EP4150782A2

EP4150782A2 - Enabling beam diversity for uplink control information transmission on a physical uplink control channel

Info

Publication number: EP4150782A2
Application number: EP21727246.7A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Sami Hakola; Kyoungmin Park; Mihai Enescu; Juha Karjalainen; Keeth Saliya Jayasinghe LADDU
Original assignee: Nokia Technologies Oy
Current assignee: Nokia Technologies Oy
Priority date: 2020-05-14
Filing date: 2021-05-14
Publication date: 2023-03-22
Also published as: WO2021229525A3; WO2021229525A2

Abstract

A RAN node configures a UE with a set of reference signals in correspondence with respective beamforming configurations; configures the UE with a set of uplink physical channel resources used for repetition coding; configures the UE with a spatial association between the set of uplink physical channel resources and the set of reference signals; and receives uplink data encoded for repetition over part or whole of the set of uplink physical channel resources using the respective beamforming configurations. The RAN node also configures a UE with a set of reference signals in correspondence with respective beamforming configurations; but then receives a minimum time gap from the UE for switching between different transmit beamforming configurations of the UE corresponding to the respective beamforming configurations; and schedules a set of uplink physical channel resources used for repetition coding and using the respective beamforming configurations in accordance with the received minimum time gap.

Description

ENABLING BEAM DIVERSITY FOR UPLINK CONTROL INFORMATION TRANSMISSION ON A PHYSICAL UPLINK CONTROL CHANNEL

TECHNICAL FIELD

This disclosure relates to 3 GPP New Radio (NR) physical layer development, and further relates to beam management for PUCCH (physical uplink control channel) transmission. More specifically, methods to facilitate uplink-beam-based spatial-diversity transmission for user equipments (UEs) equipped with multiple UE panels are proposed.

BACKGROUND

In Rel. 17 FeMIMO (further enhanced multiple input multiple output) WID (work item description), enhancement of the support for multi-TRP (transmission and reception point) deployment, targeting both FR1 (frequency range 1) and FR2 (frequency range 2), has been included as an objective in RP-1931339. It is of particular interest to identify and specify features to improve reliability and robustness for channels other than PDSCH (physical downlink shared channel), that is, for PDCCH (physical downlink control channel), PUSCH (physical uplink shared channel), and PUCCH (physical uplink control channel), using multi-TRP and/or multi -panel, with Rel. 16 reliability features as the baseline.

Due to technology limitations and increasing coupling loss as a function of carrier frequency, system operation, especially in FR2 (24 to 52.6 GHz) and above 52.6 GHz, needs to utilize narrow transmit and receive beams both at the gNB side, where it is more narrow than conventional sector-wide beams, and at the UE side, where it is more narrow than omni-directional beams.

Beam-based connections typical in FR2 and higher carrier frequencies are sensitive to blocking effects, and means to handle beam failure have been specified where an alternate beam-pair link is used to provide for the UE. However, typically a beam-failure recovery procedure is a relatively slow procedure due to a rather long measurement averaging of about five samples per failure detection based on periodic DL signals that may have low periodicity, such as 20, 40, or 80 ms. Typically, the bottleneck in TDD (time-division duplex) systems is uplink coverage in general. Then, further, when going to higher carrier frequencies, blocking effect provides a further challenge on the uplink coverage, as well as transmission power backoff due to the need to fulfil maximum permissible exposure regulations. As briefly discussed above, the beam failure recovery procedure provided is a relatively slow procedure due to long failure evaluation period procedure, and, basically, beam failure recovery does not consider uplink beam quality at all, just downlink beam quality. Thus, it can be argued that, for uplink, there is a need for a proactive way of providing robustness, for example, for critical uplink control information transmissions.

One proactive way of doing so is to utilize beam diversity in uplink transmission, meaning that uplink transmission exploits multiple transmit and/or receive beams at the UE and gNB, respectively. Multiplexing among multiple beam-pair links may be provided using time domain, frequency domain or spatial-domain multiplexing.

In FR2 and above 52.6 GHz, an additional challenge arises in finding and determining the feasible transmit and receive beams at the UE and gNB, respectively. In the current NR system, the uplink beam may be determined based on a single downlink reference signal (RS) that has been found based on UE’s beam reporting on configured downlink reference signals. In other words, the UE reports for gNB up to a strong DL RS resource index, for instance, a certain CSI-RS resource index (CRI) or a certain synchronization signal Block (SSB) corresponding a to certain DL beam, and the gNB may configure one of the configured downlink reference signals as the spatial source for the UE to determine the uplink transmit beam. Another alternative is to configure the UE with SRS (sounding reference signal) resources, each corresponding to a different uplink beam, and, based on received signal power measurements on SRS transmissions, the gNB may select and indicate reference SRS resource for the uplink transmission, that is, the uplink transmit beam is the same as was used for the indicated SRS resource. However, SRS-based uplink transmit beam determination causes significant overhead and latency into overall system which should be avoided.

As a specific problem, there is no existing fast and yet simple mechanism that would allow determining uplink transmit beam(s) for the beam diversity-based uplink transmission with low overhead, such as for critical uplink control signaling transmitted using PUCCH. In the present disclosure, such a mechanism for a more efficient signaling method, which allows the UE to use beam-specific mobility parameters, is proposed.

SUMMARY

In a first aspect of the present disclosure, a radio access network (RAN) node comprises: at least one processor; and at least one memory including computer program code, the at least one memory and the computer program code being configured, with the at least one processor, to cause the RAN node to: configure a user equipment (UE) device with a set of reference signals in correspondence with respective beamforming configurations; configure the UE device with a set of uplink physical channel resources used for repetition coding; configure the UE device with a spatial association between the set of uplink physical channel resources and the set of reference signals; and receive uplink data encoded for repetition over part or whole of the set of uplink physical channel resources using the respective beamforming configurations.

The set of uplink physical channel resources may comprise different uplink transmission opportunities having a same payload transport capacity.

The beamforming configurations may comprise respective receive beamforming configurations of the RAN node.

The uplink physical channel resources may be physical uplink control channel (PUCCH) resources, and the uplink data may be uplink control information (UCI).

The uplink physical channel resources may be physical uplink shared channel (PUSCH) resources, and the uplink data may be uplink payload data.

The set of reference signals may be at least one of primary synchronization signals (PSS), secondary synchronization signals (SSS), channel state information reference signals (CSI-RS), and sounding reference signals (SRS).

The spatial association may be established by means of a transmission configuration index (TCI). The spatial association may be a spatial association between the set of uplink physical channel resources and two or more sets of reference signals in a time division duplex (TDD) manner.

The configured set of uplink physical channel resources may be one of periodic, semi-persistent, and aperiodic configurations.

The at least one memory and the computer program code may be further configured, with the at least one processor, to cause the RAN node to receive a user equipment (UE) capability report including at least one of a number of beams supported in parallel, and a number of antenna panels in the UE.

In a second aspect of the present disclosure, a method by a radio access network (RAN) node comprises: configuring a user equipment (UE) device with a set of reference signals in correspondence with respective beamforming configurations; configuring the UE device with a set of uplink physical channel resources used for repetition coding; configuring the UE device with a spatial association between the set of uplink physical channel resources and the set of reference signals; and receiving uplink data encoded for repetition over part or whole of the set of uplink physical channel resources using the respective beamforming configurations.

In a third aspect of the present disclosure, a radio access network (RAN) node comprises: means for configuring a user equipment (UE) device with a set of reference signals in correspondence with respective beamforming configurations; means for configuring the UE device with a set of uplink physical channel resources used for repetition coding; means for configuring the UE device with a spatial association between the set of uplink physical channel resources and the set of reference signals; and means for receiving uplink data encoded for repetition over part or whole of the set of uplink physical channel resources using the respective beamforming configurations.

In a fourth aspect of the present disclosure, a radio access network (RAN) node comprises: circuitry configured to configure a user equipment (UE) device with a set of reference signals in correspondence with respective beamforming configurations; circuitry configured to configure the UE device with a set of uplink physical channel resources used for repetition coding; circuitry configured to configure the UE device with a spatial association between the set of uplink physical channel resources and the set of reference signals; and circuitry configured to receive uplink data encoded for repetition over part or whole of the set of uplink physical channel resources using the respective beamforming configurations.

In a fifth aspect of the present disclosure, a computer program product comprises a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium bearing computer program code embodied therein for use with a computer, the computer program code comprising code for performing: configuring a user equipment (UE) device with a set of reference signals in correspondence with respective beamforming configurations; configuring the UE device with a set of uplink physical channel resources used for repetition coding; configuring the UE device with a spatial association between the set of uplink physical channel resources and the set of reference signals; and receiving uplink data encoded for repetition over part or whole of the set of uplink physical channel resources using the respective beamforming configurations.

In a sixth aspect of the present disclosure, a user equipment (UE) device comprises: at least one processor; and at least one memory including computer program code, the at least one memory and the computer program code being configured, with the at least one processor, to cause the UE device to: receive first configuration information whereby the UE device is configured with a set of reference signals in correspondence with respective beamforming configurations; receive second configuration information whereby the UE device is configured with a set of uplink physical channel resources used for repetition coding; receive third configuration information whereby a spatial association between the set of uplink physical channel resources and the set of reference signals is established; and transmit uplink data encoded for repetition over part or whole of the set of uplink physical channel resources using the respective beamforming configurations.

The first, second and third configuration information can be sent in a single or in multiple messages and not necessarily using the same protocol layer.

The set of uplink physical channel resources may comprise different uplink transmission opportunities having a same payload transport capacity. The beamforming configurations may comprise respective transmit beamforming configurations of the UE device.

The spatial association may be established by means of a transmission configuration index (TCI).

The spatial association may be a spatial association between the set of uplink physical channel resources and two or more sets of reference signals in a time division duplex (TDD) manner.

The at least one memory and the computer program code may be further configured, with the at least one processor, to cause the UE device to transmit a user equipment (UE) capability report including at least one of a number of beams supported in parallel, and a number of antenna panels in the UE.

In a seventh aspect of the present disclosure, a method by a user equipment (UE) device comprises: receiving first configuration information whereby the UE device is configured with a set of reference signals in correspondence with respective beamforming configurations; receiving second configuration information whereby the UE device is configured with a set of uplink physical channel resources used for repetition coding; receiving third configuration information whereby a spatial association between the set of uplink physical channel resources and the set of reference signals is established; and transmitting uplink data encoded for repetition over part or whole of the set of uplink physical channel resources using the respective beamforming configurations. In an eighth aspect of the present disclosure, a user equipment (UE) device comprises: means for receiving first configuration information whereby the UE device is configured with a set of reference signals in correspondence with respective beamforming configurations; means for receiving second configuration information whereby the UE device is configured with a set of uplink physical channel resources used for repetition coding; means for receiving third configuration information whereby a spatial association between the set of uplink physical channel resources and the set of reference signals is established; and means for transmitting uplink data encoded for repetition over part or whole of the set of uplink physical channel resources using the respective beamforming configurations.

In a ninth aspect of the present disclosure, a user equipment (UE) device comprises: circuitry configured to receive first configuration information whereby the UE device is configured with a set of reference signals in correspondence with respective beamforming configurations; circuitry configured to receive second configuration information whereby the UE device is configured with a set of uplink physical channel resources used for repetition coding; circuitry configured to receive third configuration information whereby a spatial association between the set of uplink physical channel resources and the set of reference signals is established; and circuitry configured to transmit uplink data encoded for repetition over part or whole of the set of uplink physical channel resources using the respective beamforming configurations.

In a tenth aspect of the present disclosure, a computer program product comprises a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium bearing computer program code embodied therein for use with a computer, the computer program code comprising code for performing: receiving first configuration information whereby the UE device is configured with a set of reference signals in correspondence with respective beamforming configurations; receiving second configuration information whereby the UE device is configured with a set of uplink physical channel resources used for repetition coding; receiving third configuration information whereby a spatial association between the set of uplink physical channel resources and the set of reference signals is established; and transmitting uplink data encoded for repetition over part or whole of the set of uplink physical channel resources using the respective beamforming configurations. In an eleventh aspect of the present disclosure, a radio access network (RAN) node comprises: at least one processor; and at least one memory including computer program code, the at least one memory and the computer program code being configured, with the at least one processor, to cause the RAN node to perform the following: configure a user equipment (UE) device with a set of reference signals in correspondence with respective beamforming configurations; receive a minimum time gap from the UE device for switching between different transmit beamforming configurations of the UE device corresponding to the respective beamforming configurations; and schedule a set of uplink physical channel resources used for repetition coding and using the respective beamforming configurations in accordance with the received minimum time gap.

The minimum time gap may occur between successive transmit beamforming configurations of the UE device used for successive occurrences of the set of uplink physical channel resources.

The minimum time gap may be for switching between transmit beamforming configurations of the UE device corresponding to a same antenna panel.

The minimum time gap may be for switching between transmit beamforming configurations of the UE device corresponding to different antenna panels.

In a twelfth aspect of the present disclosure, a method by a radio access network (RAN) node comprises: configuring a user equipment (UE) device with a set of reference signals in correspondence with respective beamforming configurations; receiving a minimum time gap from the UE device for switching between different transmit beamforming configurations of the UE device corresponding to the respective beamforming configurations; and scheduling a set of uplink physical channel resources used for repetition coding and using the respective beamforming configurations in accordance with the received minimum time gap.

In a thirteenth aspect of the present disclosure, a radio access network (RAN) node comprises: means for configuring a user equipment (UE) device with a set of reference signals in correspondence with respective beamforming configurations; means for receiving a minimum time gap from the UE device for switching between different transmit beamforming configurations of the UE device corresponding to the respective beamforming configurations; and means for scheduling a set of uplink physical channel resources used for repetition coding and using the respective beamforming configurations in accordance with the received minimum time gap.

In a fourteenth aspect of the present disclosure, a radio access network (RAN) node comprises: circuitry configured to configure a user equipment (UE) device with a set of reference signals in correspondence with respective beamforming configurations; circuitry configured to receive a minimum time gap from the UE device for switching between different transmit beamforming configurations of the UE device corresponding to the respective beamforming configurations; and circuitry configured to schedule a set of uplink physical channel resources used for repetition coding and using the respective beamforming configurations in accordance with the received minimum time gap.

In a fifteenth aspect of the present disclosure, a computer program product comprises a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium bearing computer program code embodied therein for use with a computer, the computer program code comprising code for performing: configuring a user equipment (UE) device with a set of reference signals in correspondence with respective beamforming configurations; receiving a minimum time gap from the UE device for switching between different transmit beamforming configurations of the UE device corresponding to the respective beamforming configurations; and scheduling a set of uplink physical channel resources used for repetition coding and using the respective beamforming configurations in accordance with the received minimum time gap.

In a sixteenth aspect of the present disclosure, a user equipment (UE) device comprises: at least one processor; and at least one memory including computer program code, the at least one memory and the computer program code being configured, with the at least one processor, to cause the apparatus to perform the following: receive configuration information whereby the UE device is configured with a set of reference signals in correspondence with respective beamforming configurations; and transmit a minimum time gap to a radio access network (RAN) node for the UE device to switch between different transmit beamforming configurations of the UE device corresponding to the respective beamforming configurations. The minimum time gap may occur between successive transmit beamforming configurations of the UE device used for successive occurrences of the set of uplink physical channel resources.

In a seventeenth aspect of the present disclosure, a method by a user equipment (UE) device comprises: receiving configuration information whereby the UE device is configured with a set of reference signals in correspondence with respective beamforming configurations; and transmitting a minimum time gap to a radio access network (RAN) node for the UE device to switch between different transmit beamforming configurations of the UE device corresponding to the respective beamforming configurations.

In an eighteenth aspect of the present disclosure, a user equipment (UE) device comprises: means for receiving configuration information whereby the UE device is configured with a set of reference signals in correspondence with respective beamforming configurations; and means for transmitting a minimum time gap to a radio access network (RAN) node for the UE device to switch between different transmit beamforming configurations of the UE device corresponding to the respective beamforming configurations.

In a nineteenth aspect of the present disclosure, a user equipment (UE) device comprises: circuitry configured to receive configuration information whereby the UE device is configured with a set of reference signals in correspondence with respective beamforming configurations; and circuitry configured to transmit a minimum time gap to a radio access network (RAN) node for the UE device to switch between different transmit beamforming configurations of the UE device corresponding to the respective beamforming configurations.

In a twentieth aspect of the present disclosure, a computer program product comprises a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium bearing computer program code embodied therein for use with a computer, the computer program code comprising code for performing: receiving configuration information whereby the UE device is configured with a set of reference signals in correspondence with respective beamforming configurations; and transmitting a minimum time gap to a radio access network (RAN) node for the UE device to switch between different transmit beamforming configurations of the UE device corresponding to the respective beamforming configurations.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The foregoing and other aspects of these teachings are made more evident in the following detailed description, when read in conjunction with the attached drawing figures.

Figure 1 shows a simplified block diagram of certain apparatus in which the subject matter of the present disclosure may be practiced.

Figures 2 and 3 show an example of New Radio (NR) architecture having the 5G core (5GC) and the NG-RAN.

Figure 4 illustrates the association/indication between the spatial relations of the SSSet and the set of PUCCH resources for the uplink beam diversity transmission.

Figure 5 illustrates an example of repeated PUCCH transmission across PUCCH resources.

Figure 6 illustrates different approaches for facilitating panel switching at the UE-side for the transmission of a set of PUCCH resources.

Figure 7 illustrates an example of repeated PUCCH transmission using more than one SSSet.

Figure 8 is a flow chart illustrating a method performed by a radio access network (RAN) node in a first aspect of the present disclosure.

Figure 9 is a flow chart illustrating a method performed by a user equipment (UE) device in the first aspect of the present disclosure.

Figure 10 is a flow chart illustrating a method performed by a radio access network (RAN) node in a second aspect of the present disclosure.

Figure 11 is a flow chart illustrating a method performed by a user equipment (UE) device in the second aspect of the present disclosure. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Figure 1 is a block diagram of one possible and non-limiting example in which the subject matter of the present disclosure may be practiced. A user equipment (UE) 110, radio access network (RAN) node 170, and network element(s) 190 are illustrated. In the example of Figure 1, the user equipment (UE) 110 is in wireless communication with a wireless network 100. A UE is a wireless device, such as a mobile device, that can access the wireless network. The UE 110 includes one or more processors 120, one or more memories 125, and one or more transceivers 130 interconnected through one or more buses 127. Each of the one or more transceivers 130 includes a receiver, Rx, 132 and a transmitter, Tx, 133. The one or more buses 127 may be address, data, or control buses, and may include any interconnection mechanism, such as a series of lines on a motherboard or integrated circuit, fiber optics or other optical communication equipment, and the like. The one or more transceivers 130 are connected to one or more antennas 128. The one or more memories 125 include computer program code 123. The UE 110 includes a module 140, comprising one of or both parts 140-1 and/or 140-2, which may be implemented in a number of ways. The module 140 may be implemented in hardware as module 140-1, such as being implemented as part of the one or more processors 120. The module 140-1 may be implemented also as an integrated circuit or through other hardware such as a programmable gate array. In another example, the module 140 may be implemented as module 140-2, which is implemented as computer program code 123 and is executed by the one or more processors 120. For instance, the one or more memories 125 and the computer program code 123 may be configured, with the one or more processors 120, to cause the user equipment 110 to perform one or more of the operations as described herein. The UE 110 communicates with RAN node 170 via a wireless link 111.

The RAN node 170 in this example is a base station that provides access to wireless devices, such as the UE 110. The RAN node 170 may be, for example, a base station for 5G, also called New Radio (NR). In 5G, the RAN node 170 may be an NG-RAN node, which is defined as either a gNB or an ng-eNB. A gNB is a node providing NR user plane and control-plane protocol terminations toward the UE, and connected via the NG interface to a 5GC, such as, for example, the network element(s) 190. The ng-eNB is a node providing E-UTRA user plane and control plane protocol terminations towards the UE, and connected via the NG interface to the 5GC. In one of several approaches, the NG-RAN node may include multiple network elements, which may also include a centralized unit (CU) (gNB-CU) 196 and distributed unit(s) (DUs) (gNB-DUs), of which DU 195 is shown. Note that the DU may include or be coupled to and control a radio unit (RU). The gNB-CU is a logical node hosting RRC, SDAP and PDCP protocols of the gNB or RRC and PDCP protocols of the en-gNB that controls the operation of one or more gNB-DUs. The gNB-CU terminates the FI interface connected with the gNB -DU. The FI interface is illustrated as reference 198, although reference 198 also illustrates a link between remote elements of the RAN node 170 and centralized elements of the RAN node 170, such as between the gNB-CU 196 and the gNB-DU 195. The gNB-DU is a logical node hosting RLC, MAC and PHY layers of the gNB or ng-eNB, and its operation is partly controlled by gNB-CU. One gNB- CU supports one or multiple cells. One cell is supported by only one gNB-DU. The gNB- DU terminates the FI interface 198 connected with the gNB-CU. Note that the DU 195 is considered to include the transceiver 160, for example, as part of a RU, but some examples of this may have the transceiver 160 as part of a separate RU, for example, under control of and connected to the DU 195. The RAN node 170 may also be an eNB (evolved NodeB) base station, for FTE (long term evolution), or any other suitable base station or node.

The preceding paragraph describes one way of splitting the gNB functions: other splits are possible as well with different distributions of [FOW-PHY/HIGH- PHY/PHY]MAC/RFC/PDCP[/SDAP]/RRC functions across the various network nodes and different interfaces for connecting the network nodes.

The RAN node 170 includes one or more processors 152, one or more memories 155, one or more network interfaces (N/W I/F(s)) 161, and one or more transceivers 160 interconnected through one or more buses 157. Each of the one or more transceivers 160 includes a receiver, Rx, 162 and a transmitter, Tx, 163. The one or more transceivers 160 are connected to one or more antennas 158. The one or more memories 155 include computer program code 153. The CU 196 may include the processor(s) 152, memories 155, and network interfaces 161. Note that the DU 195 may also contain its own memory/memories and processor(s), and/or other hardware, but these are not shown. The RAN node 170 includes a module 150, comprising one of or both parts 150-1 and/or 150-2, which may be implemented in a number of ways. The module 150 may be implemented in hardware as module 150- 1 , such as being implemented as part of the one or more processors 152. The module 150-1 may be implemented also as an integrated circuit or through other hardware such as a programmable gate array. In another example, module 150 may be implemented as module 150-2, which is implemented as computer program code 153 executed by the one or more processors 152. For instance, the one or more memories 155 and the computer program code 153 are configured, with the one or more processors 152, to cause the RAN node 170 to perform one or more of the operations as described herein. Note that the functionality of the module 150 may be distributed, such as being distributed between the DU 195 and the CU 196, or be implemented solely in the CU 196.

The one or more network interfaces 161 communicate over a network such as via the links 176 and 131. Two or more gNBs 170 may communicate using, e.g., link 176. The link 176 may be wired or wireless or both and may implement, for example, an Xn interface for 5G, an X2 interface for LTE, or other suitable interface for other standards.

The one or more buses 157 may be address, data, or control buses, and may include any interconnection mechanism, such as a series of lines on a motherboard or integrated circuit, fiber optics or other optical communication equipment, wireless channels, and the like. For example, the one or more transceivers 160 may be implemented as a remote radio head (RRH) 195 for LTE or a distributed unit (DU) 195 for gNB implementation for 5G, with the other elements of the RAN node 170 possibly being physically in a different location from the RRH/DU, and the one or more buses 157 could be implemented in part as, for example, fiber optic cable or other suitable network connection to connect the other elements (e.g., a centralized unit (CU), gNB-CU) of the RAN node 170 to the RRH/DU 195. Reference 198 also indicates those suitable network link(s).

It is noted that description herein indicates that “cells” perform functions, but it should be clear that equipment which forms the cell will perform the functions. The cell makes up part of a base station. That is, there can be multiple cells per base station. For example, there could be three cells for a single carrier frequency and associated bandwidth, each cell covering one-third of a 360° area so that the single base station’s coverage area covers an approximate oval or circle. Furthermore, each cell can correspond to a single carrier and a base station may use multiple carriers. So, if there are three 120° cells per carrier and two carriers, then the base station has a total of six cells.

The wireless network 100 may include a network element or elements 190 that may include core network functionality, and which provides connectivity via a link or links 181 with a further network, such as a telephone network and/or a data communications network (e.g., the Internet). Such core network functionality for 5G may include access and mobility management function(s) (AMF(S)) and/or user plane functions (UPF(s)) and/or session management function(s) (SMF(s)). Such core network functionality for LTE may include MME (Mobility Management Entity)/SGW (Serving Gateway) functionality. These are merely exemplary functions that may be supported by the network element(s) 190, and note that both 5G and LTE functions might be supported. The RAN node 170 is coupled via a link 131 to a network element 190. The link 131 may be implemented as, for example, an NG interface for 5G, or an SI interface for LTE, or other suitable interface for other standards. The network element 190 includes one or more processors 175, one or more memories 171, and one or more network interfaces (N/W I/F(s)) 180, interconnected through one or more buses 185. The one or more memories 171 include computer program code 173. The one or more memories 171 and the computer program code 173 are configured, with the one or more processors 175, to cause the network element 190 to perform one or more operations.

The wireless network 100 may implement network virtualization, which is the process of combining hardware and software network resources and network functionality into a single, software-based administrative entity, a virtual network. Network virtualization involves platform virtualization, often combined with resource virtualization. Network virtualization is categorized as either external, combining many networks, or parts of networks, into a virtual unit, or internal, providing network-like functionality to software containers on a single system. Note that the virtualized entities that result from the network virtualization are still implemented, at some level, using hardware such as processors 152 or 175 and memories 155 and 171, and also such virtualized entities create technical effects. The computer-readable memories 125, 155, and 171 may be of any type suitable to the local technical environment and may be implemented using any suitable data storage technology, such as semiconductor-based memory devices, flash memory, magnetic memory devices and systems, optical memory devices and systems, fixed memory and removable memory. The computer-readable memories 125, 155, and 171 may be means for performing storage functions. The processors 120, 152, and 175 may be of any type suitable to the local technical environment, and may include one or more of general-purpose computers, special purpose computers, microprocessors, digital signal processors (DSPs) and processors based on a multi-core processor architecture, as non-limiting examples. The processors 120, 152, and 175 may be means for performing functions, such as controlling the UE 110, RAN node 170, and other functions as described herein.

In general, the various embodiments of the user equipment 110 can include, but are not limited to, cellular telephones such as smart phones, tablets, personal digital assistants (PDAs) having wireless communication capabilities, portable computers having wireless communication capabilities, image capture devices such as digital cameras having wireless communication capabilities, gaming devices having wireless communication capabilities, music storage and playback appliances having wireless communication capabilities, Internet appliances permitting wireless Internet access and browsing, tablets with wireless communication capabilities, as well as portable units or terminals that incorporate combinations of such functions.

The user equipment 110 may also refer to Internet of Things (IoT) devices, massive industrial networks, smart city infrastructure, wearable devices, networked medical devices, autonomous devices, etc. These types of UE devices may operate for extended periods of time without human intervention (e.g., perform maintenance, replace or recharge an on-device battery, etc.), may have reduced processing power and/or memory storage, may have reduced battery storage capability due to having small form factors, may be integrated into machinery (e.g., heavy machinery, factory machinery, sealed devices, etc.), may be installed/located in hazardous environment or difficult to access environments, etc.

Figures 2 and 3 show an example of New Radio (NR) architecture having the 5G core (5GC) and the NG-RAN. The base stations gNB are coupled to the 5GC by the interface to core NGs, and the gNBs are coupled to each other by the inter-base station interface Xn.

The present disclosure relates to beam management for a set of uplink physical channel resources, such as a set of PUCCH or PUSCH resources, used for repetition coding of uplink control data and/or uplink user data.

The set of uplink physical channel resources used for repetition coding comprises a first transmission opportunity for initially transmitting a block of payload data (e.g., uplink control information or UCI) or a first redundancy version (HARQ) of a block of payload data (e.g., a transport block), and further repetition opportunities for transmitting the same block of payload data, or the same or additional redundancy versions of the same block of payload data. These different uplink transmission opportunities may be configured during different symbol periods, and/or over different frequency resource blocks, and/or over different spatial streams/layers.

A gNB configures a set of downlink or uplink RSs (CSI-RS, SSB, SRS) corresponding to respective beamforming configurations, for instance respective UL transmit beamforming configurations at the UE side and/or respective UL receive beamforming configurations at the gNB side. The RSs in association with respective beamforming configurations are sometimes further referred to as spatial sources, and the set of configured RSs is further referred to as a spatial source set (SSSet).

Then, the gNB establishes a spatial association between a set of PUCCH or PUSCH resources used for repetition coding and an SSSet. In this way, the different PUCCH or PUSCH transmission occurrences use the respective beamforming configurations corresponding to the associated SSSets, thereby improving uplink communication reliability and substantially reducing the signaling overhead as one single spatial association is signaled towards the UE.

The spatial association can be signaled or indicated by means of MAC CE (MAC control element) signaling, or DCI (downlink control information) signaling, or RRC signaling. For instance, the spatial association can be established by means of a transmission configuration index (TCI) transmitted as part of DCI or as part of an RRC message, and providing spatial quasi-location relationships between PUCCH/PUSCH DM-RS ports and a set of RSs.

The set of PUCCH or PUSCH resources may be spatially associated with two or more SSSets. These different SSSets are activated in a TDD manner, meaning than one SSSet is active during a given time period, and the UE is cycling through the different configured SSSets during successive time periods. During a given time period, the different transmission occurrences of the set of PUCCH/PUSCH resources use the respective beamforming configurations of the active SSSet.

The UE may further report to the gNB a minimum time gap for switching between the different UE transmit beam configurations of the one or more configured SSSets. For instance, this minimum time gap may be constrained by a minimum time gap for switching between different UE transmit beamforming configurations corresponding to different antenna panels of the UE, and/or by a minimum time gap for switching between different UE transmit beamforming configurations corresponding to the same antenna panel of the UE.

Alternatively, the UE may report antenna panel information to the gNB for the respective reference signals of the SSSet and corresponding UE transmit beam configurations. The UE may then directly report to the gNB a minimum time gap for switching between different UE transmit beamforming configurations corresponding to different antenna panels of the UE, and/or a minimum time gap for switching between different UE transmit beamforming configurations corresponding to a same antenna panel of the UE.

The gNB then schedules the set of PUCCH resources associated with the configured SSSet in compliance with the reported minimum time gap(s).

Further details are now given for repeated PUCCH transmissions with regard to Figures 4 to 7.

As depicted in Figure 4, a pool of available PUCCH resources numbered from 0 to n- 1 is initially configured. The PUCCH resources of the pool provide the same payload transport capacity. A set of PUCCH resources is then selected for repetition coding among the pool of available PUCCH resources. Presently, the set of PUCCH resource #k comprises PUCCH resources 1 to 4 so as to provide up to four transmission opportunities for PUCCH repeated transmissions (i.e., not all four transmission opportunities are necessarily used).

A SSSet, presently SSSet #m, is then configured. SSSet #m comprises four RSs numbered from a to d. Each of these RSs is associated with a respective UL transmit beamforming configuration at the UE side and/or a respective UL receive beamforming configuration at the gNB side.

The UE is next configured with a spatial association between the set of four PUCCH resources 1 to 4 and the set of four RSs a to d. As illustrated in Figure 5, the first element of PUCCH resources set #k, namely PUCCH #1, is spatially associated with the first element of the SSSet, namely RS #a, and corresponding beamforming configuration; the second element of PUCCH resources set #k, namely PUCCH #2, is spatially associated with the second element of the SSSet, namely RS #b, and corresponding beamforming configuration; and so forth for the third and fourth elements. Other association orders between the elements of the PUCCH resource set and the elements of the SSSet can be defined or configured. Only one single spatial association between a set of PUCCH resources and a SSSet needs to be configured, thereby saving substantial signaling resources.

Figure 5 further illustrates an example of four PUCCH transmissions using the corresponding beamforming configurations corresponding to the spatial sources #a to #d respectively.

The SSSet can be associated to a group of periodic PUCCH resources, semi- persistent PUCCH resources, or aperiodically triggered group of PUCCH resources. The spatial association can be configured (periodic or semi-persistent PUCCH resources) or indicated (aperiodic PUCCH resources).

A group of PUCCH resources associated with a certain SSSet may be restricted to belong to the same PUCCH resource pool. That is, the same uplink control information is repeated on the multiple PUCCH resources, and, thus, it could be logical to have the resources used in the beam diversity transmission from the same PUCCH resource pool.

The configuration/indication of the group of PUCCH resources associated with the SSSet may comprise configuration (periodic/semi-persistent PUCCH resources) / indication (aperiodic PUCCH resources), and may provide the starting PUCCH resource index and the number of (consecutive) PUCCH resources (with modulo operation).

The spatial sources may be also the same for some of the PUCCH resources, such as the same spatial source could be used for the first and third PUCCH resource in the transmitted set, and the same spatial source for the second and fourth PUCCH resource.

Time domain resource allocation for the configured / indicated set of PUCCH resources may take into account the following aspects:

There may be a time-domain gap between the transmission of PUCCH resources if the UE needs to perform panel switching for different PUCCH resources, and also if due to different timing advance values applied for the PUCCH resources (such as spatial sources defining transmissions to different TRPs.).

There could be feedback from the UE that for intended spatial sources the UE would need to use different transmit panels and would require some minimum time gap for the panel switching.

Panel information could be added to beam measurements for DL RSs that would be candidate RSs for spatial sources.

Various possible approaches are illustrated in Figure 6, with one single PUCCH transmission spanning over two symbols. The top row depicts a situation where no minimum time gap is required. The gNB can then schedule the four PUCCH transmissions #1 to #4 in a row (see top row in Figure 6), typically at the end of a slot (a slot comprises fourteen consecutive symbols). The middle row depicts a situation where a short minimum time gap is required, for instance four symbol periods. The gNB then makes sure that successive PUCCH transmissions are scheduled at least four symbols apart from each other. For instance, PUCCH transmissions #2 and 4 are scheduled at the end of a slot, and PUCCH transmissions #1 and 3 are scheduled six symbols before in the middle of a slot, leaving four and six symbols between successive PUCCH transmissions, in line with the reported minimum time gap of four symbols. A longer minimum time gap could be required as well is depicted in the bottom row of Figure 6 with twelve symbols as minimum time gap. In this case, a single PUCCH transmissions is scheduled at the end of each slot, leaving twelve symbols between successive PUCCH transmissions. Timing aspects related to, for instance, delivery of HARQ ACK/NACK or CSI needs to take into account the last transmission of the PUCCH resource in the set of PUCCH resources used for the transmission.

In an alternative embodiment, a single PUCCH resource is transmitted in a repeated manner as above applying the spatial sources from the indicated spatial source set SSSet. For instance, and referring back to Figure 4, the PUCCH resource set may only contain one single PUCCH resource, for instance PUCCH resource #1, which is associated with SSSet #m comprising RS #a to RS #d. PUCCH resource #1 is then repeated using the beamforming configurations corresponding to the spatial sources RS #a, RS #b, RS #c and RS #d, successively.

Exemplary steps to implement the present disclosure are the following:

1. A UE provides a gNB with its UL beam capability.

The UE reports the number of panels it can support for UL or

PUCCH transmission.

The UE reports its capability of the number of UL candidate beams as a number of RS/spatial relation information that can be simultaneously configured.

The UE reports its required latency for UL panel switching.

The UE reports required latency of UL beam switching which happens within the same panel.

2. The UE receives a configuration of PUCCH resource sets and corresponding PUCCH resources.

PUCCH resources belonging to different PUCCH resource sets can be overlapped on the same physical resource. If overlapped PUCCH resources are selected, the UE understands that simultaneous transmission of PUCCH via different beam or panel is requested.

A different number of PUCCH resources can be configured per PUCCH resource set. For example, two PUCCH resource groups can be configured with three and six PUCCH resources. When a gNB needs longer sweeping of PUCCH beam, the gNB may trigger PUCCH transmission via a PUCCH resource set configured with six PUCCH resources.

3. The UE receives the configuration of the initial spatial relation set (SSSet) or multiple SSSets and spatial relation information for each set.

The number of configured SSSets and the number of different spatial relation information rely on the UE’s beam capability reported in step 1 above.

4. The UE receives a configuration of the association between PUCCH resource set and SSSet.

An initial PUCCH resource set is configured or defined as a default PUCCH resource set.

Within the initial PUCCH resource set, before the association to spatial relation information or SSSet is configured, default spatial relation information is associated with each of the PUCCH resources.

5. The UE receives configuration (periodic PUCCH), activation (semi- persistent PUCCH) or triggering (aperiodic PUCCH) of the set of PUCCH resources for repeated PUCCH transmission with the beam diversity.

In one embodiment, PUCCH repetition is performed across PUCCH resources configured within the same PUCCH resource group.

As one application, when the UE is configured to perform repeated PUCCH transmissions, the number of repetitions relies on the number of PUCCH resources within the PUCCH resource set, which is configured, activated, or triggered for the PUCCH transmission.

In another application, the UE is configured with the number of PUCCH repetitions. The number of configured repetitions can be smaller than the number of PUCCH resources configured within the PUCCH resource set.

In another embodiment, PUCCH repetition can be configured across a multiple of PUCCH resource groups.

PUCCH resources belonging to different PUCCH resource groups can be overlapped on the same physical resource. In this case, the UE performs simultaneous PUCCH transmission via multiple beams/panels. The number of PUCCH repetitions can be defined by the number of PUCCH resources configured within the PUCCH resource set, or can be configured.

6. The UE transmits uplink control information, such as CSI, using the set of PUCCH resources and applying spatial relation as provided by the SSSet.

As another embodiment, one PUCCH resource set can be configured with multiple of SSSets. In this case, repeated PUCCH transmission happens via the same PUCCH resource configured for PUCCH transmission, and the beam sweeps across spatial relation information of associated SSSets.

Figure 7 shows an example of multiple SSSets per PUCCH resource set. A set of PUCCH resources #k, which comprises PUCCH resources #1 to #4, is associated with three SSSets #0 to #2, which are used in a cyclic manner: PUCCH resources #1 to #4 first uses SSSet#0 then SSSet#l and then SSSet #2 during different time periods. For instance, PUCCH resource #1 is first associated with RS #a of SSSet #0, and use a respective beamforming configuration; during another time period, PUCCH resource #1 is associated with RS #e of SSSet #1, and use another beamforming configuration; during still another time period, PUCCH resource #1 is associated with RS #i of SSSet #2, and use still another beamforming configuration.

The advantages of the subject matter disclosed herein include coverage and robustness improvement for a PUCCH that carries critical uplink control information, like HARQ ACK/NACK, CSI, SR, and beam reports, and substantial reduction in signaling overhead.

Figure 8 is a flow chart illustrating a method performed by a radio access network (RAN) node in a first aspect of the present disclosure. In block 802, the RAN node configures a user equipment (UE) device with a set of reference signals in correspondence with respective beamforming configurations. In block 804, the RAN node configures the UE device with a set of uplink physical channel resources used for repetition coding. In block 806, the RAN node configures the UE device with a spatial association between the set of uplink physical channel resources and the set of reference signals. And, finally, in block 808, the RAN node receives uplink data encoded for repetition over part or whole of the set of uplink physical channel resources using the respective beamforming configurations.

Figure 9 is a flow chart illustrating a method performed by a user equipment (UE) device in the first aspect of the present disclosure. In block 902, the UE device receives first configuration information whereby the UE device is configured with a set of reference signals in correspondence with respective beamforming configurations. In block 904, the UE device receives second configuration information whereby the UE device is configured with a set of uplink physical channel resources used for repetition coding. In block 906, the UE device receives third configuration information whereby a spatial association between the set of uplink physical channel resources and the set of reference signals is established. And, finally, in block 908, the UE device transmits uplink data encoded for repetition over part or whole of the set of uplink physical channel resources using the respective beamforming configurations.

Figure 10 is a flow chart illustrating a method performed by a radio access network (RAN) node in a second aspect of the present disclosure. In block 1002, the RAN node configures a user equipment (UE) device with a set of reference signals in correspondence with respective beamforming configurations. In block 1004, the RAN node receives a minimum time gap from the UE device for switching between different transmit beamforming configurations of the UE device corresponding to the respective beamforming configurations. And, in block 1006, the RAN node schedules a set of uplink physical channel resources used for repetition coding and using the respective beamforming configurations in accordance with the received minimum time gap.

Figure 11 is a flow chart illustrating a method performed by a user equipment (UE) device in the second aspect of the present disclosure. In block 1102, the UE device receives configuration information whereby the UE device is configured with a set of reference signals in correspondence with respective beamforming configurations. And, in block 1104, the UE device transmits a minimum time gap to a radio access network (RAN) node for the UE device to switch between different transmit beamforming configurations of the UE device corresponding to the respective beamforming configurations. In general, the various exemplary embodiments may be implemented in hardware or special purpose circuits, software, logic or any combination thereof. For example, some aspects may be implemented in hardware, while other aspects may be implemented in firmware or software, which may be executed by a controller, microprocessor or other computing device, although the exemplary embodiments are not limited thereto.

While various aspects of the exemplary embodiments of this disclosure may be illustrated and described as block diagrams, flow charts, or using some other pictorial representation, it is well understood that these blocks, apparatus, systems, techniques or methods described herein may be implemented in, as non-limiting examples, hardware, software, firmware, special purpose circuits or logic, general purpose hardware or controller or other computing devices, or some combination thereof.

It should thus be appreciated that at least some aspects of the exemplary embodiments of the disclosure may be practiced in various components, such as integrated circuit chips and modules, and that the exemplary embodiments of this disclosure may be realized in an apparatus that is embodied as an integrated circuit. The integrated circuit, or circuits, may comprise circuitry, as well as possibly firmware, for embodying at least one or more of a data processor or data processors, a digital signal processor or processors, baseband circuitry and radio frequency circuitry that are configurable so as to operate in accordance with the exemplary embodiments of this disclosure.

Various modifications and adaptations to the foregoing exemplary embodiments of this disclosure may become apparent to those skilled in the relevant arts in view of the foregoing description, when read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. For example, while the exemplary embodiments have been described above in the context of advancements to the 5G NR system, it should be appreciated that the exemplary embodiments of this disclosure are not limited for use with only this one particular type of wireless communication system. The exemplary embodiments of the disclosure presented herein are explanatory and not exhaustive or otherwise limiting of the scope of the exemplary embodiments.

The following abbreviations may have been used in the preceding discussion: CRI CSI-RS Resource Index

CSI Channel State Information

CSI-RS CSI Reference Signal

DCI Downlink Control Information

DF Downlink

EIRP Effective Isotropic Radiated Power eNB eNodeB (4G Base Station)

FDM Frequency Domain Multiplexing

FeMIMO Further Enhanced MIMO

FR Frequency Range

FR1 Frequency Range 1

FR2 Frequency Range 2

GHz Gigahertz gNB gNodeB (5G Base Station)

FTE Fong Term Evolution

MAC Medium Access Control

MAC CE MAC Control Element

MIMO Multiple Input Multiple Output

MPR Maximum Power Reduction

NR New Radio (5G)

PDCCH Physical Downlink Control Channel

PDSCH Physical Downlink Shared Channel

PSS Primary Synchronization Signal

PUCCH Physical Uplink Control Channel

PUSCH Physical Uplink Shared Channel

QCF Quasi Co-Focation

RS Reference Signal

RX Receive

SDM Spatial Domain Multiplexing

SRS Sounding Resource Signal SSB Synchronization Signal Block

SSS Secondary Synchronization Signal

SSSet Spatial Source Set

TCI Transmission Coordination Indication

TDD Time Division Duplex

TDM Time Domain Multiplexing

TRP Transmission and Reception Point

TX Transmit

UCI Uplink Control Information

UE User Equipment

UL Uplink

WID Work Item Description

3GPP 3^rd Generation Partnership Project

5G 5 ^th Generation

The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting of the disclosed embodiments. As used herein, the singular forms “a”, “an”, and “the” are intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. It will be further understood that the terms “comprises” and/or “comprising”, when used in this specification, specify the presence of stated features, integers, steps, operations, elements, and/or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, operations, elements, components, and/or groups thereof.

The description of the present exemplary embodiments has been presented for purposes of illustration and description, but is not intended to be exhaustive or limited to the embodiments in the form disclosed. Many modifications and variations will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art without departing from the scope and spirit of the present disclosure. The embodiments were chosen and described in order to best explain the principles of the disclosure and the practical application, and to enable others of ordinary skill in the art to understand the disclosure for various embodiments with various modifications as are suited to the particular use contemplated. Various modifications and adaptations may become apparent to those skilled in the relevant arts in view of the foregoing description, when read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. However, any and all modifications of the teachings of this disclosure will still fall within the scope of the non-limiting embodiments thereof. Although described in the context of particular embodiments, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that a number of modifications and various changes to these teachings may occur. Thus, while the examples have been particularly shown and described with respect to one or more disclosed embodiments, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that certain modifications or changes may be made therein without departing from the scope of the disclosure as set forth above, or from the scope of the claims to follow.

Claims

WHAT IS CLAIMED IS:

1. A radio access network (RAN) node comprising: at least one processor; and at least one memory including computer program code, the at least one memory and the computer program code being configured, with the at least one processor, to cause the RAN node to: configure a user equipment (UE) device with a set of reference signals in correspondence with respective beamforming configurations; configure the UE device with a set of uplink physical channel resources used for repetition coding; configure the UE device with a spatial association between the set of uplink physical channel resources and the set of reference signals; and receive uplink data encoded for repetition over part or whole of the set of uplink physical channel resources using the respective beamforming configurations.

2. The radio access network (RAN) node as claimed in claim 1 , wherein the set of uplink physical channel resources comprises different uplink transmission opportunities having a same payload transport capacity.

3. The radio access network (RAN) node as claimed in claim 1, wherein the beamforming configurations comprise respective receive beamforming configurations of the RAN node.

4. The radio access network (RAN) node as claimed in claim 1 , wherein the uplink physical channel resources are physical uplink control channel (PUCCH) resources, and the uplink data are uplink control information (UCI).

5. The radio access network (RAN) node as claimed in claim 1, wherein the uplink physical channel resources are physical uplink shared channel (PUSCH) resources, and the uplink data are uplink payload data.

6. The radio access network (RAN) node as claimed in claim 1 , wherein the set of reference signals are at least one of primary synchronization signals (PSS), secondary synchronization signals (SSS), channel state information reference signals (CSI-RS), and sounding reference signals (SRS).

7. The radio access network (RAN) node as claimed in claim 1, wherein the spatial association is established by means of a transmission configuration index (TCI).

8. The radio access network (RAN) node as claimed in claim 1, wherein the spatial association is a spatial association between the set of uplink physical channel resources and two or more sets of reference signals in a time division duplex (TDD) manner.

9. The radio access network (RAN) node as claimed in claim 1, wherein the configured set of uplink physical channel resources are one of periodic, semi-persistent, and aperiodic configurations.

10. The radio access network (RAN) node as claimed in claim 1, wherein the at least one memory and the computer program code are further configured, with the at least one processor, to cause the RAN node to: receive a user equipment (UE) capability report including at least one of a number of beams supported in parallel, and a number of antenna panels in the UE.

11. A method by a radio access network (RAN) node, the method comprising: configuring a user equipment (UE) device with a set of reference signals in correspondence with respective beamforming configurations; configuring the UE device with a set of uplink physical channel resources used for repetition coding; configuring the UE device with a spatial association between the set of uplink physical channel resources and the set of reference signals; and receiving uplink data encoded for repetition over part or whole of the set of uplink physical channel resources using the respective beamforming configurations.

12. The method as claimed in claim 11, wherein the set of uplink physical channel resources comprises different uplink transmission opportunities having a same payload transport capacity.

13. The method as claimed in claim 11, wherein the beamforming configurations comprise respective receive beamforming configurations of the RAN node.

14. The method as claimed in claim 11, wherein the uplink physical channel resources are physical uplink control channel (PUCCH) resources, and the uplink data are uplink control information (UCI).

15. The method as claimed in claim 11, wherein the uplink physical channel resources are physical uplink shared channel (PUSCH) resources, and the uplink data are uplink payload data.

16. The method as claimed in claim 11, wherein the set of reference signals are at least one of primary synchronization signals (PSS), secondary synchronization signals (SSS), channel state information reference signals (CSI-RS), and sounding reference signals (SRS).

17. The method as claimed in claim 11, wherein the spatial association is established by means of a transmission configuration index (TCI).

18. The method as claimed in claim 11, wherein the spatial association is a spatial association between the set of uplink physical channel resources and two or more sets of reference signals in a time division duplex (TDD) manner.

19. The method as claimed in claim 11, wherein the configured set of uplink physical channel resources are one of periodic, semi-persistent, and aperiodic configurations.

20. The method as claimed in claim 11, further comprising: receiving a user equipment (UE) capability report including at least one of a number of beams supported in parallel, and a number of antenna panels in the UE.

21. A radio access network (RAN) node comprising: means for configuring a user equipment (UE) device with a set of reference signals in correspondence with respective beamforming configurations; means for configuring the UE device with a set of uplink physical channel resources used for repetition coding; means for configuring the UE device with a spatial association between the set of uplink physical channel resources and the set of reference signals; and means for receiving uplink data encoded for repetition over part or whole of the set of uplink physical channel resources using the respective beamforming configurations.

22. A radio access network (RAN) node comprising: circuitry configured to configure a user equipment (UE) device with a set of reference signals in correspondence with respective beamforming configurations; circuitry configured to configure the UE device with a set of uplink physical channel resources used for repetition coding; circuitry configured to configure the UE device with a spatial association between the set of uplink physical channel resources and the set of reference signals; and circuitry configured to receive uplink data encoded for repetition over part or whole of the set of uplink physical channel resources using the respective beamforming configurations.

23. A computer program product comprising a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium bearing computer program code embodied therein for use with a computer, the computer program code comprising code for performing: configuring a user equipment (UE) device with a set of reference signals correspondence with respective beamforming configurations; configuring the UE device with a set of uplink physical channel resources used for repetition coding; configuring the UE device with a spatial association between the set of uplink physical channel resources and the set of reference signals; and receiving uplink data encoded for repetition over part or whole of the set of uplink physical channel resources using the respective beamforming configurations.

24. A user equipment (UE) device comprising: at least one processor; and at least one memory including computer program code, the at least one memory and the computer program code being configured, with the at least one processor, to cause the UE device to: receive first configuration information whereby the UE device is configured with a set of reference signals in correspondence with respective beamforming configurations; receive second configuration information whereby the UE device is configured with a set of uplink physical channel resources used for repetition coding; receive third configuration information whereby a spatial association between the set of uplink physical channel resources and the set of reference signals is established; and transmit uplink data encoded for repetition over part or whole of the set of uplink physical channel resources using the respective beamforming configurations.

25. The user equipment (UE) device as claimed in claim 24, wherein the set of uplink physical channel resources comprises different uplink transmission opportunities having a same payload transport capacity.

26. The user equipment (UE) device as claimed in claim 24, wherein the beamforming configurations comprise respective transmit beamforming configurations of the UE device.

27. The user equipment (UE) device as claimed in claim 24, wherein the uplink physical channel resources are physical uplink control channel (PUCCH) resources, and the uplink data are uplink control information (UCI).

28. The user equipment (UE) device as claimed in claim 24, wherein the uplink physical channel resources are physical uplink shared channel (PUSCH) resources, and the uplink data are uplink payload data.

29. The user equipment (UE) device as claimed in claim 24, wherein the set of reference signals are at least one of primary synchronization signals (PSS), secondary synchronization signals (SSS), channel state information reference signals (CSI-RS), and sounding reference signals (SRS).

30. The user equipment (UE) device as claimed in claim 24, wherein the spatial association is established by means of a transmission configuration index (TCI).

31. The user equipment (UE) device as claimed in claim 24, wherein the spatial association is a spatial association between the set of uplink physical channel resources and two or more sets of reference signals in a time division duplex (TDD) manner.

32. The user equipment (UE) device as claimed in claim 24, wherein the configured set of uplink physical channel resources are one of periodic, semi-persistent, and aperiodic configurations.

33. The user equipment (UE) device as claimed in claim 24, wherein the at least one memory and the computer program code are further configured, with the at least one processor, to cause the UE device to: transmit a user equipment (UE) capability report including at least one of a number of beams supported in parallel, and a number of antenna panels in the UE.

34. A method by a user equipment (UE) device, the method comprising: receiving first configuration information whereby the UE device is configured with a set of reference signals in correspondence with respective beamforming configurations; receiving second configuration information whereby the UE device is configured with a set of uplink physical channel resources used for repetition coding; receiving third configuration information whereby a spatial association between the set of uplink physical channel resources and the set of reference signals is established; and transmitting uplink data encoded for repetition over part or whole of the set of uplink physical channel resources using the respective beamforming configurations.

35. The method as claimed in claim 34, wherein the set of uplink physical channel resources comprises different uplink transmission opportunities having a same payload transport capacity.

36. The method as claimed in claim 34, wherein the beamforming configurations comprise respective transmit beamforming configurations of the UE device.

37. The method as claimed in claim 34, wherein the uplink physical channel resources are physical uplink control channel (PUCCH) resources, and the uplink data are uplink control information (UCI).

38. The method as claimed in claim 34, wherein the uplink physical channel resources are physical uplink shared channel (PUSCH) resources, and the uplink data are uplink payload data.

39. The method as claimed in claim 34, wherein the set of reference signals are at least one of primary synchronization signals (PSS), secondary synchronization signals (SSS), channel state information reference signals (CSI-RS), and sounding reference signals (SRS).

40. The method as claimed in claim 34, wherein the spatial association is established by means of a transmission configuration index (TCI).

41. The method as claimed in claim 34, wherein the spatial association is a spatial association between the set of uplink physical channel resources and two or more sets of reference signals in a time division duplex (TDD) manner.

42. The method as claimed in claim 34, wherein the configured set of uplink physical channel resources are one of periodic, semi-persistent, and aperiodic configurations.

43. The method as claimed in claim 34, further comprising: transmitting a user equipment (UE) capability report including at least one of a number of beams supported in parallel, and a number of antenna panels in the UE.

44. A user equipment (UE) device comprising: means for receiving first configuration information whereby the UE device is configured with a set of reference signals in correspondence with respective beamforming configurations; means for receiving second configuration information whereby the UE device is configured with a set of uplink physical channel resources used for repetition coding; means for receiving third configuration information whereby a spatial association between the set of uplink physical channel resources and the set of reference signals is established; and means for transmitting uplink data encoded for repetition over part or whole of the set of uplink physical channel resources using the respective beamforming configurations.

45. A user equipment (UE) device comprising: circuitry configured to receive first configuration information whereby the UE device is configured with a set of reference signals in correspondence with respective beamforming configurations; circuitry configured to receive second configuration information whereby the UE device is configured with a set of uplink physical channel resources used for repetition coding; circuitry configured to receive third configuration information whereby a spatial association between the set of uplink physical channel resources and the set of reference signals is established; and circuitry configured to transmit uplink data encoded for repetition over part or whole of the set of uplink physical channel resources using the respective beamforming configurations.

46. A computer program product comprising a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium bearing computer program code embodied therein for use with a computer, the computer program code comprising code for performing: receiving first configuration information whereby the UE device is configured with a set of reference signals in correspondence with respective beamforming configurations; receiving second configuration information whereby the UE device is configured with a set of uplink physical channel resources used for repetition coding; receiving third configuration information whereby a spatial association between the set of uplink physical channel resources and the set of reference signals is established; and transmitting uplink data encoded for repetition over part or whole of the set of uplink physical channel resources using the respective beamforming configurations.

47. A radio access network (RAN) node comprising: at least one processor; and at least one memory including computer program code, the at least one memory and the computer program code being configured, with the at least one processor, to cause the RAN node to perform the following: configure a user equipment (UE) device with a set of reference signals in correspondence with respective beamforming configurations; receive a minimum time gap from the UE device for switching between different transmit beamforming configurations of the UE device corresponding to the respective beamforming configurations; and schedule a set of uplink physical channel resources used for repetition coding and using the respective beamforming configurations in accordance with the received minimum time gap.

48. The radio access network (RAN) node as claimed in claim 47, wherein the minimum time gap occurs between successive transmit beamforming configurations of the UE device used for successive occurrences of the set of uplink physical channel resources.

49. The radio access network (RAN) node as claimed in claim 47, wherein the minimum time gap is for switching between transmit beamforming configurations of the UE device corresponding to a same antenna panel.

50. The radio access network (RAN) node as claimed in claim 47, wherein the minimum time gap is for switching between transmit beamforming configurations of the UE device corresponding to different antenna panels.

51. A method by a radio access network (RAN) node, the method comprising: configuring a user equipment (UE) device with a set of reference signals in correspondence with respective beamforming configurations; receiving a minimum time gap from the UE device for switching between different transmit beamforming configurations of the UE device corresponding to the respective beamforming configurations; and scheduling a set of uplink physical channel resources used for repetition coding and using the respective beamforming configurations in accordance with the received minimum time gap.

52. The method as claimed in claim 51 , wherein the minimum time gap occurs between successive transmit beamforming configurations of the UE device used for successive occurrences of the set of uplink physical channel resources.

53. The method as claimed in claim 51, wherein the minimum time gap is for switching between transmit beamforming configurations of the UE device corresponding to a same antenna panel.

54. The method as claimed in claim 51 , wherein the minimum time gap is for switching between transmit beamforming configurations of the UE device corresponding to different antenna panels.

55. A radio access network (RAN) node comprising: means for configuring a user equipment (UE) device with a set of reference signals in correspondence with respective beamforming configurations; means for receiving a minimum time gap from the UE device for switching between different transmit beamforming configurations of the UE device corresponding to the respective beamforming configurations; and means for scheduling a set of uplink physical channel resources used for repetition coding and using the respective beamforming configurations in accordance with the received minimum time gap.

56. A radio access network (RAN) node comprising: circuitry configured to configure a user equipment (UE) device with a set of reference signals in correspondence with respective beamforming configurations; circuitry configured to receive a minimum time gap from the UE device for switching between different transmit beamforming configurations of the UE device corresponding to the respective beamforming configurations; and circuitry configured to schedule a set of uplink physical channel resources used for repetition coding and using the respective beamforming configurations in accordance with the received minimum time gap.

57. A computer program product comprising a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium bearing computer program code embodied therein for use with a computer, the computer program code comprising code for performing: configuring a user equipment (UE) device with a set of reference signals in correspondence with respective beamforming configurations; receiving a minimum time gap from the UE device for switching between different transmit beamforming configurations of the UE device corresponding to the respective beamforming configurations; and scheduling a set of uplink physical channel resources used for repetition coding and using the respective beamforming configurations in accordance with the received minimum time gap.

58. A user equipment (UE) device comprising: at least one processor; and at least one memory including computer program code, the at least one memory and the computer program code being configured, with the at least one processor, to cause the apparatus to perform the following: receive configuration information whereby the UE device is configured with a set of reference signals in correspondence with respective beamforming configurations; and transmit a minimum time gap to a radio access network (RAN) node for the UE device to switch between different transmit beamforming configurations of the UE device corresponding to the respective beamforming configurations.

59. The user equipment (UE) device as claimed in claim 58, wherein the minimum time gap occurs between successive transmit beamforming configurations of the UE device used for successive occurrences of the set of uplink physical channel resources.

60. The user equipment (UE) device as claimed in claim 58, wherein the minimum time gap is for switching between transmit beamforming configurations of the UE device corresponding to a same antenna panel.

61. The user equipment (UE) device as claimed in claim 58, wherein the minimum time gap is for switching between transmit beamforming configurations of the UE device corresponding to different antenna panels.

62. A method by a user equipment (UE) device, the method comprising: receiving configuration information whereby the UE device is configured with a set of reference signals in correspondence with respective beamforming configurations; and transmitting a minimum time gap to a radio access network (RAN) node for the UE device to switch between different transmit beamforming configurations of the UE device corresponding to the respective beamforming configurations.

63. The method as claimed in claim 62, wherein the minimum time gap occurs between successive transmit beamforming configurations of the UE device used for successive occurrences of the set of uplink physical channel resources.

64. The method as claimed in claim 62, wherein the minimum time gap is for switching between transmit beamforming configurations of the UE device corresponding to a same antenna panel.

65. The method as claimed in claim 62, wherein the minimum time gap is for switching between transmit beamforming configurations of the UE device corresponding to different antenna panels.

66. A user equipment (UE) device comprising: means for receiving configuration information whereby the UE device is configured with a set of reference signals in correspondence with respective beamforming configurations; and means for transmitting a minimum time gap to a radio access network (RAN) node for the UE device to switch between different transmit beamforming configurations of the UE device corresponding to the respective beamforming configurations.

67. A user equipment (UE) device comprising: circuitry configured to receive configuration information whereby the UE device is configured with a set of reference signals in correspondence with respective beamforming configurations; and circuitry configured to transmit a minimum time gap to a radio access network (RAN) node for the UE device to switch between different transmit beamforming configurations of the UE device corresponding to the respective beamforming configurations.

68. A computer program product comprising a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium bearing computer program code embodied therein for use with a computer, the computer program code comprising code for performing: receiving configuration information whereby the UE device is configured with a set of reference signals in correspondence with respective beamforming configurations; and transmitting a minimum time gap to a radio access network (RAN) node for the UE device to switch between different transmit beamforming configurations of the UE device corresponding to the respective beamforming configurations.