resources in the set are to provide the UE with resources for beam measurements. The CSI-RS resource set may be referred to as an NZP- CSI-RS set in some examples.

[0113] At S604, the UE sends, to the network entity, an acknowledgement using RRC.

[0114] At S605, the network entity sends, to the UE, a configuration of TCI states and an activation of the configuration of the TCI states. Each of the TCI stated in the configuration is associated with a CSI-RS. Each CSI-RS resource is either: associated with a CSI-RS resource set configured for time and frequency tracking and associated with a CSI-RS resource set configured for beam management, or associated with a CSI-RS resource set configured for time and frequency tracking.

[0115] At S606, the UE sends, to the network entity, an acknowledgement using RRC.

[0116] In some examples, information sent by the network entity to the UE in S601 , S603 and S605 is sent in a single step. Stated differently, the configuration for event-based beam reporting, the configuration of the CSI-RS resource(s), and configuration for TCI states is comprised in a (single) configuration. In this example, the UE would send a single RRC acknowledgement.

[0117] At S607, the network entity sends, to the UE, an indication of a TCI state of the TCI states to be the current TCI state. The current TCI state is the ‘active’ TCI state being utilised by the UE.

[0118] At S608, the UE sends, to the network entity, a hybrid automatic repeat request (HARQ) acknowledgement on the physical layer (PHY).

[0119] At S609, the UE determines (based on the current TCI state) that a CSI-RS resource of the current TCI state belongs to a (NZP-CSI-RS) resource set that is configured for time and frequency tracking. The (NZP-CSI-RS) resource set that is configured for time and frequency tracking is configured with (comprises) the parameter named trs-info. As the CSI- RS resource belongs to the resource set configured for time and frequency tracking, the CSI- RS resource is considered a TRS resource.

[0120] At S610, the UE determines whether the CSI-RS resource also belongs to a (NZP-CSI- RS) resource set that is configured for beam management. The (NZP-CSI-RS) resource set that is configured for time and frequency tracking is configured with (comprises) the parameter named repetition.

[0121] In the example of FIG. 6, it is assumed that the CSI-RS resource does also belong to the (NZP-CSI-RS) resource set that is configured for beam management.

[0122] At S611 , as the UE has determined that the CSI-RS resource does also belong to the (NZP-CSI-RS) resource set that is configured for beam management, the UE performs measurements based on the CSI-RS resource (TRS resource).

[0123] If the determination in S610 was that the CSI-RS resource did not belong to the (NZP- CSI-RS) resource set that is configured for beam management, then the UE would perform measurements based on a SSB that is quasi co-located with the CSI-RS resource. In this manner, the SSB is associated with the CSI-RS resource.

[0124] At S612, the UE determines, based on the measurements, that an event has occurred. The event may have been configured by the network entity in S601 .

[0125] At S613, the UE generates a beam report based on the event that has occurred.

[0126] At S614, the UE sends, to the network entity, the beam report.

[0127] At S615, the network entity determines, based on the beam report, to change the current TCI state at the UE to the a further TCI state of the TCI states.

[0128] At S616, the network entity sends, to the UE, an indication of a further TCI state of the TCI states to be the current TCI state.

[0129] At S617, the UE sends, to the network entity, a hybrid automatic repeat request (HARQ) acknowledgement on the physical layer (PHY).

[0130] It should be understood that, in other examples, one or more of the operations of FIG.6 may not be performed or may be performed in a different order.

[0131] In line with the examples of FIG. 5 and FIG. 6, 3GPP 38.214 could be updated to have the following description related to determining a measurement resource for the event-based beam reporting:When the UE determines that the current indicated TCI state has only TRS as a QCL source reference signal, the UE determines whether the TRS resource, i.e. NZP-CSI- RS resource associated to an NZP-CSI-RS-resource set configured with trs-info, is also associated to a NZP-CSI-RS resource set configured with repetition (on or off). In the case that the TRS resource is associated to both resource sets, the UE performs current beam measurement(s) from the TRS (QCL source RS of the current indicated TCI state). If TRS resource is not associated to the resource set configured with repetition, the UE performs measurement from a SSB that is QCL source for the TRS.

[0132] One or more of the above examples have the advantage that the UE is able to determine a suitable measurement resource (for beam reporting) when a TRS is the QCL source RS in the indicated TCI state. This improvement for UE-initiated / event-based beam reporting means that there is a reduced signalling overhead, and a reduced latency. For instance, the UE is able to determine the suitable measurement resource (i.e., CSI-RS or SSB resource) without requiring additional signalling from the network (e.g., RRC or MAC-CE signalling), which would increase overhead and increase latency. Furthermore, by providing UE-initiated / event-based beam reporting, this further reduces the signalling overhead compared to periodic and aperiodic beam reporting methods. As the UE has the most up-to- date information, and accurate information, the UE is the best placed entity to be able to inform the network when a more suitable beam is available (compared to the current beam). As described above, by configuring the TCI states, and instructing the UE which TCI state should be current / active, the network has control over the UE behavior.

[0133] FIG. 7 shows an example method flow performed by an apparatus. The apparatus may be a UE, terminal, or other communication device. The apparatus may comprise one or more means for performing the following method. For example, the one or more means may comprise: at least one processor, and at least one memory storing instructions that, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the network entity to perform the method of FIG. 7.

[0134] In S701 , the method comprises: receiving, from a network entity, an indication that a transmission configuration indicator, TCI, state is to be the current TCI state for the user equipment.

[0135] In S703, the method comprises: when a channel state information reference signal, CSI-RS, resource of the TCI state is associated with a CSI-RS resource set configured for time and frequency tracking, determining whether the CSI-RS resource of the TCI state is also associated a CSI-RS resource set configured for beam management.

[0136] In S705, the method comprises: based on the determining, performing beam measurements based on one of: the CSI-RS resource, or a synchronisation signal block, SSB, that is quasi co-located with the CSI-RS resource, wherein the beam measurements are performed based on the CSI-RS resource when it is determined that the CSI-RS resource is associated with the CSI-RS resource set configured for beam management, or the beam measurements are performed based on the SSB when it is determined that the CSI-RS resource is not associated with the CSI-RS resource set configured for beam management.

[0137] It should be understood that, in some examples, one or more additional method steps are included in the method flow of FIG. 7 and are performed by the apparatus. In someexamples, one or more of the method steps of FIG. 7 detailed above may not be performed, or may be performed in a different order.

[0138] FIG. 8 shows an example method flow performed by an apparatus. The apparatus may be a network entity. For example, the network entity may be a base station, gNB, or other network node. The apparatus may comprise one or more means for performing the following method. For example, the one or more means may comprise: at least one processor, and at least one memory storing instructions that, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the network entity to perform the method of FIG. 8.

[0139] In S801 , the method comprises: configuring beam measurements, for a user equipment, to be based on, respectively, one of: a channel state information reference signal, CSI-RS, resource, or a synchronisation signal block, SSB, that is quasi co-located with the CSI-RS resource, by, respectively, associating the CSI-RS resource of a transmission configuration indicator, TCI, state with: a CSI-RS resource set configured for time and frequency tracking and a CSI-RS resource set configured for beam management, or a CSI-RS resource set configured for time and frequency tracking.

[0140] In S803, the method comprises: transmitting, to the user equipment, an indication that the TCI state is to be the current TCI state for the user equipment.

[0141] It should be understood that, in some examples, one or more additional method steps are included in the method flow of FIG. 8 and are performed by the apparatus. In some examples, one or more of the method steps of FIG. 8 detailed above may not be performed, or may be performed in a different order.

[0142] FIG. 9 shows a schematic representation of an apparatus. FIG. 9 shows, by way of example, a block diagram of an apparatus 10. The apparatus 10 comprises, for example, at least one processor 12 and at least one memory 14 storing instructions 15 that, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the apparatus 10 at least to perform the method or methods as disclosed herein, and any of the embodiments thereof. In an example, the at least one memory and the instructions (e.g. a computer program code, software), are configured, with the at least one processor, to cause the apparatus 10 to perform the method or methods as disclosed herein, and any of the embodiments thereof.

[0143] A processor 12 may comprise circuitry, or be constituted as circuitry or circuitries, the circuitry or circuitries being configured to perform phases of methods in accordance with example embodiments described herein. As used in this application, the term “circuitry” may refer to one or more or all of the following: (a) hardware-only circuit implementations, such as implementations in only analog and / or digital circuitry, and (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 togetherto cause an apparatus, such as a user equipment, to perform various functions) 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. 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 also covers an implementation of merely a hardware circuit or processor (or multiple processors) or portion of a hardware circuit or processor and its (or their) accompanying software and / or firmware. The term circuitry also covers, for example and if applicable to the particular claim element, a baseband integrated circuit or processor integrated circuit for a mobile device or a similar integrated circuit in server, a cellular network device, or other computing or network device.

[0144] The memory 14 may be implemented using any suitable data storage technology. The memory may comprise a database for storing data. The memory 14 may be at least in part external to apparatus 10 but accessible to apparatus 10.

[0145] The instructions 15 may be comprised in a computer readable medium or a non- transitory computer readable medium. A term non-transitory, as used herein, is a limitation of the medium itself (i.e. tangible, not a signal) as opposed to a limitation on data storage persistency (e.g. random-access memory, RAM, vs. read only memory, ROM).

[0146] For example, the apparatus 10 is a terminal device, such as the UE of FIG. 5 or 6. As another example, the apparatus is comprised in such a terminal device, e.g. as a chipset configured to control the terminal device. The apparatus 10 may be caused or configured to perform at least the method of FIG. 7 and / or any one or more of the examples described.

[0147] As another example, the apparatus 10 is a network entity (or network node), e.g. the network entity of FIG. 6. In another example, the apparatus is comprised in such a network entity, e.g. as a chipset configured to control the network entity. The apparatus 10 may be caused or configured to perform at least the method of FIG. 8 and / or any one or more of the examples described.

[0148] The apparatus 10 comprises a radio interface 16. The radio interface 16 may provide the apparatus 10 with communication capabilities. The radio interface 16 may comprise a receiver configured to receive information in accordance with at least one cellular or non- cellular standard. The radio interface 16 may comprise a transmitter configured to transmit information in accordance with at least one cellular or non-cellular standard. The receiver may comprise more than one receiver. The transmitter may comprise more than one transmitter. The radio interface 16 may comprise a transceiver configured to receive and transmitinformation in accordance with at least one cellular or non-cellular standard. The transceiver may comprise more than one transceiver.

[0149] The apparatus 10 may comprise a user interface 18 comprising, for example, at least one of a keypad, a microphone, a touch display, a display, a speaker, etc. The user interface 18 may be used to control the apparatus by the user. The user interface 18 may be external to the apparatus 10. For example, the apparatus 10 may be connected to another device, such as a computer, either via wireless or wired connection, and the apparatus 10 is controlled by the user via the computer.

[0150] In an embodiment, at least some of the processes described herein may be carried out by an apparatus comprising means for carrying out at least some of the described processes. Means for performing method steps as disclosed herein may include software and / or hardware components of the apparatus 10. For example, the at least one processor 12, the memory 14, and the computer program code form means for carrying out the method or methods as disclosed herein, and any of the embodiments thereof. As used herein the term “means” is to be construed in singular form, i.e. referring to a single element, or in plural form, i.e. referring to a combination of single elements. Therefore, terminology “means for [performing A, B, C]”, is to be interpreted to cover an apparatus in which there is only one means for performing A, B and C, or where there are separate means for performing A, B and C, or partially or fully overlapping means for performing A, B, C. Further, terminology “means for performing A, means for performing B, means for performing C” is to be interpreted to cover an apparatus in which there is only one means for performing A, B and C, or where there are separate means for performing A, B and C, or partially or fully overlapping means for performing A, B, C.lt is noted that while the above describes example embodiments, there are several variations and modifications which may be made to the disclosed solution without departing from the scope of the present invention.

[0151] The examples may thus vary within the scope of the attached claims. In general, some 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 embodiments are not limited thereto. While various embodiments 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 nonlimiting examples, hardware, software, firmware, special purpose circuits or logic, general purpose hardware or controller or other computing devices, or some combination thereof.

[0152] The examples may be implemented by computer software stored in a memory and executable by at least one data processor of the involved entities or by hardware, or by a combination of software and hardware. Further in this regard it should be noted that any procedures may represent program steps, or interconnected logic circuits, blocks and functions, or a combination of program steps and logic circuits, blocks and functions. The software may be stored on such physical media as memory chips, or memory blocks implemented within the processor, magnetic media such as hard disk or floppy disks, and optical media such as for example DVD and the data variants thereof, CD.

[0153] The term “non-transitory”, as used herein, is a limitation of the medium itself (i.e. tangible, not a signal) as opposed to a limitation on data storage persistency (e.g. RAM vs ROM).

[0154] As used herein, “at least one of the following :” and “at least one of: ” and similar wording, where the list of two or more elements are joined by “and”, or “or”, mean at least any one of the elements, or at least any two or more of the elements, or at least all of the elements.

[0155] The memory 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, magnetic memory devices and systems, optical memory devices and systems, fixed memory and removable memory. The data processors 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), application specific integrated circuits (ASIC), gate level circuits and processors based on multi core processor architecture, as non-limiting examples.

[0156] As used herein, the terms “means for”, “means for performing operations including”, “means configured to perform operations including”, or “means configured to perform” (or similar) may be any means that are suitable for performing the feature(s). The “means” may be configured to perform one or more of the functions and / or method steps previously described. For example, the “means” may include one or more of: at least one processor, at least one memory, transceiver circuitry, antenna circuitry, etc. It should be understood that these are provided as non-limiting examples.

[0157] Alternatively, or additionally some examples may be implemented using circuitry. The circuitry may be configured to perform one or more of the functions and / or method steps previously described. That circuitry may be provided in the base station and / or in the communications device.

[0158] As used in this application, the term “circuitry” may refer to one or more or all of the following: (a) hardware-only circuit implementations (such as implementations in only analogue and / or digital circuitry); (b) combinations of hardware circuits and software, such as: (i) a combination of analogue and / or digital hardware circuit(s) with software / fi rmware 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 the communications device or base station to perform the various functions previously described; 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.

[0159] This definition of circuitry applies to uses of the term “means” in this application, including in any claims. As a further example, as used in this application, the term circuitry also covers an implementation of merely a hardware circuit or processor (or multiple processors) or portion of a hardware circuit or processor and its (or their) accompanying software and / or firmware. The term circuitry also covers, for example integrated device. The term circuitry also covers, for example and if applicable to the particular claim element, a baseband integrated circuit or processor integrated circuit for a mobile device or a similar integrated circuit in a server, a cellular network device, or other computing or network device.

[0160] The foregoing description has provided by way of exemplary and non-limiting examples a full and informative description of some embodiments. 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 will still fall within the scope as defined in the appended claims.

Claims

CLAIMS1. A user equipment comprising: means for receiving, from a network entity, an indication that a transmission configuration indicator, TCI, state is to be the current TCI state for the user equipment; means for, when a channel state information reference signal, CSI-RS, resource of the TCI state is associated with a CSI-RS resource set configured for time and frequency tracking, determining whether the CSI-RS resource of the TCI state is also associated a CSI-RS resource set configured for beam management; and means for, based on the determining, performing beam measurements based on one of: the CSI-RS resource, or a synchronisation signal block, SSB, that is quasi co-located with the CSI-RS resource, wherein the beam measurements are performed based on the CSI-RS resource when it is determined that the CSI-RS resource is associated with the CSI-RS resource set configured for beam management, or the beam measurements are performed based on the SSB when it is determined that the CSI-RS resource is not associated with the CSI-RS resource set configured for beam management.

2. The user equipment according to claim 1 , wherein the CSI-RS resource of the TCI state, that is associated with the CSI-RS resource set configured for time and frequency tracking, is a tracking reference signal, TRS, resource.

3. The user equipment according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the CSI-RS resource set that is configured for time and frequency tracking comprises a first parameter, trs-info, that indicates that CSI-RS resources in the resource set are for the user equipment to use for time and frequency tracking.

4. The user equipment according to any of claims 1 to 3, wherein the CSI-RS resource set that is configured for beam management comprises a second parameter, repetition, that indicates that CSI-RS resources in the resource set are for the user equipment to use for beam management.

5. The user equipment according to any of claim 1 to 4, wherein the user equipment comprises: means for receiving, from a network entity, a configuration for event-based beam reporting, wherein the configuration comprises the TCI state,27wherein a CSI-RS resource of the TCI state is either: associated with a CSI-RS resource set configured for time and frequency tracking and associated with a CSI-RS resource set configured for beam management, or associated with a CSI-RS resource set configured for time and frequency tracking.

6. The user equipment according to any of claims 1 to 5, wherein the user equipment comprises: means for determining that an event has occurred based on the measurements; and means for, based on the event, transmitting a beam report to the network entity.

7. The user equipment according to any of claims 1 to 6, wherein the TRS associated with the TCI state is a type-d TRS.

8. The user equipment according to any of claims 1 to 7, wherein the TRS resource is a non-zero power CSI-RS, NZP-CSI-RS, resource.

9. A network entity comprising: means for configuring beam measurements, for a user equipment, to be based on, respectively, one of: a channel state information reference signal, CSI-RS, resource, or a synchronisation signal block, SSB, that is quasi co-located with the CSI-RS resource, by, respectively, associating the CSI-RS resource of a transmission configuration indicator, TCI, state with: a CSI-RS resource set configured for time and frequency tracking and a CSI-RS resource set configured for beam management, or a CSI-RS resource set configured for time and frequency tracking; and means for transmitting, to the user equipment, an indication that the TCI state is to be the current TCI state for the user equipment.

10. The network entity according to claim 9, wherein the CSI-RS resource of the TCI state, that is associated with the CSI-RS resource set configured for time and frequency tracking, is a tracking reference signal, TRS, resource.1 1 . The network entity according to claim 9 or claim 10, wherein the CSI-RS resource set that is configured for time and frequency tracking comprises a first parameter, trs-info, that indicates that CSI-RS resources in the resource set are for the user equipment to use for time and frequency tracking.

12. The network entity according to any of claims 9 to 11 , wherein the CSI-RS resource set that is configured for beam management comprises a second parameter, repetition, that indicates that CSI-RS resources in the resource set are for the user equipment to use for beam management.

13. The network entity according to any of claims 9 to 12, wherein the network entity comprises: means for transmitting, to the user equipment, a configuration for event-based beam reporting, wherein the configuration comprises the TCI state, wherein the CSI-RS resource of the TCI state is either: associated with the CSI-RS resource set configured for time and frequency tracking and associated with the CSI-RS resource set configured for beam management, or associated with the CSI-RS resource set configured for time and frequency tracking.

14. The network entity according to any of claims 9 to 13, wherein the network entity comprises: means for receiving, from the user equipment, a beam report that indicates that an event has been determined to have occurred at the user equipment based on the measurements.

15. The network entity according to any of claims 9 to 14, wherein the TRS associated with the TCI state is a type-d TRS.

16. The network entity according to any of claims 9 to 15, wherein the TRS resource is a non-zero power CSI-RS, NZP-CSI-RS, resource.

17. A method performed by a user equipment, the method comprising: receiving, from a network entity, an indication that a transmission configuration indicator, TCI, state is to be the current TCI state for the user equipment; when a channel state information reference signal, CSI-RS, resource of the TCI state is associated with a CSI-RS resource set configured for time and frequency tracking, determining whether the CSI-RS resource of the TCI state is also associated a CSI-RS resource set configured for beam management; and based on the determining, performing beam measurements based on one of: the CSI-RS resource, or a synchronisation signal block, SSB, that is quasi co-located with the CSI-RS resource,wherein the beam measurements are performed based on the CSI-RS resource when it is determined that the CSI-RS resource is associated with the CSI-RS resource set configured for beam management, or the beam measurements are performed based on the SSB when it is determined that the CSI-RS resource is not associated with the CSI-RS resource set configured for beam management.

18. A method performed by network entity, the method comprising: configuring beam measurements, for a user equipment, to be based on, respectively, one of: a channel state information reference signal, CSI-RS, resource, or a synchronisation signal block, SSB, that is quasi co-located with the CSI-RS resource, by, respectively, associating the CSI-RS resource of a transmission configuration indicator, TCI, state with: a CSI-RS resource set configured for time and frequency tracking and a CSI-RS resource set configured for beam management, or a CSI-RS resource set configured for time and frequency tracking; and transmitting, to the user equipment, an indication that the TCI state is to be the current TCI state for the user equipment.

19. A computer program comprising instructions, which when executed by a user equipment, cause the user equipment to perform at least the following: receiving, from a network entity, an indication that a transmission configuration indicator, TCI, state is to be the current TCI state for the user equipment; when a channel state information reference signal, CSI-RS, resource of the TCI state is associated with a CSI-RS resource set configured for time and frequency tracking, determining whether the CSI-RS resource of the TCI state is also associated a CSI-RS resource set configured for beam management; and based on the determining, performing beam measurements based on one of: the CSI-RS resource, or a synchronisation signal block, SSB, that is quasi co-located with the CSI-RS resource, wherein the beam measurements are performed based on the CSI-RS resource when it is determined that the CSI-RS resource is associated with the CSI-RS resource set configured for beam management, or the beam measurements are performed based on the SSB when it is determined that the CSI-RS resource is not associated with the CSI-RS resource set configured for beam management.

20. A computer program comprising instructions, which when executed by a network entity, cause the network entity to perform at least the following:configuring beam measurements, for a user equipment, to be based on, respectively, one of: a channel state information reference signal, CSI-RS, resource, or a synchronisation signal block, SSB, that is quasi co-located with the CSI-RS resource, by, respectively, associating the CSI-RS resource of a transmission configuration indicator, TCI, state with: a CSI-RS resource set configured for time and frequency tracking and a CSI-RS resource set configured for beam management, or a CSI-RS resource set configured for time and frequency tracking; and transmitting, to the user equipment, an indication that the TCI state is to be the current TCI state for the user equipment.31

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