UTILIZING DEVICE STATE INFORMATION IN SIMULTANEOUS RADIO TRANSMISSION SCENARIOS FOR RADIO FREQUENCY (RF) EXPOSURE COMPLIANCE

Certain aspects of the present disclosure provide techniques and apparatus for radio frequency (RF) exposure compliance using device state information (e.g., a device state index (DSI)). Certain aspects may utilize the device information in simultaneous radio transmission scenarios, such as for simultaneous sub-6 GHz and millimeter wave (mmWave) radio transmission scenarios. In some transmission scenarios, the device state information may be applied in real time to account for a lower mmWave RF exposure contribution to the total RF exposure, thereby providing for potentially increased transmission power from the sub-6 GHz radio.

BACKGROUND

Field of the Disclosure

Aspects of the present disclosure relate to wireless communications, and more particularly, to radio frequency (RF) exposure compliance.

Description of Related Art

Wireless communication systems are widely deployed to provide various telecommunication services such as telephony, video, data, messaging, broadcasts, etc. Modern wireless communication devices (such as cellular telephones) are generally mandated to meet radio frequency (RF) exposure limits set by domestic and international standards and regulations. To ensure compliance with the standards, such devices currently undergo an extensive certification process prior to being shipped to market. To ensure that a wireless communication device complies with an RF exposure limit, techniques have been developed to enable the wireless communication device to assess RF exposure from the wireless communication device in real time and adjust the transmission power of the wireless communication device accordingly to comply with the RF exposure limit.

SUMMARY

Certain aspects of the present disclosure generally relate to techniques and apparatus for utilizing device state information to comply with radio frequency (RF) exposure limits in wireless communication transmissions.

Certain aspects of the present disclosure provide a method of wireless communication by a wireless device. The method generally includes determining a first RF exposure for a first frequency band; determining a second RF exposure for a second frequency band based on a first distance; adjusting a value of the second RF exposure based on a second distance; determining a first transmit power limit for the first frequency band based on an RF exposure limit, the first RF exposure, and the adjusted value of the second RF exposure; and transmitting a signal in the first frequency band based on the first transmit power limit.

Certain aspects of the present disclosure provide an apparatus for wireless communication. The apparatus includes a memory, at least one processor coupled to the memory, and a transmitter coupled to the at least one processor. The at least one processor is generally configured to: determine a first RF exposure for a first frequency band; determine a second RF exposure for a second frequency band based on a first distance; adjust a value of the second RF exposure based on a second distance; and determine a first transmit power limit for the first frequency band based on an RF exposure limit, the first RF exposure, and the adjusted value of the second RF exposure. The transmitter is configured to transmit a signal in the first frequency band based on the first transmit power limit.

Certain aspects of the present disclosure provide an apparatus for wireless communication. The apparatus generally includes means for determining a first RF exposure for a first frequency band; means for determining a second RF exposure for a second frequency band based on a first distance; means for adjusting a value of the second RF exposure based on a second distance; means for determining a first transmit power limit for the first frequency band based on an RF exposure limit, the first RF exposure, and the adjusted value of the second RF exposure; and means for transmitting a signal in the first frequency band based on the first transmit power limit.

Certain aspects of the present disclosure provide a non-transitory computer-readable medium comprising computer-executable instructions that, when executed by one or more processors of a processing system, cause the processing system to perform operations. The operations generally include determining a first RF exposure for a first frequency band; determining a second RF exposure for a second frequency band based on a first distance; adjusting a value of the second RF exposure based on a second distance; determining a first transmit power limit for the first frequency band based on an RF exposure limit, the first RF exposure, and the adjusted value of the second RF exposure; and transmitting a signal in the first frequency band based on the first transmit power limit.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Aspects of the present disclosure provide apparatus, methods, processing systems, and computer-readable mediums for complying with radio frequency (RF) exposure using device state information (e.g., a device state index (DSI)). Certain aspects may utilize the device state information in simultaneous radio transmission scenarios, such as for simultaneous sub-6 GHz and millimeter wave (mmWave) radio transmission scenarios. In some transmission scenarios, the device state information may be applied in real time to more accurately account for a lower mmWave RF exposure contribution to the total RF exposure, thereby providing for potentially increased transmission power from the sub-6 GHz radio.

The techniques described herein may be used for various wireless networks and radio technologies. While aspects may be described herein using terminology commonly associated with 3G, 4G, and/or new radio (e.g., 5G NR) wireless technologies, aspects of the present disclosure can be applied in other generation-based communication systems and/or to wireless technologies such as IEEE 802.11, 802.15, etc.

NR access may support various wireless communication services, such as enhanced mobile broadband (eMBB) targeting wide bandwidth (e.g., 80 MHz or beyond), millimeter wave (mmWave) targeting high carrier frequency (e.g., 24 GHz to 53 GHz or beyond), massive machine type communications MTC (mMTC) targeting non-backward compatible MTC techniques, and/or mission critical targeting ultra-reliable low-latency communications (URLLC). These services may include latency and reliability requirements. These services may also have different transmission time intervals (TTI) to meet respective quality of service (QoS) requirements. In addition, these services may co-exist in the same subframe. NR supports beamforming, and beam direction may be dynamically configured. MIMO transmissions with precoding may also be supported, as may multi-layer transmissions. Aggregation of multiple cells may be supported.

Example Wireless Communication Network and Devices

FIG.1illustrates an example wireless communication network100in which aspects of the present disclosure may be performed. For example, the wireless communication network100may be an NR system (e.g., a 5G NR network), an Evolved Universal Terrestrial Radio Access (E-UTRA) system (e.g., a 4G network), a Universal Mobile Telecommunications System (UMTS) (e.g., a 2G/3G network), or a code division multiple access (CDMA) system (e.g., a 2G/3G network), or may be configured for communications according to an IEEE standard such as one or more of the 802.11 standards, etc.

The BSs110communicate with UEs120a-y(each also individually referred to herein as UE120or collectively as UEs120) in the wireless communication network100. The UEs120(e.g.,120x,120y, etc.) may be dispersed throughout the wireless communication network100, and each UE120may be stationary or mobile. Wireless communication network100may also include relay stations (e.g., relay station110r), also referred to as relays or the like, that receive a transmission of data and/or other information from an upstream station (e.g., a BS110aor a UE120r) and sends a transmission of the data and/or other information to a downstream station (e.g., a UE120or a BS110), or that relays transmissions between UEs120, to facilitate communication between devices.

A network controller130may be in communication with a set of BSs110and provide coordination and control for these BSs110(e.g., via a backhaul). In certain cases, the network controller130may include a centralized unit (CU) and/or a distributed unit (DU), for example, in a 5G NR system. In aspects, the network controller130may be in communication with a core network132(e.g., a 5G Core Network (5GC)), which provides various network functions such as Access and Mobility Management, Session Management, User Plane Function, Policy Control Function, Authentication Server Function, Unified Data Management, Application Function, Network Exposure Function, Network Repository Function, Network Slice Selection Function, etc.

As shown inFIG.1, the UE120aincludes an RF exposure manager122that enforces RF composure compliance using device state information (e.g., device state index (DSI)) in real time, in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure.

FIG.2illustrates example components of the BS110aand UE120a(e.g., the wireless communication network100ofFIG.1), which may be used to implement aspects of the present disclosure.

At the BS110a, a transmit processor220may receive data from a data source212and control information from a controller/processor240. The control information may be for the physical broadcast channel (PBCH), physical control format indicator channel (PCFICH), physical hybrid ARQ indicator channel (PHICH), physical downlink control channel (PDCCH), group common PDCCH (GC PDCCH), etc. The data may be for the physical downlink shared channel (PDSCH), etc. A medium access control (MAC)-control element (MAC-CE) is a MAC layer communication structure that may be used for control command exchange between wireless nodes. The MAC-CE may be carried in a shared channel such as a PDSCH, a physical uplink shared channel (PUSCH), or a physical sidelink shared channel (PSSCH).

The memories242and282may store data and program codes for BS110aand UE120a, respectively. A scheduler244may schedule UEs for data transmission on the downlink and/or uplink.

Antennas252, processors266,258,264, and/or controller/processor280of the UE120aand/or antennas234, processors220,230,238, and/or controller/processor240of the BS110amay be used to perform the various techniques and methods described herein. As shown inFIG.2, the controller/processor280of the UE120ahas an RF exposure manager281that enforces RF composure compliance using device state information (e.g., device state index (DSI)) in real time, according to aspects described herein. Although shown at the controller/processor, other components of the UE120aand BS110amay be used to perform the operations described herein.

While the UE120ais described with respect toFIGS.1and2as communicating with a BS and/or within a network, the UE120amay be configured to communicate directly with/transmit directly to another UE120, or with/to another wireless device without relaying communications through a network. In some embodiments, the BS110aillustrated inFIG.2and described above is an example of another UE120.

Example RF Transceiver

FIG.3is a block diagram of an example RF transceiver circuit300, in accordance with certain aspects of the present disclosure. The RF transceiver circuit300includes at least one transmit (TX) path302(also known as a “transmit chain”) for transmitting signals via one or more antennas306and at least one receive (RX) path304(also known as a “receive chain”) for receiving signals via the antennas306. When the TX path302and the RX path304share an antenna306, the paths may be connected with the antenna via an interface308, which may include any of various suitable RF devices, such as a switch, a duplexer, a diplexer, a multiplexer, and the like.

Receiving in-phase (I) or quadrature (Q) baseband analog signals from a digital-to-analog converter (DAC)310, the TX path302may include a baseband filter (BBF)312, a mixer314, a driver amplifier (DA)316, and a power amplifier (PA)318. The BBF312, the mixer314, and the DA316may be included in one or more radio frequency integrated circuits (RFICs). The PA318may be external to the RFIC(s) for some implementations.

The BBF312filters the baseband signals received from the DAC310, and the mixer314mixes the filtered baseband signals with a transmit local oscillator (LO) signal to convert the baseband signal of interest to a different frequency (e.g., upconvert from baseband to a radio frequency). This frequency conversion process produces the sum and difference frequencies between the LO frequency and the frequencies of the baseband signal of interest. The sum and difference frequencies are referred to as the “beat frequencies.” The beat frequencies are typically in the RF range, such that the signals output by the mixer314are typically RF signals, which may be amplified by the DA316and/or by the PA318before transmission by the antenna306. While one mixer314is illustrated, several mixers may be used to upconvert the filtered baseband signals to one or more intermediate frequencies and to thereafter upconvert the intermediate frequency signals to a frequency for transmission.

The RX path304may include a low noise amplifier (LNA)324, a mixer326, and a baseband filter (BBF)328. The LNA324, the mixer326, and the BBF328may be included in one or more RFICs, which may or may not be the same RFIC that includes the TX path components. RF signals received via the antenna306may be amplified by the LNA324, and the mixer326mixes the amplified RF signals with a receive local oscillator (LO) signal to convert the RF signal of interest to a different baseband frequency (e.g., downconvert). The baseband signals output by the mixer326may be filtered by the BBF328before being converted by an analog-to-digital converter (ADC)330to digital I or Q signals for digital signal processing.

Certain transceivers may employ frequency synthesizers with a voltage-controlled oscillator (VCO) to generate a stable, tunable LO with a particular tuning range. Thus, the transmit LO may be produced by a TX frequency synthesizer320, which may be buffered or amplified by amplifier322before being mixed with the baseband signals in the mixer314. Similarly, the receive LO may be produced by an RX frequency synthesizer332, which may be buffered or amplified by amplifier334before being mixed with the RF signals in the mixer326.

A controller336may direct the operation of the RF transceiver circuit300, such as transmitting signals via the TX path302and/or receiving signals via the RX path304. The controller336may be a processor, a digital signal processor (DSP), an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a field programmable gate array (FPGA) or other programmable logic device (PLD), discrete gate or transistor logic, discrete hardware components, or any combination thereof. The memory338may store data and program codes for operating the RF transceiver circuit300. The controller336and/or memory338may include control logic. In certain cases, the controller336may determine time-averaged RF exposure measurements based on transmission power levels applied to the TX path302(e.g., certain levels of gain applied to the BBF312, the DA316, and/or the PA318) to set a transmission power level that complies with an RF exposure limit set by domestic regulations and international standards as further described herein.

Example RF Exposure Measurement

RF exposure may be expressed in terms of a specific absorption rate (SAR), which measures energy absorption by human tissue per unit mass and may have units of watts per kilogram (W/kg). RF exposure may also be expressed in terms of power density (PD), which measures energy absorption per unit area and may have units of mW/cm2. In certain cases, a maximum permissible exposure (MPE) limit in terms of PD may be imposed for wireless communication devices using transmission frequencies above 6 GHz. The MPE limit is a regulatory metric for exposure based on area, e.g., an energy density limit defined as a number, X, watts per square meter (W/m2) averaged over a defined area and time-averaged over a frequency-dependent time window in order to prevent a human exposure hazard represented by a tissue temperature change.

SAR may be used to assess RF exposure for transmission frequencies less than 6 GHz, which cover wireless communication technologies such as 2G/3G (e.g., CDMA), 4G (e.g., LTE), 5G (e.g., NR in 6 GHz bands), wireless local area network (WLAN) (e.g., IEEE 802.11a/b/g/n/ac/ax), Bluetooth, non-terrestrial network (NTN), etc. PD may be used to assess RF exposure for transmission frequencies higher than 6 GHz, which cover wireless communication technologies such as IEEE 802.11ad, 802.11ay, 5G in mmWave bands, etc. Thus, different metrics may be used to assess RF exposure for different wireless communication technologies.

A wireless communication device (e.g., UE120) may simultaneously transmit signals using multiple wireless communication technologies. For example, the wireless communication device may simultaneously transmit signals using a first wireless communication technology operating at or below 6 GHz (e.g., 3G, 4G, 5G, WLAN, Bluetooth, NTN, etc.) and a second wireless communication technology operating above 6 GHz (e.g., mmWave 5G in 24 to 60 GHz bands, IEEE 802.11ad or 802.11ay). In certain aspects, the wireless communication device may simultaneously transmit signals using the first wireless communication technology (e.g., 3G, 4G, 5G in sub-6 GHz bands, IEEE 802.11ac, etc.) in which RF exposure is measured in terms of SAR, and the second wireless communication technology (e.g., 5G in 24 to 60 GHz bands, IEEE 802.11ad, 802.11ay, etc.) in which RF exposure is measured in terms of PD. As used herein, sub-6 GHz bands may include frequency bands of 300 to 6,000 MHz in some examples, and may include bands in the 6,000 MHz and/or 7,000 MHz range in some examples.

To assess RF exposure from transmissions using the first technology (e.g., 3G, 4G, 5G in sub-6 GHz bands, IEEE 802.11ac, etc.), the wireless communication device may include multiple SAR distributions for the first technology stored in memory (e.g., memory282ofFIG.2or memory338ofFIG.3). Each of the SAR distributions may correspond to a respective one of multiple transmission scenarios supported by the wireless communication device for the first technology. The transmission scenarios may correspond to various combinations of antennas (e.g., antennas252athrough252rofFIG.2or antenna306ofFIG.3), frequency bands, channels, and/or body positions, as discussed further below. In some examples, one or more of the SAR distributions include a single value (e.g., a peak value determined based on the description below, or a sum of peak values).

The SAR distribution (also referred to as a “SAR map”) for each transmission scenario may be generated based on measurements (e.g., E-field measurements) performed in a test laboratory using a model of a human body. After the SAR distributions are generated, the SAR distributions are stored in the memory to enable a processor (e.g., processor280ofFIG.2or controller336ofFIG.3) to assess RF exposure in real time, as discussed further below. Each SAR distribution may include a set of SAR values, where each SAR value may correspond to a different location (e.g., on the model of the human body). Each SAR value may comprise a SAR value averaged over a mass of 1 g or 10 g at the respective location.

The SAR values in each SAR distribution correspond to a particular transmission power level (e.g., the transmission power level at which the SAR values were measured in the test laboratory). Since SAR scales with transmission power level, the processor may scale a SAR distribution for any transmission power level by multiplying each SAR value in the SAR distribution by the following transmission power scaler:

where Txcis a current transmission power level for the respective transmission scenario, and TxSARis the transmission power level corresponding to the SAR values in the stored SAR distribution (e.g., the transmission power level at which the SAR values were measured in the test laboratory).

As discussed above, the wireless communication device may support multiple transmission scenarios for the first technology. In certain aspects, the transmission scenarios may be specified by a set of parameters. The set of parameters may include one or more of the following: an antenna parameter indicating one or more antennas used for transmission (i.e., active antennas), a frequency band parameter indicating one or more frequency bands used for transmission (i.e., active frequency bands), a channel parameter indicating one or more channels used for transmission (i.e., active channels), a body position parameter (e.g., a DSI) indicating the location of the wireless communication device relative to the user's body location (head, trunk, away from the body, etc.), and/or other parameters. In cases where the wireless communication device supports a large number of transmission scenarios, it may be very time-consuming and expensive to perform measurements for each transmission scenario in a test setting (e.g., test laboratory). To reduce test time, measurements may be performed for a subset of the transmission scenarios to generate SAR distributions for the subset of transmission scenarios. In this example, the SAR distribution for each of the remaining transmission scenarios may be generated by combining two or more of the SAR distributions for the subset of transmission scenarios, as discussed further below.

For example, SAR measurements may be performed for each one of the antennas to generate a SAR distribution for each one of the antennas. In this example, a SAR distribution for a transmission scenario in which two or more of the antennas are active may be generated by combining the SAR distributions for the two or more active antennas.

In another example, SAR measurements may be performed for each one of multiple frequency bands to generate a SAR distribution for each one of the multiple frequency bands. In this example, a SAR distribution for a transmission scenario in which two or more frequency bands are active may be generated by combining the SAR distributions for the two or more active frequency bands.

In certain aspects, a SAR distribution may be normalized with respect to a SAR limit by dividing each SAR value in the SAR distribution by the SAR limit. In this case, a normalized SAR value exceeds the SAR limit when the normalized SAR value is greater than one, and is below the SAR limit when the normalized SAR value is less than one. In these aspects, each of the SAR distributions stored in the memory may be normalized with respect to a SAR limit.

In certain aspects, the normalized SAR distribution for a transmission scenario may be generated by combining two or more normalized SAR distributions. For example, a normalized SAR distribution for a transmission scenario in which two or more antennas are active may be generated by combining the normalized SAR distributions for the two or more active antennas. For the case in which different transmission power levels are used for the active antennas, the normalized SAR distribution for each active antenna may be scaled by the respective transmission power level before combining the normalized SAR distributions for the active antennas. The normalized SAR distribution for simultaneous transmission from multiple active antennas may be given by the following:

where SARAlimis a SAR limit, SARnorm_combinedis the combined normalized SAR distribution for simultaneous transmission from the active antennas, i is an index for the active antennas, SARI is the SAR distribution for the ithactive antenna, Txiis the transmission power level for the ithactive antenna, TXSARiis the transmission power level for the SAR distribution for the ithactive antenna, and K is the number of the active antennas.

Equation (2) may be rewritten as follows:

where SARnorm_iis the normalized SAR distribution for the ithactive antenna. In the case of simultaneous transmissions using multiple active antennas at the same transmitting frequency (e.g., multiple in multiple out (MIMO)), the combined normalized SAR distribution may be obtained by summing the square root of the individual normalized SAR distributions and computing the square of the sum, as given by the following:

In another example, normalized SAR distributions for different frequency bands may be stored in the memory. In this example, a normalized SAR distribution for a transmission scenario in which two or more frequency bands are active may be generated by combining the normalized SAR distributions for the two or more active frequency bands. For the case where the transmission power levels are different for the active frequency bands, the normalized SAR distribution for each of the active frequency bands may be scaled by the respective transmission power level before combining the normalized SAR distributions for the active frequency bands. In this example, the combined SAR distribution may also be computed using Equation (3a) in which i is an index for the active frequency bands, SARnorm_iis the normalized SAR distribution for the ithactive frequency band, Txiis the transmission power level for the ithactive frequency band, and TxSARiis the transmission power level for the normalized SAR distribution for the ithactive frequency band.

To assess RF exposure from transmissions using the second technology (e.g., 5G in 24 to 60 GHz bands, IEEE 802.11ad, 802.11 ay, etc.), the wireless communication device may include multiple PD distributions for the second technology stored in the memory (e.g., memory282ofFIG.2or memory338ofFIG.3). Each of the PD distributions may correspond to a respective one of multiple transmission scenarios supported by the wireless communication device for the second technology. The transmission scenarios may correspond to various combinations of antennas (e.g., antennas252athrough252rofFIG.2or antenna306ofFIG.3), frequency bands, channels, and/or body positions, as discussed further below. In some examples, one or more of the PD distributions include a single value (e.g., a peak value determined based on the description below, or a sum of peak values).

The PD distribution (also referred to as a “PD map”) for each transmission scenario may be generated based on measurements (e.g., E-field measurements) performed in a test laboratory using a model of a human body. After the PD distributions are generated, the PD distributions are stored in the memory to enable the processor (e.g., processor280ofFIG.2or controller336ofFIG.3) to assess RF exposure in real time, as discussed further below. Each PD distribution may include a set of PD values, where each PD value may correspond to a different location (e.g., on the model of the human body).

The PD values in each PD distribution correspond to a particular transmission power level (e.g., the transmission power level at which the PD values were measured in the test laboratory). Since PD scales with transmission power level, the processor may scale a PD distribution for any transmission power level by multiplying each PD value in the PD distribution by the following transmission power scaler:

where Txcis a current transmission power level for the respective transmission scenario, and TxPDis the transmission power level corresponding to the PD values in the PD distribution (e.g., the transmission power level at which the PD values were measured in the test laboratory).

As discussed above, the wireless communication device may support multiple transmission scenarios for the second technology. In certain aspects, the transmission scenarios may be specified by a set of parameters. The set of parameters may include one or more of the following: an antenna parameter indicating one or more antennas used for transmission (i.e., active antennas), a frequency band parameter indicating one or more frequency bands used for transmission (i.e., active frequency bands), a channel parameter indicating one or more channels used for transmission (i.e., active channels), a body position parameter (e.g., a DSI) indicating the location of the wireless communication device relative to the user's body location (head, trunk, away from the body, etc.), and/or other parameters. In cases where the wireless communication device supports a large number of transmission scenarios, it may be very time-consuming and expensive to perform measurements for each transmission scenario in a test setting (e.g., test laboratory). To reduce test time, measurements may be performed for a subset of the transmission scenarios to generate PD distributions for the subset of transmission scenarios. In this example, the PD distribution for each of the remaining transmission scenarios may be generated by combining two or more of the PD distributions for the subset of transmission scenarios, as discussed further below.

For example, PD measurements may be performed for each one of the antennas to generate a PD distribution for each one of the antennas. In this example, a PD distribution for a transmission scenario in which two or more of the antennas are active may be generated by combining the PD distributions for the two or more active antennas.

In another example, PD measurements may be performed for each one of multiple frequency bands to generate a PD distribution for each one of the multiple frequency bands. In this example, a PD distribution for a transmission scenario in which two or more frequency bands are active may be generated by combining the PD distributions for the two or more active frequency bands.

In certain aspects, a PD distribution may be normalized with respect to a PD limit by dividing each PD value in the PD distribution by the PD limit. In this case, a normalized PD value exceeds the PD limit when the normalized PD value is greater than one, and is below the PD limit when the normalized PD value is less than one. In these aspects, each of the PD distributions stored in the memory may be normalized with respect to a PD limit.

In certain aspects, the normalized PD distribution for a transmission scenario may be generated by combining two or more normalized PD distributions. For example, a normalized PD distribution for a transmission scenario in which two or more antennas are active may be generated by combining the normalized PD distributions for the two or more active antennas. For the case in which different transmission power levels are used for the active antennas, the normalized PD distribution for each active antenna may be scaled by the respective transmission power level before combining the normalized PD distributions for the active antennas. The normalized PD distribution for simultaneous transmission from multiple active antennas may be given by the following:

where PDlimis a PD limit, PDnorm_combinedis the combined normalized PD distribution for simultaneous transmission from the active antennas, i is an index for the active antennas, PDiis the PD distribution for the ithactive antenna, Txiis the transmission power level for the ithactive antenna, TXPDiis the transmission power level for the PD distribution for the ithactive antenna, and L is the number of the active antennas.

Equation (5) may be rewritten as follows:

where PDnorm_iis the normalized PD distribution for the ithactive antenna. In the case of simultaneous transmissions using multiple active antennas at the same transmitting frequency (e.g., MIMO), the combined normalized PD distribution may be obtained by summing the square root of the individual normalized PD distributions and computing the square of the sum, as given by the following:

In another example, normalized PD distributions for different frequency bands may be stored in the memory. In this example, a normalized PD distribution for a transmission scenario in which two or more frequency bands are active may be generated by combining the normalized PD distributions for the two or more active frequency bands. For the case where the transmission power levels are different for the active frequency bands, the normalized PD distribution for each of the active frequency bands may be scaled by the respective transmission power level before combining the normalized PD distributions for the active frequency bands. In this example, the combined PD distribution may also be computed using Equation (6a) in which i is an index for the active frequency bands, PDnorm_i is the normalized PD distribution for the ithactive frequency band, Txiis the transmission power level for the ithactive frequency band, and TXPDiis the transmission power level for the normalized PD distribution for the ithactive frequency band.

As discussed above, the UE120may simultaneously transmit signals using the first technology (e.g., 3G, 4G, IEEE 802.11ac, etc.) and the second technology (e.g., 5G, IEEE 802.11ad, etc.), in which RF exposure is measured using different metrics for the first technology and the second technology (e.g., SAR for the first technology and PD for the second technology). In this case, the processor280may determine a first maximum allowable power level for the first technology and a second maximum allowable power level for the second technology for transmissions in a future time slot that comply with RF exposure limits. During the future time slot, the transmission power levels for the first and second technologies are constrained (i.e., bounded) by the determined first and second maximum allowable power levels, respectively, to ensure compliance with RF exposure limits, as described further below. In the present disclosure, the term “maximum allowable power level” refers to a maximum allowable power level imposed by an RF exposure limit unless stated otherwise. It is to be appreciated that the maximum allowable power level is not necessarily equal to the absolute maximum power level that complies with an RF exposure limit and may be less than the absolute maximum power level that complies with the RF exposure limit (e.g., to provide a safety margin). The maximum allowable power level may be used to set a power level limit on a transmission at a transmitter such that the power level of the transmission is not allowed to exceed the maximum allowable power level to ensure RF exposure compliance.

The processor280may determine the first and second maximum allowable power levels as follows: the processor may determine a normalized SAR distribution for the first technology at a first transmission power level, determine a normalized PD distribution for the second technology at a second transmission power level, and combine the normalized SAR distribution and the normalized PD distribution to generate a combined normalized RF exposure distribution (referred to simply as a “combined normalized distribution” below). The value at each location in the combined normalized distribution may be determined by combining the normalized SAR value at the location with the normalized PD value at the location or another technique.

The processor280may then determine whether the first and second transmission power levels comply with RF exposure limits by comparing the peak value in the combined normalized distribution with one (1.0). If the peak value is equal to or less than one (i.e., satisfies the condition 1), then the processor280may determine that the first and second transmission power levels comply with RF exposure limits (e.g., SAR limit and PD limit) and use the first and second transmission power levels as the first and second maximum allowable power levels, respectively, during the future time slot. If the peak value is greater than one, then the processor280may determine that the first and second transmission power levels do not comply with RF exposure limits. The condition for RF exposure compliance for simultaneous transmissions using the first and second technologies may be given by:

FIG.4is a diagram illustrating the normalized SAR distribution410and the normalized PD distribution420, in which the normalized SAR distribution410and the normalized PD distribution420are combined to generate a combined normalized distribution430.FIG.4also shows the condition that the peak value in the combined normalized distribution430be equal to or less than one for RF exposure compliance. Although each of the distributions410,420, and430is depicted as a two-dimensional distribution inFIG.4, it is to be appreciated that the present disclosure is not limited to this example.

The normalized SAR distribution in Expression (7) may be generated by combining two or more normalized SAR distributions as discussed above (e.g., for a transmission scenario using multiple active antennas). Similarly, the normalized PD distribution in Expression (7) may be generated by combining two or more normalized PD distributions as discussed above (e.g., for a transmission scenario using multiple active antennas). In this case, the condition for RF exposure compliance in Expression (7) may be rewritten using Equations (3a) and (6a) as follows:

For the MIMO case, Equations (3b) and (6b) may be combined instead. As shown in Expression (8), the combined normalized distribution may be a function of transmission power levels for the first technology and transmission power levels for the second technology. All the points in the combined normalized distribution should meet the normalized limit of one in Expression (8). Additionally, when combining SAR and PD distributions, the SAR and PD distributions should be aligned spatially or aligned with their peak locations so that the combined distribution given by Expression (8) represents combined RF exposure for a given position of a human body.

Example Utilization of Device State Information in Simultaneous Radio Transmissions

Multi-mode/multi-band wireless devices (e.g., UEs) have multiple transmit antennas, which can simultaneously transmit in sub-6 GHz bands and bands greater than 6 GHz bands, such as mmWave (also referred to as simply “mmW”) bands. As described herein, the RF exposure of sub-6 GHz bands may be evaluated in terms of SAR, whereas the RF exposure of bands greater than 6 GHz may be evaluated in terms of PD. Due to the regulations on simultaneous exposure, the wireless communication device may limit maximum transmit power for both sub-6 GHz bands and bands greater than 6 GHz.

To maximize transmission power, some RF exposure compliance algorithms may assess a time-averaged RF exposure over a given time window in real time to determine a maximum allowable average transmission power (Plimit). The wireless device may use this maximum allowable average transmission power (Plimit) as a baseline power level based on the active radio, antenna(s), and/or device state information (e.g., the device state index (DSI)). The DSI may indicate the device is in one of a group of predefined states, such as free space (e.g., no body is located near the device), head (e.g., the device is positioned near a user's head), body (e.g., the device is located near the user's body, other than the head or an extremity, such as the user's trunk), extremity (e.g., the device is located near a hand or finger), and hotspot (e.g., the device is being used as a hotspot).

For a given DSI, sub-6 GHz radio exposure may be assessed at a defined separation distance based on a typical use case. For example, hotspot DSI may be assessed at 10 mm, body DSI may be assessed at 15 mm, head DSI may be assessed against a head specific anthropomorphic mannequin (SAM) phantom, etc. Additionally, sub-6 GHz radio exposure may be assessed for specific surfaces of a wireless device. For example, head DSI may only be assessed with the front (display-side) surface of the wireless device because this is the intended usage surface next to the human head. Similarly, body DSI may only be assessed with front and back surfaces (e.g., for scenarios where the device is placed in a pocket, on a belt clip, in an armband, etc., such that human tissue would be present and primarily facing only one of those surfaces).

RF exposure for mmWave radio exposure relates to the average exposure over the surface of skin. Because a human finger can get close to the mmWave module, certain regulators currently mandate that mmWave exposure be assessed at a separation distance of 2 mm. In some cases, mmWave radio exposure may be evaluated on all device surfaces surrounding the mmWave module. For example, if the mmWave module is located on or near the left edge of the wireless device, then mmWave radio exposure may be evaluated on the left surface, front (display-side) surface, and back (battery-side) surfaces. In this example, top, bottom, and right surfaces are not assessed since these device surfaces are considered far away from the source of RF exposure (the mmWave module). However, if the mmWave module is located on or near the left edge towards the left-top corner of the wireless device, then the top surface may also be assessed (in addition to the left, front, and back surfaces).

In a simultaneous sub-6 GHz and mmWave transmission scenario, time-averaging algorithms may determine total RF exposure by summing up SAR exposure at a separation distance (10 mm, 15 mm, etc.) with PD exposure at a 2 mm separation distance (e.g., as described above with respect toFIG.4) for the set of device surfaces for which SAR exposure was assessed (e.g., a subset of all surfaces). For example, a wireless device may calculate past transmitted time-averaged simultaneous RF exposure by adding the transmitted normalized time-averaged sub-6 GHz exposure to the transmitted normalized time-averaged mmWave exposure according to Equation (9) as follows:

where tot.time.avg.exp.past is the past time-averaged simultaneous RF exposure, sub6.norm.time.avg.exp(DSI) is the normalized T1-averaged sub-6 GHz exposure for a particular DSI (or other device state) transmitted over the past (T1−Δt) seconds and is equal to (T1.avg.sub6.Tx.power)/(sub6_Plimit), mmW.norm.time.avg.exp is the normalized T2-averaged mmWave exposure transmitted over the past (T2−Δt) seconds and is equal to (T2.avg.mmW.Tx.power)/(mmW_Plimit), and sub6_Plimit and mmW_Plimit represent the maximum allowable average transmission power limit (Plimit) that corresponds to the RF exposure limit for sub-6 GHz and mmWave transmissions, respectively. T1 and T2 correspond to the averaging time windows of sub-6 GHz transmission and mmWave transmission, respectively, where the averaging time windows T1 and T2 are divided into time intervals of duration Δt, where Δt may be the same or different for T1 and T2.

Assuming a time window is divided into time intervals of duration Δt, the device may determine a margin available for a future time interval (future margin) so as to not exceed the normalized limit of 1.0 according to the following expression:

total exposure in one time window=tot.time.avg.exp.past+future margin≤1.0  (10)

such that future margin=1.0−[sub6.norm.time.avg.exp(DSI)+mmW.norm.time.avg.exp.2 mm].

As can be seen in the above approach, the sub-6 GHz exposure may be evaluated at a particular separation distance (e.g., 10 mm, 15 mm, etc.) and particular device surface(s) (front, back, left, right, top, bottom, etc.) according to the DSI (or other device state), whereas the mmWave exposure may be evaluated at a 2 mm separation distance (e.g., normalized total RF exposure=normalized SAR @ DSI distance+normalized PD @ 2 mm distance), even if the wireless device is far away from the human body as indicated by the DSI, resulting in an overly conservative exposure assessment. If the device-based on information from one or more sensors (e.g., capacitive sensor, grip sensor, accelerometer, gyroscope, etc.) and/or other information (e.g., application information)—determines a device state with a larger separation distance (and specific device surface(s)) for SAR exposure, then technically, that distance (and device surface(s)) may also be used to account for a lower PD exposure. This lowered PD exposure may be determined by a ratio (DSI_mmW_factor=PD @ DSI_distance/PD @ 2 mm). However, since a finger can be next to a transceiver module—which may not be detected by sensors used for determining DSI (e.g., sensors may be capable of determining body position/separation from the device, but not finger position next to a mmWave module)—time-averaged mmW exposure may still be maintained within the PD @ 2 mm limit, for certain aspects.

The separation distance for each DSI (or other device state, or for each group or category of DSIs or device states) may be a predetermined or preset value, for example as dictated by a regulatory agency, as set by a device manufacturer, as determined based on testing of a device, etc. For example, as indicated above, a distance of 10 mm may be used when the device is detected as being used as a hotspot (e.g., based on an application or other software being executed on the device), and/or a distance of 15 mm may be used when the device is determined as being located near a user's trunk. Similarly, one or more particular device surfaces may be assessed for each device state (e.g., DSI) in some cases, as dictated by a regulatory agency, as set by a device manufacturer, as determined based on testing of a device, etc. For example, only the front surface may be assessed for head DSI, only the front and back surfaces may be assessed for body DSI, all surfaces (front, back, left, right, top, and bottom) may be assessed for hotspot DSI, etc.

In other examples, separation distance is determined based on measuring how far away a user is currently located in a particular device state (e.g., using radar or other signals emitted from and/or received at the device, such as based on a changing electric field associated with the device). In yet other examples, separation distance may vary based on the device state (e.g., DSI) and a type of sensor used to determine the device state. In one such example, when an accelerometer is used to determine that the device is in a particular state, an assumed distance is used (because the accelerometer may not be able to directly sense a user), whereas when a capacitive or proximity sensor is used to determine that the device is in a particular device state, the distance may be varied based on a measurement from the sensor (a measured distance, such as an actual separation distance). In some examples, a minimum distance is associated with one or more device states (e.g., one or more DSIs), and the minimum distance is used unless a sensor can reliably measure that a user is located a greater distance away.

Aspects of the present disclosure provide techniques and apparatus for utilizing device state information and handling the combined RF exposure from simultaneous transmission of sub-6 GHz radio and mmWave radio, without degrading the integrity of the mmWave RF exposure compliance. In other words, if human tissue is determined to be at a larger distance (e.g., based on DSI, other device state information, or distance measurement), then for certain aspects of the present disclosure, PD exposure can be scaled down for that distance (instead of for a fixed value, such as 2 mm) in real-time such that additional exposure margin can be gained for performance improvement. Similarly, if sub-6 GHz radio exposure is assessed only on a subset of device surfaces (e.g., based on DSI, other device state information, or distance measurement), then for certain aspects of the present disclosure, PD exposure can be scaled down for that subset of surfaces in real-time such that additional exposure margin can be gained for performance improvement. For example, in the case of head DSI, since only the front surface is assessed for sub-6 GHz radio exposure, PD exposure can be scaled down for the front surface only instead of using the worst-case surface (e.g., maximum PD out of all assessed surfaces, such as an example where the maximum PD out of the left, front, and back surfaces for mmWave module is located on the left edge of the wireless device).

In general, normalized total RF exposure=normalized SAR @ DSI_distance_subset_surfaces+DSI_mmW_factor*normalized PD @ 2 mm_worst_surface, where DSI_mmW_factor=PD @ DSI_distance_subset_surfaces/PD @ 2 mm_worst_surface (where the normalized total RF exposure is ≤1.0). Here, the “subset_surfaces” portion of “DSI_distance_subset_surfaces” considers only those device surfaces where sub-6 GHz radio exposure is evaluated for a given DSI, and the “worst_surface” is the maximum out of all surfaces where PD was assessed. For example, in a head DSI scenario, subset_surfaces={front} surface only at a 2 mm separation distance, and worst_surface=maximum PD out of {front, left, back} surfaces at 2 mm separation distance in the case of a mmWave module located on the left edge of the wireless device, resulting in DSI_mmW_factor=PD @ 2 mm_front_surface/maximum [PD @ 2 mm_{front, left, back} surfaces]. If multiple surfaces are present in subset_surfaces, then the maximum PD out of all surfaces in subset_surfaces is used in evaluating DSI_mmW_factor. For example, in a body DSI scenario, subset_surfaces={front, back} surfaces only at a 15 mm separation distance, and worst_surface=maximum PD out of {front, left, back} surfaces at a 2 mm separation distance in the case of a mmWave module located on the left edge of the wireless device, resulting in DSI_mmW_factor=maximum [PD @ 15 mm_{front, back} surfaces]/maximum [PD @ 2 mm_{front, left, back} surfaces].

Due to this ratio described above, DSI_mmW_factor may also be referred to as “DSI_mmW_ratio.” For certain aspects using device state information (e.g., other than DSI), an analogous factor may be referred to as a “device state factor.” Aspects of the present disclosure may apply this DSI_mmW_factor or device state factor in real-time to the PD exposure portion of total exposure (e.g., for simultaneous radio transmissions), but not for standalone mmW exposure, as described in detail below. It will be understood based on the examples described herein that the term “subset_surfaces” in the expressions above may include all surfaces of the wireless device or any other set of device surfaces. For example, the “subset_surfaces” in a hotspot DSI may include all surfaces.

FIG.5illustrates an example algorithm500for using device state (e.g., DSI) information in a simultaneous sub-6 GHz and mmW transmission scenario to determine transmission power levels for RF exposure compliance, in accordance with certain aspects of the present disclosure. This procedure may be used to maximize, or at least increase, the sub-6 GHz margin in sub-6+mmW scenarios by applying a DSI factor for Frequency Range 2 (FR2) while maintaining the integrity and robustness of mmW RF exposure compliance. The algorithm500may be performed, for example, by a wireless device (e.g., the UE120or a CPE).

In Step A, the device may calculate past time-averaged simultaneous RF exposure by scaling down the mmW exposure with a DSI_mmW_factor and adding the scaled-down result to the sub-6 RF exposure, according to Expression (11):

where Δt is a time interval, the past (T1−Δt) sub-6 RF exposure is averaged over a first time window

the past (T2−Δt) mmW RF exposure is averaged over a second time window

DSI_mmW_factor corresponds to the ratio of the mmW exposure at the distance (and/or subset of surfaces) defined for the DSI of the active sub-6 radio to the mmW exposure at a nominal distance (e.g., at 2 mm) defined for mmW, future.sub6.norm.limit is the normalized sub-6 RF exposure limit for the next future time interval Δt, and future.mmW.norm.limit.a is the normalized mmW RF exposure limit for the next future time interval Δt from Step A. For example, in a case where the sub-6 DSI corresponds to a distance of 10 mm (and all surfaces of the wireless device are assessed), the DSI_mmW_factor=PD_at_10 mm/PD_at_2 mm. Since DSI can change over time (e.g., in every time interval Δt), “mmW.norm.T2.time.avg.exp*DSI_mmW_factor” in Expression (11) may be replaced in some cases with

With this information, the device may determine future.sub6.norm.limit and future.mmW.norm.limit.a for Step A for the next future time interval Δt as shown in the algorithm500. For example, the device may calculate the combined normalized distribution for the past, similar to what is described above (e.g., with respect toFIG.4) using sub6.norm.T1.avg.exp+mmW.norm.T2.avg.exp*DSI_mmW_factor and based thereon, allocate future transmission power for the two different radios. The device may apply future.sub6.norm.limit to sub-6 GHz radio transmissions for the future time interval Δt.

In Step B of the algorithm500, the device may calculate the past time-averaged mmW RF exposure without the DSI_mmW_factor factor according to Expression (12):

where mmW.norm.T2.avg.exp may be expressed as

and where future.mmW.norm.limit.b is the normalized mmW RF exposure limit for the next future time interval Δt from Step B. Based on this calculation, the device may determine future.mmW.norm.limit.b for Step B for the next future time interval Δt as shown inFIG.5.

In Step C of the algorithm500, the device may determine a final future.mmW.norm.limit for the next future time interval Δt by taking the minimum of future.mmW.norm.limit.a from Step A and future.mmW.norm.limit.b from Step B. The device may then apply future.mmW.norm.limit from Step C to mmW radio transmissions for the future time interval Δt. In other words, the device may determine a transmit power limit for mmW transmissions based on future.mmW.norm.limit and mmW_Plimit.

In this manner, the sub-6 GHz margin may be increased in simultaneous sub-6 GHz and mmWave transmission scenarios by accounting for a lower mmWave exposure contribution to the total exposure in real time after applying the DSI_mmW_factor in Step A. In other words, instead of applying a static DSI_mmW_factor, the device may frequently (e.g., continuously or periodically, such as every Δt) determine and apply the DSI_mmW_factor in real time. For certain aspects, as explained above with respect to Steps B and C, the device may ensure the mmWave radio transmissions do not exceed the standalone mmWave exposure (e.g., exposure when a finger is present next to a mmWave module and/or antenna), and may also ensure mmWave exposure complies with total exposure in Step A by performing the minimum operation between the mmWave limits determined in Steps A and B at Step C.

For certain aspects, the DSI_mmW_factor (=PD @ DSI_distance_subset_surfaces/PD @ 2 mm_worst_surface) may be predetermined and stored in memory of the device, such that the DSI_mmW_factor may be applied in real time. The DSI_mmW_factor may be a function of, for example, transceiver module, frequency band, DSI (distance and device surface(s)), and/or beam identifier (e.g., magnitude/phase excitation of antenna elements in each transceiver module). In some cases, to avoid storing DSI_mmW_factor for all beams, the maximum (or another statistically defined) DSI_mmW_factor out of all (or at least a set of) beams may be stored for conservativeness and simplicity (e.g., store a “DSI_mmW_factor (module #, mmWave frequency band #, DSI #)” value for all supported transceiver modules/bands/DSIs and apply the corresponding factor in scaling down mmWave radio exposure). In other cases, DSI_mmW_factor may be stored for all beams.

In certain aspects, the time window (e.g., T1 and/or T2) may be in a range from 1 second to 360 seconds. For example, the time window may be 100 seconds or 360 seconds. The range from 1 second to 360 seconds is an example, and other suitable values for the time window may be used. In certain cases, the time window may be less than 1 second, such as 500 milliseconds. In certain cases, the time window may be greater than 360 seconds, such as 600 seconds.

In certain aspects, the transmission power levels for multiple radios may be determined based on a sum of (normalized) time-averaged RF exposures for simultaneous radio transmissions being less than or equal to a threshold (e.g., 1.0). For example, the wireless device may transmit the signals at the transmission power levels based on a sum of (normalized) time-averaged RF exposures for the simultaneous radio transmissions being less than or equal to a threshold. In some such scenarios, a backoff factor may be applied to the RF exposures for each of the radios in the case of the sum of time-averaged RF exposures.

In certain aspects, the transmit antennas may include one or more first antennas configured to transmit in a first mode and one or more second antennas configured to transmit in a second mode. In certain cases, the first mode may be transmitting at one or more frequencies below 6 GHz (e.g., at sub-6 GHz bands), and the second mode may be transmitting at one or more frequencies above 6 GHz (e.g., at mmWave bands). In other cases, the first mode may be transmitting at one or more frequencies above 6 GHz, and the second mode may be transmitting at one or more frequencies below 6 GHz.

Example Operations for Wireless Communications

FIG.6is a flow diagram illustrating example operations600for wireless communication, in accordance with certain aspects of the present disclosure. The operations600may be performed, for example, by a wireless device (e.g., the UE120ain the wireless communication network100). The operations600may be implemented as software components that are executed and run on one or more processors e.g., controller/processor280ofFIG.2). Further, the transmission of signals by the wireless device in the operations600may be enabled, for example, by one or more antennas (e.g., antennas252ofFIG.2). In certain aspects, the transmission and/or reception of signals by the wireless device may be implemented via a bus interface of one or more processors (e.g., controller/processor280) obtaining and/or outputting signals.

The operations600may optionally begin, at block602, with the wireless device determining a first radio frequency (RF) exposure (e.g., a SAR exposure, such as sub6.norm.T1.avg.exp) for a first frequency band (e.g., a sub-6 GHz band). At block604, the wireless device may determine a second RF exposure (e.g., a PD exposure, such as mmW.norm.T2.avg.exp) for a second frequency band (e.g., a mmW band) based on a first distance. At block606, the wireless device may adjust a value of the second RF exposure based on a second distance. For certain aspects, the second distance may be different from the first distance. At block608, the wireless device may determine a first transmit power limit (e.g., future.sub6.norm.limit) for the first frequency band based on an RF exposure limit (e.g., a normalized threshold≤1.0), the first RF exposure (e.g.), and the adjusted value of the second RF exposure (e.g., mmW.norm.T2.avg.exp*DSI_mmW_factor). At block610, the wireless device may transmit a signal in the first frequency band based on the first transmit power limit.

According to certain aspects, determining the first RF exposure at block602involves determining the first RF exposure for the first frequency band based on a third distance. The third distance may be an assumed separation distance between the wireless device and a user of the wireless device for the first frequency band (even when the user is not physically present), wherein the assumed separation distance may be based on a state of the wireless device and/or regulations. For certain aspects, the state of the wireless device includes a device state index (DSI). In this case, the second distance may equal the third distance as defined for the DSI of the wireless device for the first frequency band. In some examples, the first distance is a nominal defined distance (e.g., 2 mm for a PD exposure) for the second frequency band. For certain aspects, the second distance equals the third distance.

According to certain aspects, the operations600further involve sensing the second distance with a sensor of the wireless device. In this case, the second distance may be an actual separation distance between the wireless device and a user of the wireless device. Furthermore, the first distance may be a nominal defined distance (e.g., 2 mm) for the second frequency band.

According to certain aspects, the first distance is a nominal defined distance (e.g., 2 mm) for the second frequency band. In this case, the adjusting at block606may involve multiplying the value of the second RF exposure by a factor (e.g., DSI_mmW_factor or device state ratio) based on a ratio of a predetermined exposure for the second frequency band for the second distance to a predetermined exposure for the second frequency band for the nominal defined distance. Furthermore, the second distance may be based on a separation distance (e.g., an assumed or an actual separation distance) between the wireless device and a user of the wireless device.

According to certain aspects, the adjusting at block606includes multiplying the value of the second RF exposure by a factor (e.g., device state factor or DSI_mmW_factor) based on the second distance. In this case, the first distance may be a nominal defined distance (e.g., 2 mm) for the second frequency band. Furthermore, the second distance may be based on a separation distance (e.g., an assumed or an actual separation distance) between the wireless device and a user of the wireless device.

According to certain aspects, the operations600further involve determining a second transmit power limit (e.g., future.mmW.norm.limit.a) for the second frequency band based on the RF exposure limit, the first RF exposure, and the adjusted value of the second RF exposure. In some cases, the operations600may further include determining a third transmit power limit (e.g., future.sub6.norm.limit.b) for the second frequency band based on the RF exposure limit and the second RF exposure without the adjustment and transmitting a signal in the second frequency band according to a smaller of the second transmit power limit and the third transmit power limit. For certain aspects, transmitting the signal in the second frequency band involves concurrently transmitting the signal in the second frequency band in a same time interval (e.g., a next future time interval) as transmitting the signal in the first frequency band. In some examples, the time intervals for the first frequency band and the second frequency band have different lengths. In such examples, a future time interval for the first frequency band may therefore be different form a future time interval for a second frequency band, but transmission of signals in the first and second frequency bands in their respective time intervals may overlap or otherwise be at least partially concurrent.

According to certain aspects, the first frequency band is a sub-6 GHz frequency band. In this case, the second frequency band may be a millimeter wave (mmW) frequency band.

According to certain aspects, determining the first transmit power limit at block608involves determining the first transmit power limit for the first frequency band for a time interval in the future, based on the RF exposure limit, the first RF exposure, and the adjusted value of the second RF exposure. In this case, transmitting at block610may include transmitting the signal in the first frequency band during the time interval, based on the first transmit power limit.

According to certain aspects, the first RF exposure is time-averaged over a first time window minus a time interval (e.g., T1−Δt), and the second RF exposure is time-averaged over a second time window minus the time interval (e.g., T2−Δt). In this case, the first transmit power limit may be determined for the time interval, the time interval may be a future time interval, and the transmitting at block610may include transmitting the signal in the first frequency band, during the future time interval, based on the first transmit power limit. For certain aspects, the first RF exposure is normalized by a first maximum allowable average transmission power limit for the first frequency band (e.g., sub6_Plimit), the second RF exposure is normalized by a second maximum allowable average transmission power limit for the second frequency band (e.g., mmW_Plimit), and the RF exposure limit is normalized to a value no greater than 1.0.

According to certain aspects, determining the second RF exposure at block604involves determining the second RF exposure for the second frequency band based on a first set of device surfaces at the first distance. In this case, the adjusting at block606may include adjusting the value of the second RF exposure based on a second set of device surfaces at the second distance. For certain aspects, determining the first RF exposure involves determining the first RF exposure for the first frequency band based on a third set of device surfaces at a third distance; the third distance is an assumed separation distance between the wireless device and a user of the wireless device, based on a state of the wireless device; and the third set of device surfaces is predefined based on the state of the wireless device. In this case, the state of the wireless device may include a device state index (DSI), and the second distance may equal the third distance as defined for the DSI of the wireless device for the first frequency band. For certain aspects, the first distance is a nominal defined distance (e.g., 2 mm for PD exposure) for the second frequency band, and the adjusting at block606involves multiplying the value of the second RF exposure by a factor (e.g., DSI_mmW_factor) based on a ratio of a predetermined exposure for the second frequency band for the second set of device surfaces at the second distance to a predetermined exposure for the second frequency band for the first set of device surfaces at the nominal defined distance. In this case, the predetermined exposure for the second frequency band for the first set of device surfaces at the nominal defined distance may be the maximum of a set of predetermined exposures for the second frequency band for the first set of device surfaces at the nominal defined distance (e.g., PD @ 2 mm_worst_surface). Furthermore, the predetermined exposure for the second frequency band for the second set of device surfaces at the second distance may be the maximum of a set of predetermined exposures for the second frequency band for the second set of device surfaces at the second distance (e.g., PD @ DSI_distance_subset_surfaces).

Example Communications Device

FIG.7illustrates a communications device700(e.g., the UE120) that may include various components (e.g., corresponding to means-plus-function components) configured to perform operations for the techniques disclosed herein, such as the operations illustrated in the Figures. The communications device700includes a processing system702, which may be coupled to a transceiver708(e.g., a transmitter and/or a receiver). The transceiver708is configured to transmit and receive signals for the communications device700via an antenna710, such as the various signals as described herein. The processing system702may be configured to perform processing functions for the communications device700, including processing signals received and/or to be transmitted by the communications device700.

The processing system702includes a processor704coupled to a computer-readable medium/memory712via a bus706. In certain aspects, the computer-readable medium/memory712is configured to store instructions (e.g., computer-executable code) that when executed by the processor704, cause the processor704to perform the operations illustrated in the Figures, or other operations for performing the various techniques discussed herein for providing RF exposure compliance. In certain aspects, computer-readable medium/memory712stores code for determining714, code for adjusting716, code for sensing718, code for transmitting720, and/or code for receiving (or obtaining)722. In certain aspects, the processing system702has circuitry724configured to implement the code stored in the computer-readable medium/memory712. In certain aspects, the circuitry724is coupled to the processor704and/or the computer-readable medium/memory712via the bus706. For example, the circuitry724includes circuitry for determining726, circuitry for adjusting728, circuitry for sensing730, circuitry for transmitting732, and/or circuitry for receiving (or obtaining)734.

Example Aspects

In addition to the various aspects described above, specific combinations of aspects are within the scope of the disclosure, some of which are detailed below:

Aspect 1: A method of wireless communication by a wireless device, comprising: determining a first radio frequency (RF) exposure for a first frequency band; determining a second RF exposure for a second frequency band based on a first distance; adjusting a value of the second RF exposure based on a second distance; determining a first transmit power limit for the first frequency band based on an RF exposure limit, the first RF exposure, and the adjusted value of the second RF exposure; and transmitting a signal in the first frequency band based on the first transmit power limit.

Aspect 2: The method of Aspect 1, wherein determining the first RF exposure comprises determining the first RF exposure for the first frequency band based on a third distance, wherein the third distance is an assumed separation distance between the wireless device and a user of the wireless device for the first frequency band, and wherein the assumed separation distance is based on a state of the wireless device.

Aspect 3: The method of Aspect 2, wherein the state of the wireless device comprises a device state index (DSI).

Aspect 4: The method of Aspect 3, wherein the second distance equals the third distance as defined for the DSI of the wireless device for the first frequency band.

Aspect 5: The method of any of Aspects 2 to 4, wherein the first distance is a nominal defined distance for the second frequency band and wherein the second distance equals the third distance.

Aspect 6: The method of any of Aspects 1 to 5, further comprising sensing the second distance with a sensor of the wireless device, wherein the first distance is a nominal defined distance for the second frequency band and wherein the second distance is an actual separation distance between the wireless device and a user of the wireless device.

Aspect 7: The method of any of Aspects 1 to 6, wherein: the first distance is a nominal defined distance for the second frequency band; the second distance is based on a separation distance between the wireless device and a user of the wireless device; and the adjusting comprises multiplying the value of the second RF exposure by a factor based on a ratio of a predetermined exposure for the second frequency band for the second distance to a predetermined exposure for the second frequency band for the nominal defined distance.

Aspect 8: The method of any of Aspects 1 to 6, wherein the adjusting comprises multiplying the value of the second RF exposure by a factor based on the second distance, wherein the first distance is a nominal defined distance for the second frequency band, and wherein the second distance is based on a separation distance between the wireless device and a user of the wireless device.

Aspect 9: The method of any of Aspects 1 to 8, further comprising determining a second transmit power limit for the second frequency band based on the RF exposure limit, the first RF exposure, and the adjusted value of the second RF exposure.

Aspect 10: The method of Aspect 9, further comprising: determining a third transmit power limit for the second frequency band based on the RF exposure limit and the second RF exposure without the adjustment; and transmitting a signal in the second frequency band according to a smaller of the second transmit power limit and the third transmit power limit.

Aspect 11: The method of Aspect 10, wherein transmitting the signal in the second frequency band comprises concurrently transmitting the signal in the second frequency band in a same time interval as transmitting the signal in the first frequency band.

Aspect 12: The method of any of Aspects 1 to 11, wherein the first frequency band is a sub-6 GHz frequency band and wherein the second frequency band is a millimeter wave (mmW) frequency band.

Aspect 13: The method of any of Aspects 1 to 12, wherein: determining the first transmit power limit comprises determining the first transmit power limit for the first frequency band for a time interval in the future, based on the RF exposure limit, the first RF exposure, and the adjusted value of the second RF exposure; and the transmitting comprises transmitting the signal in the first frequency band during the time interval, based on the first transmit power limit.

Aspect 14: The method of any of Aspects 1 to 12, wherein the first RF exposure is time-averaged over a first time window minus a time interval, wherein the second RF exposure is time-averaged over a second time window minus the time interval, wherein the first transmit power limit is determined for the time interval, wherein the time interval is a future time interval, and wherein the transmitting comprises transmitting the signal in the first frequency band, during the future time interval, based on the first transmit power limit.

Aspect 15: The method of Aspect 14, wherein the first RF exposure is normalized by a first maximum allowable average transmission power limit for the first frequency band, wherein the second RF exposure is normalized by a second maximum allowable average transmission power limit for the second frequency band, and wherein the RF exposure limit is normalized to a value no greater than 1.

Aspect 16: The method of any of Aspects 1 to 15, wherein: determining the second RF exposure comprises determining the second RF exposure for the second frequency band based on a first set of device surfaces at the first distance; and the adjusting comprises adjusting the value of the second RF exposure based on a second set of device surfaces at the second distance.

Aspect 17: The method of Aspect 16, wherein: determining the first RF exposure comprises determining the first RF exposure for the first frequency band based on a third set of device surfaces at a third distance; the third distance is an assumed separation distance between the wireless device and a user of the wireless device, based on a state of the wireless device; and the third set of device surfaces is predefined based on the state of the wireless device.

Aspect 18: The method of Aspect 17, wherein the state of the wireless device comprises a device state index (DSI) and wherein the second distance equals the third distance as defined for the DSI of the wireless device for the first frequency band.

Aspect 19: The method of any of Aspects 16 to 18, wherein: the first distance is a nominal defined distance for the second frequency band; and the adjusting comprises multiplying the value of the second RF exposure by a factor based on a ratio of a predetermined exposure for the second frequency band for the second set of device surfaces at the second distance to a predetermined exposure for the second frequency band for the first set of device surfaces at the nominal defined distance.

Aspect 20: The method of Aspect 19, wherein the predetermined exposure for the second frequency band for the first set of device surfaces at the nominal defined distance is the maximum of a set of predetermined exposures for the second frequency band for the first set of device surfaces at the nominal defined distance.

Aspect 21: The method of Aspect 19 or 20, wherein the predetermined exposure for the second frequency band for the second set of device surfaces at the second distance is the maximum of a set of predetermined exposures for the second frequency band for the second set of device surfaces at the second distance.

Aspect 22: An apparatus for wireless communication, comprising: a memory; at least one processor coupled to the memory, the at least one processor being configured to: determine a first radio frequency (RF) exposure for a first frequency band; determine a second RF exposure for a second frequency band based on a first distance; adjust a value of the second RF exposure based on a second distance; and determine a first transmit power limit for the first frequency band based on an RF exposure limit, the first RF exposure, and the adjusted value of the second RF exposure; and a transmitter configured to transmit a signal in the first frequency band based on the first transmit power limit.

Aspect 23: The apparatus of Aspect 22, wherein the at least one processor is configured to determine the first RF exposure for the first frequency band based on a third distance, wherein the third distance is an assumed separation distance between the apparatus and a user of the apparatus for the first frequency band, and wherein the assumed separation distance is based on a state of the apparatus.

Aspect 24: The apparatus of Aspect 22 or 23, wherein: the first distance is a nominal defined distance for the second frequency band; the second distance is based on a separation distance between the apparatus and a user of the apparatus; and the at least one processor, in order to adjust the value of the second RF exposure, is configured to multiply the value of the second RF exposure by a factor based on a ratio of a predetermined exposure for the second frequency band for the second distance to a predetermined exposure for the second frequency band for the nominal defined distance.

Aspect 25: The apparatus of any of Aspects 22 to 24, wherein the at least one processor is further configured to: determine a second transmit power limit for the second frequency band based on the RF exposure limit, the first RF exposure, and the adjusted value of the second RF exposure; and determine a third transmit power limit for the second frequency band based on the RF exposure limit and the second RF exposure without the adjustment, wherein the transmitter is further configured to transmit a signal in the second frequency band according to a smaller of the second transmit power limit and the third transmit power limit.

Aspect 26: The apparatus of any of Aspects 22 to 25, wherein: the at least one processor, in order to determine the second RF exposure, is configured to determine the second RF exposure for the second frequency band based on a first set of device surfaces at the first distance; and the at least one processor, in order to adjust the value of the second RF exposure, is configured to adjust the value of the second RF exposure based on a second set of device surfaces at the second distance.

Aspect 27: The apparatus of Aspect 26, wherein: the at least one processor, in order to determine the first RF exposure, is configured to determine the first RF exposure for the first frequency band based on a third set of device surfaces at a third distance; the third distance is an assumed separation distance between the apparatus and a user of the apparatus, based on a state of the apparatus; and the third set of device surfaces is predefined based on the state of the apparatus.

Aspect 28: The apparatus of Aspect 26 or 27, wherein: the first distance is a nominal defined distance for the second frequency band; and the at least one processor, in order to adjust the value of the second RF exposure, is configured to multiply the value of the second RF exposure by a factor based on a ratio of a predetermined exposure for the second frequency band for the second set of device surfaces at the second distance to a predetermined exposure for the second frequency band for the first set of device surfaces at the nominal defined distance.

Aspect 29: The apparatus of Aspect 28, wherein: the predetermined exposure for the second frequency band for the first set of device surfaces at the nominal defined distance is the maximum of a set of predetermined exposures for the second frequency band for the first set of device surfaces at the nominal defined distance; and the predetermined exposure for the second frequency band for the second set of device surfaces at the second distance is the maximum of a set of predetermined exposures for the second frequency band for the second set of device surfaces at the second distance.

Aspect 30: An apparatus for wireless communication, comprising: means for determining a first radio frequency (RF) exposure for a first frequency band; means for determining a second RF exposure for a second frequency band based on a first distance; means for adjusting a value of the second RF exposure based on a second distance; means for determining a first transmit power limit for the first frequency band based on an RF exposure limit, the first RF exposure, and the adjusted value of the second RF exposure; and means for transmitting a signal in the first frequency band based on the first transmit power limit.

Aspect 31: An apparatus for wireless communication, comprising: a memory, at least one processor coupled to the memory, and a transmitter coupled to the at least one processor, the memory, the at least one processor, and the transmitter, being configured to perform any of Aspects 1 to 21.

Aspect 32: An apparatus comprising means for performing any of Aspects 1 to 21.

Aspect 33: A computer-readable medium having instructions stored thereon to perform any of Aspects 1 to 21.