Patent Description:
5th generation (<NUM>) or new radio (NR) mobile communications is recently gathering increased momentum with all the worldwide technical activities on the various candidate technologies from industry and academia. The candidate enablers for the <NUM>/NR mobile communications include massive antenna technologies, from legacy cellular frequency bands up to high frequencies, to provide beamforming gain and support increased capacity, new waveform (e.g., a new radio access technology (RAT)) to flexibly accommodate various services/applications with different requirements, new multiple access schemes to support massive connections, and so on.

<CIT>, <CIT>, <CIT>, <CIT>, <CIT>, <CIT> relate to channel state information (CSI) reporting in wireless communication systems.

This disclosure relates to apparatus and method for transmitting and receiving a CSI report for an DL BWP efficiently.

This disclosure relates to CSI measurement and report outside an active DL BWP.

In one embodiment, a user equipment (UE) in a wireless communication system is provided. The UE comprises a transceiver, and a processor configured to receive, via the transceiver from a base station, information on a first configuration for a first set of downlink (DL) bandwidth parts (BWPs), wherein each DL BWP in the first set of DL BWPs has an index, information on a second configuration for reference signal (RS) resource sets in a second set of DL BWPs that is a subset of the first set of DL BWPs, information on a third configuration for channel state information (CSI) reports corresponding to the second set of DL BWPs, and information on RS resources from the RS resource sets in a third set of DL BWPs that is a subset of the second set of DL BWPs, determine a first number of CSI reports based on the received information on the RS resources, determine a second number of CSI reports, from the first number of CSI reports, that have values for a CSI report quantity that are larger than values for the CSI report quantity in other CSI reports from the first number of CSI reports and information indicating corresponding DL BWP indexes, and transmit, to the base station via the transceiver, the second number of CSI reports having the values for the CSI report quantity and the information indicating the corresponding DL BWP indexes on a physical uplink control channel (PUCCH) or a physical uplink shared channel (PUSCH).

In another embodiment, a base station (BS) in a wireless communication system is provided. The BS comprises a transceiver, and a processor configured to: transmit, via the transceiver, information on a first configuration for a first set of downlink (DL) bandwidth parts (BWPs), wherein each DL BWP in the first set of DL BWPs has an index, information on a second configuration for reference signal (RS) resource sets in a second set of DL BWPs that is a subset of the first set of DL BWPs, information on a third configuration for channel state information (CSI) reports corresponding to the second set of DL BWPs and information on RS resources from the RS resource sets in a third set of DL BWPs that is a subset of the second set of DL BWPs; and receive, via the transceiver, a number of CSI reports and information indicating corresponding DL BWPs indexes on a physical uplink control channel (PUCCH) or a physical uplink shared channel (PUSCH).

In yet another embodiment, a method performed by a user equipment (UE) in a wireless communication is provided. The method comprises receiving information on a first configuration for a first set of DL BWPs where each DL BWP in the first set of DL BWPs has an index, information on a second configuration for RS resource sets in a second set of DL BWPs that is a subset of the first set of DL BWPs, information on a third configuration for CSI reports corresponding to the second set of DL BWPs, and information on RS resources from the RS resource sets in a third set of DL BWPs that is a subset of the second set of DL BWPs. The method further includes determining a first number of CSI reports based on the received information on the RS resources; determining a second number of CSI reports, from the first number of CSI reports, that have (i) values for a CSI report quantity that are larger than values for the CSI report quantity in other CSI reports from the first number of CSI reports and (ii) information indicating corresponding DL BWP indexes; and transmitting a PUCCH or a PUSCH that includes the second number of CSI reports of the values for the CSI report quantity and information indicating the corresponding DL BWP indexes.

In still another embodiment, a method performed by a base station in a wireless communication is provided. The method comprises transmitting information on a first configuration for a first set of downlink (DL) bandwidth parts (BWPs), wherein each DL BWP in the first set of DL BWPs has an index, information on a second configuration for reference signal (RS) resource sets in a second set of DL BWPs that is a subset of the first set of DL BWPs, information on a third configuration for channel state information (CSI) reports corresponding to the second set of DL BWPs and information on RS resources from the RS resource sets in a third set of DL BWPs that is a subset of the second set of DL BWPs, and receiving a number of CSI reports and information indicating corresponding DL BWPs indexes on a physical uplink control channel (PUCCH) or a physical uplink shared channel (PUSCH).

Those skilled in the art will understand that the principles of the present disclosure may be implemented in any suitably-arranged system or device.

The discussion of <NUM> systems and frequency bands associated therewith is for reference as certain embodiments of the present disclosure may be implemented in <NUM> systems. However, the present disclosure is not limited to <NUM> systems or the frequency bands associated therewith, and embodiments of the present disclosure may be utilized in connection with any frequency band. For example, aspects of the present disclosure may also be applied to deployment of <NUM> communication systems, <NUM> or even later releases which may use terahertz (THz) bands.

<FIG> below describe various embodiments implemented in wireless communications systems and with the use of orthogonal frequency division multiplexing (OFDM) or orthogonal frequency division multiple access (OFDMA) communication techniques. The descriptions of <FIG> are not meant to imply physical or architectural limitations to the manner in which different embodiments may be implemented. Different embodiments of the present disclosure may be implemented in any suitably-arranged communications system.

<FIG> illustrates an example wireless network <NUM> according to embodiments of the present disclosure. The embodiment of the wireless network <NUM> shown in <FIG> is for illustration only.

As shown in <FIG>, the wireless network includes a gNB <NUM> (e.g., base station, BS), a gNB <NUM>, and a gNB <NUM>. The gNB <NUM> communicates with the gNB <NUM> and the gNB <NUM>. The gNB <NUM> also communicates with at least one network <NUM>, such as the Internet, a proprietary Internet Protocol (IP) network, or other data network.

The gNB <NUM> provides wireless broadband access to the network <NUM> for a first plurality of user equipment's (Ues) within a coverage area <NUM> of the gNB <NUM>. The first plurality of UEs include a UE <NUM>, which may be located in a small business (SB); a UE <NUM>, which may be located in an enterprise (E); a UE <NUM>, which may be located in a WiFi hotspot (HS); a UE <NUM>, which may be located in a first residence (R); a UE <NUM>, which may be located in a second residence (R); and a UE <NUM>, which may be a mobile device (M), such as a cell phone, a wireless laptop, a wireless PDA, or the like. The gNB <NUM> provides wireless broadband access to the network <NUM> for a second plurality of Ues within a coverage area <NUM> of the gNB <NUM>. The second plurality of Ues includes the UE <NUM> and the UE <NUM>. In some embodiments, one or more of the gNBs <NUM>-<NUM> may communicate with each other and with the Ues <NUM>-<NUM> using <NUM>/NR, long term evolution (LTE), long term evolution-advanced (LTE-A), WiMAX, WiFi, or other wireless communication techniques.

Depending on the network type, the term "base station" or "BS" can refer to any component (or collection of components) configured to provide wireless access to a network, such as transmit point (TP), transmit-receive point (TRP), an enhanced base station (eNodeB or eNB), a <NUM>/NR base station (gNB), a macrocell, a femtocell, a WiFi access point (AP), or other wirelessly enabled devices. Base stations may provide wireless access in accordance with one or more wireless communication protocols, e.g., <NUM>/NR 3GPP NR, LTE, LTE-A, high speed packet access (HSPA), Wi-Fi <NUM>. 11a/b/g/n/ac, etc. For the sake of convenience, the terms "BS" and "TRP" are used interchangeably in this patent document to refer to network infrastructure components that provide wireless access to remote terminals. Also, depending on the network type, the term "user equipment" or "UE" can refer to any component such as "mobile station," "subscriber station," "remote terminal," "wireless terminal," "receive point," or "user device. " For the sake of convenience, the terms "user equipment" and "UE" are used in this patent document to refer to remote wireless equipment that wirelessly accesses a BS, whether the UE is a mobile device (such as a mobile telephone or smartphone) or is normally considered a stationary device (such as a desktop computer or vending machine). For example, a UE could be a mobile telephone, a smartphone, a monitoring device, an alarm device, a fleet management device, an asset tracking device, an automobile, a desktop computer, an entertainment device, an infotainment device, a vending machine, an electricity meter, a water meter, a gas meter, a security device, a sensor device, an appliance, and the like.

As described in more detail below, one or more of the Ues <NUM>-<NUM> include circuitry, programing, or a combination thereof for channel state information (CSI) measurement and report outside active downlink (DL) bandwidth part (BWP). In certain embodiments, and one or more of the gNBs <NUM>-<NUM> includes circuitry, programing, or a combination thereof for CSI measurement and report outside active DL BWP.

Similarly, each gNB <NUM>-<NUM> could communicate directly with the network <NUM> and provide Ues with direct wireless broadband access to the network <NUM>.

The controller/processor <NUM> can include one or more processors or other processing devices that control the overall operation of the gNB <NUM>. For example, the controller/processor <NUM> could control the reception of forward channel signals and the transmission of reverse channel signals by the RF transceivers 210a-210n, the RX processing circuitry <NUM>, and the TX processing circuitry <NUM> in accordance with well-known principles. The controller/processor <NUM> could support additional functions as well, such as more advanced wireless communication functions. For instance, the controller/processor <NUM> could support assisted sensing for CSI measurements. Any of a wide variety of other functions could be supported in the gNB <NUM> by the controller/processor <NUM>. In some embodiments, the controller/processor <NUM> includes at least one microprocessor or microcontroller.

In certain embodiments, the controller/processor <NUM> supports communication between entities. The controller/processor <NUM> can move data into or out of memory <NUM> according to a process that is being executed.

For example, when the gNB <NUM> is implemented as part of a cellular communication system (such as one supporting <NUM>/NR, LTE, or LTE-A), the interface <NUM> could allow the gNB <NUM> to communicate with other gNBs over a wired or wireless backhaul connection.

The UE <NUM> also includes a speaker <NUM>, a controller/processor <NUM>, an input/output (I/O) interface (IF) <NUM>, an input device <NUM>, a display <NUM>, and a memory <NUM>.

The controller/processor <NUM> can include one or more processors or other processing devices and execute the OS <NUM> stored in the memory <NUM> in order to control the overall operation of the UE <NUM>. For example, the controller/processor <NUM> could control the reception of forward channel signals and the transmission of reverse channel signals by the RF transceiver <NUM>, the RX processing circuitry <NUM>, and the TX processing circuitry <NUM> in accordance with well-known principles. In some embodiments, the controller/processor <NUM> includes at least one microprocessor or microcontroller.

The controller/processor <NUM> is also capable of executing other processes and programs resident in the memory <NUM>, such as processes for beam management. In some embodiments, the processor <NUM> is configured to execute the applications <NUM> based on the OS <NUM> or in response to signals received from gNBs or an operator. The controller/processor <NUM> is also coupled to the I/O interface <NUM>, which provides the UE <NUM> with the ability to connect to other devices, such as laptop computers and handheld computers. The I/O interface <NUM> is the communication path between these accessories and the processor <NUM>.

The controller/processor <NUM> is also coupled to the input device <NUM> and the display <NUM>. The operator of the UE <NUM> can use the input device <NUM> to enter data into the UE <NUM>. The input device <NUM> can be a keyboard, touchscreen, mouse, track ball, voice input, or other device capable of acting as a user interface to allow a user in interact with the UE <NUM>. In another example, the input device <NUM> can include a touch panel, a (digital) pen sensor, a key, or an ultrasonic input device. The touch panel can recognize, for example, a touch input in at least one scheme, such as a capacitive scheme, a pressure sensitive scheme, an infrared scheme, or an ultrasonic scheme.

The controller/processor <NUM> is also coupled to the display <NUM>.

As a particular example, the controller/processor <NUM> could be divided into multiple processors, such as one or more central processing units (CPUs) and one or more graphics processing units (GPUs). Also, while <FIG> illustrates the UE <NUM> configured as a mobile telephone or smartphone, Ues could be configured to operate as other types of mobile or stationary devices.

Embodiments of the present disclosure take into consideration that NR Release <NUM> (Rel-<NUM>) supports channel state information (CSI) measurement and report for active downlink (DL) bandwidth parts (BWP). However, when a UE is triggered with a CSI report for a DL BWP that is non-active, the UE is not expected to report the CSI for the non-active DL BWP and the CSI report associated with that BWP is omitted. Similarly, when a UE is triggered with aperiodic non-zero-power (NZP) channel state information reference signal (CSI-RS) in a DL BWP that is non-active when expecting to receive the NZP CSI-RS, the UE is not expected to measure the aperiodic CSI-RS. For example, in order to get CSI over an entire carrier bandwidth, a UE can be switched to a BWP with a large bandwidth and triggered with an aperiodic CSI report for the BWP. However, this approach fails to work for a device with limited operation bandwidth. Therefore, embodiments of the present disclosure take into consideration that it is necessary to support CSI measurement and report for non-active DL BWP for at least UE with limited operation bandwidth.

For a UE with reduced operation bandwidth, if the CSI for all configured DL BWPs, including both active and non-active BWPs are available one the network (NW) side, the NW can then switch the UE to the best BWP or narrowband for data reception. This can improve channel efficiency. Acquisition of CSI outside active BWP is also beneficial for congestion control when a cell serves a large number of UEs with limited UE operation bandwidth. If CSI across the entire carrier bandwidth is available on the NW side, the NW can distribute UEs into the active DL BWP according to the real-time channel condition on the UE side.

Embodiments of the present disclosure also takes into consideration that NR Release <NUM> (Rel-<NUM>) supports radio resource management (RRM) measurement for mobility in RRC_CONNECTED state during measurement gap outside active DL BWP. The measurement gap for RRM measurement is configured either per frequency range or per UE. Embodiments of the present disclosure further takes into consideration that Rel-<NUM> also supports measurement gap for intra-frequency positioning reference signal (PRS) measurement outside active BWP. However, the measurement gap is supported to receive DL RS with configuration independent from BWP configuration. The preconfigured measurement gap from a higher layer can be inefficient if the timing of measurement gap and DL RS from multiple DL BWPs are not aligned.

Since NR supports <NUM>-to-<NUM> mapping between a CSI report and resourcesForChannelMeasurement (per BWP), multiple CSI reports are needed to finish reporting all CSI from multiple BWPs. Embodiments of the present disclosure consider a CSI report for multiple DL BWPs for reducing signaling overhead and increasing power saving.

Accordingly, embodiments of the present disclosure support periodic measurement gap per serving cell for CSI measurement outside active DL BWPs, and corresponding CSI report. Embodiments of the present disclosure also support an aperiodic CSI report for one or more DL BWPs with DL RS for channel measurement received by UE within a predetermined aperiodic measurement gap. Embodiments of the present disclosure further support CSI measurement in a dormant DL BWP triggered by a physical layer signal/channel based on BWP switching to avoid additional RF retuning. Additionally, embodiments of the present disclosure support aperiodic CSI measurement or reporting for multiple DL BWPs triggered by a DCI format monitored in common search space set.

Embodiments of the present disclosure takes into consideration of how to support CSI measurement and report for non-active DL BWPs based on a higher layer measurement gap. Embodiments of the present disclosure also takes into consideration of how to support CSI measurement and report for non-active DL BWPs based on aperiodic measurement gap triggered by a physical layer signal/channel. Embodiments of the present disclosure further takes into consideration of how to support CSI measurement and report for a dormant DL BWP triggered by physical layer signal/channel. Additionally, embodiments of the present disclosure takes into consideration of how to support cell-specific aperiodic CSI-RS resources and CSI report for one or more DL BWPs triggered by a new DCI format monitored in a common search space set.

Embodiments of the present disclosure relate to determining periodic measurement gap for CSI measurement and report outside active DL BWP and corresponding CSI reports. The disclosure also relates to determining aperiodic CSI report for one or more DL BWPs with DL RS for channel measurement received by UE within a predetermined aperiodic measurement gap. This disclosure further relates to determining CSI measurement in a dormant DL BWP triggered by a physical layer signal/channel. This disclosure additionally relates to determining cell-specific aperiodic CSI-RS resources and CSI report for one or more DL BWPs triggered by a new DCI format monitored in a common search space set.

Embodiments of the present disclosure considers a periodic measurement gap is for channel measurement on one or more DL BWPs on a serving cell. In certain embodiments, the one or more DL BWPs are all non-active. In other embodiments, one or more DL BWPs can be either active or non-active. For a configured serving cell, a UE (such as the UE <NUM> of <FIG> and <FIG>) can be provided with a measurement gap for receiving DL reference signals (RS) for channel measurement for one or more DL BWPs on the serving cell. The measurement gap is denoted as MG_CM in this disclosure. The configuration of MG_CM can be provided to the UE through higher layer signaling.

<FIG> illustrates an example timeline <NUM> for aperiodic CSI report for four DL BWPs according to embodiments of the present disclosure. The example timeline <NUM> of <FIG> is for illustration only and other embodiments can be used without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.

The example timeline <NUM> of <FIG> illustrates an example of measurement gap configuration for receiving DL RS for channel measurement across all configured DL BWPs, including both active DL BWP and non-active DL BWPs. In certain embodiments, a MG_CM configuration includes a measurement gap length, <NUM>, denoted as mgl. The measurement gap length, <NUM>, indicates the duration or length of a measurement gap in the unit of one millisecond or one slot.

In certain embodiments, a MG_CM configuration includes a measurement gap repetition period, <NUM>, denoted as mgrp. The measurement gap repetition period <NUM> indicates the periodicity in the unit of one millisecond or one slot at which the measurement gap repeats.

In certain embodiments, a MG_CM configuration includes a measurement gap offset, denoted as gapOffset. The measurement gap offset can be in one millisecond or one slot. The measurement gap offset is a gap offset of the gap pattern within a measurement gap repetition period determined by mrgp. The value range of gapOffset is from <NUM> to mgrp-<NUM>.

In certain embodiments, a MG_CM configuration is activated or deactivated based on signaling from higher layers. For example, for a UE that includes a configuration of MG_CM, the UE can determine the single frequency network (SFN) of a MG_CM i.e. SFN_MG, and the subframe of a MG_CM, i.e. sf_MG, which is described in Equation (<NUM>), below <MAT>.

To allow for channel measurement and CSI computation to occur based on a measurement gap, a UE can be provided with timeline requirement of X1, <NUM> or X2, <NUM>. The UE expects the timeline meet the requirement restricted by any of X1 or X2. t is noted that X1 is the minimum time offset between the last symbol of the DL RS from BWP_i, and the first symbol of the DL RS from BWP_j, where UE performs CSI measurement based on DL RS in BWP_j after completing CSI measurement based on DL RS in BWP_i. X2 is the minimum time offset between the last symbol of a DL BWP in which the UE is indicated to perform CSI measurement and the first symbol of a PUCCH/PUSCH, <NUM> which carriers a CSI report for the DL BWPs.

For determining applicable resources for channel measurement within a MG_CM of a serving cell, the resource <NUM> can either be NZP CSI-RS or synchronizations signal physical broadcast channel (SS/PBCH) blocks transmitted from the serving cell. For example, the applicable resources for channel measurement within a MG_CM, can be CSI-RS or SS/PBCH block configured by higher layer parameter CSI-ResourceConfig. If a UE is configured with higher layer parameter CSI-ResourceConfig, the UE can perform channel measurements based on CSI-ResourceConfig during a MG_CM. The resources can be received by the UE in a configured DL BWP based on higher layer parameter bwp-Id. The resources can be periodic or semi-persistent or aperiodic based on higher layer parameter resourceType.

For another example, the applicable resources for channel measurement within a MG_CM, can be NZP CSI-RS and configured by higher layer parameter NZP-CSI-RS-ResourceSet without higher layer parameter trs-Info or with higher layer parameter trs-Info set to "false". If a UE is configured with higher layer parameter NZP-CSI-RS-ResourceSet, the UE can perform channel measurements based on NZP-CSI-RS-ResourceSet during a MG_CM. The resources can be received by the UE in a configured DL BWP associated with NZP-CSI-RS-ResourceSet.

For determining the CSI reporting with channel measurement within a MG_CM, a UE can report CSI (e.g., in a uplink channel <NUM> such as PUCCH or PUSCH) for a DL BWP no matter the DL BWP is active or not if the CSI is measured based on resources received in the DL BWP within a MG_CM. In a first approach to guarantee sufficient CSI computation time, the UE measure the resources and transmit the CSI report if there is a valid measurement occasion for receiving the resources. Alternatively, if there is not a valid measurement occasion for receiving the resources, the UE skips receiving the resources and ignores the CSI report. The UE can determine that there is a valid measurement occasion within a MG_CM for a CSI report for a DL BWP if the time gap between the most recent measurement occasion for receiving resources associated with the CSI report within the MG_CM and previous valid measurement occasion associated with another CSI report for a different DL BWP is larger than T0. In one example, T0 can be the BWP switching delay reported by the UE. In another example, T0 can be reported by UE as UE capability.

In a second approach to guarantee sufficient CSI computation time, a UE can be provided with timeline requirement of Z0. The timeline requirement of Z0 is the minimum time offset between the last symbol of the DL RS from BWP_i, and the first symbol of the DL RS from BWP_j, where UE performs CSI measurement based on DL RS in BWP_j after completing CSI measurement based on DL RS in BWP_i. To determine Z0, a UE can report its capability of Z0 to the network. The unit of Z0 can be one slot, one OFDM symbol, or one millisecond. The UE can anticipate the timeline for CSI measurement within the MG_CM meet the timeline requirement defined by Z0.

The following three examples describe CSI reporting with channel measurement within a MG_CM. For example, if a UE is provided with a configuration of MG_CM and higher layer parameter CSI-ReportConfig with reportConfigType set to 'periodic,' 'semiPersistentOnPUCCH', or 'semi-PersistentOnPUSCH', the UE then reports a CSI in a Physical Uplink Control Channel (PUCCH) or physical uplink shared channel (PUSCH) based on CSI-ReportConfig for a configured BWP when the resources for channel measurement based on higher layer parameter resourcesForChannelMeasurement are received by the UE within a MG_CM. The configured DL BWP can be non-active DL BWP.

For another example, if a UE is provided with a configuration of MG_CM, when a UE is triggered with a CSI report for a DL BWP that is non-active when expecting to receive the most recent occasion during a MG_CM, no later than the CSI reference resource, of the associated NZP CSI-RS, the UE is expected to report the CSI for the non-active DL BWP. When a UE is triggered with aperiodic NZP CSI-RS in a DL BWP that is non-active when expecting to receive the NZP CSI-RS within a MG_CM, the UE is expected to measure the aperiodic CSI-RS.

For yet another example, the CSI reporting is L1-RSRP (reference signal received power) reporting for a configured DL BWP regardless of whether the BWP is active or not active. If a UE is provided with a configuration of MG_CM and higher layer parameter CSI-ReportConfig with reportQuantity set to "cri-RSRP," "cri-SINR," or "none" the UE then reports a CSI in a PUCCH or PUSCH based on CSI-ReportConfig for a configured BWP when the resources for channel measurement based on higher layer parameter resourcesForChannelMeasurement are received by the UE within a MG_CM.

<FIG> illustrates an example method <NUM> of a UE procedure for channel state information (CSI) measurement and reports according to embodiments of the present disclosure. For example, the steps of the method <NUM> can be performed by the any of the UEs <NUM>-<NUM> of <FIG>, such as the UE <NUM> of <FIG>. The method <NUM> of <FIG> is for illustration only and other embodiments can be used without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.

As illustrated in <FIG>, the method <NUM> describes an example of UE procedure for CSI measurement and report for non-active DL BWPs based on a preconfigured measurement gap. In step <NUM>, a UE is provided with a configuration of measurement gap from higher layers. In step <NUM>, the UE determines a measurement gap based on the configuration. In step <NUM>, the UE performs channel measurements on preconfigured DL RS for one or more DL BWPs within the measurement gap. In step <NUM>, the UE is configured to transmit a CSI report for a non-active DL BWP.

In step <NUM>, the UE determines whether it received at least one DL RS within the measurement gap before the CSI reference resource corresponds to the CSI report. In step <NUM>, when the UE receives at least one DL RS within the measurement gap before the CSI reference resource corresponds to the CSI report, the UE transmits the CSI report. Alternatively, in step <NUM>, if at least one DL RS is no received within the measurement gap before the CSI reference resource corresponds to the CSI report, the UE drops the CSI report.

For determining UE procedure for physical downlink control channel (PDCCH) reception in an active DL BWP within a MG_CM, the UE does not expect to monitor or receive PDCCH within a MG_CM in the active DL BWP. Similarly, for determining UE procedure for physical downlink shared channel (PDSCH) reception in an active DL BWP within a MG_CM, the UE doesn't expect to receive PDSCH within a MG_CM in the active DL BWP.

In certain embodiments, when a UE is provided with both a configuration of MG_CM and another type of measurement gap (such as a measurement gap for RRM measurement or PRS reception), then to avoid a collision, the UE can assume that there is no overlapping between MG_CM and other type of measurement gap. Similarly, if a UE is provided with both a configuration of MG_CM and another type of measurement gap (such as a measurement gap for RRM measurement or PRS reception), then to avoid a collision, the UE can skip the MG_CM when the MG_CM overlaps with other type of measurement gap.

In some embodiments, the UE receives a MAC CE to indicate activation or deactivation of a MG_CM for CSI-RS resources reception and CSI report quantity determination. In one example, the MAC CE indicates activation of one or more MG_CM with configurations provided by higher layers. In another example, the MAC CE indicates deactivation of one or more MG_CM. The UE applies the activation or deactivation command after transmitting HARQ-ACK in response of reception of the MAC CE.

Although <FIG> illustrates the method <NUM>, various changes may be made to <FIG>. For example, while method <NUM> of <FIG> is shown as a series of steps, various steps could overlap, occur in parallel, occur in a different order, or occur multiple times. In another example, steps may be omitted or replaced by other steps. For example, steps of the method <NUM> can be executed in a different order.

Embodiments of this disclosure also consider and describe an aperiodic CSI report for one or more DL BWPs with resources for channel measurement received by UE within a predetermined aperiodic measurement gap. This measurement gap is referred as MG2_CM. In one example, the one or more DL BWPs are all non-active. In another example, one or more DL BWPs can be either active or non-active.

For aperiodic CSI report, a UE can be triggered to transmit a CSI report in a PUSCH based on an indication received from a physical layer signal/channel, such as a field in a DCI format. The indication indicates one of preconfigured triggering states. The UE can be provided with one or more triggering states by higher layers. A triggering state can include a list of CSI report configurations. Each CSI report configuration is mapped to a CSI resource configuration of resources for channel measurement, denoted as resourcesForChannelMeasurement. Each resourcesForChannelMeasurement can be associated with a configured DL BWP. A UE can anticipate that the DL BWPs associated with different resourcesForChannelMeasurement are configured for different DL BWPs from a same serving cell. Additionally or alternatively, a triggering state can include MG2_CM, wherein the MG2_CM indicate a time duration for receiving resources for channel measurement from N≥<NUM> DL BWPs.

In certain embodiments, when a UE receives a physical layer signal/channel indicating a triggering state, the UE also receives DL RSs for channel measurements within a MG2_CM indicated by the triggering state. The UE does not expect to measure two consecutive measurement occasions within the MG2_CM for receiving resources for channel measurement from two DL BWPs, wherein the time offset between the two measurement occasion is larger than a predetermined time gap, T1. In one example, T1 can be the BWP switching delay reported by the UE. In another example, T1 is reported by UE as UE capability. The UE doesn't expect to monitor PDCCH nor receive any DL channel/signal other than the indicated DL RS within a MG2_CM.

To guarantee sufficient CSI computation time, a UE can be provided with timeline requirement of Y1, Y2, or Y3. The UE can anticipate that the timeline for an aperiodic CSI report for multiple DL BWPs will meet the timeline requirement defined by any of Y1, Y2, or Y3. It is noted that, Y1 is the minimum time offset between the last symbol of the PDCCH triggering the aperiodic CSI report and the first symbol of the DL RS in the first DL BWP in which the UE is indicated to perform CSI measurement. It is also noted that, Y2 is the minimum time offset between the last symbol of the DL RS from BWP_i, and the first symbol of the DL RS from BWP_j, where UE performs CSI measurement based on DL RS in BWP_j after completing CSI measurement based on DL RS in BWP_i. Y3 is the minimum time offset between the last symbol of the last DL BWP in which the UE is indicated to perform CSI measurement and the first symbol of a PUCCH/PUSCH which carriers a CSI report fro the multiple DL BWPs. In order to determine, Y1 or Y2, the UE can report its capability of any of Y1 or Y2 to the network. In certain embodiments, the unit of Y1 or Y2 can be a slot, one OFDM symbol, or one millisecond.

<FIG> illustrates an example timeline <NUM> for aperiodic CSI report for four DL BWPs (DL BWP #<NUM> to #<NUM>) according to embodiments of the present disclosure. The example timeline <NUM> of <FIG> is for illustration only and other embodiments can be used without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.

The example timeline <NUM> of <FIG> illustrates an example of the timeline for aperiodic CSI report for four DL BWPs based on a MG2_CM. A UE can anticipate that <NUM> is no smaller than Y1, <NUM> is no smaller than Y2, and <NUM> is no smaller than Y3. In certain embodiments, after all of the DL RSs resources are received, the UE generates the CSI and transmit the CSI report based on the list of CSI report configurations indicated by the triggering state.

In certain embodiments, an aperiodic CSI for one or more DL BWPs can include a report quantity for each DL BWP based on the list of CSI report configurations or a report quantity for one DL BWP where the DL BWP has the best channel quality among all applicable DL BWPs.

In order to determine the content of an aperiodic CSI report for multiple DL BWPs, the CSI report can include CSI for each of the multiple DL BWPs. Here, the CSI is determined based on the list of CSI report configurations. Alternatively, in order to determine the content of an aperiodic CSI report for multiple DL BWPs, the CSI report can include CSI for the DL BWP, which has the best channel quality among the multiple DL BWPs. For example, if the report quantity for each CSI report configuration is L1 RSRP, then the CSI report by the UE can be the highest L1 RSRP and the index of associated CSI report configuration to indicate the associated DL BWP. The report quantity can also be channel quality indicator (CQI), or a signal-to-noise and interference ratio (SINR).

<FIG> illustrates an example method <NUM> of a UE procedure for aperiodic CSI report for one or more DL BWPs according to embodiments of the present disclosure. For example, the steps of the method <NUM> can be performed by the any of the UEs <NUM>-<NUM> of <FIG>, such as the UE <NUM> of <FIG>. The method <NUM> of <FIG> is for illustration only and other embodiments can be used without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.

In step <NUM>, a UE is provided with one or more triggering states by higher layers. In step <NUM>, the UE receives a DCI format indicating one triggering state. In step <NUM>, the UE performs channel measurements on DL RS for one or more DL BWPs indicated by the triggering state. In step <NUM>, the UE transmits the CSI report based on the triggering state.

It is also possible that the UE receives a MAC CE to indicate a triggering state for CSI-RS resources reception/ measurement for one or more DL BWPs and one or more CSI reports based on the CSI-RS resources reception.

As discussed above, embodiments of this disclosure consider and describe CSI measurement in a dormant DL BWP triggered by a physical layer signal/channel. When a UE receives an indication for CSI measurement in a dormant DL BWP, the UE receives periodic or semi-persistent reference resources for CSI measurement based on higher layer parameters. For example, the UE does not monitor PDCCH nor receive PDSCH in the dormant DL BWP with respect to CSI-ResourceConfig in the dormant DL BWP, within a given time period. The given time period referred as CSI measurement gap.

For determining CSI measurement gap for a dormant DL BWP from a serving cell, a UE can be provided with a list of NMG≥<NUM> CSI measurement gaps for each configured DL BWP on the serving cell, Each CSI measurement gap can be a unit of one millisecond or one slot. The list of CSI measurement gaps can be provided to UE through higher layer signalling. The UE is configured to receive a physical layer signal/channel, where the physical layer signal/channel carries a CSI measurement gap indication with size of <MAT> bits, and a value of v (v = <NUM>,. , <NUM>Nbits - <NUM>) can indicate the (v + <NUM>)th CSI measurement gap of the list of measurement gaps for a dormant DL BWP.

In one example, the physical layer signal/channel can be DCI format, for example 1_1, with CRC scrambled by C-RNTI. If all bits of frequency domain resource assignment are set to <NUM> for resource allocation type <NUM> or set to <NUM> for resource allocation type <NUM>, any of the following fields of DCI format 1_1 can be re-purposed as the CSI measurement gap indication. For example, the fields could be (i) a time domain resource assignment, (ii) a carrier indicator, (iii) a modulation and coding scheme of transport block <NUM>, (iv) a new data indicator of transport block <NUM>, (v) a redundancy version of transport block <NUM>, (vi) a hybrid automatic repeat request (HARQ) process number, (vii) an antenna port(s), or (viii) any combination thereof.

In another example, the physical layer signal/channel can be a DCI format monitored by the UE in a common search space (CSS) set. In the configuration of the DCI format provided by higher layer, the UE can be provided with the starting position of the CSI measurement gap indication, or the payload size of the DCI format.

When no CSI measurement gaps are configured for a configured DL BWP, a default CSI measurement gap can be used for the DL BWP. For example, the default CSI measurement gap can be bwp-InactivityTimer for the default DL BWP. For another example, the default CSI measurement gap is defined in the specification of the system operation and can be any of <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, or the like.

In certain embodiments, for determining a dormant DL BWP, the ID of the dormant DL BWP can be indicated by the physical layer signal/channel. For example, the physical layer signal/channel can be DCI format 1_1 with CRC scrambled by C-RNTI, and the dormant BWP is indicated by the bandwidth part indicator of DCI format 1_1 when all bits of frequency domain resource assignment are set to <NUM> for resource allocation type <NUM> or set to <NUM> for resource allocation type <NUM>.

For another example, the physical layer signal/channel can be a DCI format monitored by the UE in a common search space (CSS) set. The DCI format includes one or more blocks, and the UE is configured to retrieve information from one block. The UE can be provided with starting position of the one block, and payload size of the DCI format through UE-specific RRC signaling. The one block can include a bandwidth part indicator, which indicates the dormant DL BWP. Additionally or alternatively, the one block can include a CSI measurement gap indication, if the UE is configured with a list of CSI measurement gaps for the dormant DL BWP, which indicates a CSI measurement gap from the list of CSI measurement gaps in the dormant DL BWP.

<FIG> illustrates an example method <NUM> of a UE procedure for CSI measurement according to embodiments of the present disclosure. For example, the steps of the method <NUM> can be performed by the any of the UEs <NUM>-<NUM> of <FIG>, such as the UE <NUM> of <FIG>. The method <NUM> of <FIG> is for illustration only and other embodiments can be used without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.

As illustrated in <FIG>, the method <NUM> illustrates an example of UE procedure for CSI measurement in a dormant DL BWP triggered by a DCI format. In step <NUM>, a UE is configured with a list of CSI measurement gaps for each DL BWP on a serving cell. In step <NUM>, the UE receives a PDCCH in the active DL BWP, denoted as BWP_a, and the PDCCH includes a DCI format indicates a CSI measurement gap for a dormant DL BWP, denoted as BWP_d.

In step <NUM>, the UE determines whether the dormant DL BWP is the current active DL BWP. When the UE determines that the dormant DL BWP is not the current active DL BWP, the UE in step <NUM>, switches to the dormant DL BWP. In step <NUM>, if the UE is indicated to switch BWP (step <NUM>), the UE starts a timer with initial time value of the indicated CSI measurement gap upon BWP switch is executed; otherwise the UE starts a timer with initial time value of the indicated CSI measurement gap in next slot after the slot when UE receives the DCI format.

In step <NUM>, if the timer is not expired, the UE measures CSI based on received DL RS in the dormant DL BWP. The UE in step <NUM> also decrements the timer at the end of a subframe for FR1 or at the end of a half subframe for FR2. In step <NUM>, the UE determines whether or not the timer expires. If the UE determines that the timer is expired, the UE in step <NUM>, switches back to the previous active DL BWP, BWP_a. In step <NUM>, the UE monitors PDCCH and receives PDSCH in the active DL BWP, <NUM>.

In certain embodiments, a UE assumes a DL BWP is a dormant DL BWP if the timer associated with CSI measurement gap is running and not expired. The UE does not receive PDSCH nor monitor PDCCH in the dormant DL BWP. The UE can receive DL RS, such as CSI-RS or SS/PBCH blocks, if configured, and measure CSI based on the received RS in the dormant DL BWP.

<FIG> illustrates an example timeline <NUM> for CSI measurement according to embodiments of the present disclosure. The example timeline <NUM> of <FIG> is for illustration only and other embodiments can be used without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.

The example timeline <NUM> illustrates CSI measurement in a dormant DL BWP triggered by a DCI format. As illustrated in <FIG>, the UE monitors PDCCH in an active DL BWP, BWP_a. The UE receives a PDCCH includes a DCI format, <NUM>, wherein the DCI format indicates a CSI measurement gap for a dormant DL BWP, BWP_d. After receiving the PDCCH includes a DCI format, <NUM>, the UE switches to the dormant DL BWP, BWP_d, within a BWP switching delay, during time <NUM>. The UE receives DL RS, <NUM>, in the dormant DL BWP, and performs CSI measurement based on the received DL RS during the indicated CSI measurement gap during time <NUM>. Upon expiry of the timer associated with the measurement gap, the UE switches back to the previous active DL BWP within a BWP switching delay, during time <NUM>.

In certain embodiments, a UE, such as the UE <NUM> of <FIG>, can be provided with a predetermined BWP switching delay, X, that can be in a unit of one slot or one millisecond. When the UE receives a physical layer signal/channel that indicates to switch from an active DL BWP to a dormant DL BWP for CSI measurement, the UE completes the switch within the BWP switching delay, X. The starting time of the BWP switch delay is the slot where the UE receives the physical layer signal/channel. The UE is not required to receive DL signals on the cell where BWP is switched.

In certain embodiments, a UE, such as the UE <NUM> of <FIG>, can be provided with a predetermined BWP switching delay, Y, in unit of one slot or one millisecond. When the UE is triggered to switch from a dormant DL BWP to an active DL BWP upon the expiry of the timer associated with CSI measurement gap, the UE completes the switch within the BWP switching delay, Y. The starting time of the BWP switch delay is the slot at the beginning of a subframe (FR1) or half-subframe (FR2) immediately after timer expires. The UE is not required to receive DL signals on the cell where BWP is switched.

A first approach for determining X or Y, X or Y can be type <NUM> or type <NUM> BWP switching delay. Another approach for determining X or Y, X or Y can be a different type of BWP switching delay. For example, the values for X or Y can be <NUM> for sub-carier spacing (SCS) of <NUM>, <NUM> for SCS of <NUM>, <NUM> for SCS of <NUM>, and <NUM> for SCS of <NUM>, respectively. If the BWP switch involves changing of SCS, the BWP switch delay is determined by the larger one between the SCS before BWP switch and the SCS after BWP switch.

In certain embodiments, if a UE, such as the UE <NUM> of <FIG>, is indicated to perform CSI measurement during a measurement time gap in a dormant DL BWP, the UE can transmit a CSI report. It is noted that, the DL RS for CSI measurement corresponds to the CSI report received by the UE during the indicated measurement time gap.

<FIG> illustrates an example method <NUM> of a UE procedure for periodic or semi-persistent CSI reporting according to embodiments of the present disclosure. For example, the steps of the method <NUM> can be performed by the any of the UEs <NUM>-<NUM> of <FIG>, such as the UE <NUM> of <FIG>. The method <NUM> of <FIG> is for illustration only and other embodiments can be used without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.

In step <NUM>, a UE is triggered to perform CSI measurement in a dormant DL BWP. In step <NUM>, the UE is configured to transmit a periodic or semi-persistent CSI report. In step <NUM>, the UE determines whether the UE receives at least one DL RS in the dormant DL BWP before the CSI reference resource corresponds to the CSI report. If the UE receives at least one DL RS transmission occasion for CSI measurement during the indicated measurement gap no later than CSI reference resource, the UE in step <NUM> transmits the CSI report in the active UL BWP <NUM>. If the UE does not receive at least one DL RS transmission before the CSI reference resource corresponds to the CSI report, the UE in step <NUM>, and drops the report.

In certain embodiments, when the CSI measurement in dormant BWP is enabled, the UE reports a CSI report for a DL BWP upon receipt of at least one CSI-RS transmission occasion for channel measurement and CSI-RS and/or CSI-IM occasion for interference measurement during the indicated measurement gap when the DL BWP is dormant BWP or in valid DL slot when the DL BWP is active DL BWP no later than CSI reference resource and drops the report otherwise. When more than one CSI measurement occasion occurs, the UE reports CSI derived from the most recent CSI measurement occasion.

It is also possible that the UE receives a MAC CE to indicate a dormant BWP for CSI-RS resources reception/measurement or one or more CSI reports based on the CSI-RS resource reception/measurement.

Aperiodic CSI Measurement/report For Multiple BWPs Triggered By A Group Common PDCCH.

As discussed above, embodiments of this disclosure consider and describe aperiodic CSI measurement or reporting for N><NUM> DL BWPs triggered by a DCI format monitored in common search space set. The DCI format is referred as DCI format <NUM>.

For determining the aperiodic DL RS for CSI measurement across N<NUM>><NUM> DL BWPs, a UE, such as the UE <NUM>, can be provided with N<NUM> CSI resources configurations. Each resource configuration can be denoted as CSI-ResourceConfig. The configurations can be part of the system information and received by the UE in PDSCH scheduled by DCI format with CRC scrambled by SI-RNTI. The CSI-ResourceConfig can include a CSI-ResourceConfig ID. The CSI-ResourceConfig can include a DL BWP indicator. The DL BWP indicator indicates the DL BWP where the aperiodic CSI-RS resources defined by the CSI-ResourceConfig are transmitted. It is noted that the UE does not expect to receive different CSI-ResourceConfig with same DL BWP indicator. The CSI-ResourceConfig can include N<NUM>≥<NUM> CSI-RS resource sets, where each CSI-RS resource set, denoted as csi-RS-ResourceSet defines a list of non-zero power (NZP) CSI-RS resources. The resource type of the NZP CSI-RS resources is predetermined to be aperiodic.

In certain embodiments, a csi-RS-ResourceSet can include an ID. In certain embodiments, a csi-RS-ResourceSet can include a list of NZP CSI-RS resources, where each NZP CSI-RS resource can be determined based on higher layer parameter, NZP-CSI-RS-Resource. In certain embodiments, a csi-RS-ResourceSet can include an aperiodic Triggering Offset, denoted as Xoffset. When the DL BWP to receive the CSI-RS resource set is the first DL BWP for aperiodic CSI measurement triggered by a DCI format <NUM>, Xoffset, indicates the slot offset between the slot containing the DCI that triggers the aperiodic CSI measurement and the first slot in which the CSI-RS resource set is transmitted. Otherwise Xoffset indicates slot offset between the last slot in which the CSI-RS resource set from the previous DL BWP is transmitted and the slot in which the CSI-RS resource set is transmitted. It is noted that the UE does not expect to be configured with an aperiodic triggering offset smaller than BWP switching delay reported by the UE.

For triggering aperiodic CSI measurement across multiple DL BWPs, a UE, such as the UE <NUM> of <FIG>, can be provided with a configuration of DCI format <NUM>, which is monitored in a common search space set. The configuration can include a list of K CSI-ResourceConfig IDs. The DCI format <NUM> includes K consecutive A-CSI-RS triggering fields, where the kth (k=<NUM>,. A-CSI-RS triggering field is associated with the CSI-ResourceConfig indicated by the kth CSI-ResourceConfig configuration ID. The value of kth A-CSI-RS triggering field, <IMG>, indicates the (vk+<NUM>)th csi-RS-ResourceSet from the CSI-ResourceConfig indicated by the kth CSI-ResourceConfig ID. The value of K is equals to the number of CSI-ResourceConfig, N<NUM>. The configuration is provided to UE through higher layer signalling. For example, the configuration can be part of system information, and is received by the UE in PDSCH scheduled by a DCI format with CRC scrambled by SI-RNTI. For another example, the configuration is provided to UE through UE-specific RRC signaling.

<FIG> illustrates an example method <NUM> of a UE procedure for aperiodic CSI measurement according to embodiments of the present disclosure. For example, the steps of the method <NUM> can be performed by the any of the UEs <NUM>-<NUM> of <FIG>, such as the UE <NUM> of <FIG>. The method <NUM> of <FIG> is for illustration only and other embodiments can be used without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.

As illustrated in <FIG>, the method <NUM> illustrates an example of UE procedure for aperiodic CSI measurement across multiple BWPs triggered by a DCI format. In step <NUM>, a UE, such as the UE <NUM> of <FIG> is provided with a configuration of DCI format <NUM>, and multiple CSI resources configurations. For example, the number of CSI resources configurations can be more than one. In step <NUM>, the UE monitors DCI format <NUM> in a CSS set. In step <NUM>, the UE receives a DCI format <NUM> that includes K><NUM> A-CSI-RS triggering fields. In step <NUM>, the UE then performs CSI measurement for K><NUM> DL BWPs in increasing order of the A-CSI-RS triggering field index. The channel measurement for kth DL BWP is based on aperiodic CSI-RS resources indicated by the kth A-CSI-RS triggering field.

In certain embodiments, when a UE, such as the UE <NUM>, is triggered to perform CSI measurement across multiple DL BWPs, the UE does not expect to transmit any UL signal/channel nor receive other DL channel/signal other than the indicated aperiodic CSI-RS resources.

In certain embodiments, when UE, such as the UE <NUM>, completes a CSI measurement across the multiple DL BWPs, the UE can switch to a predetermined DL BWP. For example, the predetermined DL BWP is the default DL BWP preconfigured by higher layers. For another example, the predetermined DL BWP is the DL BWP with best channel quality based on the CSI measurement. In this case, the UE reports the ID of the DL BWP with best channel quality to gNB. For error handling, if the UE does not receive any DL channel/signal after switching to the DL BWP with the best channel quality for a time duration, the UE switches back to a default DL BWP. The time duration can be either predefined in the specification of system operation (such as a time of <NUM>) or provided to the UE through higher layer signaling.

For aperiodic CSI reporting for multiple DL BWPs, a UE, such as the UE <NUM>, can be provided with one or more CSI report configurations for CSI reporting for multiple DL BWPs. A CSI report configuration, denoted as CSI-ReportConfig, can include ID, denoted as reportConfigID. The CSI report configuration can include a ReportSlotOffset, to indicate that the slot offset between the slot containing a DCI that triggers the CSI report and the slot in which the CSI report is transmitted by the UE. The CSI report configuration can include a report quantity denoted as reportQuantity. If the reportQuantity is not configured, the UE can assume a default report quantity, such as cri-RSRP. For example, reportQuantity can be configured to be channel quality indicator (CQI), or a signal-to-noise and interference ratio (SINR), or reference signal received power (RSRP). The CSI report configuration can include a PUCCH-CSI-Resource for indicating a configuration of a PUCCH in which the CSI report is transmitted. The CSI report configuration can include reportFreqConfiguration to define frequency domain configuration for the CSI report. The CSI report configuration can include PUSCH-CSI-Resource that indicates a configuration of a PUSCH in which the CSI report is transmitted. It is noted that the one or more CSI report configurations can be provided to the UE through higher layer signalling, such as UE-specific RRC signalling.

In certain embodiments, to trigger an aperiodic CSI report for multiple DL BWPs, a UE, such as the UE <NUM>, is provided with a configuration of DCI format <NUM>, which is monitored in a common search space set. The DCI format includes N≥<NUM> blocks. The UE can be configured to retrieve information from one block out of the N≥<NUM> blocks. The UE can be provided with a starting position of the one block, and payload size of the DCI format through UE-specific RRC signaling. The one block can include a CSI request indicator. The CSI request indicator indicates one of the preconfigured CSI report configurations. The one block can include a report slot offset, denoted as ReportSlotOffset. The report slot offset, ReportSlotOffset, indicates the slot offset between the slot containing the DCI that triggers the aperiodic CSI report and the slot in which the CSI report is transmitted by the UE. The one block can include a PUCCH-CSI-Resource that indicates a PUCCH in which the CSI report is transmitted. The one block can include a PUSCH-CSI-Resource that indicates a grant of a PUSCH in which the CSI report is transmitted.

In certain embodiments, when a UE receives a DCI format <NUM> for triggering an aperiodic CSI report for multiple DL BWPs, the UE computes the CSI based on aperiodic CSI-RS resources transmitted in the multiple DL BWPs also indicated by the DCI format <NUM>. In a first approach for determining the content of a CSI report for multiple DL BWPs triggered by DCI format <NUM>, the CSI report includes CSI for each of the multiple DL BWPs. In a second approach for determining the content of a CSI report for multiple DL BWPs triggered by DCI format <NUM>, the CSI report includes CSI for the DL BWP, which has the best channel quality among the multiple DL BWPs. For example, the CSI can be the ID of the DL BWP with best channel quality. For another example, the CSI can be the report quantity of the DL BWP with best channel quality, where the report quantity is defined by reportQuantity, and discussed above.

<FIG> illustrates an example method <NUM> of a UE procedure for aperiodic CSI report for multiple DL BWPs according to embodiments of the present disclosure. For example, the steps of the method <NUM> can be performed by the any of the UEs <NUM>-<NUM> of <FIG>, such as the UE <NUM> of <FIG>. The method <NUM> of <FIG> is for illustration only and other embodiments can be used without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.

In step <NUM>, a UE, such as the UE <NUM>, is provided with a configuration of DCI format <NUM>. It is noted that, DCI format <NUM> includes K><NUM> consecutive A-CSI-RS triggering fields, where each field indicate a set of aperiodic CSI-RS resources for a DL BWP. Also, the DCI format <NUM> also includes a block indicates a CSI report.

In step <NUM>, the UE monitors DCI format <NUM> in a CSS set. Additionally, in step <NUM>, the UE receives a DCI format <NUM> with CRC check succeeded. In step <NUM>, the UE then perform CSI measurement for K><NUM> DL BWPs in increasing order of the A-CSI-RS triggering field index. The channel measurement for kth DL BWP can be based on aperiodic CSI-RS resources indicated by the kth A-CSI-RS triggering field.

After completing channel measurement for the last DL BWP, the UE, in step <NUM>, switches to the DL BWP with the best channel quality. In step <NUM>, the UE determines a CSI report indicated by the block. The UE then transmits the CSI report with CSI derived from the channel measurement for the K DL BWPs.

In certain embodiments, a UE, such as the UE <NUM>, is provided with timeline requirement of Z1, Z2, or Z3 to ensure sufficient CSI computation time. The UE anticipates the timeline for an aperiodic CSI report and aperiodic CSI measurement for multiple DL BWPs triggered by DCI format <NUM> to meet the timeline requirement defined by any of Z1, Z2, or Z3.

The timeline requirement of Z1 is the minimum time offset between the last symbol of the PDCCH triggering the aperiodic CSI report/measurement and the first symbol of the aperiodic CSI-RS resource in the first DL BWP in which the UE is indicated to perform CSI measurement. The timeline requirement of Z2 is the minimum time offset between the last symbol of the aperiodic CSI-RS resource from BWP_i, and the first symbol of the aperiodic CSI-RS resource from BWP_j. The UE can receive an indication to perform CSI measurement based on aperiodic CSI-RS resource in BWP_j after completing CSI measurement based on aperiodic CSI-RS resource in BWP_i. The timeline requirement of Z3 is the minimum time offset between the last symbol of the aperiodic CSI-RS resource in the last DL BWP in which the UE is indicated to perform CSI measurement and the first symbol of the PUCCH/PUSCH which carriers the CSI report. It is noted that for determining Z1, Z2, or Z3, the UE can report its capability of any of Z1, Z2, or Z3 to the network. The unit of Z1, Z2, or Z3 can be one slot or one OFDM symbol or one millisecond.

<FIG> illustrates an example timeline <NUM> for aperiodic CSI measurement and report according to embodiments of the present disclosure. The example timeline <NUM> of <FIG> is for illustration only and other embodiments can be used without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.

The example timeline <NUM> of <FIG> illustrates the active DL BWP is DL BWP #<NUM>. As illustrated, the example timeline <NUM> includes multiple blocks, such as block <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM>, separated by various time intervals, such as time <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> and <NUM>.

The block <NUM> is the PDCCH that trigger an aperiodic CSI measurements and report for three DL BWPs. The block <NUM> is aperiodic CSI-RS resources in the first DL BWP in which a UE, such as the UE <NUM>, is indicated to perform CSI measurement. The block <NUM> is aperiodic CSI-RS resources in the second DL BWP in which the UE is indicated to perform CSI measurement. The block <NUM> is aperiodic CSI-RS resources in the last DL BWP in which the UE is indicated to perform CSI measurement. The block <NUM> is the PUCCH or PUSCH that carries the aperiodic CSI report.

The time <NUM> is the time offset between the last symbol of <NUM> and the first symbol of <NUM>. The time <NUM> is the time offset between the last symbol of <NUM> and the first symbol of <NUM>. The time <NUM> is the time offset between the last symbol of <NUM> and the first symbol of <NUM>. The time <NUM> is the time offset between the last symbol of <NUM> and the first symbol of <NUM>.

Accordingly, the example timeline <NUM> illustrates that the UE anticipates that the time <NUM> is no smaller than Z1. Similarly, the UE anticipates that the time <NUM> is no smaller than Z2. The UE also anticipates that the time <NUM> is no smaller than Z2. Additionally, the UE anticipates that the time <NUM> is no smaller than Z3.

In some embodiments, the UE receives a MAC CE to indicate the CSI-RS resources reception/measurement for one or more DL BWPs or one or more CSI reports based on the CSI-RS resources reception/measurement.

Although the figures illustrate different examples of user equipment, various changes may be made to the figures. For example, the user equipment can include any number of each component in any suitable arrangement. In general, the figures do not limit the scope of this disclosure to any particular configuration(s). Moreover, while figures illustrate operational environments in which various user equipment features disclosed in this patent document can be used, these features can be used in any other suitable system.

Claim 1:
A user equipment, UE, (<NUM>) configured to be operable in a wireless communication system, the UE (<NUM>) comprising:
a transceiver (<NUM>); and
a processor (<NUM>) configured to:
receive, via the transceiver (<NUM>) from a base station (<NUM>), information on a first configuration for a first set of downlink, DL, bandwidth parts, BWPs, wherein each DL BWP in the first set of DL BWPs has an index, information on a second configuration for channel state information-reference signal, CSI-RS resource sets in a second set of DL BWPs that is a subset of the first set of DL BWPs, information on a third configuration for CSI reports corresponding to the second set of DL BWPs, and information on CSI-RS resources among the CSI-RS resource sets in a third set of DL BWPs that is a subset of the second set of DL BWPs,
determine a first number of CSI reports by using the received information on the CSI-RS resources, the first number being equal to a number of the CSI-RS resources,
determine a second number of CSI reports, among the first number of CSI reports, each of the second number of CSI reports that includes a value for a CSI report quantity that are larger than all values for the CSI report quantity in other CSI reports except the second number of CSI reports among the first number of CSI reports and information indicating a corresponding DL BWP index, and
transmit, to the base station (<NUM>) via the transceiver (<NUM>), the second number of CSI reports including values for the CSI report quantity and the information indicating corresponding DL BWP indexes on a physical uplink control channel, PUCCH, or a physical uplink shared channel, PUSCH.