ENABLING APERIODIC CSI AND SRS TRANSMISSIONS FOR SCELL DORMANCY

Systems and methods are disclosed herein that relate to enabling Sounding Reference Signal (SRS) transmissions and Aperiodic Channel State Information (A-CSI) for Secondary Cell (SCell) dormancy. In one embodiment, a method performed by a wireless communication device comprises transmitting, to a network node, first capability information that indicates that the wireless communication device supports SCell dormancy operation using a dormant bandwidth part (BWP) for one or more SCells. The method further comprises transmitting, to the network node, second capability information that indicates whether the wireless communication device supports sounding reference signal, SRS, transmission on a dormant BWP of one or more SCells. In this manner, efficient and flexible operation of SCell dormancy is provided.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present disclosure relates to Aperiodic Channel State Information (A-CSI) measurement and reporting as well as Sounding Reference Signal (SRS) transmissions for Secondary Cell (SCell) dormancy in a cellular communications system.

BACKGROUND

Carrier Aggregation

Carrier Aggregation (CA) is generally used in Fifth Generation (5G) New Radio (NR) and Long Term Evolution (LTE) systems to improve User Equipment (UE) transmit and receive data rate. With CA, the UE typically operates initially on single serving cell called a Primary Cell (PCell). The PCell is operated on a Component Carrier (CC) in a frequency band. The UE is then configured by the network with one or more Secondary Serving Cells (SCells). Each SCell can correspond to a CC in the same frequency band as the CC corresponding to the PCell (intra-band CA) or a CC in a different frequency band from the frequency band of the CC corresponding to the PCell (inter-band CA). For the UE to transmit/receive data on the SCell(s) (e.g., by receiving Downlink Shared Channel (DL-SCH) information on a Physical Downlink Shared Channel (PDSCH) or by transmitting Uplink Shared Channel (UL-SCH) information on a Physical Uplink Shared Channel (PUSCH)), the SCell(s) need to be activated by the network. The SCell(s) can also be deactivated and later reactivated as needed via activation/deactivation signaling.

FIG.1illustrates SCell activation/deactivation related procedures specified for Release 15 NR. As shown inFIG.1, except for Channel State Information (CSI) reporting, the UE is allowed to start performing other ‘activation related actions’ (e.g. Physical Downlink Control Channel (PDCCH) monitoring for SCell, Physical Uplink Control Channel (PUCCH)/Sounding Reference Signal (SRS) transmission on the SCell) within a specified range of slots, i.e., after the minimum required activation delay (specified in Third Generation Partnership Project (3GPP) Technical Specification (TS)38.213) and before the maximum allowed activation delay (specified in 3GPP TS 38.133). CSI reporting for the SCell starts (or stops) with a fixed slot offset after receiving the activation (or deactivation) command.

Below, the minimum required activation delay and maximum allowed activation delay are shown for some example conditions.The minimum required activation delay is k1+3 ms+1 slots as specified 3GPP TS 38.213 subclause 4.3. Assuming 30 kilohertz (kHz) numerology for the PCell, and k1=4, this would be 5.5 ms.The maximum allowed activation delay depends on conditions described in 3GPP TS 38.133 subclause 8.3.2, and the value varies based on UE measurement configuration, operating frequency range, and other aspects.Assuming T_HARQ in 3GPP TS 38.133 has similar meaning as k1 in 3GPP TS 38.213, and assuming ‘known SCell’ with SCell measurement cycle is equal to or smaller than 160 ms, and T_csi_reporting=4 slots:For Frequency Range 1 (FR1) and 30 kHz subcarrier spacing (SCS),If the Synchronization Signal (SS)/Physical Broadcast Channel (PBCH) Block (SSB) Measurement Time Configuration (SMTC) periodicity is 5 ms, the delay cannot be larger than (T_HARQ=4 slots)+(T_act_time=5 ms+5 ms)+(T_csi_report=4 slots)=14 ms;If SMTC periodicity 20 ms, the delay cannot be larger than (T_HARQ=4 slots)+(T_act_time=5 ms+20 ms)+(T_csi_report=4 slots)=29 ms.For Frequency Range 2 (FR2), assuming this is the first SCell being activated in that FR2 band,If SMTC periodicity 5 ms, the delay is 4 slots+5 ms+TBD*5 ms+4 slots=6 ms+X*5 ms;If SMTC periodicity 20 ms, the delay is 4 slots+5 ms+TBD*20 ms+4 slots=6 ms+X*20 ms;X>1 is to be determined (TBD) in current Release 15 specifications.
For other conditions, e.g., SCell is not ‘known’ and longer SMTC periodicities, the maximum allowed activation delay is much longer than the values in the above example.

Bandwidth Parts (BWPs)

In NR, a subset of the total cell bandwidth of a cell is referred to as a Bandwidth Part (BWP), and bandwidth adaptation is achieved by configuring the UE with a BWP(s) and telling the UE which of the configured BWPs is currently the active one.

FIG.2describes a scenario where three different BWPs are configured. The three configured BWPs in this scenario are:BWP1with a width of 40 Megahertz (MHz) and subcarrier spacing of 15 kHz;BWP2with a width of 10 MHz and subcarrier spacing of 15 kHz;BWP3with a width of 20 MHz and subcarrier spacing of 60 kHz.

In NR, two options for configuring BWP #0 (i.e., the “initial BWP”) were specified (i.e., Option 1 and Option 2 described in Annex B.2 of 3GPP TS 38.331). When the BWP configuration includes UE-specific information (e.g., Information Elements (IEs) like ServingCellconfig), that BWP can be considered as a UE-specific Radio Resource Control (RRC) configured BWP.FIG.3illustrates BWP #0 configuration without dedicated configuration (i.e., Option 1).FIG.4illustrates BWP #0 configuration with dedicated configuration (i.e., Option 2).

SUMMARY

Systems and methods are disclosed herein that relate to enabling Sounding Reference Signal (SRS) transmissions and Aperiodic Channel State Information (A-CSI) for Secondary Cell (SCell) dormancy. In one embodiment, a method performed by a wireless communication device comprises transmitting, to a network node, first capability information that indicates that the wireless communication device supports SCell dormancy operation using a dormant bandwidth part (BWP) for one or more SCells. The method further comprises transmitting, to the network node, second capability information that indicates whether the wireless communication device supports sounding reference signal, SRS, transmission on a dormant BWP of one or more SCells. In this manner, efficient and flexible operation of SCell dormancy is provided.

In one embodiment, the method further comprises switching to a dormant BWP of an SCell and, upon switching to the dormant BWP of the SCell, performing one or more actions in accordance with the first capability information and the second capability information.

In one embodiment, the second capability information indicates that the wireless communication device does not support aperiodic SRS transmission on a dormant BWP of one or more SCells, and the one or more actions comprise: (a) stop receiving Physical Downlink Control Channel (PDCCH) for the SCell, (b) do not receive Downlink Shared Channel (DL-SCH) on the SCell, (c) perform periodic SRS reporting, (d) perform any semi-persistent SRS reporting, or (e) a combination of any two or more of (a)-(d). In one embodiment, aperiodic SRS transmission for the SCell cannot be triggered for the wireless communication device.

In one embodiment, the second capability information indicates that the wireless communication device does support aperiodic SRS transmission on a dormant BWP of one or more SCells, and the one or more actions comprise transmitting aperiodic SRS on the SCell.

In one embodiment, the second capability information indicates that the wireless communication device does support periodic SRS transmission on a dormant BWP of one or more SCells, and the one or more actions comprise transmitting periodic SRS on the SCell.

In one embodiment, the one or more actions further comprise transmitting a measurement report on a cell other than the SCell.

In one embodiment, the second capability information comprises one or more parameters comprising: (i) one or more parameters associated with SRS transmission on a dormant BWP of one or more SCells, (ii) one or more parameters associated with A-SRS transmission on another cell, or (iii) both (i) and (ii). In one embodiment, the one or more parameters comprises an aperiodic SRS triggering offset or a minimum value of an A-SRS triggering offset. In one embodiment, the one or more parameters comprise a parameter that defines a gap between an end of a PDCCH on a triggering cell that triggers aperiodic SRS transmission and a start of SRS transmission on a cell on which the SRS transmission is triggered. In one embodiment, a value of the parameter that defines the gap is based on an SCell dormancy transition time that the wireless communication device reports. In one embodiment, the one or more parameters comprise a minimum value of an A-SRS triggering offset, and the minimum value of the A-SRS triggering offset is dependent on a subcarrier spacing of a cell on which a PDCCH triggering aperiodic SRS transmission is received by the wireless communication device. In one embodiment, the one or more parameters comprise a minimum value of an A-SRS triggering offset, and the minimum value of the A-SRS triggering offset is dependent on a subcarrier spacing of a cell on which a PDCCH triggering aperiodic SRS transmission is received by the wireless communication device and the subcarrier spacing of the SCell.

In one embodiment, the method further comprises transmitting assistance information to the network node that informs the network node of a preferred A-SRS triggering offset or a minimum gap for dormant BWP operation.

In one embodiment, the second capability information indicates that the wireless communication device does not support A-SRS transmission on a dormant BWP of one or more SCells under one or more certain conditions.

Corresponding embodiments of a wireless communication device are also disclosed. In one embodiment, a wireless communication device is adapted to transmit, to a network node, first capability information that indicates that the wireless communication device supports SCell dormancy operation using a dormant BWP for one or more SCell and transmit, to the network node, second capability information that indicates whether the wireless communication device supports SRS transmission on a dormant BWP of one or more SCells.

In one embodiment, a wireless communication device comprises one or more transmitters, one or more receivers, and processing circuitry associated with the one or more transmitters and the one or more receivers. The processing circuitry is configured to cause the wireless communication device to transmit, to a network node, first capability information that indicates that the wireless communication device supports SCell dormancy operation using a dormant BWP for one or more SCell and transmit, to the network node, second capability information that indicates whether the wireless communication device supports SRS transmission on a dormant BWP of one or more SCells.

In another embodiment, a method performed by a wireless communication device comprises transmitting, to a network node, first capability information that indicates that the wireless communication device supports SCell dormancy operation using a dormant BWP for one or more SCells and transmitting, to the network node, second capability information that indicates whether the wireless communication device supports A-CSI measurement on a dormant BWP of one or more SCells.

In one embodiment, the method further comprises switching to a dormant BWP of an SCell and, upon switching to the dormant BWP of the SCell, performing one or more actions in accordance with the first capability information and the second capability information.

In one embodiment, the second capability information indicates that the wireless communication device does not supports A-CSI measurement on a dormant BWP of one or more SCells, and the one or more actions comprise: (a) stop PDCCH for the SCell, (b) do not receive DL-SCH on the SCell, (c) perform periodic CSI reporting, (d) perform semi-persistent CSI reporting, or (e) a combination of any two or more of (a)-(d).

In one embodiment, A-CSI measurements for the SCell cannot be triggered for the wireless communication device. In one embodiment, the second capability information indicates that the wireless communication device does support A-CSI measurement on a dormant BWP of one or more SCells, and the one or more actions comprise measuring A-CSI using CSI-RS on the SCell and transmitting, on a cell other than the SCell, a measurement report that comprises at least a subset of the A-CSI measurements or information derived from at least a subset of the A-CSI measurements. In one embodiment, a PDCCH that triggers the A-CSI measurement on the dormant BWP of the SCell is received by the wireless communication device on a cell other than the SCell. In one embodiment, a cell on which the PDCCH that triggers the A-CSI measurement on the dormant BWP of the SCell is received by the wireless communication device is a same cell on which the wireless communication device transmits the measurement report. In another embodiment, a cell on which the PDCCH that triggers the A-CSI measurement on the dormant BWP of the SCell is received by the wireless communication device is a cell other than a cell on which the wireless communication device transmits the measurement report.

In one embodiment, the second capability information comprises one or more parameters comprising: (i) one or more parameters associated with A-CSI measurement on a dormant BWP of one or more SCells, (ii) one or more parameters associated with A-CSI measurement reporting on another cell, or (iii) both (i) and (ii). In one embodiment, the one or more parameters comprise an A-CSI triggering offset or a minimum value of an A-CSI triggering offset. In one embodiment, the one or more parameters comprise a parameter that defines a gap between an end of a PDCCH on a triggering cell that triggers A-CSI measurement and a start of CSI-RS on a cell on which the A-CSI measurement is triggered. In one embodiment, a value of the parameter that defines the gap is based on an SCell dormancy transition time that the wireless communication device reports.

In one embodiment, the one or more parameters comprise a minimum value of an A-CSI triggering offset, and the minimum value of the A-CSI triggering offset is dependent on a subcarrier spacing of a cell on which a PDCCH triggering A-CSI measurement is received by the wireless communication device.

In one embodiment, the one or more parameters comprise a minimum value of an A-CSI triggering offset, and the minimum value of the A-CSI triggering offset is dependent on a subcarrier spacing of a cell on which a PDCCH triggering A-CSI measurement is received by the wireless communication device and a subcarrier spacing of the SCell.

In one embodiment, the second capability information indicates a capability to support A-CSI measurement on a dormant BWP of one or more SCells only if the wireless communication device also indicates a capability to support operation using a minimum scheduling offset between reception of a PDCCH and corresponding Physical Downlink Shared Channel (PDSCH)/aperiodic CSI-RS triggering by the PDCCH.

In one embodiment, the method further comprises transmitting assistance information to the network node that informs the network node of a preferred A-CSI triggering offset or a minimum gap for dormant BWP operation.

In one embodiment, the second capability information is different from capability information that the wireless communication device uses to indicate support of A-CSI measurement on BWP(s) other than dormant BWP(s).

In one embodiment, the second capability information indicates that the wireless communication device does not support A-CSI measurement on a dormant BWP of one or more SCells under one or more certain conditions.

Corresponding embodiments of a wireless communication device are also disclosed. In one embodiment, a wireless communication device is adapted to transmit, to a network node, first capability information that indicates that the wireless communication device supports SCell dormancy operation using a dormant BWP for one or more SCells. The wireless communication device is further adapted to transmit, to the network node, second capability information that indicates whether the wireless communication device supports A-CSI measurement on a dormant BWP of one or more SCells.

In one embodiment, a wireless communication device comprises one or more transmitters, one or more receivers, and processing circuitry associated with the one or more transmitters and the one or more receivers. The processing circuitry is configured to cause the wireless communication device to transmit, to a network node, first capability information that indicates that the wireless communication device supports SCell dormancy operation using a dormant BWP for one or more SCells. The processing circuitry is further configured to cause the wireless communication device to transmit, to the network node, second capability information that indicates whether the wireless communication device supports A-CSI measurement on a dormant BWP of one or more SCells.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

There currently exist certain challenge(s). Aperiodic Channel State Information (CSI) (A-CSI) measurement made on a dormant Secondary Cell (SCell) and corresponding reporting on another cell and Sounding Reference Signal (SRS) (periodic/aperiodic) transmission on a dormant SCell can increase UE power consumption. Existing solutions therefore favor precluding support of A-CSI measurement and SRS transmission on a dormant SCell. However, this increases latency in transition from a dormant bandwidth part (BWP) to data scheduling for downlink, and similarly increases latency in transition from a dormant BWP to uplink data scheduling.

Certain aspects of the present disclosure and their embodiments may provide solutions to the aforementioned or other challenges. Embodiments of the proposed solution allow UE capability signaling where a UE can perform any one or any combination of the following actions:The UE can use capability and/or assistance signaling to indicate its support of A-CSI measurement made on a dormant BWP when the dormant BWP is active, and corresponding reporting on another cell. The UE can additionally indicate preferred configurations that allow operation in a dormant BWP and still have acceptable impact on UE power consumption (e.g., A-CSI triggering offset values, etc.). UE assistance framework can also be used to complement or augment the UE capability signaling.The UE can use capability and/or assistance signaling to indicate its support of SRS transmission on the uplink when a dormant BWP is active. The UE can additionally indicate preferred configurations that allow operation in a dormant BWP and still have acceptable impact on UE power consumption (e.g., A-SRS triggering offset values, minimum periodicity of periodic SRS, etc.).

Certain embodiments may provide one or more of the following technical advantage(s). Embodiments of the solution described herein may enable efficient and flexible operation of SCell dormancy UEs can choose between different levels of tradeoff (e.g., power savings vs latency degradation) and indicate a corresponding preference(s) via UE capability/assistance signaling. Embodiments of the solution described herein may also enable the network to choose suitable configurations to ensure proper SCell dormancy operation and make full use of UE enhanced functionality offered by different UEs.

FIG.5illustrates one example of a cellular communications system500in which embodiments of the present disclosure may be implemented. In the embodiments described herein, the cellular communications system500is a 5G System (5GS) including a Next Generation RAN (NG-RAN) and a 5G Core (5GC). In this example, the RAN includes base stations502-1and502-2, which in the 5GS include NR base stations (gNBs) and optionally next generation eNBs (ng-eNBs) (i.e., LTE RAN nodes connected to the 5GC), controlling corresponding (macro) cells504-1and504-2. The base stations502-1and502-2are generally referred to herein collectively as base stations502and individually as base station502. Likewise, the (macro) cells504-1and504-2are generally referred to herein collectively as (macro) cells504and individually as (macro) cell504. The RAN may also include a number of low power nodes506-1through506-4controlling corresponding small cells508-1through508-4. The low power nodes506-1through506-4can be small base stations (such as pico or femto base stations) or Remote Radio Heads (RRHs), or the like. Notably, while not illustrated, one or more of the small cells508-1through508-4may alternatively be provided by the base stations502. The low power nodes506-1through506-4are generally referred to herein collectively as low power nodes506and individually as low power node506. Likewise, the small cells508-1through508-4are generally referred to herein collectively as small cells508and individually as small cell508. The cellular communications system500also includes a core network510, which in the 5GS is referred to as the 5G Core (5GC). The base stations502(and optionally the low power nodes506) are connected to the core network510.

The base stations502and the low power nodes506provide service to wireless communication devices512-1through512-5in the corresponding cells504and508. The wireless communication devices512-1through512-5are generally referred to herein collectively as wireless communication devices512and individually as wireless communication device512. In the following description, the wireless communication devices512are oftentimes UEs and, as such, are often referred to as UEs512; however, the present disclosure is not limited thereto.

Now, a description of details of embodiments of the present disclosure will be provided.

UE Capability of A-CSI Measurement Made on Dormant BWP and Reporting on Another Cell

FIG.6is a flow chart that illustrates the operation of a UE512in accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure. Optional steps are represented by dashed lines/boxes. As illustrated, the UE512indicates a first capability indicating support of SCell dormancy operation using a dormant BWP operation for one or more SCells (step600). In other words, the UE512transmits the first capability (also referred to herein as first capability information) to a network node. The UE512may indicate a separate second capability indicating support of A-CSI measurement on dormant BWP for one or more SCells (step602). In other words, the UE512may transmit second capability (also referred to herein as second capability information) to a network node (e.g., the same network node to which the first capability information is transmitted).

The UE512is switched to a dormant BWP of an SCell (step604). The UE512performs one or more actions in accordance with the first and second capability information (step606).

In one embodiment, if the UE512indicates support of SCell dormancy using dormant BWP operation without indicating support of A-CSI measurement for dormant BWP, when the UE512is switched to a dormant BWP of an SCell, the UE512a) stops receiving Physical Downlink Control Channel (PDCCH) for the SCell, b) does not receive Downlink Shared Channel (DL-SCH) on the SCell, c) performs any periodic CSI reporting (if configured), d) performs any semi-persistent CSI reporting (if configured), but the A-CSI measurements for the SCell cannot be triggered for that UE512(step606A).

If the UE512indicates support of SCell dormancy using dormant BWP operation and also indicates support of A-CSI measurement for dormant BWP, when the UE512is switched to a dormant BWP of an SCell, the UE can measure A-CSI using CSI-RS on the SCell and transmit the measurement report on another cell (e.g., PCell/PSCell or another scheduling cell) (step606B). The PDCCH to trigger the A-CSI measurement on the dormant BWP of SCell can be received by the UE on another cell (e.g., PCell/PSCell). The cell on which the trigger is received and the cell on which the CSI measurement report is transmitted can be the same cell or different cells. In addition to A-CSI measurements, the UE can perform other operations (e.g., any one or more and possibly all of operations a)-d) mentioned above) when switched to the dormant BWP.

The second UE capability indicating support of A-CSI measurement on a dormant BWP for one or more SCells can include one or more parameter settings associated with A-CSI measurement on the dormant BWP or associated with the A-CSI reporting on another cell (such as a PCell). The one or more parameters can include, e.g., an aperiodic CSI triggering offset, a minimum value of A-CSI triggering offset, etc. The one or more parameters can include a gap between the end of PDCCH on the triggering cell and the start of CSI-RS on the triggered cell. This gap can be in units of absolute time (e.g., ms) or in units of PDCCH symbols. An example with PDCCH symbols is shown below. This can be a first set of values that a UE can indicate it supports. The network can suitably configure the UE with A-CSI measurement in the dormant BWP and configure the UE with reporting based on the UE reported value.

The UE512may indicate a different value of the gap based on the SCell dormancy transition time that it reports. Thus, if the UE512indicates 3 ms for dormancy/non-dormancy transition, the same 3 ms can be used as the minimum gap for configuring A-CSI measurement in dormant BWP.

The minimum value of A-CSI triggering offset can be dependent on the SCS of triggering cell (e.g., PDCCH of primary cell if primary cell is triggering cell) and the SCS of the secondary cell (cell and BWP on which the A-CSI is triggered).

In some cases, the UE512may indicate the capability to support A-CSI measurement on a dormant BWP only if it also indicates the capability to support operation using a minimum scheduling offset (K0 configuration) between PDCCH reception and corresponding PDSCH/aperiodic CSI-RS triggering by the PDCCH.

In some cases, the UE512may indicate the capability to support A-CSI measurement on a dormant BWP only for certain Carrier Aggregation (CA) cases, e.g., for a case when the triggering PDCCH on cell 1 and the corresponding CSI-RS on cell 2 with a dormant BWP on which the CSI is measured have different SCS (sub-carrier spacing) configuration.

An example of capability description is shown below.

In another example, using an assistance signaling framework, the UE512can inform the network (e.g., base station502) of a preferred A-CSI triggering offset or a minimum gap that the UE512prefers for dormant BWP operation. The network can use this assistance information for properly configuring the triggering offsets for the dormant BWP. The preferred A-CSI triggering offset can be different than the preferred A-CSI triggering offset the UE512can report for a BWP other than dormant BWP.

The UE indication of support of A-CSI measurement on a dormant BWP can be different from the capability that UE uses to indicate support of A-CSI measurement on BWP other than dormant BWP.

Another embodiment is described below.

In this other embodiment, as illustrated inFIG.7, the UE512indicates a first capability(-ies) that indicates that the UE512supports dormant BWP operation for one or more SCells (step700). The UE512may indicate a second capability that indicates that the UE512does NOT support of A-CSI measurement on a dormant BWP for one or more SCells under certain conditions (702). The second UE capability can include one or more parameter settings associated with A-CSI measurement on the dormant BWP or associated with the A-CSI reporting on another cell (such as a PCell). The one or more parameters can include, for example, an aperiodic CSI triggering offset, a minimum value of A-CSI triggering offset, etc.

A UE512indicating the first capability only (i.e., indicating on that the UE512supports dormant BWP operation for one or more SCells) can be configured with dormant BWP and A-CSI measurement on the dormant BWP.

A UE512indicating both capabilities (i.e., indicating on that the UE512supports dormant BWP operation for one or more SCells and also indicating that the UE512does NOT support of A-CSI measurement on a dormant BWP for one or more SCells under certain conditions) cannot be configured with a dormant BWP and A-CSI measurement on the dormant BWP under those certain conditions.

The UE512is switched to a dormant BWP of an SCell (step704). The UE512performs one or more actions in accordance with the first and second capability information (step706). If UE512indicated the first capability only (i.e., indicating on that the UE512supports dormant BWP operation for one or more SCells), the UE512can be configured with dormant BWP and A-CSI measurement on the dormant BWP and, therefore, the UE512operates accordingly. They UE512may thereafter perform the corresponding measurement. If the UE512indicated both capabilities (i.e., indicates that the UE512supports dormant BWP operation for one or more SCells and also indicates that the UE512does NOT support of A-CSI measurement on a dormant BWP for one or more SCells under certain conditions), the UE512cannot be configured with a dormant BWP and A-CSI measurement on the dormant BWP under those certain conditions and, as such, the UE512operates accordingly to perform corresponding measurements.

The principles described above can be applied for SRS transmission in the dormant BWP as described below.

UE Capability of SRS Transmission Made on Dormant BWP and Reporting on Another Cell

FIG.8is a flow chart that illustrates the operation of a UE512in accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure. Optional steps are represented by dashed lines/boxes. As illustrated, the UE512indicates a first capability indicating support of dormant BWP operation for one or more SCells (step800). In other words, the UE512transmits the first capability (also referred to herein as first capability information) to a network node. The UE512may indicate a separate second capability indicating support of SRS transmission on dormant BWP for one or more SCells (step802). In other words, the UE512may transmit second capability (also referred to herein as second capability information) to a network node (e.g., the same network node to which the first capability information is transmitted).

The UE512is switched to a dormant BWP of an SCell (step804). The UE512performs one or more actions in accordance with the first and second capability information (step806), such as transmitting or receiving SRSs and measurement reports.

In one embodiment, if the UE512indicates support of SCell dormancy using dormant BWP operation without indicating support of A-SRS transmission for dormant BWP, when the UE512is switched to a dormant BWP of an SCell, the UE512a) stops receiving PDCCH for the SCell, b) does not receive DL-SCH on the SCell, c) performs any periodic SRS reporting (if configured), d) performs any semi-persistent SRS reporting (if configured), but the A-SRS transmissions for the SCell cannot be triggered for that UE512(step806A).

If the UE512indicates support of SCell dormancy using dormant BWP operation and also indicates support of A-SRS transmissions for dormant BWP, when the UE512is switched to dormant BWP of an SCell, the UE512can transmit A-SRS on the SCell and transmit the measurement report on another cell (e.g., PCell/PSCell or another scheduling cell) (step806B). The PDCCH to trigger the A-SRS transmission on the dormant BWP of SCell can be received by the UE512on another cell (e.g., PCell/PSCell). In addition to A-SRS transmissions, the UE512can perform other operation(s) (e.g., any one or more and possibly all of operations a)-d) mentioned above) when switched to dormant BWP.

The second UE capability can include one or more parameter settings associated with SRS transmission on the dormant BWP or associated with the A-SRS reporting on another cell (such as a PCell). The one or more parameters can include, e.g., an aperiodic SRS triggering offset, a minimum value of A-SRS triggering offset, etc. The one or more parameters can include a gap between the end of PDCCH on triggering cell and start of SRS transmission on the triggered cell. This gap can be in the units of absolute time (ms) or in units of PDCCH symbols. An example with PDCCH symbols shown below. This can be a first set of values that a UE can indicate it supports. The NW can suitably configure the UE with SRS transmission in the dormant BWP and reporting based on the UE reported value.

The UE512may indicate a different value of the gap based on the SCell dormancy transition time that it reports. Thus, if the UE512indicates 3 ms for dormancy/non-dormancy transition, the same 3 ms can be used as the minimum gap for configuring SRS transmission in dormant BWP.

The minimum value of A-SRS triggering offset can be dependent on the SCS of triggering cell (e.g., PDCCH of primary cell if primary cell is triggering cell) and the SCS of the secondary cell (cell and BWP on which the A-SRS is triggered).

In another example, using an assistance signaling framework, the UE512can inform the network (e.g., a base station502) of a preferred A-SRS triggering offset or minimum gap that the UE512prefers for dormant BWP operation. The network can use this for properly configuring the triggering offsets for the dormant BWP. The preferred A-SRS triggering offset can be different than the preferred A-SRS triggering offset the UE512can report for a BWP other than dormant BWP.

The UE512indication of support of SRS transmission on dormant BWP can be different from the capability that UE512uses to indicate support of SRS transmission on BWP other than dormant BWP.

For periodic SRS, the UE512can indicate a parameter that indicates a minimum periodicity that the UE512would like. For example, if SRS is periodically configured every 1 ms, then the UE512cannot save any power in dormant BWP. So, the UE512may indicate that it prefers a period such as min 5 ms or min 10 ms. The network can configure the UE512appropriately with P-SRS.

In some cases, the UE512may indicate the capability to support A-SRS measurement on dormant BWP only if the UE512also indicates the capability to support operation using a minimum scheduling offset (K2 configuration) between PDCCH reception and corresponding PUSCH/aperiodic SRS triggering by the PDCCH.

In some cases, the UE512may indicate the capability to support A-SRS on dormant BWP only for certain CA cases, e.g. for case when the triggering PDCCH on cell 1 and the corresponding SRS on cell 2 with dormant BWP on which the SRS is transmitted have different SCS (sub-carrier spacing) configuration.

An example of capability description is shown below.

Another embodiment is described below:

In this embodiment, as illustrated inFIG.9, a UE512indicates a first capability that indicates that the UE512supports dormant BWP operation for one or more SCells (step900). The UE512may indicate a second capability that indicates that the UE512does NOT support SRS transmission on dormant BWP for one or more SCells under certain conditions (step902). The second UE capability can include one or more parameter settings associated with SRS transmission on the dormant BWP or associated with the A-SRS reporting on another cell (such as a SCell). The one or more parameters can include, e.g., an aperiodic SRS triggering offset, a minimum value of A-SRS triggering offset, etc.

A UE512indicating the first capability only (i.e., indicating on that the UE512supports dormant BWP operation for one or more SCells) can be configured with dormant BWP and SRS transmission on the dormant BWP.

A UE512indicating both capabilities (i.e., indicating on that the UE512supports dormant BWP operation for one or more SCells and also indicating that the UE512does NOT support of SRS measurement on a dormant BWP for one or more SCells under certain conditions) cannot be configured with dormant BWP and SRS transmission on the dormant BWP under those certain conditions.

The UE512is switched to a dormant BWP of an SCell (step904). The UE512performs one or more actions in accordance with the first and second capability information (step906). If UE512indicated the first capability only (i.e., indicating on that the UE512supports dormant BWP operation for one or more SCells), the UE512can be configured with dormant BWP and SRS transmission on the dormant BWP and, therefore, the UE512operates accordingly. If the UE512indicated both capabilities (i.e., indicates that the UE512supports dormant BWP operation for one or more SCells and also indicates that the UE512does NOT support of SRS measurement on a dormant BWP for one or more SCells under certain conditions), the UE512cannot be configured with a dormant BWP and SRS transmission on the dormant BWP under those certain conditions and, as such, the UE512operates accordingly.

Additional Description

FIG.10is a schematic block diagram of a network node1000according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. Optional features are represented by dashed boxes. The network node1000may be, for example, a base station502or506or a network node that implements all or part of the functionality of the base station502or gNB described herein. As illustrated, the network node1000includes a control system1002that includes one or more processors1004(e.g., Central Processing Units (CPUs), Application Specific Integrated Circuits (ASICs), Field Programmable Gate Arrays (FPGAs), and/or the like), memory1006, and a network interface1008. The one or more processors1004are also referred to herein as processing circuitry. In addition, the network node1000may include one or more radio units1010that each includes one or more transmitters1012and one or more receivers1014coupled to one or more antennas1016. The radio units1010may be referred to or be part of radio interface circuitry. In some embodiments, the radio unit(s)1010is external to the control system1002and connected to the control system1002via, e.g., a wired connection (e.g., an optical cable). However, in some other embodiments, the radio unit(s)1010and potentially the antenna(s)1016are integrated together with the control system1002. The one or more processors1004operate to provide one or more functions of a network node as described herein. In some embodiments, the function(s) are implemented in software that is stored, e.g., in the memory1006and executed by the one or more processors1004.

FIG.11is a schematic block diagram that illustrates a virtualized embodiment of the network node1000according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. This discussion is equally applicable to other types of network nodes. Further, other types of network nodes may have similar virtualized architectures. Again, optional features are represented by dashed boxes.

As used herein, a “virtualized” network node is an implementation of the network node1000in which at least a portion of the functionality of the network node1000is implemented as a virtual component(s) (e.g., via a virtual machine(s) executing on a physical processing node(s) in a network(s)). As illustrated, in this example, the network node1000may include the control system1002and/or the one or more radio units1010, as described above. The control system1002may be connected to the radio unit(s)1010via, for example, an optical cable or the like. The network node1000includes one or more processing nodes1100coupled to or included as part of a network(s)1102. If present, the control system1002or the radio unit(s) are connected to the processing node(s)1100via the network1102. Each processing node1100includes one or more processors1104(e.g., CPUs, ASICs, FPGAs, and/or the like), memory1106, and a network interface1108.

In this example, functions1110of the network node1000described herein are implemented at the one or more processing nodes1100or distributed across the one or more processing nodes1100and the control system1002and/or the radio unit(s)1010in any desired manner. In some particular embodiments, some or all of the functions1110of the network node1000described herein are implemented as virtual components executed by one or more virtual machines implemented in a virtual environment(s) hosted by the processing node(s)1100. As will be appreciated by one of ordinary skill in the art, additional signaling or communication between the processing node(s)1100and the control system1002is used in order to carry out at least some of the desired functions1110. Notably, in some embodiments, the control system1002may not be included, in which case the radio unit(s)1010communicate directly with the processing node(s)1100via an appropriate network interface(s).

FIG.12is a schematic block diagram of the network node1000according to some other embodiments of the present disclosure. The network node1000includes one or more modules1200, each of which is implemented in software. The module(s)1200provide the functionality of the network node1000described herein. This discussion is equally applicable to the processing node1100ofFIG.11where the modules1200may be implemented at one of the processing nodes1100or distributed across multiple processing nodes1100and/or distributed across the processing node(s)1100and the control system1002.

FIG.13is a schematic block diagram of a wireless communication device1300according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. The wireless communication device1300may be, for example, the UE512described herein. As illustrated, the wireless communication device1300includes one or more processors1302(e.g., CPUs, ASICs, FPGAs, and/or the like), memory1304, and one or more transceivers1306each including one or more transmitters1308and one or more receivers1310coupled to one or more antennas1312. The transceiver(s)1306includes radio-front end circuitry connected to the antenna(s)1312that is configured to condition signals communicated between the antenna(s)1312and the processor(s)1302, as will be appreciated by on of ordinary skill in the art. The processors1302are also referred to herein as processing circuitry. The transceivers1306are also referred to herein as radio circuitry. In some embodiments, the functionality of the wireless communication device1300described above may be fully or partially implemented in software that is, e.g., stored in the memory1304and executed by the processor(s)1302. Note that the wireless communication device1300may include additional components not illustrated inFIG.13such as, e.g., one or more user interface components (e.g., an input/output interface including a display, buttons, a touch screen, a microphone, a speaker(s), and/or the like and/or any other components for allowing input of information into the wireless communication device1300and/or allowing output of information from the wireless communication device1300), a power supply (e.g., a battery and associated power circuitry), etc.

FIG.14is a schematic block diagram of the wireless communication device1300according to some other embodiments of the present disclosure. The wireless communication device1300includes one or more modules1400, each of which is implemented in software. The module(s)1400provide the functionality of the wireless communication device1300described herein.

Some example embodiments of the present disclosure are as follows:

Embodiment 1: A method performed by a wireless communication device (512), comprising: transmitting (600), to a network node, first capability information that indicates that the wireless communication device (512) supports secondary cell, SCell, dormancy operation using a dormant bandwidth part, BWP, for one or more SCells; and transmitting (602), to the network node, second capability information that indicates whether the wireless communication device (512) supports aperiodic channel state information, A-CSI, measurement on a dormant BWP of one or more SCells.

Embodiment 2: The method of embodiment 1 further comprising: switching (604) to a dormant BWP of an SCell; and, upon switching (604) to the dormant BWP of the SCell, performing (606) one or more actions in accordance with the first capability information and the second capability information.

Embodiment 3: The method of embodiment 2 wherein the second capability information indicates that the wireless communication device (512) does not supports A-CSI measurement on a dormant BWP of one or more SCells, the one or more actions comprise: (a) stops receiving PDCCH for the SCell; (b) does not receive DL-SCH on the SCell; (c) performs any periodic CSI reporting (if configured); (d) performs any semi-persistent CSI reporting (if configured); or (e) a combination of any two or more of (a)-(d).

Embodiment 4: The method of embodiment 3 wherein A-CSI measurements for the SCell cannot be triggered for the wireless communication device (512).

Embodiment 5: The method of embodiment 2 wherein the second capability information indicates that the wireless communication device (512) does support A-CSI measurement on a dormant BWP of one or more SCells, the one or more actions comprise: measuring A-CSI using channel state information reference signal, CSI-RS, on the SCell; and transmitting, on a cell other than the SCell, a measurement report that comprises at least a subset of the A-CSI measurements or information derived from at least a subset of the A-CSI measurements.

Embodiment 6: The method of embodiment 5 wherein a PDCCH that triggers the A-CSI measurement on the dormant BWP of the SCell is received by the wireless communication device (512) on a cell other than the SCell.

Embodiment 7: The method of embodiment 5 or 6 wherein a cell on which the PDCCH that triggers the A-CSI measurement on the dormant BWP of the SCell is received by the wireless communication device (512) is a same cell on which the wireless communication device (512) transmits the measurement report.

Embodiment 8: The method of embodiment 5 or 6 wherein a cell on which the PDCCH that triggers the A-CSI measurement on the dormant BWP of the SCell is received by the wireless communication device (512) is a cell other than a cell on which the wireless communication device (512) transmits the measurement report.

Embodiment 9: The method of any one of embodiments 1 to 8 wherein the second capability information comprises one or more parameters associated with A-CSI measurement on a dormant BWP of one or more SCells and/or one or more parameters associated with A-CSI measurement reporting on another cell.

Embodiment 10: The method of embodiment 9 wherein the one or more parameter comprises an aperiodic CSI triggering offset and/or a minimum value of an A-CSI triggering offset.

Embodiment 12: The method of embodiment 11 wherein a value of the parameter that defines the gap is based on an SCell dormancy transition time (e.g., that the wireless communication device (512) reports).

Embodiment 13: The method of any one of embodiments 9 to 12 wherein the one or more parameters comprise a minimum value of an A-CSI triggering offset, and the minimum value of the A-CSI triggering offset is dependent on a subcarrier spacing of a cell on which a PDCCH triggering A-CSI measurement is received by the wireless communication device (512).

Embodiment 14: The method of any one of embodiments 1 to 13 wherein the second capability information indicates a capability to support A-CSI measurement on a dormant BWP of one or more SCells only if the wireless communication device512also indicates a capability to support operation using a minimum scheduling offset between PDCCH reception and corresponding PDSCH/aperiodic CSI-RS triggering by the PDCCH.

Embodiment 15: The method of any one of embodiments 1 to 14 further comprising transmitting assistance information to the network node that informs the network node of a preferred A-CSI triggering offset or a minimum gap for dormant BWP operation.

Embodiment 16: The method of any one of embodiments 1 to 15 wherein the second capability information is different from capability information that the wireless communication device (512) uses to indicate support of A-CSI measurement on BWP(s) other than dormant BWP(s).

Embodiment 17: The method of embodiment 1 or 2 wherein the second capability information indicates that the wireless communication device (512) does not support A-CSI measurement on a dormant BWP of one or more SCells under one or more certain conditions.

Embodiment 18: A method performed by a wireless communication device (512), comprising: transmitting (800), to a network node, first capability information that indicates that the wireless communication device (512) supports secondary cell, SCell, dormancy operation using a dormant bandwidth part, BWP, for one or more SCells; and transmitting (802), to the network node, second capability information that indicates whether the wireless communication device (512) supports sounding reference signal, SRS, transmission on a dormant BWP of one or more SCells.

Embodiment 19: The method of embodiment 19 further comprising: switching (804) to a dormant BWP of an SCell; and, upon switching (804) to the dormant BWP of the SCell, performing (806) one or more actions in accordance with the first capability information and the second capability information.

Embodiment 20: The method of embodiment 19 wherein the second capability information indicates that the wireless communication device (512) does not supports SRS transmission on a dormant BWP of one or more SCells, the one or more actions comprise: (a) stops receiving PDCCH for the SCell; (b) does not receive DL-SCH on the SCell; (c) performs any periodic SRS reporting (if configured); (d) performs any semi-persistent SRS reporting (if configured); or (e) a combination of any two or more of (a)-(d).

Embodiment 21: The method of embodiment 20 wherein SRS transmission for the SCell cannot be triggered for the wireless communication device (512).\

Embodiment 22: The method of embodiment 19 wherein the second capability information indicates that the wireless communication device (512) does support SRS transmission on a dormant BWP of one or more SCells, the one or more actions comprise transmitting aperiodic SRS on the SCell.

Embodiment 23: The method of embodiment 22 wherein the one or more actions further comprise transmitting a measurement report on a cell other than the SCell.

Embodiment 24: The method of any one of embodiments 18 to 23 wherein the second capability information comprises one or more parameters associated with SRS transmission on a dormant BWP of one or more SCells and/or one or more parameters associated with A-SRS reporting on another cell.

Embodiment 25: The method of embodiment 24 wherein the one or more parameter comprises an aperiodic SRS triggering offset and/or a minimum value of an A-SRS triggering offset.

Embodiment 27: The method of embodiment 26 wherein a value of the parameter that defines the gap is based on an SCell dormancy transition time (e.g., that the wireless communication device (512) reports).

Embodiment 28: The method of any one of embodiments 24 to 27 wherein the one or more parameters comprise a minimum value of an A-SRS triggering offset, and the minimum value of the A-SRS triggering offset is dependent on a subcarrier spacing of a cell on which a PDCCH triggering SRS transmission is received by the wireless communication device (512).

Embodiment 29: The method of any one of embodiments 18 to 28 further comprising transmitting assistance information to the network node that informs the network node of a preferred A-SRS triggering offset or a minimum gap for dormant BWP operation.

Embodiment 30: The method of embodiment 18 or 19 wherein the second capability information indicates that the wireless communication device (512) does not support A-SRS measurement on a dormant BWP of one or more SCells under one or more certain conditions.

Embodiment 31: A wireless communication device (512) adapted to perform the method of any one of embodiments 1 to 30.