User equipment (UE), network node and method for image interference measurement

Abstract

Embodiments herein disclose a first User Equipment (UE) (110), a network node (120) and method(s). The method comprises transmitting, to a second apparatus (120), a capability information indicating the first apparatus (110) is capable to perform interference measurements in sub-bands during fragmented Carrier Aggregation (CA) with asymmetric channel bandwidth (CBW). The method further comprises receiving, from the second apparatus (120), a configuration message for the interference measurement.

Description

USER EQUIPMENT (UE), NETWORK NODE AND METHOD FOR IMAGE INTERFERENCE MEASUREMENTTechnical Field:

[0001] Example embodiments of the present disclosure relate to a field of wireless communication, and more particularly relate to a User equipment (UE), network node and method for image interference measurement.Background:

[0002] Certain abbreviations that may be found in the description and / or in the figures are herewith defined as follows.CA Carrier AggregationUE User EquipmentRX RF Receiver Radio FrequencyCBW Asymmetric Channel bandwidthRRC Radio resource ControlCQI Channel Quality InformationPUCCH Physical Uplink Control ChannelMAC CE Medium Access Control Control ElementIQ in-phase (I) and quadrature (Q)IRR Image Rejection RatioBW BandwidthMCS Modulation and Coding Scheme

[0003] Evolution of wireless communication networks, particularly in context of advanced carrier aggregation techniques, has highlighted fragmented Carrier Aggregation (CA) with asymmetric channel bandwidth as an approach for enhancing spectral efficiency and network performance. Fragmented CA, non-contiguous intra-band carrier aggregation, relates specifically to a User Equipment (UE) with a hardware configuration that enables reception of multiple fragmented intra-band carriers with asingle Receiver Radio Frequency (RX RF) chain. In a direct conversion quadrature receiver, the process of demodulating signals at baseband involves converting the received RF signal directly to baseband using in-phase (I) and quadrature (Q) components. This process is highly sensitive to IQ-imbalance, which directly affects the receivers’ image rejection ration (IRR) and can affect the performance. The IQ- Imbalance causes an unwanted image signal, a mirrored version of the desired signal, to appear in the baseband, because of the imbalance distorts the orthogonality of the I and Q components, thus leads to incomplete cancellation of the image frequency. IRR quantifies the receiver's ability to suppress the image signal. Traditionally, the IQ- Imbalance can be cost-effectively compensated rather than improving the analog front-end RF hardware, measured and compensated for at different carrier frequencies by means of production-time calibration. Normally this IQ-imbalance calibration / compensation is sufficient for 3GPP receiver requirements for contiguous and non-contiguous carrier aggregation. However, in the case of fragmented unequal bandwidth carriers, the presence of in-gap interference will cause additional degradation of the wanted component carriers due to imaging effects caused by residual IQ-imbalance after traditional calibration / compensation. It may be difficult to mitigate the in-gap interference, as the source signal is not known in fragmented CA with asymmetric channel bandwidth. Since the in-gap signal is unknown, traditional mitigation techniques like adaptive image cancellation might be less effective. Identifying in-gap interference sources may be helpful to the UE and network to mitigate the UE receiver performance degradation caused by the in-gap interference for ensuring reliable data transmission in the wireless communication networks.Summary:

[0004] Aspects pertaining to example embodiments disclosed herein are set forth below. It should be understood that these aspects are not intended to limit the scope of this present disclosure. Indeed, this present disclosure may encompass a variety of aspects that may not be set forth below.

[0005] In a first aspect of the present disclosure, a first apparatus is disclosed. The first apparatus comprises at least one processor and at least one memory storing instructions that, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the first apparatusat least to transmit, to a second apparatus, a capability information indicating the first apparatus is capable to perform interference measurements in sub-bands during fragmented Carrier Aggregation (CA) with asymmetric channel bandwidth (CBW). The at least processor is further configured to receive, from the second apparatus, a configuration message for the interference measurement.

[0006] In a second aspect of the present disclosure, a second apparatus is provided. The second apparatus comprises at least one processor and at least one memory storing instructions that, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the second apparatus at least to receive, from at least one first apparatus, a capability information indicating the at least one first apparatus is capable to perform interference measurements in sub-bands during fragmented Carrier Aggregation (CA) with asymmetric channel bandwidth (CBW). The at least processor is further configured to transmit, to the at least one first apparatus, a configuration message for the interference measurement.

[0007] In a third aspect of the present disclosure a method for a first apparatus is provided.The method comprises of transmitting, to a second apparatus, a capability information indicating the first apparatus is capable to perform interference measurements in subbands during fragmented Carrier Aggregation (CA) with asymmetric channel bandwidth (CBW). The method further comprises receiving, from the second apparatus, a configuration message for the interference measurement.

[0008] In a fourth aspect of the present disclosure, a method for a second apparatus is provided. The method comprises receiving, from at least one first apparatus, a capability information indicating the at least one first apparatus is capable to perform interference measurements in sub-bands during fragmented Carrier Aggregation (CA) with asymmetric channel bandwidth (CBW). The method further comprises transmitting, to the at least one first apparatus, a configuration message for the interference measurement.

[0009] In a fifth aspect, a first apparatus provided. The first apparatus comprises means for causing the first apparatus to perform the method of the third aspect.

[0010] In a sixth aspect, a second apparatus is provided. The second apparatus comprises means for causing the second apparatus to perform the method of the fourth aspect.

[0011] The means for the fifth and sixth aspects may be implemented in hardware and / or software. They comprise, for instance, at least one processor for executing computer program code / instructions for causing the respective apparatus (e.g., UE or networknode) to perform the respective method, and at least one memory storing the computer program code / instructions. The means may also comprise circuitry (as defined in the disclosure herein) for causing the respective apparatus to perform the respective method.

[0012] According to a seventh aspect, a computer-readable medium (e.g., a non-transitory computer-readable medium) is provided. The computer-readable medium comprises instructions which, when executed by the UE, cause the UE to perform the method of the third aspect.

[0013] According to an eighth aspect, a computer-readable medium (e.g., a non-transitory computer-readable medium) is provided. The computer-readable medium comprises instructions which, when executed by the network node, cause the network node to perform the method of the fourth aspect.

[0014] Details of example embodiments are set forth in the accompanying drawings and the description below. Other features, objects, and advantages of the disclosure will be apparent from the description and drawings, and from the claims.Brief Description of Drawings:

[0015] The detailed description is described with reference to the accompanying figures. The same numbers are used throughout the drawings to reference like features and components.

[0016] FIG. 1 illustrates a wireless communication system in which example embodiments of the present disclosure may be implemented;

[0017] FIG. 2 illustrates a method performed by a first apparatus, according to an example embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0018] FIG. 3 illustrates a method performed by the first apparatus, according to an example embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0019] FIG.4 illustrates a method performed by the first apparatus, according to an example embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0020] FIG.5 illustrates a method performed by a second apparatus, according to an example embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0021] FIG. 6 illustrates a method performed by the second apparatus, according to an example embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0022] FIG. 7 illustrates a first signaling diagram for the first apparatus and the second apparatus, according to an example embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0023] FIG. 8 illustrates a second signaling diagram for the first apparatus and the second apparatus, according to an example embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0024] FIG. 9 illustrates a block diagram of the first apparatus, according to an example embodiment of the present disclosure; and

[0025] FIG. 10 illustrates a block diagram of the second apparatus, according to an example embodiment of the present disclosure.Detailed Description

[0026] Example embodiments now will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. The terminology used in the present disclosure of the example embodiments illustrated in the accompanying drawings is not intended to be limiting. In the drawings, like numbers refer to like elements.

[0027] 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. For example, a first element may be termed a second element, and similarly, a second element may be termed a first element, without departing from the scope of example embodiments.

[0028] The specification may refer to “an,” “one,” or “some,” embodiment(s) in several locations. This does not necessarily imply that each such reference is to the same embodiment(s), or that the feature only applies to a single embodiment. Single features of different embodiments may also be combined to provide other embodiments.

[0029] As used herein, the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the,” are intended to include the plural forms as well, unless explicitly stated otherwise. It will be further understood that the terms “includes,” “comprises,” “including,” and / or “comprising,” when used in this specification, specify the presence of stated features, integers, steps, operations, elements, and / or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, operations, elements, components, and / or groups thereof.

[0030] As used herein, whenever the phrase “at least one of’ or “one or more of’ precedes a list of elements, wherein the elements are joined by “and” or “or”, it means that at least any one of the elements or at least some of the elements or all the elements are present. As used herein, whenever the phrase “one of’ precedes a list of elements, wherein the elements are joined by “and” or “or”, it means that only one of the elements are present at a given instant, unless the context permits a meaning that allows the inclusion of more than one element. The usage of the term “or” is to be understood as “inclusive or” instead of “exclusive or”, unless indicated otherwise by the relevant context. Conditional language, such as among others, “can” or “may”, unless specifically stated otherwise, or otherwise understood within the context as used, is generally intended to convey that certain embodiments may include, while other embodiments may not include certain features, elements, and / or steps. Thus, such conditional language is not generally intended to imply that features, elements, and / or steps are in any way required for one or more embodiments. It will be understood that when an element is referred to as being “connected” or “coupled” to another element, it can be directly connected or coupled to the other element or intervening elements may be present. Furthermore, “connected” or “coupled” as used herein may include wirelessly connected or coupled. As used herein, the term “and / or” includes any and all combinations and arrangements of one or more of the associated listed items. As used herein, the terms “the at least one” and “the one or more” mean “any one of the at least one” and “any one of the one or more,” respectively.

[0031] Unless otherwise defined, all terms (including technical and scientific terms) used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this disclosure pertains. It will be further understood that terms, such as those defined in commonly used dictionaries, should be interpreted as having a meaning that is consistent with their meaning in the context of the relevant art and will not be interpreted in an idealized or overly formal sense unless expressly so defined herein.

[0032] The figures depict a simplified structure only showing some elements and functional entities, all being logical units whose implementation may differ from what is shown. The connections shown are logical connections; the actual physical connections may be different. In addition, all logical units described and depicted in the figures include the software and / or hardware components required for the unit to function. Further, each unit may comprise within itself one or more components, which are implicitlyunderstood. These components may be operatively coupled to each other and be configured to communicate with each other to perform the function of the said unit.

[0033] As used herein, the term “circuitry” may refer to at least one of the following:a) hardware-only circuit implementations (such as implementations in analog, digital, and / or quantum circuitry);b) combinations of hardware circuit(s) and software, such as (as applicable): (i) a combination of analog, digital, and / or quantum hardware circuit(s) with software / firmware and (ii) any or all portions of hardware processor(s) (including digital and / or quantum processor(s)), with software, and memory(ies) that work together to cause an apparatus, such as a mobile device, computing device, or server, to perform various functions); or c) any or all portions of hardware circuit(s), such as a microprocessor(s), processor(s), and / or quantum processor(s), that requires software (e.g., firmware) for operation, but the software may not be present when it is not needed for operation.

[0034] 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.

[0035] In the following, different example embodiments will be described using, as an example of a communication network to which example embodiments may be applied, a communication network architecture based on 3 GPP standards for a communication network, such as 5G NR or 6G (sixth generation), without restricting the example embodiments to such an architecture, however.

[0036] Image signal leakage in wireless communication systems represents a challenge for network performance and signal integrity. Unwanted signal may cause significant interference, degrading quality of transmitted data and compromising in reliable communication. Traditional methods may require a separate measurement setup for monitoring the image signal leakage while Bandwidth Part (BWP) is narrowed.

[0037] The proposed embodiments provide apparatus(es) and methods for identifying image signal leakage, which include determining sub-band Channel Quality Information (CQI) in sub-band, are beneficial for maintaining spectral efficiency. Further, by performing interference measurements and by determining image leakage power, the proposed embodiments are helpful in reliable data transmission.

[0038] FIG. 1 illustrates an example of wireless communication network 100 in which example embodiments of the present disclosure may be implemented. The network 100 may comprise at least a First apparatus 110 and a second apparatus 120 (the first apparatus 110 also referred as terminal device, and the second apparatus 120 also referred as network device).

[0039] In some example embodiments, the first apparatus 110 may comprise a User Equipment (UE) and may be any wireless communication device that is capable of sending and receiving radio signals. The first apparatus 110 may be used to communicate with a radio access network (RAN) via an uplink channel. Non-limiting examples of the first apparatus 110 include a smartphone, a tablet, a laptop computer, or the like. The first apparatus 110 may comprise and / or be referred to as “a terminal device,” “user equipment,” “wireless transmit / receive unit,” or by another name.

[0040] In some example embodiments, second apparatus 120 may comprise a network node in a communication network (e.g., the network 100), through which the first apparatus 110 may access the network and receive services therefrom. The second apparatus 120 may comprise and / or be referred to as “a base station,” “a radio access network node,” “a radio unit,” or by another name. The second apparatus 120 may operate according to one of several Radio Access Technology (RAT) in communication with the first apparatus 110 and may be a part of the RAN. The second apparatus 120 may communicate with the first apparatus 110 via a downlink channel.

[0041] In the wireless communication network 100, there may be regions of radio coverage (referred to as a “cell”). The cell 130 may be supported by the second apparatus 120.

[0042] There may be instances where the first apparatus 110 initiates beam management, where the first apparatus 110 may be configured with at least one event / condition, and the first apparatus 110 may start beam reporting if this at least one event / condition occurs or is satisfied.

[0043] In an example, it provides an Artificial Intelligence / Machine Learning (AI / ML) based approach using a concrete autoencoder to dynamically generate RS patterns and UE- specific masks. The AI / ML based approach optimizes channel estimation, minimizespilot contamination, and improve spectral efficiency in both uplink and downlink MU- MIMO transmissions.

[0044] FIG. 2 illustrates a flowchart for a method 200 performed by the first apparatus 110.At step 202, the method 200 provides transmitting, to the second apparatus 120, a capability information indicating the first apparatus 110 is capable to perform interference measurements in sub-bands when receiving in a configured state of fragmented Carrier Aggregation (CA) with asymmetric channel bandwidth (CBW). At step 204, the method 200 provides receiving (204), from the second apparatus 120, a configuration message for the interference measurement.

[0045] In an example, the configuration message is received as a Radio resource Control (RRC) configuration message and comprises at least one of: sub-band Channel Quality Information (CQI) reporting configuration or associated configuration for the interference measurement. The associated configuration comprises at least one of: threshold levels for image signal leakage detection or event triggers for the image signal leakage detection.

[0046] In an example, the method 200 provides performing the interference measurements on configured sub-band frequency resources based on the configuration message. The method 200 further provides detecting at least one of: an image signal leakage or interference in the sub-bands. The method 200 further provides reporting, to the second apparatus 120, sub-band interference information based on the detected at least one of the image signal leakage or the interference in the sub-bands.

[0047] In an example, the sub-band interference information may comprise sub-band Channel Quality Information (CQI) values and image signal leakage interference levels.

[0048] In an example, the performing of the interference measurement may comprise detecting a difference in CQI values between bandwidth affected by the image leakage signal and unaffected bandwidth, wherein the difference indicates a presence of the image leakage signal.

[0049] In an example, the interference measurements comprise image signal leakage measurement in the sub-bands during the fragmented CA with the asymmetric CBW.

[0050] FIG. 3 illustrates a flow chart for a method 300 performed by the first apparatus 110.At step 302, the method 300 provides receiving, from the second apparatus 120, a configuration message for interference measurement in sub-bands for non-contiguous intra-band Carrier Aggregation (CA) with the asymmetric channel bandwidth (CBW). At step 304, the method 300 provides performing the interference measurement onconfigured sub-band frequency resources based on the configuration message. At step 306, the method 300 provides reporting, to the second apparatus 120, sub-band interference information based on the interference measurement.

[0051] In an example, the at least one processor may be configured to detect at least one of:an image signal leakage or interference in the sub-bands to perform the interference measurement.

[0052] In an example, the configuration message may be received as a Radio resource Control (RRC) configuration message and comprises at least one of: sub-band CQI reporting configuration, threshold levels for image signal leakage detection, or event triggers for image signal leakage detection.

[0053] In an example, the method 300 provides determining whether the interference in one or more sub-bands of the sub-bands of carrier exceeds a predefined threshold. The method 300 further provides identifying one or more affected sub-bands from the subbands affected by the image signal leakage. The method 300 further provides measuring power of the image signal leakage in the one or more affected sub-bands to perform the interference measurement.

[0054] In an example, the method 300 provides sending, to the second apparatus 120, a measurement report to report the sub-band interference information. The measurement report comprises at least one of: sub-band CQI values for each sub-band of the carrier, identification of the one or more affected sub-bands affected by the image signal leakage or power measurement for the image signal leakage in the one or more affected sub-bands.

[0055] In an example, the measurement report may comprise at least one of: a layer 1 measurement report via an uplink Physical Uplink Control Channel (PUCCH) or a layer 3 measurement report via Radio Resource Control (RRC) Signaling.

[0056] In an example, the method 300 provides receiving, from the second apparatus 120, a scheduling information indicating at least one of: scheduling restrictions on the one or more affected sub-bands affected by the image signal leakage, modulation and coding scheme (MCS) values for scheduling data on the one or more affected sub-bands, start time for application of the scheduling restrictions. The scheduling information is received via a Medium Access Control Element (MAC CE). In an example, a downlink (DL) Physical Channel such as Physical Downlink Shared Channel (PDSCH) may carry MAC CE payload in response to an uplink (UL) Physical Channel such as PUCCH that carries the reports of CQI and sub-band information.

[0057] FIG. 4 illustrates a flow chart for a method 400 performed by the first apparatus 110. At step 402, the method 400 provides determining whether a channel quality information (CQI) in a first sub-band of a bandwidth meets a criterion. At step 404, the method 400 provides determining an image leakage power in the first sub-band in response to the CQI in the first sub-band meets the criterion.

[0058] In an example, the method 400 provides determining the image leakage power by measuring an interferer power in an in-gap bandwidth between the first sub-band and a second sub-band and by estimating the image leakage power using a predefined image rejection ratio (IRR) based on the measured interferer power.

[0059] In an example, the method 400 provides determining the image leakage power by:performing a continuous monitoring of signals received in the first sub-band and the second sub-band, applying an adaptive algorithm to estimate and compensate for IQ- imbalance between an in-phase (I) and quadrature (Q) components, measuring a residual power in the first sub-band before and after the IQ-imbalance compensation, and estimating the image leakage power based at least in part on the measured residual power.

[0060] In an example, the method 400 provides determining the image leakage power by:measuring a reference signal power in an in-gap bandwidth between the first sub-band and the second sub-band. The method 400 further provides measuring a power of received signal in the first sub-band at resource elements where an image of the reference signal appears. The method 400 further provides estimating an expected power in the first sub-band at the resource elements assuming no image of the reference signal appears, based on the reference signal power in the in-gap bandwidth and the power of received signal in the first sub-band. The method 400 further provides estimating the image leakage power based on a comparison of the power of received signal in the first sub-band to the expected power.

[0061] In an example, the method 400 provides determining the image leakage power by computing a correlation coefficient between a signal received in the first sub-band and a signal received in an in-gap between the first sub-band and the second sub-band. The method 400 further provides estimating the image leakage power using the correlation coefficient.

[0062] In an example, the criterion may comprise at least one of: the difference of the CQI in the first sub-band and the CQI in the second sub-band meets a first threshold level, or the CQI in the first sub-band meets a second threshold level.

[0063] In an example, the method 400 provides transmitting, to the second apparatus 120, the capability information indicating the first apparatus 110 is capable to perform interference measurement in sub-bands during the fragmented CA with the asymmetric channel bandwidth (CBW). The method 400 further provides receiving, from the second apparatus 120, the configuration message for the interference measurement. The method 400 further provides determining the image leakage power at least in part based on the received configuration message.

[0064] In an example, the method 400 provides reporting, to the second apparatus 120, at least one of: the determined image leakage power in the first sub-band, the CQI value in the first sub-band or identification of the first sub-band.

[0065] FIG. 5 illustrates a flow chart for a method 500 performed by the second apparatus 120. At step 502, the method 500 provides receiving, from the at least one first apparatus 110, the capability information indicating the at least one first apparatus 110 is capable to perform interference measurements in sub-bands during the fragmented Carrier Aggregation (CA) with the asymmetric channel bandwidth (CBW).

[0066] At step 504, the method 500 provides transmitting, to the at least one first apparatus 110, the configuration message for the interference measurement.

[0067] In an example, the configuration message is transmitted as the Radio resource Control (RRC) configuration message and may comprise at least one of: a sub-band CQI reporting configuration or associated configuration for the interference measurement. The associated configuration may comprise at least one of: the threshold levels for image signal leakage detection or the event triggers for image signal leakage detection.

[0068] In an example, the interference measurements may comprise image signal leakage measurement in the sub-bands during the fragmented Carrier Aggregation (CA) with the asymmetric Channel bandwidth (CBW).

[0069] In an example, the method 500 provides receiving, from the at least one first apparatus 110, sub-band interference information based on interference measurement performed by the at least one first apparatus 110, on configured sub-band frequency resources. The interference measurement may detect at least one of the image signal leakage or an interference in the sub-bands.

[0070] FIG. 6 illustrates a flow chart for a method 600 performed by the second apparatus 120. At step 602, the method 600 provides transmitting, to the at least one first apparatus 110, the configuration message for interference measurement in the sub-bands for the non-contiguous intra-band Carrier Aggregation (CA) with the asymmetric channel bandwidth (CBW).

[0071] At step 604, the method 600 provides receiving, from the at least one first apparatus 110, the sub-band interference information.

[0072] In an example, the sub-band interference information may comprise sub-band CQI values and image signal leakage interference levels.

[0073] In an example, the configuration message may be transmitted as the Radio resource Control (RRC) configuration message and may comprise at least one of: the sub-band CQI reporting configuration, the threshold levels for image signal leakage detection or the event triggers for image signal leakage detection.

[0074] In an example, the method 600 provides receiving, from the at least one first apparatus 110, the measurement report of the sub-band interference information. The measurement report may comprise at least one of: the sub-band CQI values for each sub-band of the carrier, the identification of the one or more affected sub-bands affected by the image signal leakage, or the power measurement for the image signal leakage in the one or more affected sub-bands.

[0075] In an example, the method 600 provides transmitting, to the at least one first apparatus 110, in response to the reception of the sub-band interference information, a scheduling information indicating at least one of: scheduling restrictions on the one or more affected sub-bands affected by the image signal leakage, the modulation and coding scheme (MCS) values for scheduling data on the one or more affected subbands or start time for application of the scheduling restrictions. The method 600 further provides transmitting, to the at least one first apparatus 110, data on carrier based on the application of the scheduling restrictions.

[0076] In an example, different processes for estimation of the image leakage power through the method 600 is discussed now. The different processes may comprise direct measurement using known Image Rejection Ratio (IRR) process, adaptive IQ- imbalance compensation process, reference signal based measurement process or a correlation-based measurement process.

[0077] In an example, the direct measurement using known IRR process may be helpful for a receiver device (the UE 110) where the IRR is known as a priori. The IRR may quantify how well the receiver suppresses the image signal, which is an unwanted signal symmetrically opposite to the desired signal relative to the local oscillator frequency. In a first step, the interferer power may be measured in the in-gapbandwidth between the first sub-band and the second sub-band. In a second step, the image signal power leakage may be estimates using the predefined IRR (also referred to as known IRR) based on the measured interferer power. The relationship is given by:Where, Pinterferer isthe measured in-gap interferer power. IRR is the image rejection ratio. Pimage isthe estimated image signal leakage power in the first sub-band (for example BW2).

[0078] Advantageously, the direct measurement using known IRR process may be simple and effective when the IRR is accurately known.

[0079] In an example, the adaptive IQ-imbalance compensation process is discussed now.The adaptive IQ -imbalance compensation process may be helpful in an advanced receiver (UE 110) capable of adaptive IQ-imbalance compensation, which dynamically corrects for imperfections in the in-phase (I) and quadrature (Q) paths, the common source of image signal leakage. In first step, the continuous monitoring of signals received in the first sub-band and the second sub-band may be performed. In a second step, the adaptive algorithm may be applied to estimate and compensate for IQ-imbalance between an in-phase (I) and quadrature (Q) components. In a third step, the image leakage power (Pimage) may beestimated based at least in part on the measured residual power. Advantageously, the method 600 may be adapted to realtime changes in receiver conditions, improving accuracy and there is no need to measure the in-gap interferer power.

[0080] In an example, the reference signal based measurement process is discussed now. The reference signal based measurement process may be helpful across various receiver types, including standard and advanced ones, by using known signals to quantify the image leakage. In a first step, the reference signal power in an in-gap bandwidth between the first sub-band and the second sub-band may be measured. In a second step, the power of received signal in the first sub-band at resource elements where an image of the reference signal appears may be measured. In a third step, the expected power in the first sub-band at the resource elements may be measured, assuming no image of the reference signal appears, based on the reference signal power in the ingap bandwidth and the power of received signal in the first sub-band. In a fourth step, the image leakage power may be estimated based on the comparison of the power ofreceived signal in the first sub-band to the expected power. The reference signal based measurement process provides a direct estimation of leakage.

[0081] In an example, the correlation-based measurement process is discussed now. The correlation-based measurement process may be helpful for receivers with signal processing capabilities and relies on the relationship between signals in the first subbands and in the in-gap bandwidth (BW). In a first step, the received signals in the first sub-bands (for example BW2) and in the in-gap BW are captured. In a second step, a correlation coefficient between a signal received in the first sub-band and a signal received in an in-gap between the first sub-band and the second sub-band (for example BW1) is computed. In a third step, the image leakage power is estimated using the correlation coefficient. Advantageously, through the correlation-based measurement process, the method 600 may utilize existing signals without requiring additional reference signals.

[0082] In an example, the different processes as described above may provide robust ways to measure the image signal leakage in sub-bands for a 3GPP receiver. Each process may leverage assumption that the receiver may measure the interferer’s power and may be tailored to different receiver capabilities, ensuring flexibility across standard, IRR- known, and advanced receiver types. In an example, the receiver may be referred to the first apparatus 110.

[0083] FIG. 7 illustrates a first signaling diagram 700 for the first apparatus 110 and the second apparatus 120. Configuration of sub-band image signal leakage measurements and reporting will now be discussed.

[0084] When the first apparatus 110 enters the RRC Connected Mode, during UE capability information exchange, at step 702, the first apparatus 110 may transmit the capability information regarding the first apparatus 110’ s ability to perform image signal leakage detection. The capability information may indicate the first apparatus 110 is capable to perform interference measurements in sub-bands during fragmented CA with asymmetric channel bandwidth (CBW).

[0085] At step 704, the second apparatus 120 may transmit the configuration message to the first apparatus 110, as the RRC configuration message (also referred to as RRC Reconfiguration). The RRC configuration message may comprise at least one of the sub-band CQI reporting configuration or the associated configuration for the interference measurement.

[0086] At step 706, the second apparatus 120 acknowledges the received RRC configuration by transmitting a RRC configuration complete message (also referred to as RRCReconfigurationComplete) to the first apparatus 110.

[0087] FIG. 8 illustrates a second signaling diagram 800 for the first apparatus 110 and the second apparatus 120. Configuration of interference measurements in sub-bands and reporting will now be discussed.

[0088] At step 802, the first apparatus 110 may transmit the capability information to the second apparatus 120. The capability information may indicate that the first apparatus 110 is capable to perform the interference measurements in the sub-bands during the fragmented CA with the asymmetric channel bandwidth (CBW).

[0089] At step 804, the second apparatus 120 may transmit the configuration message to the first apparatus 110, as the RRC configuration message (also referred to as RRC Reconfiguration). The RRC configuration message may comprise at least one of the sub-band CQI reporting configuration or the associated configuration for the interference measurement.

[0090] At step 806, the second apparatus 120 acknowledges the received RRC configuration by transmitting a RRC configuration complete message (also referred to as RRCReconfigurationComplete) to the first apparatus 110.

[0091] At step 808, the second apparatus 120 may perform establishment of non-contiguous intra-band CA (fragmented unequal bandwidth carriers) connection as configured.

[0092] At step 810, data transmission occurs over the established connection.

[0093] At step 812, the first apparatus 110 may determine that the image signal leakage in certain sub-bands exceeds the configured threshold and may identify the specific subbands affected by the image signal leakage, measuring its power.

[0094] In an embodiment, at step 814, the first apparatus 110 may report on the Uplink (UL) Physical Uplink Control Channel (PUCCH) indicating the sub-band CQI and additional information containing the sub-bands affected by the image signal leakage. The first apparatus 110 may report the measured image signal leakage power (details are described in the processes of the estimation of the image signal leakage power through the method 600).

[0095] At step 816, based on one or more LI -measurement reports on the carrier’s active BWP, the second apparatus 120 may apply scheduling restrictions on the image signal leakage affected sub-bands of the carrier’s active BWP. Modulation and CodingScheme (MCS) values for data are determined from the sub-band CQI measurement reports without / below threshold image signal leakage.

[0096] At step 818, the second apparatus 120 may transmit DL MAC CE on the carrier to the first apparatus 110, indicating the sub-bands that have scheduling restrictions, the MCS values used there for scheduling data, and the start time of application of scheduling restrictions. Alternatively, the second apparatus 120 may transmit BWP reconfiguration(s) to the first apparatus 110. The BWP reconfiguration(s) may trigger another measurement for monitoring the image signal leakage on the reconfigured BWP.

[0097] At step 820, data transmission continues with the applied scheduling restrictions. The first apparatus 110 may receive data on the carrier by applying the scheduling configuration and restrictions of above step.

[0098] In an example, the signaling steps as discussed above may enable dynamic management of sub-band resources affected by the image signal leakage, allowing the first apparatus 110 to maintain optimal performance by applying targeted restrictions only to affected portions of the bandwidth.

[0099] In another embodiment, an alternative implementation (not shown in FIG. 8) illustrated in FIG.8, alternate steps from step 814 to step 820 are discussed now. Steps 802 to step 812 are the same as described in FIG. 8 and hence are not repeated for sake of brevity.

[0100] At step 814, instead of using the PUCCH for LI -measurement reporting, the first apparatus 110 may transmit one or more layer 3(L3) measurement report using User Assistance Information (RRC Signaling). The L3 measurement report may indicate the sub-band CQI, and additional information containing sub-bands affected by the image signal leakage and measures the image signal leakage power utilizing one of the processes from the process of estimation of the image signal leakage power through the method 600, as described earlier in the description.

[0101] At step 816, upon receiving the one or more L3 measurement reports, the second apparatus 120 may apply scheduling restrictions on the image signal leakage affected sub-bands of the carrier’s active BWP. In an example, the MCS values may be used for subsequent scheduling beyond this step are based on CQI considered only on the ‘good’ sub-bands, thereby optimizing transmission efficiency.

[0102] At step 818, the second apparatus 120 may transmits the MAC CE, (also referred to as Downlink Media Access Control Control Element (DL MAC CE)) on the carrier toindicate the first apparatus 110 of: which sub-bands have scheduling restrictions, the MCS used there for scheduling data on those sub-bands, and the start time of application of scheduling restrictions. In an implementation, the RRC reconfiguration signaling may alternatively be used to communicate the scheduling restriction configuration instead of the DL MAC CE.

[0103] At step 820, the first apparatus 110 may receive data on the carrier by applying the scheduling configuration and restrictions communicated in the previous step, ensuring optimal performance despite of presence of image signal leakage in certain sub-bands.

[0104] In an example, the alternate implementation as described above may leverage layer 3 (L3) signaling for measurement reporting, which may provide benefits in terms of signaling efficiency.

[0105] FIGS. 9 and 10 illustrate block diagrams for the first apparatus 110 and the second apparatus 120, for implementing one or more example embodiments of the present disclosure. The first apparatus 110 may be or comprise a terminal device, or the like. The second apparatus 120 may be or comprise a base station, a next Generation NodeB (gNB) etc.

[0106] The first apparatus 110 and the second apparatus 120 may each comprise a processor 1104 and 1204, respectively, for controlling the respective operations of the first apparatus 110 and the second apparatus 120. The processors 1104 / 1204 may also be referred to as a central processing unit (CPU). The processors 1104 / 1204 may, for example, be embodied in a variety of ways including circuitry, at least one processing core, one or more coprocessors, one or more multi-core processors, one or more controllers, processing circuitry, other processing elements including integrated circuits (for example, an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a field programmable gate array (FPGA), and / or the like), or some combination thereof.

[0107] The first apparatus 110 and the second apparatus 120 may each comprise a memory 1102 and 1202, respectively. The memory 1102 / 1202 may include both read-only memory (ROM) and random access memory (RAM), and may provide instructions and data to the processors 1104 / 1204, respectively. The memory 1102 and the processor 1104 of the first apparatus 110, may be operatively coupled. Similarly, the memory 1202 and the processor 1204 of the second apparatus 120 may be operatively coupled.

[0108] The memory 1102 / 1202 may store instructions, e.g. computer readable instructions / computer program code. The computer readable instructions / computerprogram code may be pre-stored to the memory 1102 / 1202 or, alternatively or additionally, they may be received, by the first apparatus 110 and second apparatus 120, respectively, via an electromagnetic carrier signal and / or may be copied from a physical entity such as a computer program product. Execution of the computer readable instructions by the processor 1104 / 1204, may cause the first apparatus 110 or the second apparatus 120, respectively, to carry out the example embodiments described herein, such as the steps as outlined in FIGS. 2 to 5.

[0109] The first apparatus 110 and the second apparatus 120 may include transmitter / receiver (TX / RX) circuitry 1106 / 1206, respectively, that may further include a transmitter 1108 / 1208 and a receiver 1110 / 1210. The TX / RX circuitry 1106 of the first apparatus 110 and the TX / RX circuitry 1206 of the second apparatus 120, may, respectively, enable them to transmit or receive data. The first apparatus 110 and the second apparatus 120 may include (not shown) multiple antennas, transmitters, and receivers.

[0110] In some example embodiments, the first apparatus 110 and the second apparatus 120 may each comprise means that enable it to perform the steps / operations in FIGS. 2 to 5 (as applicable). The means may be implemented in any suitable form. For example, the means may at least be implemented in a circuitry, a combination of the memory 1102 / 1202, processor 1104 / 1204, TX / RX circuitry 1106 / 1206, or a software module.

[0111] In the drawings and specification, there have been disclosed example embodiments of the present disclosure. Although specific terms are employed, they are used in a generic and descriptive sense only and not for purposes of limitation. It will be apparent to those having ordinary skill in this art that various modifications and variations may be made to the embodiments disclosed herein, consistent with the present disclosure, without departing from the spirit and scope of the present disclosure. Other embodiments consistent with the present disclosure will become apparent from consideration of the specification and the practice of the description disclosed herein.

Claims

We claim:

1. A first apparatus (110), comprising:at least one processor (1104); andat least one memory (1102) storing instructions that, when executed by the at least one processor (1104), cause the first apparatus (110) at least to:transmit, to a second apparatus (120), a capability information indicating the first apparatus (110) is capable to perform interference measurements in subbands during fragmented Carrier Aggregation (CA) with asymmetric channel bandwidth (CBW); andreceive, from the second apparatus (120), a configuration message for the interference measurement.

2. The first apparatus (110) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the configuration message is received as a Radio resource Control (RRC) configuration message and comprises at least one of:sub-band CQI reporting configuration; orassociated configuration for the interference measurement, wherein the associated configuration comprises at least one of:threshold levels for image signal leakage detection; or event triggers for the image signal leakage detection.

3. The first apparatus (110) as claimed in claim 2, wherein the sub-band interference information comprises sub-band Channel Quality Information (CQI) values and image signal leakage interference levels.

4. The first apparatus (110) as claimed in claim 2, wherein the performing the interference measurement comprising:detecting a difference in CQI values between bandwidth affected by the image leakage signal and unaffected bandwidth, wherein the difference indicates a presence of the image leakage signal.

5. The first apparatus (110) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the interference measurements comprise image signal leakage measurement in the sub-bands during the fragmented CA with the asymmetric CBW.

6. A second apparatus (120), comprising:at least one processor (1204); andat least one memory (1202) storing instructions that, when executed by the at least one processor (1204), cause the second apparatus (120) at least to:receive, from at least one first apparatus (110), a capability information indicating the at least one first apparatus (110) is capable to perform interference measurements in sub-bands during fragmented Carrier Aggregation (CA) with asymmetric channel bandwidth (CBW); andtransmit, to the at least one first apparatus (110), a configuration message for the interference measurement.

7. The second apparatus (120) as claimed in claim 6, wherein the configuration message is transmitted as a Radio resource Control (RRC) configuration message and comprises at least one of:sub-band CQI reporting configuration; orassociated configuration for the interference measurement, wherein the associated configuration comprises at least one of:threshold levels for image signal leakage detection; or event triggers for image signal leakage detection.

8. The second apparatus (120) as claimed in claim 6, wherein the interference measurements comprise image signal leakage measurement in sub-bands during the fragmented Carrier Aggregation (CA) with asymmetric Channel bandwidth (CBW).. The second apparatus (120) as claimed in claim 6, wherein the at least one processor (1204) is configured to:receive, from the at least one first apparatus (110), sub-band interference information based on interference measurement performed by the at least one first apparatus (110), on configured sub-band frequency resources, wherein the interference measurement detects at least one of the image signal leakage or an interference in the subbands.

10. A method (200) for a first apparatus (110), the method (200) comprising:transmitting (202), to a second apparatus (120), a capability information indicating the first apparatus (110) is capable to perform interference measurements in sub-bands during fragmented Carrier Aggregation (CA) with asymmetric channel bandwidth (CBW); andreceiving (204), from the second apparatus (120), a configuration message for the interference measurement.

11. A method (500) for a second apparatus (120), the method (500) comprising:receiving (502), from at least one first apparatus (110), a capability information indicating the at least one first apparatus (110) is capable to perform interference measurements in sub-bands during fragmented Carrier Aggregation (CA) with asymmetric channel bandwidth (CBW); andtransmitting (504), to the at least one first apparatus (110), a configuration message for the interference measurement.

12. A terminal device (110), comprising:means for performing the method as claimed in claims 10.

13. A network device (120), comprising:means for performing the method as claimed in claims 11.

Images