Method and apparatus for facilitating increased uplink transmission power

Abstract

A method, apparatus, and computer program product are provided for an enhanced transmission (Tx) power framework. A method includes obtaining an Extended User Equipment (UE) Channel Bandwidth (CBW) configuration for an Extended UE CBW according to a first predefined channel raster point defining a midpoint for the Extended UE CBW; obtaining a UE CBW configuration for a UE CBW according to a second predefined channel raster point defining a midpoint for the UE CBW, where the UE CBW is positioned within the Extended UE CBW; determining at least one UE radio frequency (RF) parameter for at least one of UE transmission or UE reception based at least in part on at least one of the Extended UE CBW or the UE CBW; and causing at least one of UE transmission or UE reception based at least in part upon the at least one UE RF parameter.

Description

METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR FACILITATING INCREASED UPLINK TRANSMISSION POWERRELATED APPLICATION

[0001] This application claims priority to US provisional Application No. 63 / 721132 filed November 15, 2024, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.TECHNOLOGICAL FIELD

[0002] A method, apparatus, and computer program product are provided for an enhanced transmission (Tx) power framework and, more particularly, to an enhanced Tx power framework via configurations for an Extended User Equipment (UE) Channel Bandwidth (CBW) and UE CBW as described herein.BACKGROUND

[0003] In 6G and 5G-Advanced (5G Rel-19 or beyond), enhanced uplink (UL) coverage is desired. In the 3GPP Release 18, coverage enhancement, the power boosting and / or Maximum Power Reduction (MPR) reduction for Power Class 2 (PC2), and Power Class 3 (PC3) with Quadrature Phase Shift Keying (QPSK) were specified. The further power enhancement is restricted by out-of-band emission (OOBE) requirements (e.g., Adjacent Channel Leakage Ratio (ACLR) requirements). The emission requirements could be relaxed under the conditions where no co-existence issue is caused, especially for the deployment of two adjacent frequency blocks. Nonetheless, there is still a need to enhance the transmission (Tx) power.BRIEF SUMMARY

[0004] A method, apparatus, and computer program product are provided for an enhanced transmission (Tx) power framework and, more particularly, to an enhanced Tx power framework via configurations for an Extended User Equipment (UE) Channel Bandwidth (CBW) and UE CBW.

[0005] According to an aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided an apparatus including at least one processor; and at least one memory storing instructions that, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the apparatus to perform at least: obtaining an Extended User Equipment (UE) Channel Bandwidth (CBW) configuration for an Extended UE CBW according to a first predefined channel raster point defining a midpoint for theExtended UE CBW. The apparatus is also caused to perform at least obtaining a UE CBW configuration for a UE CBW according to a second predefined channel raster point defining a midpoint for the UE CBW. The UE CBW is positioned within the Extended UE CBW. The apparatus is also caused to perform at least determining at least one UE radio frequency (RF) parameter for at least one of UE transmission or UE reception based at least in part on at least one of the Extended UE CBW or the UE CBW; and causing at least one of UE transmission or UE reception based at least in part upon the at least one UE RF parameter.

[0006] According to some embodiments, obtaining at least one of the Extended UE CBW configuration or the UE CBW configuration includes obtaining at least one of the Extended UE CBW configuration or the UE CBW configuration via system information or a dedicated radio resource control (RRC) signal. According to various embodiments, a global frequency raster includes a subset of frequencies applicable for an operating band of a plurality of operating bands. In this embodiment, the subset of frequencies forms a first channel raster having a predefined granularity for the Extended UE CBW and the predefined granularity is equal to or larger than a granularity of the global frequency raster. According to certain embodiments, a second subset of frequencies forms a second channel raster having a second predefined granularity for the UE CBW. In this embodiment, the second predefined granularity and the predefined granularity are equal.

[0007] According to some embodiments, a second subset of frequences forms a second channel raster having a second predefined granularity for the UE CBW. In this embodiment, the second predefined granularity and the predefined granularity are different. According to certain embodiments, the first channel raster includes at least the first predefined channel raster point, and the second channel raster comprises at least the second predefined channel raster point. According to various embodiments, the second channel raster for the UE CBW is positioned within the Extended UE CBW. According to some embodiments, the Extended UE CBW and the UE CBW support a predefined bandwidth having a predefined number of resource blocks (RB) and a given subcarrier spacing. The predefined bandwidth of some embodiments is selected from among a plurality of predefined bandwidth candidates that are multiples of 5 MHz. The Extended UE CBW of certain embodiments supports a limited set of UE CBWs based at least in part on a subcarrier spacing.

[0008] According to some embodiments, the at least one UE RF parameter for UE transmission or UE reception includes a maximum UE transmission power. The maximum UE transmission power is defined based at least in part by at least one of (i) a spectrumemissions mask (SEM) and out-of-band emissions (OOBE) defined based on the Extended UE CBW, (ii) a maximum power reduction (MPR) defined based on the Extended UE CBW and the UE CBW, where the Extended UE CBW defines a RB grid and a RB region for the MPR and where the UE CBW defines a scheduling range within the RB grid, or (iii) an additional MPR (A-MPR) defined based on the UE CBW.

[0009] The apparatus of some embodiments is also caused to perform at least operating according to a maximum UE CBW supported within the Extended UE CBW for initial access. The apparatus of certain embodiments is also caused to perform at least obtaining a dedicated UE CBW configuration as part of a dedicated RRC reconfiguration signal. The apparatus of various embodiments is also caused to perform at least obtaining a switching gap before switching to the dedicated UE CBW configuration.

[0010] According to an aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided a method including obtaining an Extended User Equipment (UE) Channel Bandwidth (CBW) configuration for an Extended UE CBW according to a first predefined channel raster point defining a midpoint for the Extended UE CBW. The method also includes obtaining a UE CBW configuration for a UE CBW according to a second predefined channel raster point defining a midpoint for the UE CBW. The UE CBW is positioned within the Extended UE CBW. The method also includes determining at least one UE radio frequency (RF) parameter for at least one of UE transmission or UE reception based at least in part on at least one of the Extended UE CBW or the UE CBW; and causing at least one of UE transmission or UE reception based at least in part upon the at least one UE RF parameter.

[0011] According to some embodiments, obtaining at least one of the Extended UE CBW configuration or the UE CBW configuration includes obtaining at least one of the Extended UE CBW configuration or the UE CBW configuration via system information or a dedicated radio resource control (RRC) signal. According to various embodiments, a global frequency raster includes a subset of frequencies applicable for an operating band of a plurality of operating bands. In this embodiment, the subset of frequencies forms a first channel raster having a predefined granularity for the Extended UE CBW and the predefined granularity is equal to or larger than a granularity of the global frequency raster. According to certain embodiments, a second subset of frequencies forms a second channel raster having a second predefined granularity for the UE CBW. In this embodiment, the second predefined granularity and the predefined granularity are equal.

[0012] According to some embodiments, a second subset of frequences forms a second channel raster having a second predefined granularity for the UE CBW. In this embodiment, the second predefined granularity and the predefined granularity are different. According to certain embodiments, the first channel raster includes at least the first predefined channel raster point, and the second channel raster comprises at least the second predefined channel raster point. According to various embodiments, the second channel raster for the UE CBW is positioned within the Extended UE CBW. According to some embodiments, the Extended UE CBW and the UE CBW support a predefined bandwidth having a predefined number of resource blocks (RB) and a given subcarrier spacing. The predefined bandwidth of some embodiments is selected from among a plurality of predefined bandwidth candidates that are multiples of 5 MHz. The Extended UE CBW of certain embodiments supports a limited set of UE CBWs based at least in part on a subcarrier spacing.

[0013] According to some embodiments, the at least one UE RF parameter for UE transmission or UE reception includes a maximum UE transmission power. The maximum UE transmission power is defined based at least in part by at least one of (i) a spectrum emissions mask (SEM) and out-of-band emissions (OOBE) defined based on the Extended UE CBW, (ii) a maximum power reduction (MPR) defined based on the Extended UE CBW and the UE CBW, where the Extended UE CBW defines a RB grid and a RB region for the MPR and where the UE CBW defines a scheduling range within the RB grid, or (iii) an additional MPR (A-MPR) defined based on the UE CBW.

[0014] According to some embodiments, the method also includes operating according to a maximum UE CBW supported within the Extended UE CBW for initial access. According to some embodiments, the method also includes obtaining a dedicated UE CBW configuration as part of a dedicated RRC reconfiguration signal. According to some embodiments, the method also includes obtaining a switching gap before switching to the dedicated UE CBW configuration.

[0015] According to an aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided a computer program product, including at least one non-transitory computer-readable storage medium having computer-executable program code portions stored therein with the computerexecutable program code portions comprising program code instructions configured to: obtain an Extended User Equipment (UE) Channel Bandwidth (CBW) configuration for an Extended UE CBW according to a first predefined channel raster point defining a midpoint for the Extended UE CBW. The program code instructions are also configured to obtain a UECBW configuration for a UE CBW according to a second predefined channel raster point defining a midpoint for the UE CBW. The UE CBW is positioned within the Extended UE CBW. The program code instructions are also configured to determine at least one UE radio frequency (RF) parameter for at least one of UE transmission or UE reception based at least in part on at least one of the Extended UE CBW or the UE CBW; and cause at least one of UE transmission or UE reception based at least in part upon the at least one UE RF parameter.

[0016] According to some embodiments, to obtain at least one of the Extended UE CBW configuration or the UE CBW configuration includes to obtain at least one of the Extended UE CBW configuration or the UE CBW configuration via system information or a dedicated radio resource control (RRC) signal. According to various embodiments, a global frequency raster includes a subset of frequencies applicable for an operating band of a plurality of operating bands. In this embodiment, the subset of frequencies forms a first channel raster having a predefined granularity for the Extended UE CBW and the predefined granularity is equal to or larger than a granularity of the global frequency raster. According to certain embodiments, a second subset of frequencies forms a second channel raster having a second predefined granularity for the UE CBW. In this embodiment, the second predefined granularity and the predefined granularity are equal.

[0017] According to some embodiments, a second subset of frequences forms a second channel raster having a second predefined granularity for the UE CBW. In this embodiment, the second predefined granularity and the predefined granularity are different. According to certain embodiments, the first channel raster includes at least the first predefined channel raster point, and the second channel raster comprises at least the second predefined channel raster point. According to various embodiments, the second channel raster for the UE CBW is positioned within the Extended UE CBW. According to some embodiments, the Extended UE CBW and the UE CBW support a predefined bandwidth having a predefined number of resource blocks (RB) and a given subcarrier spacing. The predefined bandwidth of some embodiments is selected from among a plurality of predefined bandwidth candidates that are multiples of 5 MHz. The Extended UE CBW of certain embodiments supports a limited set of UE CBWs based at least in part on a subcarrier spacing.

[0018] According to some embodiments, the at least one UE RF parameter for UE transmission or UE reception includes a maximum UE transmission power. The maximum UE transmission power is defined based at least in part by at least one of (i) a spectrumemissions mask (SEM) and out-of-band emissions (OOBE) defined based on the Extended UE CBW, (ii) a maximum power reduction (MPR) defined based on the Extended UE CBW and the UE CBW, where the Extended UE CBW defines a RB grid and a RB region for the MPR and where the UE CBW defines a scheduling range within the RB grid, or (iii) an additional MPR (A-MPR) defined based on the UE CBW.

[0019] According to some embodiments, the computer-executable program code portions include program code instructions configured to operate according to a maximum UE CBW supported within the Extended UE CBW for initial access. According to some embodiments, the computer-executable program code portions include program code instructions configured to obtain a dedicated UE CBW configuration as part of a dedicated RRC reconfiguration signal. According to some embodiments, the computer-executable program code portions include program code instructions configured to obtain a switching gap before switching to the dedicated UE CBW configuration.

[0020] According to an aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided an apparatus, including means for obtaining an Extended User Equipment (UE) Channel Bandwidth (CBW) configuration for an Extended UE CBW according to a first predefined channel raster point defining a midpoint for the Extended UE CBW. The apparatus also includes means for obtaining a UE CBW configuration for a UE CBW according to a second predefined channel raster point defining a midpoint for the UE CBW. The UE CBW is positioned within the Extended UE CBW. The apparatus also includes means for determining at least one UE radio frequency (RF) parameter for at least one of UE transmission or UE reception based at least in part on at least one of the Extended UE CBW or the UE CBW; and causing at least one of UE transmission or UE reception based at least in part upon the at least one UE RF parameter.

[0021] According to some embodiments, obtaining at least one of the Extended UE CBW configuration or the UE CBW configuration includes obtaining at least one of the Extended UE CBW configuration or the UE CBW configuration via system information or a dedicated radio resource control (RRC) signal. According to various embodiments, a global frequency raster includes a subset of frequencies applicable for an operating band of a plurality of operating bands. In this embodiment, the subset of frequencies forms a first channel raster having a predefined granularity for the Extended UE CBW and the predefined granularity is equal to or larger than a granularity of the global frequency raster. According to certain embodiments, a second subset of frequencies forms a second channel raster having a secondpredefined granularity for the UE CBW. In this embodiment, the second predefined granularity and the predefined granularity are equal.

[0022] According to some embodiments, a second subset of frequences forms a second channel raster having a second predefined granularity for the UE CBW. In this embodiment, the second predefined granularity and the predefined granularity are different. According to certain embodiments, the first channel raster includes at least the first predefined channel raster point, and the second channel raster comprises at least the second predefined channel raster point. According to various embodiments, the second channel raster for the UE CBW is positioned within the Extended UE CBW. According to some embodiments, the Extended UE CBW and the UE CBW support a predefined bandwidth having a predefined number of resource blocks (RB) and a given subcarrier spacing. The predefined bandwidth of some embodiments is selected from among a plurality of predefined bandwidth candidates that are multiples of 5 MHz. The Extended UE CBW of certain embodiments supports a limited set of UE CBWs based at least in part on a subcarrier spacing.

[0023] According to some embodiments, the at least one UE RF parameter for UE transmission or UE reception includes a maximum UE transmission power. The maximum UE transmission power is defined based at least in part by at least one of (i) a spectrum emissions mask (SEM) and out-of-band emissions (OOBE) defined based on the Extended UE CBW, (ii) a maximum power reduction (MPR) defined based on the Extended UE CBW and the UE CBW, where the Extended UE CBW defines a RB grid and a RB region for the MPR and where the UE CBW defines a scheduling range within the RB grid, or (iii) an additional MPR (A-MPR) defined based on the UE CBW.

[0024] The apparatus of some embodiments also includes means for operating according to a maximum UE CBW supported within the Extended UE CBW for initial access. The apparatus of certain embodiments also includes means for obtaining a dedicated UE CBW configuration as part of a dedicated RRC reconfiguration signal. The apparatus of various embodiments also includes means for obtaining a switching gap before switching to the dedicated UE CBW configuration.

[0025] According to an aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided an apparatus including at least one processor; and at least one memory storing instructions that, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the apparatus to perform at least: determining an Extended User Equipment (UE) Channel Bandwidth (CBW) configuration for an Extended UE CBW according to a first predefined channel raster point defining a midpoint for theExtended UE CBW. The apparatus is also caused to perform at least determining a UE CBW configuration for a UE CBW according to a second predefined channel raster point defining a midpoint for the UE CBW. The UE CBW is positioned within the Extended UE CBW. The apparatus is also caused to perform at least causing at least the Extended UE CBW configuration to be provided to a UE.

[0026] According to some embodiments, the apparatus is also caused to perform at least causing the UE CBW and at least one of an uplink (UL) grant or a downlink (DL) grant to be provided to the UE. According to some embodiments, causing the Extended UE CBW configuration to be provided includes causing the Extended UE CBW configuration to be provided via system information or a dedicated radio resource control (RRC) signal.According to some embodiments, a global frequency raster includes a subset of frequencies applicable for an operating band of a plurality of operating bands, the subset of frequencies forms a first channel raster having a predefined granularity for the Extended UE CBW, and the predefined granularity is equal to or larger than a granularity of the global frequency raster. A second subset of frequencies of some embodiments forms a second channel raster having a second predefined granularity for the UE CBW. In this embodiment, the second predefined granularity and the predefined granularity are equal. A second subset of frequencies of some embodiments forms a second channel raster having a second predefined granularity for the UE CBW. In this embodiment, the second predefined granularity and the predefined granularity are different.

[0027] According to some embodiments, the first channel raster includes at least the first predefined channel raster point, and the second channel raster includes at least the second predefined channel raster point. The second channel raster for the UE CBW of some embodiments is positioned within the Extended UE CBW. The Extended UE CBW and the UE CBW of some embodiments support a predefined bandwidth having a predefined number of resource blocks (RB) and a given subcarrier spacing. The Extended UE CBW of some embodiments supports a limited set of UE CBWs based at least in part on a subcarrier spacing. According to some embodiments, the apparatus is also caused to perform at least causing a dedicated UE CBW configuration to be provided to the UE via a dedicated RRC reconfiguration.

[0028] According to an aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided a method, including determining an Extended User Equipment (UE) Channel Bandwidth (CBW) configuration for an Extended UE CBW according to a first predefined channel raster pointdefining a midpoint for the Extended UE CBW. The method also includes determining a UE CBW configuration for a UE CBW according to a second predefined channel raster point defining a midpoint for the UE CBW. The UE CBW is positioned within the Extended UE CBW. The method also includes causing at least the Extended UE CBW configuration to be provided to a UE.

[0029] According to some embodiments, the method also includes causing the UE CBW and at least one of an uplink (UL) grant or a downlink (DL) grant to be provided to the UE. According to some embodiments, causing the Extended UE CBW configuration to be provided includes causing the Extended UE CBW configuration to be provided via system information or a dedicated radio resource control (RRC) signal. According to some embodiments, a global frequency raster includes a subset of frequencies applicable for an operating band of a plurality of operating bands, the subset of frequencies forms a first channel raster having a predefined granularity for the Extended UE CBW, and the predefined granularity is equal to or larger than a granularity of the global frequency raster. A second subset of frequencies of some embodiments forms a second channel raster having a second predefined granularity for the UE CBW. In this embodiment, the second predefined granularity and the predefined granularity are equal. A second subset of frequencies of some embodiments forms a second channel raster having a second predefined granularity for the UE CBW. In this embodiment, the second predefined granularity and the predefined granularity are different.

[0030] According to some embodiments, the first channel raster includes at least the first predefined channel raster point, and the second channel raster includes at least the second predefined channel raster point. The second channel raster for the UE CBW of some embodiments is positioned within the Extended UE CBW. The Extended UE CBW and the UE CBW of some embodiments support a predefined bandwidth having a predefined number of resource blocks (RB) and a given subcarrier spacing. The Extended UE CBW of some embodiments supports a limited set of UE CBWs based at least in part on a subcarrier spacing. According to some embodiment, the method also includes causing a dedicated UE CBW configuration to be provided to the UE via a dedicated RRC reconfiguration.

[0031] According to an aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided a computer program product, including at least one non-transitory computer-readable storage medium having computer-executable program code portions stored therein with the computerexecutable program code portions comprising program code instructions configured to:determine an Extended User Equipment (UE) Channel Bandwidth (CBW) configuration for an Extended UE CBW according to a first predefined channel raster point defining a midpoint for the Extended UE CBW. The computer-executable program code portions include program code instructions configured to determine a UE CBW configuration for a UE CBW according to a second predefined channel raster point defining a midpoint for the UE CBW. The UE CBW is positioned within the Extended UE CBW. The computerexecutable program code portions include program code instructions configured to cause at least the Extended UE CBW configuration to be provided to a UE.

[0032] According to some embodiments, the computer-executable program code portions include program code instructions configured to cause the UE CBW and at least one of an uplink (UL) grant or a downlink (DL) grant to be provided to the UE. According to some embodiments, to cause the Extended UE CBW configuration to be provided includes to cause the Extended UE CBW configuration to be provided via system information or a dedicated radio resource control (RRC) signal. According to some embodiments, a global frequency raster includes a subset of frequencies applicable for an operating band of a plurality of operating bands, the subset of frequencies forms a first channel raster having a predefined granularity for the Extended UE CBW, and the predefined granularity is equal to or larger than a granularity of the global frequency raster. A second subset of frequencies of some embodiments forms a second channel raster having a second predefined granularity for the UE CBW. In this embodiment, the second predefined granularity and the predefined granularity are equal. A second subset of frequencies of some embodiments forms a second channel raster having a second predefined granularity for the UE CBW. In this embodiment, the second predefined granularity and the predefined granularity are different.

[0033] According to some embodiments, the first channel raster includes at least the first predefined channel raster point, and the second channel raster includes at least the second predefined channel raster point. The second channel raster for the UE CBW of some embodiments is positioned within the Extended UE CBW. The Extended UE CBW and the UE CBW of some embodiments support a predefined bandwidth having a predefined number of resource blocks (RB) and a given subcarrier spacing. The Extended UE CBW of some embodiments supports a limited set of UE CBWs based at least in part on a subcarrier spacing. According to some embodiment, the computer-executable program code portions include program code instructions configured to cause a dedicated UE CBW configuration to be provided to the UE via a dedicated RRC reconfiguration.

[0034] According to an aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided an apparatus, including means for determining an Extended User Equipment (UE) Channel Bandwidth (CBW) configuration for an Extended UE CBW according to a first predefined channel raster point defining a midpoint for the Extended UE CBW. The apparatus also includes means for determining a UE CBW configuration for a UE CBW according to a second predefined channel raster point defining a midpoint for the UE CBW. The UE CBW is positioned within the Extended UE CBW. The apparatus also includes means for causing at least the Extended UE CBW configuration to be provided to a UE.

[0035] According to some embodiments, the apparatus is also caused to perform at least causing the UE CBW and at least one of an uplink (UL) grant or a downlink (DL) grant to be provided to the UE. According to some embodiments, causing the Extended UE CBW configuration to be provided includes causing the Extended UE CBW configuration to be provided via system information or a dedicated radio resource control (RRC) signal.According to some embodiments, a global frequency raster includes a subset of frequencies applicable for an operating band of a plurality of operating bands, the subset of frequencies forms a first channel raster having a predefined granularity for the Extended UE CBW, and the predefined granularity is equal to or larger than a granularity of the global frequency raster. A second subset of frequencies of some embodiments forms a second channel raster having a second predefined granularity for the UE CBW. In this embodiment, the second predefined granularity and the predefined granularity are equal. A second subset of frequencies of some embodiments forms a second channel raster having a second predefined granularity for the UE CBW. In this embodiment, the second predefined granularity and the predefined granularity are different.

[0036] According to some embodiments, the first channel raster includes at least the first predefined channel raster point, and the second channel raster includes at least the second predefined channel raster point. The second channel raster for the UE CBW of some embodiments is positioned within the Extended UE CBW. The Extended UE CBW and the UE CBW of some embodiments support a predefined bandwidth having a predefined number of resource blocks (RB) and a given subcarrier spacing. The Extended UE CBW of some embodiments supports a limited set of UE CBWs based at least in part on a subcarrier spacing. According to some embodiments, the apparatus also includes means for causing a dedicated UE CBW configuration to be provided to the UE via a dedicated RRCreconfiguration.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0037] Having thus described certain example embodiments of the present disclosure in general terms, reference will hereinafter be made to the accompanying drawings, which are not necessarily drawn to scale, and wherein:

[0038] Figure 1 is a diagram of a communication system;

[0039] Figure 2 is a block diagram of an apparatus that may be specifically configured in accordance with an example embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0040] Figure 3 illustrates examples of the Extended UE CBW, UE CBW, and the corresponding OOBE requirements such as a spectral emissions mask (SEM) and ACER;

[0041] Figure 4 illustrates an example of the Extended UE CBW, UE CBW, BS CBW, BWP, and UL resource allocation with respect to UR RF requirements;

[0042] Figure 5 illustrates examples of the Extended UE CBW;

[0043] Figures 6A and 6B illustrate tables including examples of channel raster points according to some example embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0044] Figure 7 illustrates an example of the manner in which the RB regions are defined in new radio (NR);

[0045] Figures 8A and 8B illustrate examples of one or more benefits provided for A-MPR in accordance with some example embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0046] Figure 9 illustrates an example of a change associated with a wideband UE CBW configuration and a narrowband UE CBW configuration according to an example embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0047] Figure 10 is a flowchart of a method for supporting communication from a user device according to an example embodiment of the present disclosure; and

[0048] Figure 11 is a flowchart of a method for supporting communication from a network device according to an example embodiment of the present disclosure.DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0049] The following embodiments are exemplary. Although the specification may refer to “an”, “one”, or “some” embodiment(s) in several locations of the text, this does not necessarily mean that each reference is made to the same embodiment(s), or that a particular feature only applies to a single embodiment. Single features of different embodiments may also be combined to provide other embodiments. Further, when a particular feature, structure,or characteristic is described in connection of an embodiment, it is within the knowledge of one skilled in the art to apply such feature, structure, or characteristic in connection with other embodiments whether or not explicitly described. It shall be understood that although the terms “first,” “second” and the like may be used herein to describe various elements, these elements should not be limited by these terms. These terms are only used to distinguish one element from another.

[0050] For the purposes of the present disclosure, the phrases “at least one of A or B”, “at least one of A and B”, and “A and / or B” means (A), (B), or (A and B). For the purposes of the present disclosure, the phrase “A, B, and / or C” means (A), (B), (C), (A and B), (A and C), (B and C), or (A, B, and C).

[0051] 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 together to cause an apparatus, such as a mobile phone or server, to perform various functions) and 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.

[0052] 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.

[0053] Certain embodiments described may be implemented in a communication network, such as any of the following radio access technologies (RATs): Worldwide Interoperability for Micro-wave Access (WiMAX), Global System for Mobile communications (GSM, 2G), GSM EDGE radio access Network (GERAN), General Packet Radio Service (GRPS), Universal Mobile Telecommunication System (UMTS, 3G) based onbasic wideband-code division multiple access (W-CDMA), high-speed packet access (HSPA), Long Term Evolution (LTE), LTE-Advanced, and enhanced LTE (eLTE), 5G (also called NR), 5G- Advanced (5G Rel-18 or beyond), or any future radio access technology (RAT) such as 6G or beyond. Moreover, communication within the communication network may utilize any proper wireless communication technology, comprising but not limited to: Code Division Multiple Access (CDMA), Frequency Division Multiple Access (FDMA), Time Division Multiple Access (TDMA), Frequency Division Duplex (FDD), Time Division Duplex (TDD), Multiple-Input Multiple-Output (MIMO), Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiple (OFDM), and / or Discrete Fourier Transform spread OFDM (DFT-s-OFDM). DFT-s-OFDM may utilize FDSS (frequency domain spectrum shaping) or DFT-s-OFDM with FDSS and spectrum extension.

[0054] As used herein, the term “network device” or “network node” refers to a node in a communication network via which user equipment may access the network and / or which is capable of controlling radio communication and managing radio resources within a cell. The network node or network device may be referred to as a base station (BS), an access point (AP) or an access node. The network device may be, depending on the applied technology, for example, a node B (NodeB or NB), an evolved NodeB (eNodeB or eNB), an NR NB (also referred to as a gNodeB or gNB), a Remote Radio Unit (RRU), a radio head (RH), a remote radio head (RRH), a relay, an Integrated Access and Backhaul (IAB) node, a low power node, a non-terrestrial network (NTN) or non-ground network device such as a satellite network device, a low earth orbit (LEO) satellite and a geosynchronous earth orbit (GEO) satellite, or an aircraft network device.

[0055] Moreover, in connection of split radio access network (RAN), the network device may refer to a centralized unit (CU) of a base station and / or a distributed unit (DU) of a base station. An interface between CU and DU may be referred to as an Fl interface in NR. In the split RAN architecture, node operations may be carried out, at least partly, in the central / centralized unit, CU, (e.g. server, host or node) operationally coupled to the DU, (e.g. a radio head / node). One CU may control one or more DUs, acting at least as transmit / receive (Tx / Rx) nodes. In some embodiments, the DUs may comprise e.g. a radio link control (RLC), medium access control (MAC) layer and a physical (PHY) layer, whereas the CU may comprise the layers above RLC layer, such as a packet data convergence protocol (PDCP) layer, a radio resource control (RRC) and an internet protocol (IP) layers. Other functional splits are possible too. In practice, any processing task may be performed in either the CU orthe DU and the boundary where the responsibility is shifted between the CU and the DU may depend on the applied implementation.

[0056] The terms “user equipment (UE)” or “terminal device” may be used interchangeably and refer to any end device that may be capable of wireless communication. By way of example, a UE or terminal device may be referred to as a communication device, a Subscriber Station (SS), or a Mobile Station (MS). The UE or terminal device may include a mobile phone, a cellular phone, a smart phone, voice over IP (VoIP) phones, wireless local loop phones a tablet, a wearable terminal device, a personal digital assistant (PDA), portable computers, desktop computer, image capture terminal devices such as digital cameras, gaming terminal devices, music storage and playback appliances, vehicle-mounted wireless terminal devices, USB dongles, an Internet of Things (loT) device, a watch or other wearable, a head-mounted display (HMD), a vehicle, a drone, a medical device and applications (e.g., remote surgery), an industrial device and applications (e.g., a robot and / or other wireless devices operating in an industrial and / or an automated processing chain contexts), a consumer electronics device, a device operating on commercial and / or industrial wireless networks, and the like.

[0057] The term “transmission” and / or “reception” may refer to wirelessly transmitting and / or receiving via a wireless propagation channel on radio resources.

[0058] Figure 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 110 providing one or more cells, such as cell 100, and a network node 112 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.

[0059] 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 a physical uplink control channel (PUCCH) for transmitting control information and a physical uplink shared channel (PUSCH) for transmitting data towards the network.Examples of downlink channels comprise a physical downlink control channel (PDCCH) for transmitting control information and a physical downlink shared channel (PDSCH) for transmitting data towards the user equipment.

[0060] 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 110, 112. The UE may be configured with dual connectivity (DC), wherein the UE, e.g. UE 120, may be connected to multiple network nodes 110, 112. 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.

[0061] 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 refer to such an interface as an X2 interface. An interface between an LTE node and a 5G node, or between two 5G nodes may be called an Xn interface.

[0062] The network nodes 110 and 112 may be further connected via another interface to a core network 116 of the communication network. By way of example, 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. As another example, 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.

[0063] Figure 2 illustrates an example block diagram of an apparatus 200. The apparatus 200 comprises, for example, at least one processor 220 and at least one memory 240 storing instructions 250 that, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the apparatus 200 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 200 to perform the method or methods as disclosed herein, and any of the embodiments thereof.

[0064] A processor 220 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 together to 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.

[0065] The memory 240 may be implemented using any suitable data storage technology. The memory may comprise a database for storing data. The memory 240 may be at least in part external to apparatus 200 but accessible to apparatus 200.

[0066] The instructions 250 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).

[0067] In one example, the apparatus 200 is a terminal device, such as the UEs 120 and 122 of Figure 1. As another example, the apparatus is comprised in such a terminal device or UE, e.g. as a chipset configured to control the terminal device. The apparatus 200 as embodied by a UE may be caused or configured to perform at least the method of Figure 10 described further below and / or any one or more of the embodiments described.

[0068] As another example, the apparatus 200 is a network node, e.g. the network nodes 110 and 112 of Figure 1. In another embodiment, the apparatus is comprised in such anetwork node, e.g. as a chipset configured to control the network node. The apparatus 200 as embodied by a network node may be caused or configured to perform at least the method of Figure 11 and / or any one or more of the embodiments described.

[0069] The apparatus 200 comprises a communication interface 260. The communication interface 260 may provide the apparatus 200 with communication capabilities. The communication interface 260 may comprise a receiver configured to receive information in accordance with at least one cellular or non-cellular standard. The communication interface 260 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 communication interface 260 may comprise a transceiver configured to receive and transmit information in accordance with at least one cellular or non-cellular standard. The transceiver may comprise more than one transceiver.

[0070] The apparatus 200 may optionally comprise a user interface 230 comprising, for example, at least one of a keypad, a microphone, a touch display, a display, a speaker, etc. The user interface 230 may be used to control the apparatus by the user. The user interface 230 may be external to the apparatus 200. For example, the apparatus 200 may be connected to another device, such as a computer, either via wireless or wired connection, and the apparatus 200 is controlled by the user via the computer.

[0071] 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 200. For example, the at least one processor 220, the memory 240, 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 andC, or where there are separate means for performing A, B and C, or partially or fully overlapping means for performing A, B, C.

[0072] An Extended UE Channel Bandwidth (CBW) that defines the boundary between intra-band emissions (IBE) and out-of-band emissions (OOBE) has been defined. The Extended UE CBW also defines resource block (RB) regions for MPR. See RP-241656, New WID: UE RF enhancements for NR FR1 / FR2 and EN-DC, Phase 4. Figures 3 and 4 illustrate example scenarios of the Extended UE CBW. Other examples of the Extended UW CBW from the RAN4#111 meeting are depicted in Figure 5.

[0073] As shown in Figure 3, the Extended UE CBW may be located differently in different implementations. In a first implementation 310, the Extended UE CBW may be positioned such that the boundaries of the Extended UE CBW are the same as the boundaries for the BS CBW. In a second implementation 320, the Extended UE CBW may be positioned such that the boundaries of the Extended UE CBW are positioned symmetrically within the boundaries for the BS CBW. As such, UE emissions outside of the BS CBW may be reduced symmetrically on both the lower and the higher side of the BS CBW. In a third implementation 330, the Extended UE CBW may be positioned such that the boundaries of the Extended UE CBW are positioned asymmetrically within the boundaries for the BS CBW. For example, the Extended UE CBW may be bounded on the lower side at the same boundary as the BS CBW and the width of the Extended UE CBW may be adjusted to be such that emissions towards the protected frequency range are suppressed to satisfactory levels. As shown in Figure 4, the Extended UE CBW determines the boundaries 410 and 420 for IBE and OOBE. To be able to adjust the placement and width of the Extended UE CBW within the BS CBW, the method, apparatus and computer program product of the present disclosure provide new and different signaling.

[0074] Accordingly, the Extended UE CBW defines the boundary between IBE and OOBE as well as the RB regions for the inner region, outer region, and edge region for MPR. In some example configurations for an Extended UE CBW, the Extended UE CBW is fully aligned with the BS CBW (e.g., See Figures 3 - 5). However, this should not be seen as a limiting configuration. For example, in some configurations, the Extended UE CBW may be greater than or otherwise not fully aligned with the BS CBW. For example, the Extended UE CBW may cover multiple adjacent carriers (or BS CBWs), or other predefined frequency bands. The UE CBW may have configurable sizes and locations and define the direct current (DC) location and the A-MPR requirements (e.g. A-MPR may be defined with an assumptionthat the DC is located in the middle of the UE CBW). A bandwidth part (BWP) and / or scheduling range may be confined within the UE CBW. The UE CBW may also contain control and data channel configurations (defined for RANI and RAN2). The RB allocation confined in a BWP (or scheduling range) may define the starting RB for the IBE and the actual MPR or A-MPR. The IBE may define the signal level allowed for the non-allocated RBs.

[0075] Enhanced uplink coverage is desired for radio access technologies including, for example, 6G. For instance, operators are targeting to operate 6G at 7 GHz using the same site grid as 3.5 GHz deployment, thereby benefitting from increased uplink transmission power. In practice, UEs need to perform tests to validate that RF requirements are met for all the possible UE channel bandwidth options (e.g., location and bandwidth). In terms of the RF requirements, UEs need to maintain the transmitted signal quality within the predefined limits. Additionally, the quality metrics related to UL transmission include, for example, error vector magnitude (EVM), IBE, ACER, SEM, occupied channel bandwidth (OCB), and Transmit power. Depending on the configuration, a UE is allowed to reduce the Tx power by MPR and / or A-MPR. The quality metrics related to DL reception include, for example, reference sensitivity and blocking characteristics. To provide a feasible number of testing options, the UE channel bandwidth and location options are preferably limited in number.

[0076] At least some embodiments of the present disclosure are directed to user UE radio frequency (RF) enhancements, such as in 5G and / or 6G, to facilitate higher UE Tx power via smaller MPR (and / or A-MPR). As such, predefined channel raster points are established such that: (1) the Extended UE CBW may be located at channel raster point (e.g., the DC location (or midpoint) of the Extended UE CBW may be at a channel raster point); and (2) the UE CBW may be located at a channel raster point (e.g., the DC location (or midpoint) of the UE CBW may be at channel raster point).

[0077] Various embodiments of the present disclosure provide technical improvements such as enhanced power boosting. As used herein, the term “power boosting” may refer to a UE transmitting with a Tx power higher than the nominal power class. For example, given a nominal max Tx power for PC3 of 23 dBm, a UE may be able to transmit with Tx power of 25 dBm, corresponding to power boosting by 2 dBm. In some examples, power boosting may involve duty cycle restriction to meet regulatory rules defined for specific absorption rate (SAR). Additionally, at least some embodiments may provide technical improvements by limiting the required number of combinations of Extended UE CBWs and UE CBWs tofeasible levels, thereby limiting the testing and validation that are required. As used herein, the term “UE CBW” and the functionalities described herein associated with the UE CBW may refer to a UE CBW, a BWP, 6G BWP, scheduling range, or the like.

[0078] Various embodiments of the present disclosure may include determining, by a base station, an Extended UE CBW configuration according to a first predefined channel raster point. In some examples, the first predefined channel raster point may define a midpoint or the like (e.g., DC location) for the Extended UE CBW. Additionally or alternatively, some examples may include determining, by a base station, a UE CBW configuration according to a second predefined channel raster point. In some examples, the second predefined channel raster point may define a midpoint or the like (e.g., DC location) for the UE CBW. In some examples, the UE CBW configuration may be such that the UE CBW is positioned entirely within the Extended UE CBW. Additionally or alternatively, in some examples, at least one of the Extended UE CBW configuration or the UE CBW configuration may be used, at least in part, for determining, by the UE, at least one UE RF requirement for UL or DL transmission. In some embodiments, both the Extended UE CBW configuration and / or the UE CBW configuration are used for determining, by the UE, at least one UE RF requirement for UL transmission or DL reception.

[0079] The Extended UE CBW and the UE CBW may have the same size and location as shown at 310 in Figure 3. Alternatively, the UE CBW may be smaller than the Extended UE CBW and centered within the Extended UE CBW as shown at 320 in Figure 3. Although the UE CBW is shown as centered within the Extended UE CBW at 320, this should not be seen as a limiting example and in other examples the UE CBW may be positioned differently within the Extended UE CBW. For example, the UE CBW may be smaller than the Extended UE CBW and positioned asymmetrically within the Extended UE CBW, such as being positioned away from a protected frequency range as shown at 330 in Figure 3. In various examples, the UE CBW may be positioned at least partially outside of the Extended UE CBW. For example, the Extended UE CBW may be configured according to a first predefined channel raster point and the UE CBW may be configured according to a second predefined channel raster point. In this example, the second predefined channel raster point may be positioned within the Extended UE CBW and the UE CBW may be configured such that at least a portion of the UE CBW extends beyond or is otherwise outside of the Extended UE CBW. In some examples, the Extended UE CBW configuration may be based, at least inpart, on one or more UE capabilities. For example, some UEs may not support an Extended UE CBW that has the same size as the BS CBW.

[0080] In some embodiments, for each operating band, a subset of frequencies from a global frequency raster may be applicable for a respective band and form a channel raster with a granularity (AFRaster) (e.g., step size). In some examples, AFRaster may be equal to or larger than the granularity of the global raster (AFciobai). In an example, the AFRaster may be the same for both the Extended UE CBW and the UE CBW. In another example, the AFRaster may be different for the Extended UE CBW and the UE CBW. For example, the AFRaster may be larger for the Extended UE CBW as compared to the AFRaster for the UE CBW. In yet another example, the AFRaster may be smaller for the Extended UE CBW as compared to the AFRaster for the UE CBW. In some examples, the Extended UE CBW may be better suited to handle a larger AFRaster. In some examples, a smaller UE CBW may correspond with a smaller AFRaster (e.g., to match with cell-defining SSB). In some examples, various sizes of the Extended UE CBW and / or UE CBW may correspond to various AFRaster optoins. For example, given a larger Extended UE CBW size and / or UE CBW size, it may be desirable to have fewer channel raster points, for example, to limit the testing and validation required.

[0081] In certain embodiments, valid channel raster points (e.g., raster points that may be used) may be those that may serve as the midpoint of the UE CBW while allowing the UE CBW be positioned within the Extended UE CBW. For example, a valid channel raster point may be such that the UE CBW that is centered about the valid channel raster point is fully contained within the Extended UE CBW.

[0082] Figures 6 A and 6B illustrate tables including examples of channel raster points. In a 5G system, for each of a plurality of operating bands above and below 3 GHz, a corresponding AFRaster as well as the uplink and downlink frequency ranges are proved in Figure 6 A. In Figure 6B, AFaobai and AFRaster are listed for each of a plurality of operating frequency ranges, both for a 100kHz raster and for a subcarrier spacing (SCS)-based raster. For example, referring to the 0 - 3000 MHz frequency band of Figure 6B, AFRaster may be 100 kHz such that valid channel raster points are located within the 0 - 3000 MHz frequency band and are spaced apart by 100 kHz, such as 0 Hz, 100 kHz, 200 kHz, etc. With respect to a SCS-based raster, the raster points may be defined in steps that mirror the different subcarrier spacing options, such as of an integer multiple of 15 kHz as 15 kHz is also the basis for the different subcarrier spacing options in 5G. As illustrated in Figure 6b, theAFRaster may be defined as the product of AFoiobai and one or more predefined multipliers I, such as defined by 3GPP.

[0083] In various embodiments, the Extended UE CBW and / or the UE CBW may support predefined bandwidth options with a predefined number of resource blocks with given subcarrier spacing. Table 5.3.2- 1 in TS 38.101-1 provides an example of such by defining the maximum transmission bandwidth configuration expressed in units of resource blocks for each UE CBW and subcarrier spacing. In some examples, the predefined bandwidth options may be multiples of 5 MHz. In some examples, there may be certain exceptions (e.g., a predefined bandwidth option of 3 MHz may be valid). Furthermore, in some examples, UE CBWs greater than 100 MHz may support only bandwidth options that are multiples of 10 MHz.

[0084] In some embodiments, a limited number of UE CBW options may be supported for a certain Extended UE CBW. For example, given a subcarrier spacing of 30 kHz and an Extended UE CBW of 100 MHz, the supported UE CBW options may be 10 MHz (or 20 MHz) and 100 MHz. For example, some UEs may be in a power saving mode and use a more limited set of UE CBW options, such as the 10 MHz or 20 MHz CBW options, in order to reduce the testing burden, while other UEs performing transmission or reception may use the full bandwidth for the UE CBW options. By limiting the UE CBW options within the Extended UE CBW, example embodiments of the present disclosure may provide technical improvements by further reducing the testing burden on UEs.

[0085] As described herein, UE RF requirements for UE transmission or UE reception may be defined by the UE based on both the Extended UE CBW and the UE CBW that have been determined by the base station and provided to the UE. For example, a maximum UE Tx power may be defined based on a spectrum emissions mask (SEM) and OOBE that are, in turn, defined based on the Extended UE CBW. The MPR may be defined based on both the Extended UE CBW and the UE CBW. Also, the Extended UE CBW may define a RB grid (e.g., 0, 1, ... (NRB-1)) and an RB region (e.g., inner, outer, edge) for MPR definition. The UE CBW may define the valid scheduling range within the RB grid and the A-MPR may be defined based on the UE CBW configuration (e.g., size and / or location).

[0086] Figure 7 illustrates an example of the manner in which the RB regions are defined in NR. In the example shown, the UE CBW is 5 MHz with PC3 (23 dBm), CP-OFDM and QPSK modulation. The UE is required to deliver the maximum Tx power of 21.5 dBm (23dBm - 1.5 dBm) for the Inner RB region, 20 dBm (23 dBm - 3 dBm) for the Outer RB region, and 19.5 dBm (23 dBm - 3.5 dBm) for the Edge RB region.

[0087] In an example embodiment, the Extended UE CBW is 50 MHz and the UE CBW is 5 MHz positioned in the center of the Extended UE CBW. In this example embodiment, when considering the RB regions according to the Extended UE CBW (or an Extended UE CBW of 60 MHz), the Inner, Outer, and Edge RB regions may be similar to those shown in Figure 7 but scaled approximately by a factor of 10, and, instead of the Outer and Edge RB allocations shown in Figure 7, the RB allocation options are all the Inner region.Accordingly, such an example embodiment may benefit from increased Tx power (when compared to Fig. 7, all allocations would be “Inner”). In various examples, the power gain is dependent on the modulation and waveform. Additionally, the UE CBW configuration (size and location) with respect to the Extended UE CBW configuration defines how many of the RB allocations may be transferred from the Outer and Edge regions to the Inner region (as compared to the example shown in Figure 7).

[0088] Figures 8A and 8B illustrate examples of one or more benefits provided for A-MPR according to example embodiments of the present disclosure. Shown in Figure 8A is a wideband UE CBW configuration with the DC positioned in the center defining the A-MPR. Intermodulation products create interference for the protected band. Since a high A-MPR is allowed, there is reduced UL Tx power / coverage. Shown in Figure 8B is a narrowband UE CBW configuration with the DC positioned in the center defining A-MPR. Intermodulation products are such that they do not create interference for the protected band. Since there is no need for A-MPR, there is higher UL Tx power / coverage.

[0089] In some examples, the configuration for the Extended UE CBW configuration may be indicated via system information. Additionally or alternatively, in some examples, the Extended UE CBW may be indicated via a dedicated RRC signal. For example, a BS may transmit necessary signaling such that a UE becomes aware of the Extended UE CBW and / or the UE CBW. Additionally, the BS may provide an UL grant and / or DL grant to indicate resource allocation for UL transmission or DL reception. In an example, the UE may determine a UE RF parameter (e.g., required UE Tx power) based on the Extended UE CBW, UE CBW, UL grant and / or DL grant while taking into account, in some embodiments, one or more other parameters. In an example, an UL grant or DL grant may trigger a UE to determine at least one UE RF parameter. Various examples of a UE RF parameter for UL transmission include OOBE (e.g., SEM, ACLR), IBE, MPR, A-MPR, and Tx power.

[0090] In an example, for a UL grant, the UE may be required to fulfill IBE rules defined by the Extended UE CBW or by the frequency domain resource allocation and the Extended UE CBW. In another example, for a UL grant, the UE may be required to fulfill MPR defined by the Extended UE CBW and frequency domain resource allocation confined within the UE CBW. In another example, for a UL grant, the UE may be required to fulfill A-MPR defined by the UE CBW. In some examples, for a given UL grant, the UE Tx power may be defined based on MPR and / or A-MPR.

[0091] In some examples, for initial access, a UE may operate according to the maximum UE CBW that may be supported within the Extended UE CBW (e.g., a wideband operation). For example, a smartphone may operate using a UE CBW that is positioned such that the boundaries of the UE CBW are the same as the boundaries of the Extended UE CBW. In another example, in a reduced capacity (REDCAP) or other narrowband UE category, the UE CBW boundaries may be positioned such that the UE CBW uses the maximum BW (e.g., around a synchronization signal block (SSB)) supported by the UE.

[0092] In some examples, a UE may receive a dedicated UE CBW configuration from the base station as part of a dedicated RRC (re)configuration. In an example, if the configuration change is associated with a DC change, there may be a need for a switching gap (e.g., having a larger switching delay) to accommodate a change in the center frequency of the local oscillator (LO) of the UE. In another example, if the configuration change is not associated with a DC change, (i.e., BWP change within a UE CBW), the switching may be done without any switching gap (e.g., having a substantially small switching delay). In some examples, the UE may be provided with a switching gap before switching to a dedicated UE CBW configuration.

[0093] Figure 9 illustrates an example of a change associated with a wideband UE CBW configuration and a narrowband UE CBW configuration. As shown, in the wideband UE CBW configuration 910, the UE CBW 912 is configured such that the boundaries of the UE CBW 912 are the same as the boundaries for the Extended UE CBW 914, and the DC is positioned in the midpoint of the UE CBW 912 as shown by the local oscillator (LO) 916. Thus, when there is a change from BWP 918a to BWP 918b (as well as the resource block allocation from the intra-band emissions which is located within the BWP), there is no change in the DC as shown by the local oscillator 916. The resource block allocation is the frequency domain resource allocation, such as for UL transmission, defining the resource blocks that the UE should use. The boundaries between assigned and non-assigned resourceblocks define where the IBE region starts. The IBE, in turn, defines the signal level allowed for the non-allocated resource blocks.

[0094] In the narrowband UE CBW configuration 920, the UE CBW 922a is configured such that the boundaries of the UE CBW 922a are positioned within the Extended UE CBW 924 and the DC is positioned in the midpoint of the UE CBW 922a as shown by the LO 926a. Thus, when there is a change from BWP 928a to BWP 928b, there is a change to the UE CBW 922a as shown by the UE CBW 922b and the DC as shown by the LO 926b. As indicated in Figure 9, there would also be a DC change to move between the wideband UE CBW configuration and the narrowband UE CBW configuration.

[0095] Figures 10 and 11 are flowcharts illustrating the operations performed in order to configure an Extended UE CBW and a UE CBW. The flowchart of Figure 10 illustrates the operations performed, such as by the apparatus of Figure 2 as embodied by a UE device, in order to support communications with a network node. The flowchart of Figure 11 illustrates the operations performed, such as by the apparatus of Figure 2 as embodied by the network node, in order to support communications with a UE device.

[0096] In the example flowchart of Figure 10, a user device (e.g., UE device 120 or 122) embodied, such as by apparatus 200 of Figure 2, includes means, such as the processor 220, the communication interface 260 or the like, for obtaining an Extended User Equipment (UE) Channel Bandwidth (CBW) configuration for an Extended UE CBW according to a first predefined channel raster point defining a midpoint for the Extended UE CBW, as shown in block 1002. This Extended UE CBW may be obtained by the processor 220 via communications interface 260, for example, by receiving the Extended UE CBW, directly or indirectly, from the network node. Alternatively, the UE may obtain the Extended UE CBW by obtaining one or more parameters, such as from the network node, from which the Extended UE CBW may be determined. The user device also includes means, such as the processor 220, the communication interface 260 or the like, for obtaining a UE CBW configuration for a UE CBW according to a second predefined channel raster point defining a midpoint for the UE CBW, as shown in block 1004. The UE CBW may be positioned within the Extended UE CBW. This UE CBW may be obtained by the processor 220 via communications interface 260, for example, by receiving the UE CBW, directly or indirectly, from the network node. Alternatively, the UE may obtain the UE CBW by obtaining one or more parameters, such as from the network node, from which the UE CBW may be determined.

[0097] The user device also includes means, such as the processor 220 or the like, for determining at least one UE radio frequency (RF) parameter for at least one of UE transmission or UE reception based at least in part on at least one of the Extended UE CBW or the UE CBW, as shown in block 1006. The user device also includes means, such as the processor 220, the communication interface 260 or the like, for causing at least one of UE transmission or UE reception based at least in part upon the at least one UE RF parameter, as shown in block 1008.

[0098] In the example flowchart of Figure 11, a network node (e.g., network node 110 or 112) which may be embodied by the apparatus 200 of Figure 2, includes means, such as the processor 220 or the like, for determining an Extended User Equipment (UE) Channel Bandwidth (CBW) configuration for an Extended UE CBW according to a first predefined channel raster point defining a midpoint for the Extended UE CBW, as shown in block 1102. For example, the network node may be configured to define the Extended UE CBW to be centered about the first predefined channel raster point and to be positioned within with base station CBW, such as by being coextensive with the base station CBW in at least some embodiments. The network node also includes means, such as the processor 220 or the like, for determining a UE CBW configuration for a UE CBW according to a second predefined channel raster point defining a midpoint for the UE CBW, as shown in block 1104. The UE CBW may be centered about the second predefined channel raster point and positioned within the Extended UE CBW, such as by being coextensive with or smaller than the Extended UE CBW. The network node also includes means, such as the processor 220, the communication interface 260 or the like, for causing at least the Extended UE CBW configuration to be provided to a UE, as shown in block 1106.

[0099] Figures 10 and 11 illustrate flowcharts depicting methods according to example embodiments of the present disclosure. It will be understood that each block of the flowcharts and combination of blocks in the flowcharts may be implemented by various means, such as hardware, firmware, processor, circuitry, and / or other communication devices associated with execution of software including one or more computer program instructions. For example, one or more of the procedures described above may be embodied by computer program instructions. In this regard, the computer program instructions which embody the procedures described above may be stored by a memory device of an apparatus employing an embodiment of the present disclosure and executed by a processor. As will be appreciated, any such computer program instructions may be loaded onto a computer or otherprogrammable apparatus (for example, hardware) to produce a machine, such that the resulting computer or other programmable apparatus implements the functions specified in the flowchart blocks. These computer program instructions may also be stored in a computer-readable memory that may direct a computer or other programmable apparatus to function in a particular manner, such that the instructions stored in the computer-readable memory produce an article of manufacture the execution of which implements the function specified in the flowchart blocks. The computer program instructions may also be loaded onto a computer or other programmable apparatus to cause a series of operations to be performed on the computer or other programmable apparatus to produce a computer-implemented process such that the instructions which execute on the computer or other programmable apparatus provide operations for implementing the functions specified in the flowchart blocks.

[0100] Accordingly, blocks of the flowcharts support combinations of means for performing the specified functions and combinations of operations for performing the specified functions. It will also be understood that one or more blocks of the flowcharts, and combinations of blocks in the flowcharts, can be implemented by special purpose hardwarebased computer systems which perform the specified functions, or combinations of special purpose hardware and computer instructions.

[0101] Although the present disclosure has been described above with reference to an example according to the accompanying drawings, it is clear that the present disclosure is not restricted thereto but can be modified in several ways within the scope of the appended claims. Therefore, all words and expressions should be interpreted broadly and they are intended to illustrate, not to restrict, the embodiment. It will be obvious to a person skilled in the art that, as technology advances, the inventive concept can be implemented in various ways. Further, it is clear to a person skilled in the art that the described embodiments may, but are not required to, be combined with other embodiments in various ways.

[0102] Many modifications and other embodiments set forth herein will come to mind to one skilled in the art to which this disclosure pertains having the benefit of the teachings presented in the foregoing descriptions and the associated drawings. Therefore, it is to be understood that the disclosure is not to be limited to the specific embodiments disclosed and that modifications and other embodiments are intended to be included within the scope of the appended claims.

[0103] Moreover, although the foregoing descriptions and the associated drawings describe certain example embodiments in the context of certain example combinations ofelements and / or functions, it should be appreciated that different combinations of elements and / or functions may be provided by alternative embodiments without departing from the scope of the appended claims. In this regard, for example, different combinations of elements and / or functions than those explicitly described above are also contemplated as may be set forth in some of the appended claims. Although specific terms are employed herein, they are used in a generic and descriptive sense only and not for purposes of limitation.

Claims

THAT WHICH IS CLAIMED:

1. An apparatus comprising at least one processor and at least one memory storing instructions that, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the apparatus to perform at least:obtaining an Extended User Equipment (UE) Channel Bandwidth (CBW) configuration for an Extended UE CBW according to a first predefined channel raster point defining a midpoint for the Extended UE CBW;obtaining a UE CBW configuration for a UE CBW according to a second predefined channel raster point defining a midpoint for the UE CBW, wherein the UE CBW is positioned within the Extended UE CBW;determining at least one UE radio frequency (RF) parameter for at least one of UE transmission or UE reception based at least in part on at least one of the Extended UE CBW or the UE CBW; andcausing at least one of UE transmission or UE reception based at least in part upon the at least one UE RF parameter.

2. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein obtaining at least one of the Extended UE CBW configuration or the UE CBW configuration comprises obtaining at least one of the Extended UE CBW configuration or the UE CBW configuration via system information or a dedicated radio resource control (RRC) signal.

3. The apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 2, wherein:a global frequency raster comprises a subset of frequencies applicable for an operating band of a plurality of operating bands,the subset of frequencies forms a first channel raster having a predefined granularity for the Extended UE CBW, andthe predefined granularity is equal to or larger than a granularity of the global frequency raster.

4. The apparatus according to claim 3, wherein a second subset of frequencies forms a second channel raster having a second predefined granularity for the UE CBW, and wherein the second predefined granularity and the predefined granularity are equal.

5. The apparatus according to claim 3, wherein a second subset of frequences forms a second channel raster having a second predefined granularity for the UE CBW, and wherein the second predefined granularity and the predefined granularity are different.

6. The apparatus according to any one of claims 3 to 5, wherein the first channel raster comprises at least the first predefined channel raster point, and the second channel raster comprises at least the second predefined channel raster point.

7. The apparatus according to any one of claims 4 to 6, wherein the second channel raster for the UE CBW is positioned within the Extended UE CBW.

8. The apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the Extended UE CBW and the UE CBW support a predefined bandwidth having a predefined number of resource blocks (RB) and a given subcarrier spacing.

9. The apparatus according to claim 8, wherein the predefined bandwidth is selected from among a plurality of predefined bandwidth candidates that are multiples of 5 MHz.

10. The apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the Extended UE CBW supports a limited set of UE CBWs based at least in part on a subcarrier spacing.

11. The apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the at least one UE RF parameter for UE transmission or UE reception comprises a maximum UE transmission power defined based at least in part by at least one of (i) a spectrum emissions mask (SEM) and out-of-band emissions (OOBE) defined based on the Extended UE CBW, (ii) a maximum power reduction (MPR) defined based on the Extended UE CBW and the UE CBW, wherein the Extended UE CBW defines a RB grid and a RB region for the MPR and wherein the UE CBW defines a scheduling range within the RB grid, or (iii) an additional MPR (A-MPR) defined based on the UE CBW.

12. The apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 11, wherein the instructions, when executed by the at least one processor, further cause the apparatus to perform at least:operating according to a maximum UE CBW supported within the Extended UE CBW for initial access.

13. The apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 12, wherein the instructions, when executed by the at least one processor, further cause the apparatus to perform at least: obtaining a dedicated UE CBW configuration as part of a dedicated RRC reconfiguration signal.

14. The apparatus according to claim 13, wherein the instructions, when executed by the at least one processor, further cause the apparatus to perform at least:obtaining a switching gap before switching to the dedicated UE CBW configuration.

15. An apparatus comprising at least one processor and at least one memory storing instructions that, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the apparatus to perform at least:determining an Extended User Equipment (UE) Channel Bandwidth (CBW) configuration for an Extended UE CBW according to a first predefined channel raster point defining a midpoint for the Extended UE CBW;determining a UE CBW configuration for a UE CBW according to a second predefined channel raster point defining a midpoint for the UE CBW, wherein the UE CBW is positioned within the Extended UE CBW; andcausing at least the Extended UE CBW configuration to be provided to a UE.

16. The apparatus according to claim 15, wherein the instructions, when executed by the at least one processor, further cause the apparatus to perform at least:causing the UE CBW and at least one of an uplink (UL) grant or a downlink (DL) grant to be provided to the UE.

17. The apparatus according to claim 15, wherein causing the Extended UE CBW configuration to be provided comprises causing the Extended UE CBW configuration to be provided via system information or a dedicated radio resource control (RRC) signal.

18. The apparatus according to any one of claims 15 to 17, wherein:a global frequency raster comprises a subset of frequencies applicable for an operating band of a plurality of operating bands,the subset of frequencies forms a first channel raster having a predefined granularity for the Extended UE CBW, andthe predefined granularity is equal to or larger than a granularity of the global frequency raster.

19. The apparatus according to claim 18, wherein a second subset of frequencies forms a second channel raster having a second predefined granularity for the UE CBW, and wherein the second predefined granularity and the predefined granularity are equal.

20. The apparatus according to claim 18, wherein a second subset of frequencies forms a second channel raster having a second predefined granularity for the UE CBW, and wherein the second predefined granularity and the predefined granularity are different.

21. The apparatus according to claim 19 or 20, wherein the first channel raster comprises at least the first predefined channel raster point, and the second channel raster comprises at least the second predefined channel raster point.

22. The apparatus according to any one of claims 19 to 21, wherein the second channel raster for the UE CBW is positioned within the Extended UE CBW.

23. The apparatus according to any one of claims 15 to 22, wherein the Extended UE CBW and the UE CBW support a predefined bandwidth having a predefined number of resource blocks (RB) and a given subcarrier spacing.

24. The apparatus according to any one of claims 15 to 23, wherein the Extended UE CBW supports a limited set of UE CBWs based at least in part on a subcarrier spacing.

25. The apparatus according to any one of claims 15 to 24, wherein the instructions, when executed by the at least one processor, further cause the apparatus to perform at least:causing a dedicated UE CBW configuration to be provided to the UE via a dedicated RRC reconfiguration.

26. A method comprising:obtaining an Extended User Equipment (UE) Channel Bandwidth (CBW) configuration for an Extended UE CBW according to a first predefined channel raster point defining a midpoint for the Extended UE CBW;obtaining a UE CBW configuration for a UE CBW according to a second predefined channel raster point defining a midpoint for the UE CBW, wherein the UE CBW is positioned within the Extended UE CBW;determining at least one UE radio frequency (RF) parameter for at least one of UE transmission or UE reception based at least in part on at least one of the Extended UE CBW or the UE CBW; andcausing at least one of UE transmission or UE reception based at least in part upon the at least one UE RF parameter.

27. A method comprising:determining an Extended User Equipment (UE) Channel Bandwidth (CBW) configuration for an Extended UE CBW according to a first predefined channel raster point defining a midpoint for the Extended UE CBW;determining a UE CBW configuration for a UE CBW according to a second predefined channel raster point defining a midpoint for the UE CBW, wherein the UE CBW is positioned within the Extended UE CBW; andcausing at least the Extended UE CBW configuration to be provided to a UE.

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