Patent Description:
In some wireless communications systems, a base station and a UE may exchange control information and data on one or more beams. In some cases, it may be appropriate for a UE to identify appropriate spatial parameters for receiving control information (e.g., in an initial coreset) from a base station. Conventional techniques for identifying appropriate spatial parameters for receiving control information from a base station may be deficient.

The best prior art documents are R4-<NUM> and R1-<NUM>.

The invention made is captured in the attached set of independent claims. Additional optional features are captured in the attached set of dependent claims.

The invention made is disclosed in the embodiments referring to <FIG>, <FIG>, <FIG>, and <FIG>.

In some wireless communications systems, a base station and a user equipment (UE) may exchange control information and data. In such systems, for a control information transmission (e.g., a downlink control information transmission), it may be appropriate for a UE to identify appropriate spatial parameters for receiving the control information transmission. For instance, it may be appropriate for the UE to identify a delay spread, a Doppler shift, a suitable beam, etc, for receiving the control information transmission. Accordingly, the UE may identify spatial parameters (e.g., a quasi co-locaiton (QCL) type, a delay spread, a doppler shift, etc. for a suitable beam) for receiving a control information transmission, based on a QCL relationship between the control information transmission and another transmission (e.g., a reference signal transmission). However, conventional techniques for identifying such spatial parameters for receiving a control information transmission in an initial control resource set (coreset) may be deficient.

For example, information for a coreset may include the number of resource blocks (RBs), frequency location information, the number of orthogonal frequency division multiplexing (OFDM) symbols, etc. for control information. A coreset may further be associated with several (e.g., <NUM>) transmission configuration indication (TCI) states (e.g., a set of TCI states), where a TCI state may indicate spatial parameters for receiving control information in a coreset. A TCI state may be associated with a synchronization signal block (SSB) and may indicate QCL relationships between UE received reference signals and the control information transmissions. For example, each SSB may be associated with three TCI states of the set of TCI states each indicating at least one of three different channel state information reference signals (CSI-RSs) with the SSB as a QCL source. As such, each TCI state of the set of TCI states may indicate spatial parameters for receiving control information in a coreset via the QCL source (e.g., or the SSB) and the channel state reference signal (e.g., or the CSI-RS) associated with the TCI state.

However, in some cases, the number of TCI states corresponding to SSBs associated with a default CORESET, for example such as an initial coreset (e.g., the number of TCI states corresponding to SSBs that could be transmitted in association with the initial coreset or that could indicate CORESET#<NUM> information), may exceed the number of TCI states in the set of TCI states associated with the default CORESET. For example, the set of TCI states applicable to CORESET#<NUM> may include the first <NUM> TCI states, each of which indicates at least one CSI-RS with an SSB as a QCL source. As each SSB may be associated with three TCI states (e.g., each indicating at least one of three different CSI-RSs), the set of TCI states may be limited to <NUM> SSBs (e.g., as <NUM> SSBs may be associated with <NUM> TCI states, leaving a single remaining TCI state for the <NUM>nd SSB). In some cases, the number of SSBs that could be transmitted in association with the initial coreset (e.g., the number of SSBs that could indicate CORESET#<NUM> information via a master information block (MIB) of each SSB) may exceed such a limitation (e.g., there may be <NUM> or more SSBs associated with the CORESET#<NUM>). As such, any additional SSBs (e.g., any SSBs that could be transmitted in association with the initial coreset in excess of the first <NUM> SSBs) may be mapped to remaining TCI states after the TCI states included in the set of TCI states (e.g., the <NUM>rd or following SSBs may be mapped to remaining TCI states after the 64th TCI state). Hence, these additional SSBs may not be usable for CORESET#<NUM> indication.

The described techniques may provide for TCI state ordering for an initial coreset, where TCI states of the set of TCI states may be ordered such that each SSB (e.g., each SSB associated with the initial coreset) may appear at least once as a CSI-RS QCL source (e.g., within the first <NUM> sorted TCI states). In some examples, TCI state ordering may refer to a mapping between the set of TCI states and each SSB associated with the initial coreset (e.g., a mapping between TCI states and SSB indexes). Therefore, any given SSB associated with the initial coreset may be used as the QCL source (e.g., via the one or more TCI states, included in the set of TCI states, that correspond to the any given SSB). As described herein, a wireless communications system may support efficient techniques for identifying and conveying spatial parameters for receiving control information communication in an initial coreset (e.g., CORESET #<NUM>). In one example, a UE may receive a TCI state indicating reference signals quasi co-located with a control information transmission in an initial coreset (e.g., the UE may identify a CSI-RS associated with a SSB that is quasi co-located with a control information transmission in CORESET#<NUM>, based at least in part on the TCI state). The TCI state may be identified from a set of TCI states, where the set of TCI states includes at least one TCI state corresponding to each SSB (e.g., each QCL source) associated with the initial coreset. As such, the UE may identify spatial parameters for monitoring the initial coreset for the control information transmission in accordance with the TCI state. The set of TCI states inclusion of at least one TCI state corresponding to each SSB (e.g., each QCL source) associated with the initial coreset may ensure UEs may identify appropriate spatial parameters for monitoring the initial coreset using any SSB (e.g., any QCL source) associated with the initial coreset.

Aspects of the disclosure are initially described in the context of a wireless communications system. Process flows for implementing the discussed techniques are then described. Aspects of the disclosure are further illustrated by and described with reference to apparatus diagrams, system diagrams, and flowcharts that relate to TCI state ordering for an initial coreset.

<FIG> illustrates an example of a wireless communications system <NUM> that supports configuring TCI states for an initial coreset in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure. The wireless communications system <NUM> includes base stations <NUM>, UEs <NUM>, and a core network <NUM>. In some examples, the wireless communications system <NUM> may be a Long Term Evolution (LTE) network, an LTE-Advanced (LTE-A) network, an LTE-A Pro network, or a New Radio (NR) network. In some cases, wireless communications system <NUM> may support enhanced broadband communications, ultra-reliable (e.g., mission critical) communications, low latency communications, or communications with low-cost and low-complexity devices.

The UEs <NUM> described herein may be able to communicate with various types of base stations <NUM> and network equipment including macro cell eNBs, small cell eNBs, gNBs, relay base stations, and the like.

Each base station <NUM> may be associated with a particular geographic coverage area <NUM> in which communications with various UEs <NUM> are supported.

The geographic coverage area <NUM> for a base station <NUM> may be divided into sectors, each making up a portion of the geographic coverage area <NUM>, and each sector may be associated with a cell.

In some cases, the term "cell" may refer to a portion of a geographic coverage area <NUM> (e.g., a sector) over which the logical communication entity operates.

Some UEs <NUM>, such as MTC or IoT devices, may be low-cost or low-complexity devices, and may provide for automated communication between machines (e.g., via Machine-to-Machine (M2M) communication).

Other UEs <NUM> in such a group may be outside the geographic coverage area <NUM> of the base station <NUM>, or be otherwise unable to receive transmissions from the base station <NUM>. In some cases, a group of UEs <NUM> communicating via D2D communications may utilize a one-to-many (<NUM>:M) system in which each UE <NUM> transmits to every other UE <NUM> in the group.

Base stations <NUM> may communicate with one another either directly (e.g., directly between base stations <NUM>) over backhaul links <NUM> (e.g., via an X2, Xn, or other interface) or indirectly (e.g., via core network <NUM>).

The operators IP services may include access to one of the Internet, Intranet(s), and an IP Multimedia Subsystem (IMS), or a Packet-Switched (PS) Streaming Service.

Transmission of UHF waves may be associated with smaller antennas and shorter range (e.g., less than <NUM>) compared to transmission using the smaller frequencies and longer waves of the high frequency (HF) or very high frequency (VHF) portion of the radio frequency spectrum below <NUM>.

For example, wireless communications system <NUM> may employ License Assisted Access (LAA), LTE-Unlicensed (LTE-U) radio access technology, or NR technology in an unlicensed radio frequency spectrum band such as the <NUM> ISM band. In some cases, operations in unlicensed radio frequency spectrum bands may be based on a carrier aggregation configuration in conjunction with component carriers operating in a licensed radio frequency spectrum band (e.g., LAA). Duplexing in unlicensed radio frequency spectrum bands may be based on frequency division duplexing (FDD), time division duplexing (TDD), or a combination of both.

For example, wireless communications system <NUM> may use a transmission scheme between a transmitting device (e.g., a base station <NUM>) and a receiving device (e.g., a UE <NUM>), where the transmitting device is equipped with multiple antennas and the receiving device is equipped with one or more antennas.

In one example, a base station <NUM> may use multiple antennas or antenna arrays to conduct beamforming operations for directional communications with a UE <NUM>. For instance, some signals (e.g. synchronization signals, reference signals, beam selection signals, or other control signals) may be transmitted by a base station <NUM> multiple times in different directions, which may include a signal being transmitted according to different beamforming weight sets associated with different directions of transmission. Transmissions in different beam directions may be used to identify (e.g., by the base station <NUM> or a receiving device, such as a UE <NUM>) a beam direction for subsequent transmission and/or reception by the base station <NUM>.

Some signals, such as data signals associated with a particular receiving device, may be transmitted by a base station <NUM> in a single beam direction (e.g., a direction associated with the receiving device, such as a UE <NUM>). In some examples, the beam direction associated with transmissions along a single beam direction may be determined based at least in in part on a signal that was transmitted in different beam directions. For example, a UE <NUM> may receive one or more of the signals transmitted by the base station <NUM> in different directions, and the UE <NUM> may report to the base station <NUM> an indication of the signal it received with a highest signal quality, or an otherwise acceptable signal quality. Although these techniques are described with reference to signals transmitted in one or more directions by a base station <NUM>, a UE <NUM> may employ similar techniques for transmitting signals multiple times in different directions (e.g., for identifying a beam direction for subsequent transmission or reception by the UE <NUM>), or transmitting a signal in a single direction (e.g., for transmitting data to a receiving device).

In some cases, the antennas of a base station <NUM> or UE <NUM> may be located within one or more antenna arrays, which may support MIMO operations, or transmit or receive beamformed communications.

For example, a carrier of a communication link <NUM> may include a portion of a radio frequency spectrum that is operated according to physical layer channels for a given radio access technology. A carrier may be associated with a pre-defined frequency channel (e.g., an evolved universal mobile telecommunication system terrestrial radio access (E-UTRA) absolute radio frequency channel number (EARFCN)), and may be positioned according to a channel raster for discovery by UEs <NUM>. In some examples, signal waveforms transmitted over a carrier may be made up of multiple sub-carriers (e.g., using multi-carrier modulation (MCM) techniques such as orthogonal frequency division multiplexing (OFDM) or discrete Fourier transform spread OFDM (DFT-S-OFDM)).

The organizational structure of the carriers may be different for different radio access technologies (e.g., LTE, LTE-A, LTE-A Pro, NR).

Devices of the wireless communications system <NUM> (e.g., base stations <NUM> or UEs <NUM>) may have a hardware configuration that supports communications over a particular carrier bandwidth or may be configurable to support communications over one of a set of carrier bandwidths. In some examples, the wireless communications system <NUM> may include base stations <NUM> and/or UEs <NUM> that support simultaneous communications via carriers associated with more than one different carrier bandwidth.

Wireless communications system <NUM> may support communication with a UE <NUM> on multiple cells or carriers, a feature which may be referred to as carrier aggregation or multi-carrier operation.

An eCC may also be configured for use in unlicensed spectrum bands or shared spectrum bands (e.g., where more than one operator is allowed to use the spectrum bands).

In some cases, an eCC may utilize a different symbol duration than other component carriers, which may include use of a reduced symbol duration as compared with symbol durations of the other component carriers.

Wireless communications system <NUM> may be an NR system that may utilize any combination of licensed, shared, and unlicensed spectrum bands, among others. The flexibility of eCC symbol duration and subcarrier spacing may allow for the use of eCC across multiple spectrums. In some examples, NR shared spectrum bands may increase spectrum utilization and spectral efficiency, specifically through dynamic vertical (e.g., across the frequency domain) and horizontal (e.g., across the time domain) sharing of resources.

In some wireless communications systems, a base station <NUM> and a UE <NUM> may exchange control information and data. In such systems, for a downlink control information transmission, it may be appropriate for a UE <NUM> to identify appropriate spatial parameters for receiving the control information transmission. For instance, it may be appropriate for the UE <NUM> to identify a delay spread, a Doppler shift, etc. for receiving the control information transmission and a suitable beam for receiving the control information transmission. Accordingly, the UE <NUM> may identify spatial parameters for receiving a control information transmission based on a QCL relationship between the control information transmission and another transmission (e.g., a reference signal transmission).

However, conventional techniques for identifying such spatial parameters for receiving a control information transmission in an initial coreset may be deficient. For example, TCI states applicable to CORESET#<NUM> may include the first <NUM> TCI states each indicating at least one CSI-RS with an SSB as a QCL source (e.g., a bit sequence for indicating a TCI state for CORESET#<NUM> in information for CORESET#<NUM> may be limited to, for example, <NUM> bits that may indicate up to <NUM> values or <NUM> different TCI states). TCI states applicable to CORESET#<NUM> may be (<NUM>) up to the first <NUM> TCI states sorted by TCI-state IDs, and (<NUM>) each indicative of at least one CSI-RS sourced from an SSB. However, those <NUM> TCI states may not capture all SSBs if there are multiple TCI states each indicating at least one CSI-RS with the same SSB as a QCL source. As such, CORESET#<NUM> may not be indicatable by some SSB in such cases. For example, a base station <NUM> may transmit several (e.g., <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, etc.) SSBs associated with (e.g., including MIBs that point to) an initial coreset (e.g., CORESET#<NUM>). A set of TCI states applicable to the initial coreset may include TCI states up to the first <NUM> TCI states sorted by TCI-state IDs each of which indicates at least one CSI-RS sourced from an SSB, where each SSB is associated with three of the first <NUM> TCI states including three different CSI-RSs (e.g., with the same SSB as the QCL source). Depending on the ordering of the set of TCI states (e.g., depending on how TCI state are ordered), the first <NUM> TCI states, each of which indicating at least one CSI-RS with an SSB as a QCL source, may not capture all SSBs.

For example, in cases where <NUM> SSBs are associated with the initial coreset, if the set of TCI states is ordered as <NUM> TCIs for SSB <NUM> (e.g., TCI states <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM> mapped to SSB <NUM> QCL source), then <NUM> TCIs for SSB <NUM> (e.g., TCI states <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM> mapped to SSB <NUM> QCL source), then <NUM> TCIs for SSB3, and so on, in such cases, only <NUM> SSBs are captured by the first <NUM> TCI states, instead of total <NUM> SSBs. As such, the remaining SSBs (e.g., from SSB 23to SSB <NUM>) may have to be mapped to remaining TCI states after TCI state <NUM>. Hence these SSBs may not be usable for CORESET#<NUM> indication. Wireless communications system <NUM> may support efficient techniques for identifying spatial parameters for receiving control information in an initial coreset (e.g., based on TCI state ordering that includes at least one TCI state for each QCL source or SSB associated with the initial coreset). In the present example where <NUM> SSBs are associated with the initial coreset, the described techniques may map two TCI states (of the first <NUM> TCI states) to each SSB and map the remaining TCI states (e.g., the remaining <NUM> TCI states, from TCI state <NUM> to TCI state <NUM>, each associated with one of the <NUM> SSBs) again to the <NUM> SSBs. For example, TCI state <NUM> and TCI state <NUM> are mapped to SSB1 QCL source, TCI state <NUM> and TCI state <NUM> are mapped to SSB <NUM> QCL source, and so on, till TCI state <NUM> and TCI state <NUM> are mapped to SSB <NUM> QCL source. Then remaining TCI states (e.g., TCI states that may be associated with other coresets, TCI states that are not within the set of TCI states applicable to the initial coreset, etc.) may be mapped accordingly. For example, TCI state <NUM> may be mapped to SSB <NUM>, TCI state <NUM> mapped to SSB2, and so on, till TCI state <NUM> may be mapped to SSB <NUM>.

<FIG> illustrates an example of a wireless communications system <NUM> that supports TCI state ordering for an initial coreset in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure. In some examples, wireless communications system <NUM> may implement aspects of wireless communication system <NUM>. Wireless communications system <NUM> includes base station <NUM>-a, which may be an example of a base station <NUM> described with reference to <FIG>. Wireless communications system <NUM> also includes UE <NUM>-a, which may be an example of a UE <NUM> described with reference to <FIG>. Base station <NUM>-a may provide communication coverage for a respective coverage area <NUM>-a, which may be an example of a coverage area <NUM> described with reference to <FIG>. Wireless communications system <NUM> may implement aspects of wireless communications system <NUM>. For example, wireless communications system <NUM> may support efficient techniques for identifying spatial parameters for receiving control information in an initial coreset (e.g., CORESET#O).

In one example, UE <NUM>-a may receive a TCI state indicating reference signals quasi co-located with a control information transmission in an initial coreset (e.g., CORESET#<NUM>). The UE <NUM>-a may identify a QCL relationship between a CSI-RS (e.g., associated with the SSB or QCL source) and the control information transmission in the initial coreset. The UE <NUM>-a may thus identify spatial parameters for monitoring the initial coreset for the control information transmission in accordance with the TCI state or the QCL relationship.

Wireless communications system <NUM> may provide for TCI state ordering for an initial coreset, where TCI states of a set of TCI states (e.g., a set of <NUM> TCI states applicable to CORESET#<NUM>) may be ordered such that each SSB (e.g., each SSB associated with the initial coreset) may appear at least once as CSI-RS QCL source (e.g., within the first <NUM> sorted TCI states). Therefore, any given SSB associated with the initial coreset may be used as the QCL source (e.g., via the one or more TCI states, included in the set of TCI states, that correspond to the any given SSB). As described herein, wireless communications system <NUM> may support efficient techniques for identifying and conveying spatial parameters for receiving control information communication in an initial coreset (e.g., CORESET #<NUM>). In one example, UE <NUM>-a may receive a TCI state indicating reference signals quasi co-located with a control information transmission in an initial coreset (e.g., the UE may identify a CSI-RS associated with a SSB that is quasi co-located with a control information transmission in CORESET#<NUM> based at least in part on the TCI state). The TCI state may be identified from a set of TCI states, where the set of TCI states includes at least one TCI state corresponding to each SSB (e.g., each QCL source) associated with the initial coreset. As such, the UE may identify spatial parameters for monitoring the initial coreset for the control information transmission in accordance with the TCI state. The set of TCI states inclusion of at least one TCI state corresponding to each SSB (e.g., each QCL source) associated with the initial coreset may ensure UEs may identify appropriate spatial parameters for monitoring the initial coreset using any SSB (e.g., any QCL source) associated with the initial coreset.

For example, base station <NUM>-a may transmit several (e.g., <NUM>, <NUM>, etc.) SSBs associated with (e.g., including MIBs that point to) an initial coreset (e.g., CORESET#O). A set of TCI states applicable to the initial coreset may include TCI states up to the first <NUM> TCI states sorted by TCI-state IDs each of which indicates at least one CSI-RS sourced from an SSB, as well as at least one TCI state corresponding to each SSB associated with the initial coreset (e.g., such that each SSB must appear at least once as CSI-RS QCL source within the first <NUM> sorted TCI states). That is, the TCI states applicable to the CORESET#<NUM> may be (<NUM>) up to the first <NUM> sorted by TCI-state IDs, and (<NUM>) each indicative of at least one CSI-RS sourced from an SSB, such that (<NUM>) each SSB appears at least once as CSI-RS QCL source within the first <NUM> sorted TCI states. In one example, <NUM> SSBs may be associated with an initial coreset transmission (e.g., base station <NUM>-a may transmit <NUM> SSBs with MIBs indicating the initial coreset). For any given SSB X (e.g., an integer value), there may be three TCI states each indicating at least one of three different CSI-RSs with SSB X as the QCL source (e.g., source of the spatial parameters associated with the reference signals, or the three CSI-RSs). A set of TCI states applicable to the initial coreset may be ordered such that each SSB appears at least once as a CSI-RS QCL source within the set of TCI states (e.g., the first <NUM> sorted states applicable to the initial coreset) as shown below:
TCI <NUM> for SSB <NUM>, TCI <NUM> for SSB <NUM>, TCI <NUM> for SSB <NUM>,. , TCI <NUM> for SSB32, TCI <NUM> for SSB <NUM>, TCI <NUM> for SSB <NUM>,. , TCI <NUM> for SSB32, TCI <NUM> for SSB <NUM>,. , TCI <NUM> for SSB32
up to the 64th TCI state (e.g., for TCI state <NUM> up to TCI state <NUM>). As such, all <NUM> SSBs may be captured in first <NUM> TCI states (e.g., each of the <NUM> SSBs may correspond to at least one TCI state in the set of TCI states). It should be noted that other orderings may be implemented by analogy, without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. For example, TCI states associated with an SSB may be prioritized in any number of ways, where the higher priority TCI states for each SSB are sequentially ordered for the set of TCI states, until the limit of the set of TCI states is reached (e.g., up until the <NUM>th TCI state, up until the <NUM>nth TCI state when an n bit sequence is used for indicating a TCI state for an initial coreset, etc.). As such, various numbers of SSBs may be associated with an initial coreset, and the set of TCI states applicable to the initial coreset may ordered such that each SSB appears at least once as CSI-RS QCL source within the sorted set of TCI states (e.g., within the sorted set of TCI states applicable to the initial coreset).

<FIG> illustrates an example of a process flow <NUM> that supports TCI state ordering for an initial coreset in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure. In some examples, process flow <NUM> may implement aspects of wireless communication system <NUM>. Process flow <NUM> illustrates aspects of techniques performed by a base station <NUM>-b, which may be an example of a base station <NUM> described with reference to <FIG> and <FIG>. Process flow <NUM> also illustrates aspects of techniques performed by UE <NUM>-b, which may be an example of a UE <NUM> described with reference to <FIG> and <FIG>. In the following description of the process flow <NUM>, the operations between the base station <NUM>-b and the UE <NUM>-b may be transmitted in a different order than the exemplary order shown, or the operations performed base station <NUM>-b and UE <NUM>-b may be performed in different orders or at different times. In some cases, certain operations may also be left out of the process flow <NUM>, or other operations may be added to the process flow <NUM>.

At <NUM>, base station <NUM>-b may optionally transmit signaling pertaining to the set of TCI states (e.g., the set of TCI states applicable to the initial coreset). For example, in some cases, the UE <NUM>-b may receive the signaling at <NUM> indicating a number of SSBs being transmitted in association with the initial coreset (e.g., the signaling indicating a number of SSBs base station <NUM>-b may transmit in association with, or with a MIB pointing to, the transmission of the initial coreset. In some cases, the signaling at <NUM> may include information pertaining to a number of quasi-collocated sources associated with the initial control resource set. In some cases, the UE <NUM>-b may receive the signaling at <NUM> indicating TCI state ordering within the set of TCI states (e.g., the UE <NUM>-b may receive the signaling indicating the ordering of TCI states within the set of TCI states, where the ordering includes at least one TCI state corresponding to each SSB associated with the initial coreset).

At <NUM>, base station <NUM>-b may transmit signaling indicating a TCI state to UE <NUM>-b corresponding to an initial coreset. In some cases, the signaling may include an indication of the TCI state may be a TCI-StateId field in a MAC-CE (e.g., that in some cases may indicate a TCI state in a PDSCH-Config (e.g., an information element in RRC signaling)). UE <NUM>-b may receive the signaling indicating the TCI state of a set of TCI states corresponding to an initial coreset (e.g., where the set of TCI states includes at least one TCI state corresponding to each SSB associated with the initial coreset).

At <NUM>, UE <NUM>-b may identify a QCL relationship (e.g., for identifying spatial parameters for receiving the control transmission in the coreset) based on the indication received at <NUM>. For example, the UE <NUM>-b may identify a CSI-RS associated with a SSB based at least in part on the TCI state indication received at <NUM>. Besides, UE <NUM>-b may determine spatial parameters for monitoring (e.g., through a channel estimate for the identified CSI-RS based on the spatial parameters) the initial coreset for control information using the indicated TCI state or the identified QCL relationship. As the set of TCI states may include at least one TCI state corresponding to each SSB associated with the initial coreset, the coreset may be indicated using any SSB associated with the coreset (e.g., the coreset may be indicated in a MIB or other field of the any SSB transmitted by base station <NUM>-b, as the set of TCI states may be ordered such that each SSB appears at least once as a QCL source).

At <NUM>, UE <NUM>-b may monitor the initial coreset (e.g., CORESET#<NUM>) for control information based at least in part on the indicated TCI state (e.g., and the determined spatial parameters).

<FIG> shows a block diagram <NUM> of a device <NUM> that supports TCI state ordering for an initial coreset in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure. The device <NUM> may be an example of aspects of a UE <NUM> as described herein. The device <NUM> may include a receiver <NUM>, a communications manager <NUM>, and a transmitter <NUM>. The device <NUM> may also include a processor (not shown). Each of these components may be in communication with one another (e.g., via one or more buses).

The receiver <NUM> may receive information such as packets, user data, or control information associated with various information channels (e.g., control channels, data channels, and channels for information related to TCI state ordering for an initial coreset, etc.). Information may be passed on to other components of the device <NUM>. The receiver <NUM> may be an example of aspects of the transceiver <NUM> described with reference to <FIG>. The receiver <NUM> may utilize a single antenna or a set of antennas.

The communications manager <NUM> may receive signaling indicating a number of SSBs associated with an initial coreset and a TCI state ordering within a set of TCI states. The communications manager <NUM> may receive signaling indicating a TCI state of a set of TCI states corresponding to an initial coreset, where the set of TCI states includes at least one TCI state corresponding to each SSB associated with the initial coreset, identify a CSI-RS (e.g., or other reference signal) associated with a SSB based on the TCI state, and monitor the initial coreset based on the TCI state. The communications manager <NUM> may be an example of aspects of the communications manager <NUM> described herein.

If implemented in code executed by a processor, the functions of the communications manager <NUM>, or its sub-components may be executed by a general-purpose processor, a digital signal processor (DSP), an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a field programmable gate array (FPGA) or other programmable logic device, discrete gate or transistor logic, discrete hardware components, or any combination thereof designed to perform the functions described in the present disclosure.

<FIG> shows a block diagram <NUM> of a device <NUM> that supports TCI state ordering for an initial coreset in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure. The device <NUM> may be an example of aspects of a device <NUM>, or a UE <NUM> as described herein. The device <NUM> may include a receiver <NUM>, a communications manager <NUM>, and a transmitter <NUM>. The device <NUM> may also include a processor (not shown). Each of these components may be in communication with one another (e.g., via one or more buses).

The communications manager <NUM> may be an example of aspects of the communications manager <NUM> as described herein. The communications manager <NUM> may include a TCI state manager <NUM>, a reference signal manager <NUM>, and a CORESET manager <NUM>. The communications manager <NUM> may be an example of aspects of the communications manager <NUM> described herein.

The TCI state manager <NUM> may receive signaling indicating a number of SSBs associated with an initial coreset and a TCI state ordering within a set of TCI states. The TCI state manager <NUM> may receive signaling indicating a TCI state of a set of TCI states corresponding to an initial coreset, where the set of TCI states includes at least one TCI state corresponding to each SSB associated with the initial coreset. The reference signal manager <NUM> may identify a CSI-RS associated with a SSB based on the TCI state. The CORESET manager <NUM> may monitor the initial coreset based on the TCI state.

<FIG> shows a block diagram <NUM> of a communications manager <NUM> that supports TCI state ordering for an initial coreset in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure. The communications manager <NUM> may be an example of aspects of a communications manager <NUM>, a communications manager <NUM>, or a communications manager <NUM> described herein. The communications manager <NUM> may include a TCI state manager <NUM>, a reference signal manager <NUM>, a CORESET manager <NUM>, a SSB manager <NUM>, and a QCL source manager <NUM>. Each of these modules may communicate, directly or indirectly, with one another (e.g., via one or more buses).

The TCI state manager <NUM> may receive signaling indicating a number of SSBs associated with an initial coreset and a TCI state ordering within a set of TCI states. The TCI state manager <NUM> may receive signaling indicating a TCI state of a set of TCI states corresponding to an initial coreset, where the set of TCI states includes at least one TCI state corresponding to each SSB associated with the initial coreset. In some examples, the TCI state manager <NUM> may receive signaling indicating TCI state ordering, where the TCI state ordering includes at least one TCI state corresponding to each SSB associated with the initial coreset. In some examples, the TCI state manager <NUM> may identify the TCI state of a set of TCI states based on the received signaling indicating TCI state ordering and the received signaling indicating a TCI state. In some cases, the indicated TCI state indicates a configuration of first and second reference signals that have a QCL relationship and a QCL type associated with the SSB.

The reference signal manager <NUM> may identify a CSI-RS associated with a SSB based on the TCI state. In some examples, the reference signal manager <NUM> may identify spatial parameters based on the TCI state, perform a channel estimate for the channel state information reference signal based at least part on the spatial parameters, and monitor the initial control resource set based at least in part on the channel estimation.

The CORESET manager <NUM> may monitor the initial coreset based on the TCI state.

The SSB manager <NUM> may receive signaling indicating a number of SSBs being transmitted in association with the initial coreset, where the set of TCI states includes at least one TCI state corresponding to each SSB of the number of SSBs. In some examples, the SSB manager <NUM> may receive the SSB. In some examples, the SSB manager <NUM> may identify the initial coreset based on the received SSB, where the initial coreset is monitored based on the identifying. In some cases, the received SSB has a QCL relationship with a reference signal of the indicated TCI state.

The QCL source manager <NUM> may receive signaling indicating a number of quasi-collocated sources associated with the initial coreset, where the set of TCI states includes at least one TCI state corresponding to each quasi-collocated source of the number of quasi-collocated sources.

<FIG> shows a diagram of a system <NUM> including a device <NUM> that supports TCI state ordering for an initial coreset in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure. The device <NUM> may be an example of or include the components of device <NUM>, device <NUM>, or a UE <NUM> as described herein. The device <NUM> may include components for bi-directional voice and data communications including components for transmitting and receiving communications, including a communications manager <NUM>, an I/O controller <NUM>, a transceiver <NUM>, an antenna <NUM>, memory <NUM>, and a processor <NUM>. These components may be in electronic communication via one or more buses (e.g., bus <NUM>).

The communications manager <NUM> may receive signaling indicating a TCI state of a set of TCI states corresponding to an initial coreset, where the set of TCI states includes at least one TCI state corresponding to each SSB associated with the initial coreset, identify a CSI-RS associated with a SSB based on the TCI state, and monitor the initial coreset based on the TCI state.

The memory <NUM> may include RAM and ROM. The memory <NUM> may store computer-readable, computer-executable code or software <NUM> including instructions that, when executed, cause the processor to perform various functions described herein.

The processor <NUM> may include an intelligent hardware device, (e.g., a general-purpose processor, a DSP, a central processing unit (CPU), a microcontroller, an ASIC, an FPGA, a programmable logic device, a discrete gate or transistor logic component, a discrete hardware component, or any combination thereof). In some cases, the processor <NUM> may be configured to operate a memory array using a memory controller. In other cases, a memory controller may be integrated into the processor <NUM>. The processor <NUM> may be configured to execute computer-readable instructions stored in a memory (e.g., the memory <NUM>) to cause the device <NUM> to perform various functions (e.g., functions or tasks supporting TCI state ordering for an initial coreset).

The software <NUM> may include instructions to implement aspects of the present disclosure, including instructions to support wireless communications. The software <NUM> may be stored in a non-transitory computer-readable medium such as system memory or other type of memory. In some cases, the software <NUM> may not be directly executable by the processor <NUM> but may cause a computer (e.g., when compiled and executed) to perform functions described herein.

<FIG> shows a block diagram <NUM> of a device <NUM> that supports TCI state ordering for an initial coreset in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure. The device <NUM> may be an example of aspects of a base station <NUM> as described herein. The device <NUM> may include a receiver <NUM>, a communications manager <NUM>, and a transmitter <NUM>. The device <NUM> may also include a processor. Each of these components may be in communication with one another (e.g., via one or more buses).

The receiver <NUM> may receive information such as packets, user data, or control information associated with various information channels (e.g., control channels, data channels, and information related to TCI state ordering for an initial coreset, etc.). Information may be passed on to other components of the device <NUM>. The receiver <NUM> may be an example of aspects of the transceiver <NUM> described with reference to <FIG>. The receiver <NUM> may utilize a single antenna or a set of antennas.

The communications manager <NUM> may identify a TCI state of a set of TCI states corresponding to an initial coreset, where the set of TCI states includes at least one TCI state corresponding to each SSB associated with the initial coreset, transmit signaling indicating the identified TCI state, and transmit signaling over the initial coreset based on the TCI state. The communications manager <NUM> may be an example of aspects of the communications manager <NUM> described herein.

<FIG> shows a block diagram <NUM> of a device <NUM> that supports TCI state ordering for an initial coreset in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure. The device <NUM> may be an example of aspects of a device <NUM>, or a base station <NUM> as described herein. The device <NUM> may include a receiver <NUM>, a communications manager <NUM>, and a transmitter <NUM>. The device <NUM> may also include a processor. Each of these components may be in communication with one another (e.g., via one or more buses).

The communications manager <NUM> may be an example of aspects of the communications manager <NUM> as described herein. The communications manager <NUM> may include a TCI state manager <NUM> and a CORESET manager <NUM>. The communications manager <NUM> may be an example of aspects of the communications manager <NUM> described herein.

The TCI state manager <NUM> may identify a TCI state of a set of TCI states corresponding to an initial coreset, where the set of TCI states includes at least one TCI state corresponding to each SSB associated with the initial coreset and transmit signaling indicating the identified TCI state.

The CORESET manager <NUM> may transmit signaling over the initial coreset based on the TCI state.

<FIG> shows a block diagram <NUM> of a communications manager <NUM> that supports TCI state ordering for an initial coreset in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure. The communications manager <NUM> may be an example of aspects of a communications manager <NUM>, a communications manager <NUM>, or a communications manager <NUM> described herein. The communications manager <NUM> may include a TCI state manager <NUM>, a CORESET manager <NUM>, a SSB manager <NUM>, and a QCL source manager <NUM>. Each of these modules may communicate, directly or indirectly, with one another (e.g., via one or more buses).

The TCI state manager <NUM> may identify a TCI state of a set of TCI states corresponding to an initial coreset, where the set of TCI states includes at least one TCI state corresponding to each SSB associated with the initial coreset. In some examples, the TCI state manager <NUM> may transmit signaling indicating the identified TCI state. In some examples, the TCI state manager <NUM> may identify a TCI state ordering, where the TCI state ordering includes at least one TCI state corresponding to each SSB associated with the initial coreset. In some examples, the TCI state manager <NUM> may transmit signaling indicating the TCI state ordering.

The SSB manager <NUM> may determine a number of SSBs being transmitted in association with the initial coreset.

In some examples, the SSB manager <NUM> may transmit signaling indicating the number, where the set of TCI states includes at least one TCI state corresponding to each SSB of the number of SSBs. In some examples, the SSB manager <NUM> may transmit a SSB, where the SSB indicates the initial coreset.

The QCL source manager <NUM> may determine a number of quasi-collocated sources associated with the initial coreset. In some examples, the QCL source manager <NUM> may transmit signaling indicating the number, where the set of TCI states includes at least one TCI state corresponding to each quasi-collocated source of the number of quasi-collocated sources.

<FIG> shows a diagram of a system <NUM> including a device <NUM> that supports TCI state ordering for an initial coreset in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure. The device <NUM> may be an example of or include the components of device <NUM>, device <NUM>, or a base station <NUM> as described herein. The device <NUM> may include components for bi-directional voice and data communications including components for transmitting and receiving communications, including a communications manager <NUM>, a network communications manager <NUM>, a transceiver <NUM>, an antenna <NUM>, memory <NUM>, a processor <NUM>, and an inter-station communications manager <NUM>. These components may be in electronic communication via one or more buses (e.g., bus <NUM>).

The communications manager <NUM> may identify a TCI state of a set of TCI states corresponding to an initial coreset, where the set of TCI states includes at least one TCI state corresponding to each SSB associated with the initial coreset, transmit signaling indicating the identified TCI state, and transmit signaling over the initial coreset based on the TCI state.

The memory <NUM> may store computer-readable code or software <NUM> including instructions that, when executed by a processor (e.g., the processor <NUM>) cause the device to perform various functions described herein.

The processor <NUM> may include an intelligent hardware device, (e.g., a general-purpose processor, a DSP, a CPU, a microcontroller, an ASIC, an FPGA, a programmable logic device, a discrete gate or transistor logic component, a discrete hardware component, or any combination thereof). In some cases, the processor <NUM> may be configured to operate a memory array using a memory controller. In some cases, a memory controller may be integrated into processor <NUM>. The processor <NUM> may be configured to execute computer-readable instructions stored in a memory (e.g., the memory <NUM>) to cause the device <NUM> to perform various functions (e.g., functions or tasks supporting TCI state ordering for an initial coreset).

<FIG> shows a flowchart illustrating a method <NUM> that supports TCI state ordering for an initial coreset in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure. The operations of method <NUM> may be implemented by a UE <NUM> or its components as described herein. For example, the operations of method <NUM> may be performed by a communications manager as described with reference to <FIG>. In some examples, a UE may execute a set of instructions to control the functional elements of the UE to perform the functions described below. Additionally or alternatively, a UE may perform aspects of the functions described below using special-purpose hardware.

At <NUM>, the UE may receive signaling indicating a number of SSBs associated with an initial coreset and a TCI state ordering within a set of TCI states. The operations of <NUM> may be performed according to the methods described herein. In some examples, aspects of the operations of <NUM> may be performed by a TCI state manager as described with reference to <FIG>.

At <NUM>, the UE may receive signaling indicating a TCI state of the set of TCI states corresponding to the initial coreset, where the set of TCI states includes at least one TCI state corresponding to each SSB of the number of SSBs associated with the initial coreset. The operations of <NUM> may be performed according to the methods described herein. In some examples, aspects of the operations of <NUM> may be performed by a TCI state manager as described with reference to <FIG>.

At <NUM>, the UE may identify a CSI-RS associated with a SSB based on the TCI state. The operations of <NUM> may be performed according to the methods described herein. In some examples, aspects of the operations of <NUM> may be performed by a reference signal manager as described with reference to <FIG>.

At <NUM>, the UE may monitor the initial coreset based on the TCI state. The operations of <NUM> may be performed according to the methods described herein. In some examples, aspects of the operations of <NUM> may be performed by a CORESET manager as described with reference to <FIG>.

<FIG> shows a flowchart illustrating a method <NUM> that supports TCI state ordering for an initial coreset in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure. Method <NUM> may be performed in accordance with, in addition to or alternatively to the steps of the method <NUM> as discussed with reference to <FIG>. The operations of method <NUM> may be implemented by a UE <NUM> or its components as described herein. For example, the operations of method <NUM> may be performed by a communications manager as described with reference to <FIG>. In some examples, a UE may execute a set of instructions to control the functional elements of the UE to perform the functions described below. Additionally or alternatively, a UE may perform aspects of the functions described below using special-purpose hardware.

At <NUM>, the UE may receive an SSB. The operations of <NUM> may be performed according to the methods described herein. In some examples, aspects of the operations of <NUM> may be performed by a SSB manager as described with reference to <FIG>. In some cases, the relative timing of <NUM> and <NUM> may be interchanged.

At <NUM>, the UE may identify the initial coreset based on the received SSB, where the initial coreset is monitored based on the identifying. The operations of <NUM> may be performed according to the methods described herein. In some examples, aspects of the operations of <NUM> may be performed by a SSB manager as described with reference to <FIG>.

<FIG> shows a flowchart illustrating a method <NUM> that supports TCI state ordering for an initial coreset in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure. Method <NUM> may be performed in accordance with, in addition to, or alternatively to the steps of the method <NUM> as discussed with reference to <FIG> and/or Method <NUM> as discussed with reference to <FIG>. The operations of method <NUM> may be implemented by a UE <NUM> or its components as described herein. For example, the operations of method <NUM> may be performed by a communications manager as described with reference to <FIG>. In some examples, a UE may execute a set of instructions to control the functional elements of the UE to perform the functions described below. Additionally or alternatively, a UE may perform aspects of the functions described below using special-purpose hardware.

At <NUM>, the UE may receive signaling indicating TCI state ordering, where the TCI state ordering includes at least one TCI state corresponding to each SSB associated with the initial coreset. The operations of <NUM> may be performed according to the methods described herein. In some examples, aspects of the operations of <NUM> may be performed by a TCI state manager as described with reference to <FIG>.

At <NUM>, the UE may receive signaling indicating a TCI state of a set of TCI states corresponding to an initial coreset, where the set of TCI states includes at least one TCI state corresponding to each SSB associated with the initial coreset. The operations of <NUM> may be performed according to the methods described herein. In some examples, aspects of the operations of <NUM> may be performed by a TCI state manager as described with reference to <FIG>.

At <NUM>, the UE may identify the TCI state of a set of TCI states based on the received signaling indicating TCI state ordering and the received signaling indicating a TCI state. The operations of <NUM> may be performed according to the methods described herein. In some examples, aspects of the operations of <NUM> may be performed by a TCI state manager as described with reference to <FIG>.

<FIG> shows a flowchart illustrating a method <NUM> that supports TCI state ordering for an initial coreset in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure. The operations of method <NUM> may be implemented by a base station <NUM> or its components as described herein. For example, the operations of method <NUM> may be performed by a communications manager as described with reference to <FIG>. In some examples, a base station may execute a set of instructions to control the functional elements of the base station to perform the functions described below. Additionally or alternatively, a base station may perform aspects of the functions described below using special-purpose hardware.

At <NUM>, the base station may identify a number of SSBs associated with an initial coreset and a TCI state ordering within a set of TCI states. The operations of <NUM> may be performed according to the methods described herein. In some examples, aspects of the operations of <NUM> may be performed by a TCI state manager as described with reference to <FIG>.

At <NUM>, the base station may identify a TCI state of the set of TCI states corresponding to the initial coreset, where the set of TCI states includes at least one TCI state corresponding to each SSB of the number of SSBs associated with the initial coreset. The operations of <NUM> may be performed according to the methods described herein. In some examples, aspects of the operations of <NUM> may be performed by a TCI state manager as described with reference to <FIG>.

At <NUM>, the base station may transmit signaling indicating the identified TCI state. The operations of <NUM> may be performed according to the methods described herein. In some examples, aspects of the operations of <NUM> may be performed by a TCI state manager as described with reference to <FIG>.

At <NUM>, the base station may transmit signaling over the initial coreset based on the TCI state. The operations of <NUM> may be performed according to the methods described herein. In some examples, aspects of the operations of <NUM> may be performed by a CORESET manager as described with reference to <FIG>.

<FIG> shows a flowchart illustrating a method <NUM> that supports TCI state ordering for an initial coreset in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure. Method <NUM> may be performed in accordance with, in addition to, or alternatively to the steps of the method <NUM> as discussed with reference to <FIG>. The operations of method <NUM> may be implemented by a base station <NUM> or its components as described herein. For example, the operations of method <NUM> may be performed by a communications manager as described with reference to <FIG>. In some examples, a base station may execute a set of instructions to control the functional elements of the base station to perform the functions described below. Additionally or alternatively, a base station may perform aspects of the functions described below using special-purpose hardware.

At <NUM>, the base station may determine a number of SSBs being transmitted in association with the initial coreset. The operations of <NUM> may be performed according to the methods described herein. In some examples, aspects of the operations of <NUM> may be performed by a SSB manager as described with reference to <FIG>.

At <NUM>, the base station may transmit signaling indicating the number, where the set of TCI states includes at least one TCI state corresponding to each SSB of the number of SSBs. The operations of <NUM> may be performed according to the methods described herein. In some examples, aspects of the operations of <NUM> may be performed by a SSB manager as described with reference to <FIG>.

At <NUM>, the base station may identify a TCI state of a set of TCI states corresponding to an initial coreset, where the set of TCI states includes at least one TCI state corresponding to each SSB associated with the initial coreset. The operations of <NUM> may be performed according to the methods described herein. In some examples, aspects of the operations of <NUM> may be performed by a TCI state manager as described with reference to <FIG>.

A corresponding computer program may comprise program instructions which are computer-executable to implement all steps of the described functions and/or methods.

By way of example, and not limitation, non-transitory computer-readable media may include random-access memory (RAM), read-only memory (ROM), electrically erasable programmable ROM (EEPROM), flash memory, compact disk (CD) ROM or other optical disk storage, magnetic disk storage or other magnetic storage devices, or any other non-transitory medium that can be used to carry or store desired program code means in the form of instructions or data structures and that can be accessed by a general-purpose or special-purpose computer, or a general-purpose or special-purpose processor.

As used herein, including in the claims, "or" as used in a list of items (e.g., a list of items prefaced by a phrase such as "at least one of" or "one or more of') indicates an inclusive list such that, for example, a list of at least one of A, B, or C means A or B or C or AB or AC or BC or ABC (i.e., A and B and C).

Claim 1:
A method for wireless communication by a user equipment, UE (<NUM>), comprising:
receiving (<NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>) from a base station (<NUM>) signaling indicating a number of synchronization signal blocks associated with an initial control resource set and signaling indicating an ordering of transmission configuration indication, TCI, states, within a set of TCI states, wherein the ordering is such that at least one TCI state corresponds to each synchronization signal block, SSB of the number of synchronization signal blocks associated with the initial control resource set;
receiving (<NUM>, <NUM>,<NUM>) from the base station (<NUM>) signaling indicating a TCI state of the set of TCI states corresponding to the initial control resource set wherein the set of transmission configuration indication states includes at least one TCI state corresponding to each synchronization signal block of the number of synchronization signal blocks associated with the initial control resource set;
identifying (<NUM>) the TCI state of the set of TCI states based at least in part on the received signaling indicating TCI state ordering and the received signaling indicating the TCI state;
identifying (<NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>) a channel state information reference signal associated with a synchronization signal block based at least in part on the TCI state; and
monitoring (<NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>) the initial control resource set based at least in part on the TCI state.