Patent ID: 12262363

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The detailed description set forth below in connection with the appended drawings is intended as a description of various configurations and is not intended to represent the only configurations in which the concepts described herein may be practiced. The detailed description includes specific details for the purpose of providing a thorough understanding of various concepts. However, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that these concepts may be practiced without these specific details. In some instances, well known structures and components are shown in block diagram form in order to avoid obscuring such concepts.

Several aspects of telecommunication systems will now be presented with reference to various apparatus and methods. These apparatus and methods will be described in the following detailed description and illustrated in the accompanying drawings by various blocks, components, circuits, processes, algorithms, etc. (collectively referred to as “elements”). These elements may be implemented using electronic hardware, computer software, or any combination thereof. Whether such elements are implemented as hardware or software depends upon the particular application and design constraints imposed on the overall system.

By way of example, an element, or any portion of an element, or any combination of elements may be implemented as a “processing system” that includes one or more processors. Examples of processors include microprocessors, microcontrollers, graphics processing units (GPUs), central processing units (CPUs), application processors, digital signal processors (DSPs), reduced instruction set computing (RISC) processors, systems on a chip (SoC), baseband processors, field programmable gate arrays (FPGAs), programmable logic devices (PLDs), state machines, gated logic, discrete hardware circuits, and other suitable hardware configured to perform the various functionality described throughout this disclosure. One or more processors in the processing system may execute software. Software shall be construed broadly to mean instructions, instruction sets, code, code segments, program code, programs, subprograms, software components, applications, software applications, software packages, routines, subroutines, objects, executables, threads of execution, procedures, functions, etc., whether referred to as software, firmware, middleware, microcode, hardware description language, or otherwise.

Accordingly, in one or more example embodiments, the functions described may be implemented in hardware, software, or any combination thereof. If implemented in software, the functions may be stored on or encoded as one or more instructions or code on a computer-readable medium. Computer-readable media includes computer storage media. Storage media may be any available media that can be accessed by a computer. By way of example, and not limitation, such computer-readable media can comprise a random-access memory (RAM), a read-only memory (ROM), an electrically erasable programmable ROM (EEPROM), optical disk storage, magnetic disk storage, other magnetic storage devices, combinations of the aforementioned types of computer-readable media, or any other medium that can be used to store computer executable code in the form of instructions or data structures that can be accessed by a computer.

In some wireless communication systems, TCI may include a TCI state that includes at least one source reference signal (RS) to provide a reference (e.g., a basis for a UE assumption) to determine quasi-colocation (QCL) relationship or a spatial filter (e.g., beam) for wireless communication. TCI states may be used by a base station to indicate a beam change to a UE. Various types of TCI states may be used. For example, one TCI state may indicate a joint downlink (DL)/uplink (UL) common TCI state to indicate a common beam for at least one DL channel or DL RS plus at least one UL channel or UL RS. Another example TCI state may indicate a separate DL common TCI state to indicate a common beam for more than one DL channel or DL RS, e.g., and not for an UL channel or UL RS. Yet another example TCI state may indicate a separate UL common TCI state to indicate a common beam for more than one UL channel or UL RS, e.g., and not for a DL channel or DL RS. In addition, in some aspects, separate TCI states, one for DL and one for UL, may be utilized. For the separate DL TCI state, the source reference signal(s) in multiple TCIs (e.g., M TCIs with M being an integer number) provide QCL information at least for UE-dedicated reception on physical downlink shared channel (PDSCH) and for UE-dedicated reception on all or subset of control resource sets (CORESETs) in a CC. For the separate UL TCI, the source reference signal(s) in N TCIs (e.g., with N being an integer number) may provide a reference for determining common UL TX spatial filter(s) (i.e., beams) at least for dynamic-grant/configured-grant based physical uplink shared channel (PUSCH), all or subset of dedicated physical uplink control channel (PUCCH) resources in a CC. In addition, the UL TX spatial filter can also apply to all SRS resources in resource set(s) configured for antenna switching/codebook-based/non-codebook-based UL transmissions.

In some wireless communication systems, DCI may be used to update beam indications under such a TCI framework. The DCI that indicates the beam update may further schedule transmissions such as a PDSCH or a PUSCH. Aspects provided herein enable DCI for beam updating that may flexibly schedule or not schedule a transmission.

FIG.1is a diagram illustrating an example of a wireless communications system and an access network100. The wireless communications system (also referred to as a wireless wide area network (WWAN)) includes base stations102, UEs104, an Evolved Packet Core (EPC)160, and another core network190(e.g., a 5G Core (5GC)). The base stations102may include macrocells (high power cellular base station) and/or small cells (low power cellular base station). The macrocells include base stations. The small cells include femtocells, picocells, and microcells.

The base stations102configured for 4G LTE (collectively referred to as Evolved Universal Mobile Telecommunications System (UMTS) Terrestrial Radio Access Network (E-UTRAN)) may interface with the EPC160through first backhaul links132(e.g., S1 interface). The base stations102configured for 5G NR (collectively referred to as Next Generation RAN (NG-RAN)) may interface with core network190through second backhaul links184. In addition to other functions, the base stations102may perform one or more of the following functions: transfer of user data, radio channel ciphering and deciphering, integrity protection, header compression, mobility control functions (e.g., handover, dual connectivity), inter-cell interference coordination, connection setup and release, load balancing, distribution for non-access stratum (NAS) messages, NAS node selection, synchronization, radio access network (RAN) sharing, multimedia broadcast multicast service (MBMS), subscriber and equipment trace, RAN information management (RIM), paging, positioning, and delivery of warning messages. The base stations102may communicate directly or indirectly (e.g., through the EPC160or core network190) with each other over third backhaul links134(e.g., X2 interface). The first backhaul links132, the second backhaul links184, and the third backhaul links134may be wired or wireless.

The base stations102may wirelessly communicate with the UEs104. Each of the base stations102may provide communication coverage for a respective geographic coverage area110. There may be overlapping geographic coverage areas110. For example, the small cell102′ may have a coverage area110′ that overlaps the coverage area110of one or more macro base stations102. A network that includes both small cell and macrocells may be known as a heterogeneous network. A heterogeneous network may also include Home Evolved Node Bs (eNBs) (HeNBs), which may provide service to a restricted group known as a closed subscriber group (CSG). The communication links120between the base stations102and the UEs104may include uplink (UL) (also referred to as reverse link) transmissions from a UE104to a base station102and/or downlink (DL) (also referred to as forward link) transmissions from a base station102to a UE104. The communication links120may use multiple-input and multiple-output (MIMO) antenna technology, including spatial multiplexing, beamforming, and/or transmit diversity. The communication links may be through one or more carriers. The base stations102/UEs104may use spectrum up to Y MHz (e.g., 5, 10, 15, 20, 100, 400, etc. MHz) bandwidth per carrier allocated in a carrier aggregation of up to a total of Yx MHz (x component carriers) used for transmission in each direction. The carriers may or may not be adjacent to each other. Allocation of carriers may be asymmetric with respect to DL and UL (e.g., more or fewer carriers may be allocated for DL than for UL). The component carriers may include a primary component carrier and one or more secondary component carriers. A primary component carrier may be referred to as a primary cell (PCell) and a secondary component carrier may be referred to as a secondary cell (SCell).

Certain UEs104may communicate with each other using device-to-device (D2D) communication link158. The D2D communication link158may use the DL/UL WWAN spectrum. The D2D communication link158may use one or more sidelink channels, such as a physical sidelink broadcast channel (PSBCH), a physical sidelink discovery channel (PSDCH), a physical sidelink shared channel (PSSCH), and a physical sidelink control channel (PSCCH). D2D communication may be through a variety of wireless D2D communications systems, such as for example, WiMedia, Bluetooth, ZigBee, Wi-Fi based on the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) 802.11 standard, LTE, or NR.

The wireless communications system may further include a Wi-Fi access point (AP)150in communication with Wi-Fi stations (STAs)152via communication links154, e.g., in a 5 GHz unlicensed frequency spectrum or the like. When communicating in an unlicensed frequency spectrum, the STAs152/AP150may perform a clear channel assessment (CCA) prior to communicating in order to determine whether the channel is available.

The small cell102′ may operate in a licensed and/or an unlicensed frequency spectrum. When operating in an unlicensed frequency spectrum, the small cell102′ may employ NR and use the same unlicensed frequency spectrum (e.g., 5 GHz, or the like) as used by the Wi-Fi AP150. The small cell102′, employing NR in an unlicensed frequency spectrum, may boost coverage to and/or increase capacity of the access network.

The electromagnetic spectrum is often subdivided, based on frequency/wavelength, into various classes, bands, channels, etc. In 5G NR, two initial operating bands have been identified as frequency range designations FR1 (410 MHz-7.125 GHz) and FR2 (24.25 GHz-52.6 GHz). The frequencies between FR1 and FR2 are often referred to as mid-band frequencies. Although a portion of FR1 is greater than 6 GHz, FR1 is often referred to (interchangeably) as a “sub-6 GHz” band in various documents and articles. A similar nomenclature issue sometimes occurs with regard to FR2, which is often referred to (interchangeably) as a “millimeter wave” band in documents and articles, despite being different from the extremely high frequency (EHF) band (30 GHz-300 GHz) which is identified by the International Telecommunications Union (ITU) as a “millimeter wave” band.

With the above aspects in mind, unless specifically stated otherwise, it should be understood that the term “sub-6 GHz” or the like if used herein may broadly represent frequencies that may be less than 6 GHz, may be within FR1, or may include mid-band frequencies. Further, unless specifically stated otherwise, it should be understood that the term “millimeter wave” or the like if used herein may broadly represent frequencies that may include mid-band frequencies, may be within FR2, or may be within the EHF band.

A base station102, whether a small cell102′ or a large cell (e.g., macro base station), may include and/or be referred to as an eNB, gNodeB (gNB), or another type of base station. Some base stations, such as gNB180may operate in a traditional sub 6 GHz spectrum, in millimeter wave frequencies, and/or near millimeter wave frequencies in communication with the UE104. When the gNB180operates in millimeter wave or near millimeter wave frequencies, the gNB180may be referred to as a millimeter wave base station. The millimeter wave base station180may utilize beamforming182with the UE104to compensate for the path loss and short range. The base station180and the UE104may each include a plurality of antennas, such as antenna elements, antenna panels, and/or antenna arrays to facilitate the beamforming.

The base station180may transmit a beamformed signal to the UE104in one or more transmit directions182′. The UE104may receive the beamformed signal from the base station180in one or more receive directions182″. The UE104may also transmit a beamformed signal to the base station180in one or more transmit directions. The base station180may receive the beamformed signal from the UE104in one or more receive directions. The base station180/UE104may perform beam training to determine the best receive and transmit directions for each of the base station180/UE104. The transmit and receive directions for the base station180may or may not be the same. The transmit and receive directions for the UE104may or may not be the same.

The EPC160may include a Mobility Management Entity (MME)162, other MMEs164, a Serving Gateway166, a Multimedia Broadcast Multicast Service (MBMS) Gateway168, a Broadcast Multicast Service Center (BM-SC)170, and a Packet Data Network (PDN) Gateway172. The MME162may be in communication with a Home Subscriber Server (HSS)174. The MME162is the control node that processes the signaling between the UEs104and the EPC160. Generally, the MME162provides bearer and connection management. All user Internet protocol (IP) packets are transferred through the Serving Gateway166, which itself is connected to the PDN Gateway172. The PDN Gateway172provides UE IP address allocation as well as other functions. The PDN Gateway172and the BM-SC170are connected to the IP Services176. The IP Services176may include the Internet, an intranet, an IP Multimedia Subsystem (IMS), a PS Streaming Service, and/or other IP services. The BM-SC170may provide functions for MBMS user service provisioning and delivery. The BM-SC170may serve as an entry point for content provider MBMS transmission, may be used to authorize and initiate MBMS Bearer Services within a public land mobile network (PLMN), and may be used to schedule MBMS transmissions. The MBMS Gateway168may be used to distribute MBMS traffic to the base stations102belonging to a Multicast Broadcast Single Frequency Network (MBSFN) area broadcasting a particular service, and may be responsible for session management (start/stop) and for collecting eMBMS related charging information.

The core network190may include a Access and Mobility Management Function (AMF)192, other AMFs193, a Session Management Function (SMF)194, and a User Plane Function (UPF)195. The AMF192may be in communication with a Unified Data Management (UDM)196. The AMF192is the control node that processes the signaling between the UEs104and the core network190. Generally, the AMF192provides QoS flow and session management. All user Internet protocol (IP) packets are transferred through the UPF195. The UPF195provides UE IP address allocation as well as other functions. The UPF195is connected to the IP Services197. The IP Services197may include the Internet, an intranet, an IP Multimedia Subsystem (IMS), a Packet Switch (PS) Streaming (PSS) Service, and/or other IP services.

The base station may include and/or be referred to as a gNB, Node B, eNB, an access point, a base transceiver station, a radio base station, a radio transceiver, a transceiver function, a basic service set (BSS), an extended service set (ESS), a transmit reception point (TRP), or some other suitable terminology. The base station102provides an access point to the EPC160or core network190for a UE104. Examples of UEs104include a cellular phone, a smart phone, a session initiation protocol (SIP) phone, a laptop, a personal digital assistant (PDA), a satellite radio, a global positioning system, a multimedia device, a video device, a digital audio player (e.g., MP3 player), a camera, a game console, a tablet, a smart device, a wearable device, a vehicle, an electric meter, a gas pump, a large or small kitchen appliance, a healthcare device, an implant, a sensor/actuator, a display, or any other similar functioning device. Some of the UEs104may be referred to as IoT devices (e.g., parking meter, gas pump, toaster, vehicles, heart monitor, etc.). The UE104may also be referred to as a station, a mobile station, a subscriber station, a mobile unit, a subscriber unit, a wireless unit, a remote unit, a mobile device, a wireless device, a wireless communications device, a remote device, a mobile subscriber station, an access terminal, a mobile terminal, a wireless terminal, a remote terminal, a handset, a user agent, a mobile client, a client, or some other suitable terminology.

Referring again toFIG.1, in certain aspects, the UE104may include DCI component198. In some aspects, the DCI component198may be configured to receive DCI. In some aspects, the DCI component198may be further configured to determine, based on the DCI, whether the DCI is associated with a beam update for uplink, downlink, or a combination of the uplink and the downlink. In some aspects, the DCI component198may be further configured to determine, from the DCI, a TCI state that indicates a beam for the uplink, the downlink, or the combination of the uplink and the downlink. Although the following description may be focused on 5G NR, the concepts described herein may be applicable to other similar areas, such as LTE, LTE-A, CDMA, GSM, and other wireless technologies.

FIG.2Ais a diagram200illustrating an example of a first subframe within a 5G NR frame structure.FIG.2Bis a diagram230illustrating an example of DL channels within a 5G NR subframe.FIG.2Cis a diagram250illustrating an example of a second subframe within a 5G NR frame structure.FIG.2Dis a diagram280illustrating an example of UL channels within a 5G NR subframe. The 5G NR frame structure may be frequency division duplexed (FDD) in which for a particular set of subcarriers (carrier system bandwidth), subframes within the set of subcarriers are dedicated for either DL or UL, or may be time division duplexed (TDD) in which for a particular set of subcarriers (carrier system bandwidth), subframes within the set of subcarriers are dedicated for both DL and UL. In the examples provided byFIGS.2A,2C, the 5G NR frame structure is assumed to be TDD, with subframe 4 being configured with slot format 28 (with mostly DL), where D is DL, U is UL, and F is flexible for use between DL/UL, and subframe 3 being configured with slot format 1 (with all UL). While subframes 3, 4 are shown with slot formats 1, 28, respectively, any particular subframe may be configured with any of the various available slot formats 0-61. Slot formats 0, 1 are all DL, UL, respectively. Other slot formats 2-61 include a mix of DL, UL, and flexible symbols. UEs are configured with the slot format (dynamically through DL control information (DCI), or semi-statically/statically through radio resource control (RRC) signaling) through a received slot format indicator (SFI). Note that the description infra applies also to a 5G NR frame structure that is TDD.

Other wireless communication technologies may have a different frame structure and/or different channels. A frame (10 ms) may be divided into 10 equally sized subframes (1 ms). Each subframe may include one or more time slots. Subframes may also include mini-slots, which may include 7, 4, or 2 symbols. Each slot may include 7 or 14 symbols, depending on the slot configuration. For slot configuration 0, each slot may include 14 symbols, and for slot configuration 1, each slot may include 7 symbols. The symbols on DL may be cyclic prefix (CP) orthogonal frequency division multiplexing (OFDM) (CP-OFDM) symbols. The symbols on UL may be CP-OFDM symbols (for high throughput scenarios) or discrete Fourier transform (DFT) spread OFDM (DFT-s-OFDM) symbols (also referred to as single carrier frequency-division multiple access (SC-FDMA) symbols) (for power limited scenarios; limited to a single stream transmission). The number of slots within a subframe is based on the slot configuration and the numerology. For slot configuration 0, different numerologies μ 0 to 4 allow for 1, 2, 4, 8, and 16 slots, respectively, per subframe. For slot configuration 1, different numerologies 0 to 2 allow for 2, 4, and 8 slots, respectively, per subframe. Accordingly, for slot configuration 0 and numerology μ, there are 14 symbols/slot and 2μslots/subframe. The subcarrier spacing and symbol length/duration are a function of the numerology. The subcarrier spacing may be equal to 2μ*15 kHz, where μ is the numerology 0 to 4. As such, the numerology μ=0 has a subcarrier spacing of 15 kHz and the numerology μ=4 has a subcarrier spacing of 240 kHz. The symbol length/duration is inversely related to the subcarrier spacing.FIGS.2A-2Dprovide an example of slot configuration 0 with 14 symbols per slot and numerology μ=2 with 4 slots per subframe. The slot duration is 0.25 ms, the subcarrier spacing is 60 kHz, and the symbol duration is approximately 16.67 μs. Within a set of frames, there may be one or more different bandwidth parts (BWPs) (seeFIG.2B) that are frequency division multiplexed. Each BWP may have a particular numerology.

A resource grid may be used to represent the frame structure. Each time slot includes a resource block (RB) (also referred to as physical RBs (PRBs)) that extends 12 consecutive subcarriers. The resource grid is divided into multiple resource elements (REs). The number of bits carried by each RE depends on the modulation scheme.

As illustrated inFIG.2A, some of the REs carry reference (pilot) signals (RS) for the UE. The RS may include demodulation RS (DM-RS) (indicated as R for one particular configuration, but other DM-RS configurations are possible) and channel state information reference signals (CSI-RS) for channel estimation at the UE. The RS may also include beam measurement RS (BRS), beam refinement RS (BRRS), and phase tracking RS (PT-RS).

FIG.2Billustrates an example of various DL channels within a subframe of a frame. The physical downlink control channel (PDCCH) carries DCI within one or more control channel elements (CCEs) (e.g., 1, 2, 4, 8, or 16 CCEs), each CCE including six RE groups (REGs), each REG including 12 consecutive REs in an OFDM symbol of an RB. A PDCCH within one BWP may be referred to as a control resource set (CORESET). A UE is configured to monitor PDCCH candidates in a PDCCH search space (e.g., common search space, UE-specific search space) during PDCCH monitoring occasions on the CORESET, where the PDCCH candidates have different DCI formats and different aggregation levels. Additional BWPs may be located at greater and/or lower frequencies across the channel bandwidth. A primary synchronization signal (PSS) may be within symbol 2 of particular subframes of a frame. The PSS is used by a UE104to determine subframe/symbol timing and a physical layer identity. A secondary synchronization signal (SSS) may be within symbol 4 of particular subframes of a frame. The SSS is used by a UE to determine a physical layer cell identity group number and radio frame timing. Based on the physical layer identity and the physical layer cell identity group number, the UE can determine a physical cell identifier (PCI). Based on the PCI, the UE can determine the locations of the aforementioned DM-RS. The physical broadcast channel (PBCH), which carries a master information block (MIB), may be logically grouped with the PSS and SSS to form a synchronization signal (SS)/PBCH block (also referred to as SS block (SSB)). The MIB provides a number of RBs in the system bandwidth and a system frame number (SFN). The physical downlink shared channel (PDSCH) carries user data, broadcast system information not transmitted through the PBCH such as system information blocks (SIBs), and paging messages.

As illustrated inFIG.2C, some of the REs carry DM-RS (indicated as R for one particular configuration, but other DM-RS configurations are possible) for channel estimation at the base station. The UE may transmit DM-RS for the physical uplink control channel (PUCCH) and DM-RS for the physical uplink shared channel (PUSCH). The PUSCH DM-RS may be transmitted in the first one or two symbols of the PUSCH. The PUCCH DM-RS may be transmitted in different configurations depending on whether short or long PUCCHs are transmitted and depending on the particular PUCCH format used. The UE may transmit sounding reference signals (SRS). The SRS may be transmitted in the last symbol of a subframe. The SRS may have a comb structure, and a UE may transmit SRS on one of the combs. The SRS may be used by a base station for channel quality estimation to enable frequency-dependent scheduling on the UL.

FIG.2Dillustrates an example of various UL channels within a subframe of a frame. The PUCCH may be located as indicated in one configuration. The PUCCH carries uplink control information (UCI), such as scheduling requests, a channel quality indicator (CQI), a precoding matrix indicator (PMI), a rank indicator (RI), and hybrid automatic repeat request (HARQ) acknowledgment (ACK) (HARQ-ACK) information (ACK/negative ACK (NACK)) feedback. The PUSCH carries data, and may additionally be used to carry a buffer status report (BSR), a power headroom report (PHR), and/or UCI.

FIG.3is a block diagram of a base station310in communication with a UE350in an access network. In the DL, IP packets from the EPC160may be provided to a controller/processor375. The controller/processor375implements layer 3 and layer 2 functionality. Layer 3 includes a radio resource control (RRC) layer, and layer 2 includes a service data adaptation protocol (SDAP) layer, a packet data convergence protocol (PDCP) layer, a radio link control (RLC) layer, and a medium access control (MAC) layer. The controller/processor375provides RRC layer functionality associated with broadcasting of system information (e.g., MIB, SIBs), RRC connection control (e.g., RRC connection paging, RRC connection establishment, RRC connection modification, and RRC connection release), inter radio access technology (RAT) mobility, and measurement configuration for UE measurement reporting; PDCP layer functionality associated with header compression/decompression, security (ciphering, deciphering, integrity protection, integrity verification), and handover support functions; RLC layer functionality associated with the transfer of upper layer packet data units (PDUs), error correction through ARQ, concatenation, segmentation, and reassembly of RLC service data units (SDUs), re-segmentation of RLC data PDUs, and reordering of RLC data PDUs; and MAC layer functionality associated with mapping between logical channels and transport channels, multiplexing of MAC SDUs onto transport blocks (TBs), demultiplexing of MAC SDUs from TBs, scheduling information reporting, error correction through HARQ, priority handling, and logical channel prioritization.

The transmit (TX) processor316and the receive (RX) processor370implement layer 1 functionality associated with various signal processing functions. Layer 1, which includes a physical (PHY) layer, may include error detection on the transport channels, forward error correction (FEC) coding/decoding of the transport channels, interleaving, rate matching, mapping onto physical channels, modulation/demodulation of physical channels, and MIMO antenna processing. The TX processor316handles mapping to signal constellations based on various modulation schemes (e.g., binary phase-shift keying (BPSK), quadrature phase-shift keying (QPSK), M-phase-shift keying (M-PSK), M-quadrature amplitude modulation (M-QAM)). The coded and modulated symbols may then be split into parallel streams. Each stream may then be mapped to an OFDM subcarrier, multiplexed with a reference signal (e.g., pilot) in the time and/or frequency domain, and then combined together using an Inverse Fast Fourier Transform (IFFT) to produce a physical channel carrying a time domain OFDM symbol stream. The OFDM stream is spatially precoded to produce multiple spatial streams. Channel estimates from a channel estimator374may be used to determine the coding and modulation scheme, as well as for spatial processing. The channel estimate may be derived from a reference signal and/or channel condition feedback transmitted by the UE350. Each spatial stream may then be provided to a different antenna320via a separate transmitter318Tx. Each transmitter318Tx may modulate an RF carrier with a respective spatial stream for transmission.

At the UE350, each receiver354Rx receives a signal through its respective antenna352. Each receiver354Rx recovers information modulated onto an RF carrier and provides the information to the receive (RX) processor356. The TX processor368and the RX processor356implement layer 1 functionality associated with various signal processing functions. The RX processor356may perform spatial processing on the information to recover any spatial streams destined for the UE350. If multiple spatial streams are destined for the UE350, they may be combined by the RX processor356into a single OFDM symbol stream. The RX processor356then converts the OFDM symbol stream from the time-domain to the frequency domain using a Fast Fourier Transform (FFT). The frequency domain signal comprises a separate OFDM symbol stream for each subcarrier of the OFDM signal. The symbols on each subcarrier, and the reference signal, are recovered and demodulated by determining the most likely signal constellation points transmitted by the base station310. These soft decisions may be based on channel estimates computed by the channel estimator358. The soft decisions are then decoded and deinterleaved to recover the data and control signals that were originally transmitted by the base station310on the physical channel. The data and control signals are then provided to the controller/processor359, which implements layer 3 and layer 2 functionality.

The controller/processor359can be associated with a memory360that stores program codes and data. The memory360may be referred to as a computer-readable medium. In the UL, the controller/processor359provides demultiplexing between transport and logical channels, packet reassembly, deciphering, header decompression, and control signal processing to recover IP packets from the EPC160. The controller/processor359is also responsible for error detection using an ACK and/or NACK protocol to support HARQ operations.

Similar to the functionality described in connection with the DL transmission by the base station310, the controller/processor359provides RRC layer functionality associated with system information (e.g., MIB, SIBs) acquisition, RRC connections, and measurement reporting; PDCP layer functionality associated with header compression/decompression, and security (ciphering, deciphering, integrity protection, integrity verification); RLC layer functionality associated with the transfer of upper layer PDUs, error correction through ARQ, concatenation, segmentation, and reassembly of RLC SDUs, re-segmentation of RLC data PDUs, and reordering of RLC data PDUs; and MAC layer functionality associated with mapping between logical channels and transport channels, multiplexing of MAC SDUs onto TBs, demultiplexing of MAC SDUs from TBs, scheduling information reporting, error correction through HARQ, priority handling, and logical channel prioritization.

Channel estimates derived by a channel estimator358from a reference signal or feedback transmitted by the base station310may be used by the TX processor368to select the appropriate coding and modulation schemes, and to facilitate spatial processing. The spatial streams generated by the TX processor368may be provided to different antenna352via separate transmitters354Tx. Each transmitter354Tx may modulate an RF carrier with a respective spatial stream for transmission.

The UL transmission is processed at the base station310in a manner similar to that described in connection with the receiver function at the UE350. Each receiver318Rx receives a signal through its respective antenna320. Each receiver318Rx recovers information modulated onto an RF carrier and provides the information to a RX processor370.

The controller/processor375can be associated with a memory376that stores program codes and data. The memory376may be referred to as a computer-readable medium. In the UL, the controller/processor375provides demultiplexing between transport and logical channels, packet reassembly, deciphering, header decompression, control signal processing to recover IP packets from the UE350. IP packets from the controller/processor375may be provided to the EPC160. The controller/processor375is also responsible for error detection using an ACK and/or NACK protocol to support HARQ operations.

At least one of the TX processor368, the RX processor356, and the controller/processor359may be configured to perform aspects in connection with DCI component198ofFIG.1.

FIG.4is a diagram400illustrating a base station402in communication with a UE404. Referring toFIG.4, the base station402may transmit a beamformed signal to the UE404in one or more of the directions402a,402b,402c,402d,402e,402f,402g,402h. The UE404may receive the beamformed signal from the base station402in one or more receive directions404a,404b,404c,404d. The UE404may also transmit a beamformed signal to the base station402in one or more of the directions404a-404d. The base station402may receive the beamformed signal from the UE404in one or more of the receive directions402a-402h. The base station402/UE404may perform beam training to determine the best receive and transmit directions for each of the base station402/UE404. The transmit and receive directions for the base station402may or may not be the same. The transmit and receive directions for the UE404may or may not be the same.

In response to different conditions, such as a DCI for beam updating provided herein, the UE404may determine to switch beams, e.g., between beams402a-402hor may determine that the base station will switch between beams. The beam at the UE404may be used for the reception of downlink communication and/or transmission of uplink communication. The beam at the base station402may be used for uplink reception and/or downlink transmission. In some examples, the base station402may send a transmission that triggers a beam switch by the UE404. For example, the base station402may indicate a TCI state change, and in response, the UE404may switch to a new beam for the new TCI state of the base station402. In some instances, a UE may receive a signal, from a base station, configured to trigger a transmission configuration indication (TCI) state change via, for example, a MAC control element (CE) command. The TCI state change may cause the UE to find the best UE receive beam corresponding to the TCI state from the base station, and switch to such beam. Switching beams may improve connection between the UE and the base station by ensuring that the transmitter and receiver use a corresponding configured set of beams for communication and by addressing varying conditions between the base station and the UE and/or movement by the UE or the base station. In some aspects, the base station may transmit DCI, as provided herein, to trigger a TCI state change for the UE.

The UE404may operate using carrier aggregation (CA), and may be configured to communicate with the network via a base station402utilizing multiple component carriers (CCs). For example, the UE404may communicate with the base station402using a primary cell (PCell) and a secondary cell (SCell). Carrier aggregation may allow the UE404to transmit and/or receive data, simultaneously, on multiple CCs from a single base station402. Each aggregated carrier may be referred to as a CC. Carrier aggregation may also allow the UE404to communicate on one or more concurrent beams. The UE may partition the CCs into different groups under carrier aggregation. For example, CCs in the same group may use the same beam, while CCs in a different group may use different beams or independent beams. For example, a UE supporting three carriers and two beams may group a first and second CC into a group using the first beam and a third CC may use the second beam.

In some wireless communication systems, TCI may include a TCI state that includes at least one source RS to provide a reference e.g., a basis for a UE assumption) to determine a QCL relationship or a spatial filter (e.g., beam) for wireless communication. TCI states may be used by a base station to indicate a beam change to a UE. Various types of TCI states may be used. For example, one TCI state (type 1) may indicate a joint DL or UL common TCI state to indicate a common beam for at least one DL channel or DL RS plus at least one UL channel or UL RS. Another example TCI state (type 2) may indicate a separate DL common TCI state to indicate a common beam for more than one DL channel or DL RS, e.g., and not for an UL channel or UL RS. Yet another example TCI state (type 3) may indicate a separate UL common TCI state to indicate a common beam for more than one UL channel or UL RS, e.g., and not for an UL channel or UL RS. In addition, in some aspects, separate TCI states, one for DL and one for UL, may be utilized. For the separate DL TCI state, the source reference signal(s) in in multiple TCIs (e.g., M TCIs with M being an integer number) provide QCL information at least for UE-dedicated reception on PDSCH and for UE-dedicated reception on all or subset of CORESETs in a CC. For the separate UL TCI state, the source reference signal(s) in N TCIs (e.g., with N being an integer number) may provide a reference for determining common UL TX spatial filter(s) (i.e., beams) at least for dynamic-grant/configured-grant based PUSCH, all or subset of dedicated PUCCH resources in a CC. In addition, the UL TX spatial filter can also apply to all SRS resources in resource set(s) configured for antenna switching/codebook-based/non-codebook-based UL transmissions.

In some wireless communication systems, the base station may transmit DCI to update beam indications under such a TCI framework, e.g., in a unified TCI framework that includes TCI indications for common beams. The DCI may additionally schedule transmissions such as a PDSCH or a PUSCH. Aspects provided herein enable DCI for beam updating that may flexibly schedule or not schedule a transmission. For example, in some aspects, a base station may use DCI formats 1_1 and 1_2 to include UL-only TCI state update beam indications (e.g., for separate UL/DL TCI state indications). In some aspects, other DCI formats, such as newly defined DCI formats, may be used.

Example types of TCI states include types 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, and 6. In addition to the types 1-3 explained above, a type 4 TCI state may include a separate DL single channel/RS TCI state to indicate a beam for a single DL channel/DL RS. The Type 5 TCI state may include a separate UL single channel/RS TCI state to indicate a beam for a single UL channel/UL RS. The Type 6 TCI state may include an UL spatial relation information (SRI) to indicate a beam for a single UL channel/UL RS. Among DCI formats 0_0, 0_1, 0_2, 1_0, 1_1, 1_2, DCI format 1_1 and 1_2 may contain a TCI field that indicates a TCI state, and DCI format 0_1, 0_2 may contain an SRI field for spatial-relation information.

A set of cyclic redundancy check (CRC) bits may be associated with the DCI and may be scrambled with a network temporary identifier (RNTI). For example, the base station may use a DCI with CRC scrambled with a configured scheduling-radio network temporary identifier (RNTI) (CS-RNTI) to schedule resources for semi-persistent scheduling (SPS) PDSCH or configured grant (CG) PUSCH or to activate/release/reactivate SPS PDSCH or CG PUSCH. For example, if a new data indicator (NDI) field of the DCI is set to 0 and if a CRC associated with the DCI is scrambled with CS-RNTI, the UE may determine that the DCI is to activate/release a configuration for SPS PDSCH or CG PUSCH. If the NDI field of the DCI is set to 1 and if a CRC associated with the DCI is scrambled with CS-RNTI, the UE may determine that the DCI schedules retransmission for SPS PDSCH or CG PUSCH. The UE may further confirm that DCI is used to schedule/activate/release SPS PDSCH or CG PUSCH based on a set of one or more fields. For example, if the DCI has CRC scrambled with a corresponding CS-RNTI (which indicates to the UE that the DCI is to schedule a retransmission/activate/release SPS or CG resources) and the NDI field is set to 0 (e.g., indicating an initial transmission), the UE may determine that the DCI is not for a retransmission. An NDI set to “1” is associated with a retransmission. If the fields (which may be referred to as special fields or a subset of fields) such as RV, MCS, FDRA, etc. match reserved values, the UE may determine a purpose of the DCI. If the fields do not match a particular set of values, the UE may discard the DCI. For example, for a single DL SPS or a single UL grant type 2 scheduling activation PDCCH validation when a UE is provided multiple DL SPS or UL grant type 2 configurations, the UE may check to see whether the RV field is set to all zeros for DCI format 0_0/0_1/0_2/1_0/1_2, or 1_1 (e.g., for the enabled TB). For multiple DL SPS and UL grant type 2 scheduling release PDCCH validation, the UE may check to see whether the RV is set to all zeros, the MCS is set to all 1s, and the FDRA is set to all is for DCI formats 0_0, 0_1, or 0_2. For DCI formats 1_0, 1_1, or 1_2, the UE may check to see whether the RV field is set to all zeros, the MCS field is set to all 1s, the FDRA is set to all 0s for FDRA type 0 or to all 1s for FDRA type 1. If the fields do not match the indicated values, the DCI does not pass the validation, and the UE may discard the DCI. If more than one SPS configuration is provided to the UE, the HARQ process number field of the DCI may indicate the corresponding ID to be released/activated. When a single SPS configuration is configured for the UE, the HARQ process number field in the DCI may be set to all zeros.

FIG.5Ais a communication flow diagram500showing example aspects of signaling between a UE502and a base station504including indicating TCI states to the UE in DCI from the base station. As illustrated inFIG.5A, the UE502may receive a beam-updating DCI508from the base station504and may determine a TCI state509for one or more of an UL channel, an UL RS, a DL channel, or a DL RS according to the DCI. The beam updating DCI508may be one of different DCI formats. In some aspects, the format of the beam updating DCI508may be one of DCI formats 0_0, 0_1, 0_2, 1_0, 1_1, 1_2. The beam updating DCI508may include a sequence that may indicate a beam updating purpose for the DCI (i.e., beam indication). The CRC associated with the beam updating DCI508may be scrambled with a RNTI that is not dedicated for beam updating, such as CS-RNTI, cell-radio RNTI (C-RNTI), or the like. When the sequence is detected by the UE502, the UE502may determine that the beam updating DCI508is for beam updating. The beam indication information (e.g., new beam TCI state identifier (ID)), may be conveyed in some other field of the DCI. In some aspects, the beam information may be indicated separately from the indication that the DCI is for a beam update. Thus, the UE may determine the TCI state based on additional information in the DCI. For example, the beam indication information may be included in TCI state ID field in DCI format 1_1, 1_2; in hybrid automatic repeat request (HARQ) process number field in fallback DCI format, or the like.

In some aspects, the sequence may include reserved values in particular fields of the DCI to indicate to the UE the purpose of beam updating. In some aspects, the sequence may include a combination of values in particular fields of the DCI to indicate to the UE the purpose of beam updating. The sequence of values in one or more fields may be a sequence that is not used, or is infeasible, when the DCI is used for other purposes than beam-updating. The UE may use the value of the fields, at least in part, to determine that the DCI is a beam updating DCI. The sequence may indicate to the UE the purpose of beam updating and the base station may not the sequence in DCI for other purposes another purpose such as transmission, activate/release, or the like. In some examples, the sequence may be a defined sequence associated with beam updating or may be a sequence that is not associated with another DCI purpose. In some examples, the sequence in the DCI may not be applicable for purposes other than beam updating DCI.

In some aspects, the CRC associated with the beam updating DCI508may be scrambled with CS-RNTI and one or more combinations of validation sequences and special fields (other than the one for SPS PDSCH activation/release) that indicate a beam update purpose for the DCI. In some aspects, the validation sequence(s) and/or fields may be defined for beam updating DCI. In some aspects, CRC associated with the beam updating DCI508may be scrambled with C-RNTI and the sequence may be based on one or more of: a redundancy version (RV) field, a frequency domain resource allocation (FDRA) field, a time domain resource allocation (TDRA) field, a hybrid automatic repeat request (HARQ) process number field, or a modulation and coding scheme (MCS) field. As one non-limiting example, the base station may indicate to the UE that the DCI is for a beam update by including a same value in each of the RV field, the FDRA field, the TDRA field, the HARQ process number field, and the MCS field. For example, the UE may determine that a DCI is for a beam update if each of the subset of DCI fields (e.g., the RV field, the FDRA field, the TDRA field, the HARQ process number field, and the MCS field) has a value of 1. The combination of the RV field, the FDRA field, the TDRA field, the HARQ process number field, and the MCS field are to illustrate the concept. In other aspects, the subset of fields may include a different subset of DCI fields.

In some aspects, the base station may indicate that the DCI is a beam updating DCI508by scrambling the CRC associated with the beam updating DCI508with C-RNTI and including any combination of an NDI field to indicate a new transmission, an MCS field to indicate a reserved MCS value for retransmission, and a sequence in additional, particular fields, e.g. all ‘1’ or ‘0’ in HARQ ID, RV field and FDRA. The UE may use one or more of the indications to determine that the DCI is a beam updating DCI. In such aspects, the sequence may not be a sequence that is used for scheduling retransmission. Thus, by indicating parameters that are not typically associated, such as an MCS for retransmission and an NDI for a new transmission, or an MCS for retransmission and a sequence that is not for retransmission, the base station may indicate to the UE that the DCI is for a beam update, e.g., rather than a retransmission or an initial transmission. The sequence may be a sequence that is not used for scheduling retransmissions. The sequence may be unique to indicating that the DCI is for a beam update. Having a particular sequence may help the UE to avoid mistaking another purpose for the DCI.FIG.5Billustrates an example of various types of DCI. A first DCI520includes a DL grant for an initial transmission (e.g., having NDI=0 for an initial transmission). A second DCI522includes a DL grant for a retransmission (e.g., having NDI=1 for a retransmission). A beam update DCI524includes beam update information. The beam update DCI may include an NDI field for an initial transmission and an MCS associated with a retransmission as a way of indicating to the UE that the DCI is for a beam update rather than a DL grant. Without a sequence validation, if the DL grant for a retransmission (e.g., DCI522) is missed by the UE, the UE may mistake the beam update DCI524for a DL grant for the retransmission. In some examples, the sequence may be one that is not used for retransmission DCI so that the UE can distinguish between DCI522with a DL grant for the retransmission and the beam update DCI524. Thus, the UE may determine that the DCI is a beam scheduling DCI based, at least in part, on the sequence. The base station may indicate different DCI formats to indicate beam updates for particular types of TCI states. Thus, the UE may determine that the DCI is a beam scheduling DCI based on the sequence and may determine the type of TCI state being indicated in the DCI based on the DCI format. For example, DL DCI format may be used to indicate a TCI state for a DL channel. In some aspects, the beam update DCI, e.g., may provide the beam update without scheduling a transmission.

In some aspects, such a beam updating DCI508of DCI formats 0_0, 0_1, 0_2, 1_0, 1_1, or 1_2 may include a sequence that indicates the beam updating purpose of the DCI (e.g., DCI for beam indication) and with the DCI may have CRC scrambled with a RNTI that is not dedicated for beam updating, such as CS-RNTI, C-RNTI or the like, and the DCI may not schedule a transmission (such as a communication512).

In some aspects, the CRC associated with the beam updating DCI508may be scrambled with a type of RNTI that is dedicated for a beam-updating DCI. The UE receiving the DCI may determine that the DCI is a beam updating DCI based, at least in part, on the RNTI used to scramble the CRC. In some aspects, the RNTI may be referred to as a beam-updating RNTI (BU-RNTI). In other aspects, the RNTI may be referred to by another name. In some aspects, the beam updating DCI508may be of DCI format 0_0, 0_1, 0_2, 1_0, 1_1, or 1_2. In some aspects, the BU-RNTI may include common a RNTI for all type of TCIs that may be updated by the DCI, and a field inside the beam updating DCI508may be used to indicate the particular TCI type that is being updated by the beam updating DCI508. In some aspects, the BU-RNTI may include a dedicated RNTI for a particular type of TCI state, e.g., with each type of TCI state update being associated with a different, dedicated RNTI. In some aspects, some fields of the DCI may be reused to indicate information related to the TCI update. For example, a HARQ ID field (in the beam updating DCI508) may indicate the TCI state ID in fallback DCI. As another example, the TCI state ID field in DCI format 1_1 or DCI format 1_2 in the beam updating DCI508may indicate the new TCI state ID. In some aspects, after receiving a DCI having CRC scrambled with the BU-RNTI, the UE502may verify whether the DCI is a beam updating DCI by checking if one or more fields using a reserved index for beam updating. If the one or more fields do not include an index associated with beam updating, the UE502may discard the DCI. In some examples, the BU-RNTI may be used to indicate that an existing DCI format is used to indicate a beam update, e.g., without using a DCI format that is dedicated to beam updates.

In some aspects, the beam updating DCI508with CRC scrambled with the BU-RNTI may indicate a beam update without scheduling a transmission. For example, the DCI may be based on a fallback DCI format that does not include a TCI field.

In some aspects, when the base station updates the beam of a channel or RS that is different than a scheduled channel/RS, the target channel/RS (e.g., associated with the beam change/TCI state update) and the scheduled channel/RS may not share a common TCI state. For example, the base station may send DCI to schedule PDSCH and to change a PUSCH beam where there is not a common TCI configured for both the DL channel (e.g., PDSCH) and the UL channel (e.g., PUSCH).

In some aspects, such beam updating DCI508with CRC scrambled with the BU-RNTI may be used for scheduling a transmission, such as the communication512. For example, when the beam updating DCI508is of a DCI format with TCI ID field (e.g. DCI format 1_1 or DCI format 1_2), and if 1) the scheduled channel/RS and target channel/RS of beam update are the same channel or 2) the beam of the scheduled channel/RS and the updated beam is defined in some common TCI state, the beam updating DCI508may be used for beam-updating and simultaneously schedule the communication512. In another example, if the UL beam0 and DL beam1 is defined in common TCI state 0, the beam updating DCI508of format 1_1 schedules a PDSCH using C-RNTI and indicating common TCI state 0, then PDSCH beam may be updated to DL beam1. If the beam updating DCI508of DCI format 1_1 schedules a PDSCH using BU-RNTI and indicating common TCI state 0, then both PDSCH and PUSCH beam are updated to UL beam0 ad DL beam1.

In some aspects, the beam-updating DCI508may be based on an existing DCI format and may include a field for indicating the beam update purpose of the DCI. For example, the base station may use a new field in connection with an existing DCI to indicate a beam update. The DCI format may include one or more additional fields for indicating a TCI state update, e.g., in DCI format 0_0, DCI format 0_1, DCI format 0_2, DCI format 1_0, DCI format 1_1, or DCI format 1_2. The one or more fields may include a TCI state field to indicate an updated beam. In some aspects, the payload of the DCI format may be dynamically configured by the base station. In some aspects, the base station may configure a size of the DCI format via radio resource control (RRC). For example, when a higher layer indicates that the DCI based beam update is allowed and a TCI pool is configured, the field may contain X bits, where X may equal the size of TCI pool. If the DCI based beam update is not allowed, or no TCI pool has been configured at UE, then the field may have zero bits. In some aspects, the base station may use a reserved bit in the field or a reserved index to indicate when there is no beam update. In some aspects, such beam-updating DCI508of a DCI format with one or more fields for indicating TCI state may be added in any of DCI formats 0_0, 0_1, 0_2, 1_0, 1_1, or 1_2 for scheduling a transmission, such as the communication512. In some aspects, the base station may indicate a beam update and schedule a transmission in the DCI based on a rule that indicates whether such transmission is allowed. In some aspects, the base station may indicate a beam update and schedule a transmission in the DCI based on signaling that indicates whether the combined beam update/transmission scheduling is allowed or supported. If allowed, supported, or enabled, an indication in the beam-updating DCI508may indicate whether the beam-updating DCI508is also used for scheduling a transmission in addition to the beam update. For example, one or more additional bits or a particular field set may be used for the indication. In some aspects, the bits or the field may be to a reserved index when the DCI does not include a scheduling grant.

In some aspects, the base station504may transmit a first stage DCI506prior to transmitting the beam-updating DCI508. The first stage DCI506may be of one of DCI formats 0_0, 0_1, 0_2, 1_0, 1_1, or 1_2. The first stage DCI may schedule a second stage message (such as the beam-updating DCI508) which contains the beam indication information. The first stage DCI may use a reserved bit, a sequence in some fields or a new/reserved field to indicate that the second stage message is for a beam indication or beam update. In some aspects, the second stage message may be a medium access control (MAC) control element (CE) (MAC-CE) instead of a second DCI. In some aspects, the PDSCH carrying the MAC-CE may be scheduled by the first stage DCI506or using a configured resource. In some aspects, the second stage message may be carried by a PDSCH (e.g., scheduled by the first stage DCI506) or PDCCH. In some aspects, the PDSCH or PDCCH may be transmitted via a resource identified based on a rule, such as a defined number of slots after the first stage DCI506. In some aspects, the PDSCH or the PDCCH may be transmitted in a configured resources, e.g., a configured number of slots after the first stage DCI.

In some aspects, the beam-updating DCI508may use a different DCI format than one of DCI formats 0_0, 0_1, 0_2, 1_0, 1_1, or 1_2. In such aspects, the beam-updating DCI508may be of a format used for updating TCI indication, e.g., dedicated for updating a TCI state, e.g., beam updating. The base station may indicate the updated TCI ID, applicable channel/RS for the beam update in the beam-updating DCI508. In some aspects, the beam-updating DCI508may indicate a CC, a bandwidth part (BWP), or a CC group for the beam update. If the CC indication is not present, the UE502may use an implicit rule to determine the applicable CC, e.g. the CC of receiving the DCI. In such aspects, the beam-updating DCI508may be of a format also used for updating TCI state content. In some aspects, one or more search spaces (SS) may be configured for the UE502. In such aspects where the beam-updating DCI508may be of a format used for updating TCI indication, the beam-updating DCI508may be used for scheduling a transmission (e.g., communication512) at the same time.

In some aspects, when the beam updating DCI508also schedules a DL or UL transmission (e.g., the communication512), then the acknowledgment (ACK) for the DL transmission or the UL transmission may be considered as ACK to the DCI and a dedicated ACK510for the beam update DCI may not be needed, e.g., the UE may not transmit a dedicated ACK for the beam update DCI. In some aspects where the beam updating DCI508does not schedule the communication512, the UE may transmit a dedicated ACK510for the beam update DCI. In some aspects, the UE may transmit the ACK510in uplink control information (UCI), either in PUSCH or PUCCH. In some aspects, the UE may transmit the ACK510a period X after receiving last PDCCH symbol containing the beam updating DCI508. In some aspects, the time period X may be determined by tone spacing of the CC receiving DCI and that of the CC to apply the beam indication and may also be determined based on a UE capability of the UE502. In some aspects, the application of the new beam indicated in the DCI may take place a period time of Y after the UE sends (a last symbol of) the ACK510to the beam update indication. The period of time Y may be based on UE capability of the UE502. In some aspects, Y may be also based on the tone spacing of at least one of the CC sending ACK, the CC receiving ACK, or the CC to apply beam update. If beam update takes place in multiple CCs, then one of the CCs, e.g. the one with smallest tone spacing, may be used to determine X and/or Y.

FIG.6is a flowchart600of a method of wireless communication. The method may be performed by a UE (e.g., the UE104, the UE404, the UE502; the apparatus802). Optional steps are illustrated in dashed lines. The steps are not necessarily illustrated in chronological order. The method may enable DCI that indicates a TCI state update for one of various types of TCI state updates.

At602, the UE receives DCI. In some aspects,602may be performed by DCI reception component842inFIG.8.FIG.5Aillustrates an example of a UE502receiving DCI508from a base station504. In some aspects, the DCI further comprises beam indication information comprising a TCI state ID of the TCI state that indicates the beam. In some aspects, the DCI comprises a HARQ ID field indicating a TCI state ID of the TCI state that indicates the beam. In some aspects, the DCI comprises a TCI state ID field indicating the TCI state that indicates the beam. In some aspects, the DCI is used for scheduling the beam when: a channel for the beam update, a reference signal and target channel, and a scheduled channel are a same channel or a beam for the scheduled channel and a beam for the beam update are defined in a common TCI state. In some aspects, the DCI comprises a dedicated field indicating that the beam update is for the uplink, the downlink, or the combination of the uplink and the downlink. In some aspects, a payload of the DCI is configured via RRC signaling. In some aspects, the DCI schedules an uplink transmission or a downlink transmission. In some aspects, the DCI is of a format used for beam update. In some aspects, a dedicated SS is configured at the UE for monitoring the DCI. In some aspects, the DCI does not schedule a transmission.

At604, the UE may determine, based on the DCI, whether the DCI is associated with a beam update for uplink, downlink, or a combination of the uplink and the downlink. In some aspects,604may be performed by DCI determining component844inFIG.8. The determination may include any of the aspects described in connection with the determination, at509, inFIG.5A. In some aspects, the DCI comprises a sequence associated with the beam update and the UE uses the sequence to determine whether the beam update is for the uplink, the downlink, or the combination of the uplink and the downlink. In some aspects, the sequence is different from a sequence used for scheduling a transmission. In some aspects, a CRC associated with the DCI is scrambled with a CS-RNTI and the sequence is different from a sequence used for SPS PDSCH activation or release. In some aspects, a CRC associated with the DCI is scrambled with a C-RNTI, and wherein the sequence is a combination of one or more of: a RV field, a FDRA field, a TDRA field, a HARQ process number field, or a MCS field. In some aspects, a CRC associated with the DCI is scrambled with a BU-RNTI dedicated for beam updating and the UE determines that the DCI indicates the beam update for the uplink, the downlink, or the combination of the uplink and the downlink based on the BU-RNTI. In some aspects, prior to determining that the DCI is associated with a beam update, the UE receives a second stage message including a second DCI or a MAC-CE in a PDCCH or a PDSCH scheduled by the DCI.

At606, the UE may determine, from the DCI, a TCI state that indicates a beam for the uplink, the downlink, or the combination of the uplink and the downlink. In some aspects,606may be performed by TCI state determining component846inFIG.8.

At608, the UE may transmit an acknowledgment. In some aspects,608may be performed by ACK component848inFIG.8. The determination may include any of the aspects described in connection with the determination, at509, inFIG.5A. In some aspects, the UE transmits a non-dedicated acknowledgment, such as a uplink transmission or an acknowledgment of a downlink transmission, acknowledging reception of the DCI when the DCI schedules a downlink transmission or an uplink transmission. In some aspects, the UE transmits a dedicated acknowledgment acknowledging reception of the DCI when the DCI does not schedule a downlink transmission or an uplink transmission. In some aspects, the UE may transmit UCI acknowledging reception of the DCI. In some aspects, the UE receives a new beam indication after a period of time after transmitting the acknowledgment. In some aspects, the period of time is determined based on a set of UE capability metrics of the UE. In some aspects, the period of time is determined based on a tone spacing of a CC receiving the DCI and a tone spacing of a CC transmitting the acknowledgment.

At610, the UE may transmit an uplink transmission. In some aspects,610may be performed by uplink component850inFIG.8. In some aspects, the UE determines that the beam update is for the uplink and the UE may transmit an uplink transmission using the beam based on the TCI state. In some aspects, the TCI state indicates at least two uplink channels. In some aspects, the UE determines that the beam update is for the uplink and the downlink and the UE may transmit an uplink transmission and receive a downlink transmission based on the beam update.

At612, the UE may receive a downlink transmission. In some aspects,612may be performed by downlink component852inFIG.8. In some aspects, the UE determines that the beam update is for the downlink transmission and the UE may receive a downlink transmission using the beam based on the TCI state. In some aspects, the TCI state indicates at least two downlink channels.

FIG.7is a flowchart700of a method of wireless communication. The method may be performed by a base station (e.g., the base station102/180, the base station402, the base station504; the apparatus902). Optional steps are illustrated in dashed lines. The steps are not necessarily illustrated in chronological order. The method may enable the base station to transmit DCI to a UE that indicates a TCI state update for one of various types of TCI state updates.

At702, the base station may transmit DCI indicating a beam update for uplink, downlink, or a combination of the uplink and the downlink. In some aspects,602may be performed by DCI component942inFIG.9.FIG.5Aillustrates an example of a base station504transmitting a beam updating DCI508to a UE502. In some aspects, the DCI further comprises beam indication information comprising a TCI state ID of the TCI state that indicates the beam. In some aspects, the DCI comprises a HARQ ID field indicating a TCI state ID of the TCI state that indicates the beam. In some aspects, the DCI comprises a TCI state ID field indicating the TCI state that indicates the beam.

At703, the base station indicates in the DCI that the DCI is for the beam update. The indication may be performed by the DCI component942inFIG.9. The indication may be based on any of the aspects described in connection with the beam updating DCI508inFIG.5A. In some aspects, the DCI is used for scheduling the beam when: a channel for the beam update, a reference signal and target channel, and a scheduled channel are a same channel or a beam for the scheduled channel and a beam for the beam update are defined in a common TCI state. In some aspects, the DCI comprises a dedicated field indicating that the beam update is for the uplink, the downlink, or the combination of the uplink and the downlink. In some aspects, a payload of the DCI is configured via RRC signaling. In some aspects, the DCI schedules an uplink transmission or a downlink transmission. In some aspects, the DCI is of a format used for beam update. In some aspects, a dedicated SS is configured at the UE for monitoring the DCI. In some aspects, the DCI does not schedule a transmission. In some aspects, the DCI comprises a sequence associated with the beam update and the UE uses the sequence to determine whether the beam update is for the uplink, the downlink, or the combination of the uplink and the downlink. In some aspects, the sequence is different from a sequence used for scheduling a transmission. In some aspects, a CRC associated with the DCI is scrambled with a CS-RNTI and the sequence is different from a sequence used for SPS PDSCH activation or release. In some aspects, a CRC associated with the DCI is scrambled with a C-RNTI, and wherein the sequence is a combination of one or more of: a RV field, a FDRA field, a TDRA field, a HARQ process number field, or a MCS field. In some aspects, a CRC associated with the DCI is scrambled with a BU-RNTI dedicated for beam updating and the UE determines that the DCI indicates the beam update for the uplink, the downlink, or the combination of the uplink and the downlink based on the BU-RNTI. In some aspects, prior to determining that the DCI is associated with a beam update, the UE receives a second stage message including a second DCI or a MAC-CE in a PDCCH or a PDSCH scheduled by the DCI.

At704, the base station may receive an acknowledgment. In some aspects,608may be performed by ACK processing component944inFIG.9. In some aspects, the base station receives a non-dedicated acknowledgment, such as a uplink transmission or an acknowledgment of a downlink transmission, that may serve as acknowledging reception of the DCI when the DCI schedules a downlink transmission or an uplink transmission without receiving a dedicated acknowledgment. In some aspects, the base station receives a dedicated acknowledgment acknowledging reception of the DCI when the DCI does not schedule a downlink transmission or an uplink transmission. In some aspects, the acknowledgment may be in the form of a UCI. In some aspects, the base station transmits a new beam indication after a period of time after receiving the acknowledgment. In some aspects, the period of time is determined based on a set of UE capability metrics of the UE. In some aspects, the period of time is determined based on a tone spacing of a CC receiving the DCI and a tone spacing of a CC transmitting the acknowledgment.

At706, the base station may receive an uplink transmission. In some aspects,610may be performed by uplink component946inFIG.9. In some aspects, the TCI state indicates at least two uplink channels. In some aspects, the beam update is for the uplink and the downlink.

At708, the base station may transmit a downlink transmission. In some aspects,708may be performed by downlink component948inFIG.9. In some aspects, the UE determines that the beam update is for the downlink transmission and the UE may receive a downlink transmission using the beam based on the TCI state. In some aspects, the TCI state indicates at least two downlink channels.

FIG.8is a diagram800illustrating an example of a hardware implementation for an apparatus802. The apparatus802is a UE and includes a cellular baseband processor804(also referred to as a modem) coupled to a cellular RF transceiver822and one or more subscriber identity modules (SIM) cards820, an application processor806coupled to a secure digital (SD) card808and a screen810, a Bluetooth module812, a wireless local area network (WLAN) module814, a Global Positioning System (GPS) module816, and a power supply818. The cellular baseband processor804communicates through the cellular RF transceiver822with the UE104and/or BS102/180. The cellular baseband processor804may include a computer-readable medium/memory. The computer-readable medium/memory may be non-transitory. The cellular baseband processor804is responsible for general processing, including the execution of software stored on the computer-readable medium/memory. The software, when executed by the cellular baseband processor804, causes the cellular baseband processor804to perform the various functions described supra. The computer-readable medium/memory may also be used for storing data that is manipulated by the cellular baseband processor804when executing software. The cellular baseband processor804further includes a reception component830, a communication manager832, and a transmission component834. The communication manager832includes the one or more illustrated components. The components within the communication manager832may be stored in the computer-readable medium/memory and/or configured as hardware within the cellular baseband processor804. The cellular baseband processor804may be a component of the UE350and may include the memory360and/or at least one of the TX processor368, the RX processor356, and the controller/processor359. In one configuration, the apparatus802may be a modem chip and include just the baseband processor804, and in another configuration, the apparatus802may be the entire UE (e.g., see350ofFIG.3) and include the aforediscussed additional modules of the apparatus802.

The communication manager832includes a DCI reception component842that is configured to receive DCI, e.g., as described in connection with602inFIG.6. The communication manager832may further include a DCI determining component844that is configured to determine, based on the DCI, whether the DCI is associated with a beam update for uplink, downlink, or a combination of the uplink and the downlink, e.g., as described in connection with604inFIG.6. The communication manager832may further include a TCI state determining component846that is configured to determine, from the DCI, a TCI state that indicates a beam for the uplink, the downlink, or the combination of the uplink and the downlink, e.g., as described in connection with606inFIG.6. The communication manager832may further include an ACK component848that is configured to transmit an acknowledgment, e.g., as described in connection with608inFIG.6. The communication manager832may further include an uplink component850that is configured to transmit an uplink transmission, e.g., as described in connection with610inFIG.6. The communication manager832may further include a downlink component852that is configured to receive a downlink transmission, e.g., as described in connection with612inFIG.6.

The apparatus may include additional components that perform each of the blocks of the algorithm in the aforementioned flowchart ofFIG.6. As such, each block in the aforementioned flowchart ofFIG.6may be performed by a component and the apparatus may include one or more of those components. The components may be one or more hardware components specifically configured to carry out the stated processes/algorithm, implemented by a processor configured to perform the stated processes/algorithm, stored within a computer-readable medium for implementation by a processor, or some combination thereof.

In one configuration, the apparatus802, and in particular the cellular baseband processor804, includes means for receiving DCI. The cellular baseband processor804may further include means for determining, based on the DCI, whether the DCI is associated with a beam update for uplink, downlink, or a combination of the uplink and the downlink. The cellular baseband processor804may further include means for determining, from the DCI, a TCI state that indicates a beam for the uplink, the downlink, or the combination of the uplink and the downlink. The cellular baseband processor804may further include means for transmitting an uplink transmission using the beam based on the TCI state. The cellular baseband processor804may further include means for receiving a downlink transmission using the beam based on the TCI state. The cellular baseband processor804may further include means for transmitting an uplink transmission based on the beam update. The cellular baseband processor804may further include means for receiving a downlink transmission based on the beam update. The cellular baseband processor804may further include means for receiving a second stage message including a second DCI or a MAC-CE in a PDCCH or a PDSCH scheduled by the DCI prior to determining that the DCI is associated with a beam update. The cellular baseband processor804may further include means for transmitting an UCI acknowledging reception of the DCI, wherein the DCI schedules a downlink transmission or an uplink transmission. The cellular baseband processor804may further include means for transmitting a dedicated acknowledgment acknowledging reception of the DCI. The cellular baseband processor804may further include means for receiving a new beam indication after a period of time after transmitting the acknowledgment.

The aforementioned means may be one or more of the aforementioned components of the apparatus802configured to perform the functions recited by the aforementioned means. As described supra, the apparatus802may include the TX processor368, the RX processor356, and the controller/processor359. As such, in one configuration, the aforementioned means may be the TX processor368, the RX processor356, and the controller/processor359configured to perform the functions recited by the aforementioned means.

FIG.9is a diagram900illustrating an example of a hardware implementation for an apparatus902. The apparatus902is a BS and includes a baseband unit904. The baseband unit904may communicate through a cellular RF transceiver922with the UE104. The baseband unit904may include a computer-readable medium/memory. The baseband unit904is responsible for general processing, including the execution of software stored on the computer-readable medium/memory. The software, when executed by the baseband unit904, causes the baseband unit904to perform the various functions described supra. The computer-readable medium/memory may also be used for storing data that is manipulated by the baseband unit904when executing software. The baseband unit904further includes a reception component930, a communication manager932, and a transmission component934. The communication manager932includes the one or more illustrated components. The components within the communication manager932may be stored in the computer-readable medium/memory and/or configured as hardware within the baseband unit904. The baseband unit904may be a component of the base station310and may include the memory376and/or at least one of the TX processor316, the RX processor370, and the controller/processor375.

The communication manager932includes a DCI component942that receives DCI, e.g., as described in connection with702inFIG.7. The communication manager932further includes a ACK processing component944that receives an acknowledgment, e.g., as described in connection with704inFIG.7. The communication manager932further includes a uplink component946that receives an uplink transmission, e.g., as described in connection with706inFIG.7. The communication manager932further includes a downlink component948that transmits a downlink transmission, e.g., as described in connection with708inFIG.7.

The apparatus may include additional components that perform each of the blocks of the algorithm in the aforementioned flowchart ofFIG.7. As such, each block in the aforementioned flowchart ofFIG.7may be performed by a component and the apparatus may include one or more of those components. The components may be one or more hardware components specifically configured to carry out the stated processes/algorithm, implemented by a processor configured to perform the stated processes/algorithm, stored within a computer-readable medium for implementation by a processor, or some combination thereof.

In one configuration, the apparatus902, and in particular the baseband unit904, includes means for transmitting DCI. The baseband unit904may further include means for transmitting a downlink transmission using the beam based on the TCI state. The baseband unit904may further include means for receiving an uplink transmission. The baseband unit904may further include means for transmitting a downlink transmission. The baseband unit904may further include means for transmitting a second stage message including a second DCI or a MAC-CE in a PDCCH or a PDSCH scheduled by the DCI. The baseband unit904may further include means for receiving an UCI acknowledging reception of the DCI, wherein the DCI schedules a downlink transmission or an uplink transmission. The baseband unit904may further include means for receiving a dedicated acknowledgment acknowledging reception of the DCI. The baseband unit904may further include means for transmitting a new beam indication after a period of time after receiving the acknowledgment.

The aforementioned means may be one or more of the aforementioned components of the apparatus902configured to perform the functions recited by the aforementioned means. As described supra, the apparatus902may include the TX processor316, the RX processor370, and the controller/processor375. As such, in one configuration, the aforementioned means may be the TX processor316, the RX processor370, and the controller/processor375configured to perform the functions recited by the aforementioned means.

It is understood that the specific order or hierarchy of blocks in the processes/flowcharts disclosed is an illustration of example approaches. Based upon design preferences, it is understood that the specific order or hierarchy of blocks in the processes/flowcharts may be rearranged. Further, some blocks may be combined or omitted. The accompanying method claims present elements of the various blocks in a sample order, and are not meant to be limited to the specific order or hierarchy presented.

The previous description is provided to enable any person skilled in the art to practice the various aspects described herein. Various modifications to these aspects will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art, and the generic principles defined herein may be applied to other aspects. Thus, the claims are not intended to be limited to the aspects shown herein, but is to be accorded the full scope consistent with the language claims, wherein reference to an element in the singular is not intended to mean “one and only one” unless specifically so stated, but rather “one or more.” Terms such as “if,” “when,” and “while” should be interpreted to mean “under the condition that” rather than imply an immediate temporal relationship or reaction. That is, these phrases, e.g., “when,” do not imply an immediate action in response to or during the occurrence of an action, but simply imply that if a condition is met then an action will occur, but without requiring a specific or immediate time constraint for the action to occur. The word “exemplary” is used herein to mean “serving as an example, instance, or illustration.” Any aspect described herein as “exemplary” is not necessarily to be construed as preferred or advantageous over other aspects. Unless specifically stated otherwise, the term “some” refers to one or more. Combinations such as “at least one of A, B, or C,” “one or more of A, B, or C,” “at least one of A, B, and C,” “one or more of A, B, and C,” and “A, B, C, or any combination thereof” include any combination of A, B, and/or C, and may include multiples of A, multiples of B, or multiples of C. Specifically, combinations such as “at least one of A, B, or C,” “one or more of A, B, or C,” “at least one of A, B, and C,” “one or more of A, B, and C,” and “A, B, C, or any combination thereof” may be A only, B only, C only, A and B, A and C, B and C, or A and B and C, where any such combinations may contain one or more member or members of A, B, or C. All structural and functional equivalents to the elements of the various aspects described throughout this disclosure that are known or later come to be known to those of ordinary skill in the art are expressly incorporated herein by reference and are intended to be encompassed by the claims. Moreover, nothing disclosed herein is intended to be dedicated to the public regardless of whether such disclosure is explicitly recited in the claims. The words “module,” “mechanism,” “element,” “device,” and the like may not be a substitute for the word “means.” As such, no claim element is to be construed as a means plus function unless the element is expressly recited using the phrase “means for.”

The following aspects are illustrative only and may be combined with other aspects or teachings described herein, without limitation.

Aspect 1 is a method of wireless communication at a UE, comprising: receiving DCI; determining, based on the DCI, whether the DCI is associated with a beam update for uplink, downlink, or a combination of the uplink and the downlink; and determining, from the DCI, a TCI state that indicates a beam for the uplink, the downlink, or the combination of the uplink and the downlink.

Aspect 2 is the method of aspect 1, wherein the UE determines that the beam update is for the uplink, the method further comprising: transmitting an uplink transmission using the beam based on the TCI state.

Aspect 3 is the method of any of aspects 1-2, wherein the TCI state indicates at least two uplink channels.

Aspect 4 is the method of any of aspects 1-3, wherein the UE determines that the beam update is for the downlink transmission, the method further comprising: receiving a downlink transmission using the beam based on the TCI state.

Aspect 5 is the method of any of aspects 1-4, wherein the TCI state indicates at least two downlink channels.

Aspect 6 is the method of any of aspects 1-5, wherein the UE determines that the beam update is for the uplink and the downlink, the method further comprising: transmitting an uplink transmission based on the beam update; and receiving a downlink transmission based on the beam update.

Aspect 7 is the method of any of aspects 1-6, wherein the DCI comprises a sequence associated with the beam update, and the UE uses the sequence to determine whether the beam update is for the uplink, the downlink, or the combination of the uplink and the downlink.

Aspect 8 is the method of any of aspects 1-7, wherein the DCI further comprises beam indication information comprising a TCI state ID of the TCI state that indicates the beam.

Aspect 9 is the method of any of aspects 1-8, wherein the sequence is different from a sequence used for scheduling a transmission.

Aspect 10 is the method of any of aspects 1-9, wherein a CRC associated with the DCI is scrambled with a CS-RNTI, and wherein the sequence is different from a sequence used for SPS PDSCH activation or release.

Aspect 11 is the method of any of aspects 1-9, wherein a CRC associated with the DCI is scrambled with a C-RNTI, and wherein the sequence is a combination of one or more of: a RV field, a FDRA field, a TDRA field, a HARQ process number field, or a MCS field.

Aspect 12 is the method of any of aspects 1-9, wherein a CRC associated with the DCI is scrambled with a C-RNTI, and wherein the sequence is a combination of one or more of: a RV field, a NDI field, a FDRA field, a HARQ process number field, or a MCS field.

Aspect 13 is the method of any of aspects 1-12, wherein the DCI does not schedule a transmission.

Aspect 14 is the method of any of aspects 1-9, wherein a CRC associated with the DCI is scrambled with a BU-RNTI dedicated for beam updating and the UE determines that the DCI indicates the beam update for the uplink, the downlink, or the combination of the uplink and the downlink based on the BU-RNTI.

Aspect 15 is the method of any of aspects 1-14, wherein the DCI comprises a HARQ ID field indicating a TCI state ID of the TCI state that indicates the beam.

Aspect 16 is the method of any of aspects 1-15, wherein the DCI comprises a TCI state ID field indicating the TCI state that indicates the beam, and wherein the DCI is used for scheduling the beam when: a channel for the beam update, a reference signal and target channel, and a scheduled channel are a same channel; or a beam for the scheduled channel and a beam for the beam update are defined in a common TCI state.

Aspect 17 is the method of any of aspects 1-16, wherein the DCI comprises a dedicated field indicating that the beam update is for the uplink, the downlink, or the combination of the uplink and the downlink.

Aspect 18 is the method of any of aspects 1-17, wherein a payload of the DCI is configured via RRC signaling.

Aspect 19 is the method of any of aspects 1-8 and 16-18, wherein the DCI schedules an uplink transmission or a downlink transmission.

Aspect 20 is the method of any of aspects 1-19, further comprising: prior to determining that the DCI is associated with a beam update, receiving a second stage message including a second DCI or a medium access control MAC-CE in a PDCCH or a PDSCH scheduled by the DCI.

Aspect 21 is the method of any of aspects 1-20, wherein the DCI is of a format used for beam update.

Aspect 22 is the method of any of aspects 1-21, wherein a dedicated SS is configured at the UE for monitoring the DCI.

Aspect 23 is the method of any of aspects 1-22, further comprising transmitting a non-dedicated acknowledgment in acknowledging reception of the DCI, wherein the DCI schedules a downlink transmission or an uplink transmission.

Aspect 24 is the method of any of aspects 1-23, further comprising transmitting a dedicated acknowledgment acknowledging reception of the DCI, wherein the DCI does not schedule a downlink transmission or an uplink transmission.

Aspect 25 is the method of any of aspects 1-24, further comprising receiving a new beam indication after a period of time after transmitting the acknowledgment.

Aspect 26 is the method of any of aspects 1-25, wherein the period of time is determined based on a set of UE capability metrics of the UE.

Aspect 27 is the method of any of aspects 1-26, wherein the period of time is determined based on a tone spacing of a CC receiving the DCI and a tone spacing of a CC transmitting the acknowledgment.

Aspect 28 is a method of wireless communication at a base station comprising: transmitting DCI indicating a beam update for uplink, downlink, or a combination of the uplink and the downlink; and indicating in the DCI that the DCI is for the beam update.

Aspect 29 is the method of aspect 28, wherein the TCI state indicates at least two uplink channels.

Aspect 30 is the method of any of aspects 28-29, further comprising: transmitting a downlink transmission using the beam based on the TCI state.

Aspect 31 is the method of any of aspects 28-30, wherein the TCI state indicates at least two downlink channels.

Aspect 32 is the method of any of aspects 28-31, further comprising: receiving an uplink transmission based on the beam update; and transmitting a downlink transmission based on the beam update.

Aspect 33 is the method of any of aspects 28-32, wherein the DCI comprises a sequence associated with the beam update.

Aspect 34 is the method of any of aspects 28-33, wherein the DCI further comprises beam indication information comprising a TCI state ID of the TCI state that indicates the beam.

Aspect 35 is the method of any of aspects 28-34, wherein the sequence is different from a sequence used for scheduling a transmission.

Aspect 36 is the method of any of aspects 28-35, wherein a CRC associated with the DCI is scrambled with a CS-RNTI, and wherein the sequence is different from a sequence used for SPS PDSCH activation or release.

Aspect 37 is the method of any of aspects 28-35, wherein a CRC associated with the DCI is scrambled with a C-RNTI, and wherein the sequence is a combination of one or more of: a RV field, a FDRA field, a TDRA field, a HARQ process number field, or a MCS field.

Aspect 38 is the method of any of aspects 28-35, wherein a CRC associated with the DCI is scrambled with a C-RNTI, and wherein the sequence is a combination of one or more of: a RV field, a NDI field, a FDRA field, a HARQ process number field, or a MCS field.

Aspect 39 is the method of any of aspects 28-38, wherein the DCI does not schedule a transmission.

Aspect 40 is the method of any of aspects 28-35, wherein a CRC associated with the DCI is scrambled with a BU-RNTI dedicated for beam updating and the UE determines that the DCI indicates the beam update for the uplink, the downlink, or the combination of the uplink and the downlink based on the BU-RNTI.

Aspect 41 is the method of any of aspects 28-40, wherein the DCI comprises a HARQ ID field indicating a TCI state ID of the TCI state that indicates the beam.

Aspect 42 is the method of any of aspects 28-41, wherein the DCI comprises a TCI state ID field indicating the TCI state that indicates the beam, and wherein the DCI is used for scheduling the beam when: a channel for the beam update, a reference signal and target channel, and a scheduled channel are a same channel; or a beam for the scheduled channel and a beam for the beam update are defined in a common TCI state.

Aspect 43 is the method of any of aspects 28-42, wherein the DCI comprises a dedicated field indicating that the beam update is for the uplink, the downlink, or the combination of the uplink and the downlink.

Aspect 44 is the method of any of aspects 28-43, wherein a payload of the DCI is configured via RRC signaling.

Aspect 45 is the method of any of aspects 28-34 and 42-44, wherein the DCI schedules an uplink transmission or a downlink transmission.

Aspect 46 is the method of any of aspects 28-45, further comprising: prior to determining that the DCI is associated with a beam update, receiving a second stage message including a second DCI or a medium access control MAC-CE in a PDCCH or a PDSCH scheduled by the DCI.

Aspect 47 is the method of any of aspects 28-46, wherein the DCI is of a format used for beam update.

Aspect 48 is the method of any of aspects 28-47, wherein a dedicated SS is configured at the UE for monitoring the DCI.

Aspect 49 is the method of any of aspects 28-48, further comprising transmitting a non-dedicated acknowledgment in acknowledging reception of the DCI, wherein the DCI schedules a downlink transmission or an uplink transmission.

Aspect 50 is the method of any of aspects 28-49, further comprising receiving a dedicated acknowledgment acknowledging reception of the DCI, wherein the DCI does not schedule a downlink transmission or an uplink transmission.

Aspect 51 is the method of any of aspects 28-50, further comprising transmitting a new beam indication after a period of time after transmitting the acknowledgment.

Aspect 52 is the method of any of aspects 28-51, wherein the period of time is determined based on a set of UE capability metrics of the UE.

Aspect 53 is the method of any of aspects 28-52, wherein the period of time is determined based on a tone spacing of a CC receiving the DCI and a tone spacing of a CC transmitting the acknowledgment.

Aspect 54 is an apparatus for wireless communication including at least one processor coupled to a memory and configured to implement a method as in any of aspects 1 to 27.

Aspect 55 is an apparatus for wireless communication including at least one processor coupled to a memory and configured to implement a method as in any of aspects 28 to 53.

Aspect 56 is an apparatus for wireless communication including means for implementing a method as in any of aspects 1 to 27.

Aspect 57 is an apparatus for wireless communication including means for implementing a method as in any of aspects 28 to 53.

Aspect 58 is a computer-readable medium storing computer executable code, where the code when executed by a processor causes the processor to implement a method as in any of aspects 1 to 27.

Aspect 59 is a computer-readable medium storing computer executable code, where the code when executed by a processor causes the processor to implement a method as in any of aspects 28 to 53.