WO2023000298A1

WO2023000298A1 - Methods and apparatus of monitoring enhanced pdcch scheduling common information with multiple trp transmission

Info

Publication number: WO2023000298A1
Application number: PCT/CN2021/108121
Authority: WO
Inventors: Yi Zhang; Chenxi Zhu; Bingchao LIU; Wei Ling; Lingling Xiao
Original assignee: Lenovo (Beijing) Limited
Priority date: 2021-07-23
Filing date: 2021-07-23
Publication date: 2023-01-26

Abstract

Methods and apparatus of monitoring enhanced PDCCH scheduling common information with multiple TRP transmission are disclosed. The method includes: receiving, by a receiver, a signaling indicating that one or two Transmission Configuration Indication (TCI) states are activated for a Control Resource Set (CORESET) with index zero for transmission of Physical Downlink Control Channel (PDCCH) with common control information, wherein the PDCCH is transmitted with a plurality of repetitions on linked candidates; receiving, by the receiver, a first configuration of a search space set with index zero for monitoring the PDCCH with common control information, and/or a second configuration of two linked search space sets for monitoring enhanced PDCCH; determining, by a processor, two linked monitoring occasions and a Quasi Co-Location (QCL) for the linked candidates, based on:at least one of the activated TCI states, and/or two activated TCI states associated with the two linked search space sets derived by second configuration, and a predefined association relationship between Synchronization Signal Block (SSB) indexes and PDCCH monitoring occasions for the search space set with index zero; and performing, by the processor, a blind detection for common Downlink Control Information (DCI) from the linked candidates of the PDCCH with common control information on the two linked monitoring occasions based on the determined QCL.

Description

METHODS AND APPARATUS OF MONITORING ENHANCED PDCCH SCHEDULING COMMON INFORMATION WITH MULTIPLE TRP TRANSMISSION

FIELD

The subject matter disclosed herein relates generally to wireless communication and more particularly relates to, but not limited to, methods and apparatus of monitoring enhanced Physical Downlink Control Channel (ePDCCH) scheduling common information with multiple Transmission and Reception Point (TRP) transmission.

BACKGROUND

The following abbreviations and acronyms are herewith defined, at least some of which are referred to within the specification:

Third Generation Partnership Project (3GPP) , 5th Generation (5G) , New Radio (NR) , 5G Node B /generalized Node B (gNB) , Long Term Evolution (LTE) , LTE Advanced (LTE-A) , E-UTRAN Node B /Evolved Node B (eNB) , Universal Mobile Telecommunications System (UMTS) , Worldwide Interoperability for Microwave Access (WiMAX) , Evolved UMTS Terrestrial Radio Access Network (E-UTRAN) , Wireless Local Area Networking (WLAN) , Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiplexing (OFDM) , Single-Carrier Frequency-Division Multiple Access (SC-FDMA) , Downlink (DL) , Uplink (UL) , User Entity/Equipment (UE) , Network Equipment (NE) , Radio Access Technology (RAT) , Receive or Receiver (RX) , Transmit or Transmitter (TX) , Physical Downlink Control Channel (PDCCH) , Physical Random Access Channel (PRACH) , Physical Broadcast Channel (PBCH) , Enhanced Physical Downlink Control Channel (ePDCCH) , Bandwidth Part (BWP) , Control Element (CE) , Control Resource Set (CORESET) , Channel State Information (CSI) , Channel State Information Reference Signal (CSI-RS) , Common Search Space (CSS) , Downlink Control Information (DCI) , Frequency Division Multiple Access (FDMA) , Identifier (ID) , Media Access Control (MAC) , Media Access Control -Control Element (MAC CE) , Radio Network Temporary Identifier (RNTI) , Radio Resource Control (RRC) , Reference Signal (RS) , Start and Length Indicator (SLIV) , Synchronization Signal Block (SSB) , Transmission and Reception Point (TRP) , Cell Radio Network Temporary Identifier (C-RNTI) , Frequency Range 1 (FR1) , Frequency Range 2 (FR2) , Transmission Configuration Indication (TCI) , Tracking Reference Signal (TRS) , Technical Specification (TS) , Quasi Co-Location (QCL) , Search Space (SS) , Blind Detection (BD) .

In wireless communication, such as a Third Generation Partnership Project (3GPP) mobile network, a wireless mobile network may provide a seamless wireless communication service to a wireless communication terminal having mobility, i.e., user equipment (UE) . The wireless mobile network may be formed of a plurality of base stations and a base station may perform wireless communication with the UEs.

The 5G New Radio (NR) is the latest in the series of 3GPP standards which supports very high data rate with lower latency compared to its predecessor LTE (4G) technology. Two types of frequency range (FR) are defined in 3GPP. Frequency of sub-6 GHz range (from 450 to 6000 MHz) is called FR1 and millimeter wave range (from 24.25 GHz to 52.6 GHz) is called FR2. The 5G NR supports both FR1 and FR2 frequency bands.

Enhancements on multi-TRP/panel transmission including improved reliability and robustness with both ideal and non-ideal backhaul between these TRPs (Transmit Receive Points) are studied. A TRP is an apparatus to transmit and receive signals, and is controlled by a gNB through the backhaul between the gNB and the TRP. A TRP may also be referred to as a transmitting-receiving identity, or simply an identity.

In current NR system, Physical Downlink Control Channel (PDCCH) is transmitted from a single TRP. With multiple TRPs, time-frequency resources for PDCCH transmission may be from multiple TRPs. The spatial diversity may be exploited in addition to the time-frequency diversity. Enhanced Physical Downlink Control Channel (ePDCCH) can be transmitted with multiple repetition from multiple TRPs to improve PDCCH transmission reliability and robustness. Multiple transmissions of the ePDCCH may be transmitted from a same TRP or some different TRPs.

SUMMARY

Methods and apparatus of monitoring enhanced PDCCH scheduling common information with multiple TRP transmission are disclosed.

According to a first aspect, there is provided a method, including: receiving, by a receiver, a signaling indicating that one or two Transmission Configuration Indication (TCI) states are activated for a Control Resource Set (CORESET) with index zero for transmission of Physical Downlink Control Channel (PDCCH) with common control information, wherein the PDCCH is transmitted with a plurality of repetitions on linked candidates; receiving, by the receiver, a first configuration of a search space set with index zero for monitoring the PDCCH with common control information, and/or a second configuration of two linked search space sets for monitoring enhanced PDCCH; determining, by a processor, two linked monitoring occasions and a Quasi Co-Location (QCL) for the linked candidates, based on: at least one of the activated TCI states, and/or two activated TCI states associated with the two linked search space sets derived by second configuration, and a predefined association relationship between Synchronization Signal Block (SSB) indexes and PDCCH monitoring occasions for the search space set with index zero; and performing, by the processor, a blind detection for common Downlink Control Information (DCI) from the linked candidates of the PDCCH with common control information on the two linked monitoring occasions based on the determined QCL.

According to a second aspect, there is provided a method, including: transmitting, by a transmitter, a signaling indicating that one or two Transmission Configuration Indication (TCI) states are activated for a Control Resource Set (CORESET) with index zero for transmission of Physical Downlink Control Channel (PDCCH) with common control information, wherein the PDCCH is transmitted with a plurality of repetitions on linked candidates; transmitting, by the transmitter, a first configuration of a search space set with index zero for monitoring the PDCCH with common control information, and/or a second configuration of two linked search space sets for monitoring enhanced PDCCH; determining, by a processor, two linked monitoring occasions and a Quasi Co-Location (QCL) for the linked candidates, based on: at least one of the activated TCI states, and/or two activated TCI states associated with the two linked search space sets derived by second configuration, and a predefined association relationship between Synchronization Signal Block (SSB) indexes and PDCCH monitoring occasions for the search space set with index zero; and transmitting, by the transmitter, common Downlink Control Information (DCI) using the linked candidates of the PDCCH with common control information on the two linked monitoring occasions based on the determined QCL.

According to a third aspect, there is provided an apparatus, including: a receiver that receives a signaling indicating that one or two Transmission Configuration Indication (TCI) states are activated for a Control Resource Set (CORESET) with index zero for transmission of Physical Downlink Control Channel (PDCCH) with common control information, wherein the PDCCH is transmitted with a plurality of repetitions on linked candidates; wherein the receiver further receives a first configuration of a search space set with index zero for monitoring the PDCCH with common control information, and/or a second configuration of two linked search space sets for monitoring enhanced PDCCH; and a processor that determines two linked monitoring occasions and a Quasi Co-Location (QCL) for the linked candidates, based on: at least one of the activated TCI states, and/or two activated TCI states associated with the two linked search space sets derived by second configuration, and a predefined association relationship between Synchronization Signal Block (SSB) indexes and PDCCH monitoring occasions for the search space set with index zero; wherein the processor further performs a blind detection for common Downlink Control Information (DCI) from the linked candidates of the PDCCH with common control information on the two linked monitoring occasions based on the determined QCL.

According to a fourth aspect, there is provided an apparatus, including: a transmitter that transmits a signaling indicating that one or two Transmission Configuration Indication (TCI) states are activated for a Control Resource Set (CORESET) with index zero for transmission of Physical Downlink Control Channel (PDCCH) with common control information, wherein the PDCCH is transmitted with a plurality of repetitions on linked candidates; wherein the transmitter further transmits a first configuration of a search space set with index zero for monitoring the PDCCH with common control information, and/or a second configuration of two linked search space sets for monitoring enhanced PDCCH; and a processor that determines two linked monitoring occasions and a Quasi Co-Location (QCL) for the linked candidates, based on: at least one of the activated TCI states, and/or two activated TCI states associated with the two linked search space sets derived by second configuration, and a predefined association relationship between Synchronization Signal Block (SSB) indexes and PDCCH monitoring occasions for the search space set with index zero; wherein the transmitter further transmits common Downlink Control Information (DCI) using the linked candidates of the PDCCH with common control information on the two linked monitoring occasions based on the determined QCL.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

A more particular description of the embodiments will be rendered by reference to specific embodiments illustrated in the appended drawings. Given that these drawings depict only some embodiments and are not therefore considered to be limiting in scope, the embodiments will be described and explained with additional specificity and details through the use of the accompanying drawings, in which:

Figure 1 is a schematic diagram illustrating a wireless communication system in accordance with some implementations of the present disclosure;

Figure 2 is a schematic block diagram illustrating components of user equipment (UE) in accordance with some implementations of the present disclosure;

Figure 3 is a schematic block diagram illustrating components of network equipment (NE) in accordance with some implementations of the present disclosure;

Figure 4 is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of TCI state indication for UE-specific PDCCH MAC CE in accordance with some implementations of the present disclosure;

Figure 5 is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of determination of monitoring occasion based on TCI state indicated by MAC CE for CORESET #0 in accordance with some implementations of the present disclosure;

Figure 6 is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of explicit signaling for indicating two TCI states for determining linked monitoring occasions in accordance with some implementations of the present disclosure;

Figure 7 is a flow chart illustrating steps of monitoring enhanced PDCCH scheduling common information with multiple TRP transmission by UE in accordance with some implementations of the present disclosure; and

Figure 8 is a flow chart illustrating steps of monitoring enhanced PDCCH scheduling common information with multiple TRP transmission by gNB or NE in accordance with some implementations of the present disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

As will be appreciated by one skilled in the art, aspects of the embodiments may be embodied as a system, an apparatus, a method, or a program product. Accordingly, embodiments may take the form of an all-hardware embodiment, an all-software embodiment (including firmware, resident software, micro-code, etc. ) or an embodiment combining software and hardware aspects.

Furthermore, one or more embodiments may take the form of a program product embodied in one or more computer readable storage devices storing machine readable code, computer readable code, and/or program code, referred to hereafter as “code. ” The storage devices may be tangible, non-transitory, and/or non-transmission.

Reference throughout this specification to “one embodiment, ” “an embodiment, ” “an example, ” “some embodiments, ” “some examples, ” or similar language means that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described is included in at least one embodiment or example. Thus, instances of the phrases “in one embodiment, ” “in an example, ” “in some embodiments, ” and similar language throughout this specification may, but do not necessarily, all refer to the same embodiment (s) . It may or may not include all the embodiments disclosed. Features, structures, elements, or characteristics described in connection with one or some embodiments are also applicable to other embodiments, unless expressly specified otherwise. The terms “including, ” “comprising, ” “having, ” and variations thereof mean “including but not limited to, ” unless expressly specified otherwise.

An enumerated listing of items does not imply that any or all of the items are mutually exclusive, unless expressly specified otherwise. The terms “a, ” “an, ” and “the” also refer to “one or more” unless expressly specified otherwise.

Throughout the disclosure, the terms “first, ” “second, ” “third, ” and etc. are all used as nomenclature only for references to relevant devices, components, procedural steps, and etc. without implying any spatial or chronological orders, unless expressly specified otherwise. For example, a “first device” and a “second device” may refer to two separately formed devices, or two parts or components of the same device. In some cases, for example, a “first device” and a “second device” may be identical, and may be named arbitrarily. Similarly, a “first step” of a method or process may be carried or performed after, or simultaneously with, a “second step. ”

It should be understood that the term “and/or” as used herein refers to and includes any and all possible combinations of one or more of the associated listed items. For example, “A and/or B” may refer to any one of the following three combinations: existence of A only, existence of B only, and co-existence of both A and B. The character “/” generally indicates an “or” relationship of the associated items. This, however, may also include an “and” relationship of the associated items. For example, “A/B” means “A or B, ” which may also include the co-existence of both A and B, unless the context indicates otherwise.

Furthermore, the described features, structures, or characteristics of the embodiments may be combined in any suitable manner. In the following description, numerous specific details are provided, such as examples of programming, software modules, user selections, network transactions, database queries, database structures, hardware modules, hardware circuits, hardware chips, etc., to provide a thorough understanding of embodiments. One skilled in the relevant art will recognize, however, that embodiments may be practiced without one or more of the specific details, or with other methods, components, materials, and so forth. In other instances, well-known structures, materials, or operations are not shown or described in detail to avoid obscuring aspects of an embodiment.

Aspects of various embodiments are described below with reference to schematic flowchart diagrams and/or schematic block diagrams of methods, apparatuses, systems, and program products. It will be understood that each block of the schematic flowchart diagrams and/or schematic block diagrams, as well as combinations of blocks in the schematic flowchart diagrams and/or schematic block diagrams, may be implemented by code. This code may be provided to a processor of a general-purpose computer, special purpose computer, or other programmable data processing apparatus to produce a machine, such that the instructions executed via the processor of the computer or other programmable data processing apparatus create a means for implementing the functions or acts specified in the schematic flowchart diagrams and/or schematic block diagrams.

The code may also be stored in a storage device that can direct a computer, other programmable data processing apparatus, or other devices to function in a particular manner, such that the instructions stored in the storage device produce an article of manufacture including instructions which implement the function or act specified in the schematic flowchart diagrams and/or schematic block diagrams.

The schematic flowchart diagrams and/or schematic block diagrams in the Figures illustrate the architecture, functionality, and operation of possible implementations of different apparatuses, systems, methods, and program products according to various embodiments. In this regard, each block in the schematic flowchart diagrams and/or schematic block diagrams may represent a module, segment, or portion of code, which includes one or more executable instructions of the code for implementing the specified logical function (s) . One skilled in the relevant art will recognize, however, that the flowchart diagrams need not necessarily be practiced in the sequence shown and are able to be practiced without one or more of the specific steps, or with other steps not shown.

It should also be noted that, in some alternative implementations, the functions noted in the identified blocks may occur out of the order noted in the Figures. For example, two blocks shown in succession may, in fact, be substantially executed in concurrence, or the blocks may sometimes be executed in reverse order, depending upon the functionality involved.

Figure 1 is a schematic diagram illustrating a wireless communication system. It depicts an embodiment of a wireless communication system 100. In one embodiment, the wireless communication system 100 may include a user equipment (UE) 102 and a network equipment (NE) 104. Even though a specific number of UEs 102 and NEs 104 is depicted in Figure 1, one skilled in the art will recognize that any number of UEs 102 and NEs 104 may be included in the wireless communication system 100.

The UEs 102 may be referred to as remote devices, remote units, subscriber units, mobiles, mobile stations, users, terminals, mobile terminals, fixed terminals, subscriber stations, user terminals, apparatus, devices, or by other terminology used in the art.

In one embodiment, the UEs 102 may be autonomous sensor devices, alarm devices, actuator devices, remote control devices, or the like. In some other embodiments, the UEs 102 may include computing devices, such as desktop computers, laptop computers, personal digital assistants (PDAs) , tablet computers, smart phones, smart televisions (e.g., televisions connected to the Internet) , set-top boxes, game consoles, security systems (including security cameras) , vehicle on-board computers, network devices (e.g., routers, switches, modems) , or the like. In some embodiments, the UEs 102 include wearable devices, such as smart watches, fitness bands, optical head-mounted displays, or the like. The UEs 102 may communicate directly with one or more of the NEs 104.

The NE 104 may also be referred to as a base station, an access point, an access terminal, a base, a Node-B, an eNB, a gNB, a Home Node-B, a relay node, an apparatus, a device, or by any other terminology used in the art. Throughout this specification, a reference to a base station may refer to any one of the above referenced types of the network equipment 104, such as the eNB and the gNB.

The NEs 104 may be distributed over a geographic region. The NE 104 is generally part of a radio access network that includes one or more controllers communicably coupled to one or more corresponding NEs 104. The radio access network is generally communicably coupled to one or more core networks, which may be coupled to other networks, like the Internet and public switched telephone networks. These and other elements of radio access and core networks are not illustrated, but are well known generally by those having ordinary skill in the art.

In one implementation, the wireless communication system 100 is compliant with a 3GPP 5G new radio (NR) . In some implementations, the wireless communication system 100 is compliant with a 3GPP protocol, where the NEs 104 transmit using an OFDM modulation scheme on the DL and the UEs 102 transmit on the uplink (UL) using a SC-FDMA scheme or an OFDM scheme. More generally, however, the wireless communication system 100 may implement some other open or proprietary communication protocols, for example, WiMAX. The present disclosure is not intended to be limited to the implementation of any particular wireless communication system architecture or protocol.

The NE 104 may serve a number of UEs 102 within a serving area, for example, a cell (or a cell sector) or more cells via a wireless communication link. The NE 104 transmits DL communication signals to serve the UEs 102 in the time, frequency, and/or spatial domain.

Communication links are provided between the NE 104 and the

UEs

102a, 102b, 102c, and 102d, which may be NR UL or DL communication links, for example. Some UEs 102 may simultaneously communicate with different Radio Access Technologies (RATs) , such as NR and LTE. Direct or indirect communication link between two or more NEs 104 may be provided.

The NE 104 may also include one or more transmit receive points (TRPs) 104a. In some embodiments, the network equipment may be a gNB 104 that controls a number of TRPs 104a. In addition, there is a backhaul between two TRPs 104a. In some other embodiments, the network equipment may be a TRP 104a that is controlled by a gNB.

Communication links are provided between the

NEs

104, 104a and the

UEs

102, 102a, respectively, which, for example, may be NR UL/DL communication links. Some

UEs

102, 102a may simultaneously communicate with different Radio Access Technologies (RATs) , such as NR and LTE.

In some embodiments, the UE 102a may be able to communicate with two or more TRPs 104a that utilize a non-ideal backhaul, simultaneously. A TRP may be a transmission point of a gNB. Multiple beams may be used by the UE and/or TRP (s) . The two or more TRPs may be TRPs of different gNBs, or a same gNB. That is, different TRPs may have the same Cell-ID or different Cell-IDs. The terms “TRP” and “transmitting-receiving identity” may be used interchangeably throughout the disclosure.

The technology disclosed, or at least some of the examples, may be applicable to scenarios with multiple TRPs or without multiple TRPs, as long as multiple PDCCH transmissions are supported.

Figure 2 is a schematic block diagram illustrating components of user equipment (UE) according to one embodiment. A UE 200 may include a processor 202, a memory 204, an input device 206, a display 208, and a transceiver 210. In some embodiments, the input device 206 and the display 208 are combined into a single device, such as a touchscreen. In certain embodiments, the UE 200 may not include any input device 206 and/or display 208. In various embodiments, the UE 200 may include one or more processors 202 and may not include the input device 206 and/or the display 208.

The processor 202, in one embodiment, may include any known controller capable of executing computer-readable instructions and/or capable of performing logical operations. For example, the processor 202 may be a microcontroller, a microprocessor, a central processing unit (CPU) , a graphics processing unit (GPU) , an auxiliary processing unit, a field programmable gate array (FPGA) , or similar programmable controller. In some embodiments, the processor 202 executes instructions stored in the memory 204 to perform the methods and routines described herein. The processor 202 is communicatively coupled to the memory 204 and the transceiver 210.

The memory 204, in one embodiment, is a computer readable storage medium. In some embodiments, the memory 204 includes volatile computer storage media. For example, the memory 204 may include a RAM, including dynamic RAM (DRAM) , synchronous dynamic RAM (SDRAM) , and/or static RAM (SRAM) . In some embodiments, the memory 204 includes non-volatile computer storage media. For example, the memory 204 may include a hard disk drive, a flash memory, or any other suitable non-volatile computer storage device. In some embodiments, the memory 204 includes both volatile and non-volatile computer storage media. In some embodiments, the memory 204 stores data relating to trigger conditions for transmitting the measurement report to the network equipment. In some embodiments, the memory 204 also stores program code and related data.

The input device 206, in one embodiment, may include any known computer input device including a touch panel, a button, a keyboard, a stylus, a microphone, or the like. In some embodiments, the input device 206 may be integrated with the display 208, for example, as a touchscreen or similar touch-sensitive display.

The display 208, in one embodiment, may include any known electronically controllable display or display device. The display 208 may be designed to output visual, audio, and/or haptic signals.

The transceiver 210, in one embodiment, is configured to communicate wirelessly with the network equipment. In certain embodiments, the transceiver 210 comprises a transmitter 212 and a receiver 214. The transmitter 212 is used to transmit UL communication signals to the network equipment and the receiver 214 is used to receive DL communication signals from the network equipment.

The transmitter 212 and the receiver 214 may be any suitable type of transmitters and receivers. Although only one transmitter 212 and one receiver 214 are illustrated, the transceiver 210 may have any suitable number of transmitters 212 and receivers 214. For example, in some embodiments, the UE 200 includes a plurality of the transmitter 212 and the receiver 214 pairs for communicating on a plurality of wireless networks and/or radio frequency bands, with each of the transmitter 212 and the receiver 214 pairs configured to communicate on a different wireless network and/or radio frequency band.

Figure 3 is a schematic block diagram illustrating components of network equipment (NE) 300 according to one embodiment. The NE 300 may include a processor 302, a memory 304, an input device 306, a display 308, and a transceiver 310. As may be appreciated, the processor 302, the memory 304, the input device 306, the display 308, and the transceiver 310 may be similar to the processor 202, the memory 204, the input device 206, the display 208, and the transceiver 210 of the UE 200, respectively.

In some embodiments, the processor 302 controls the transceiver 310 to transmit DL signals or data to the UE 200. The processor 302 may also control the transceiver 310 to receive UL signals or data from the UE 200. In another example, the processor 302 may control the transceiver 310 to transmit DL signals containing various configuration data to the UE 200.

In some embodiments, the transceiver 310 comprises a transmitter 312 and a receiver 314. The transmitter 312 is used to transmit DL communication signals to the UE 200 and the receiver 314 is used to receive UL communication signals from the UE 200.

The transceiver 310 may communicate simultaneously with a plurality of UEs 200. For example, the transmitter 312 may transmit DL communication signals to the UE 200. As another example, the receiver 314 may simultaneously receive UL communication signals from the UE 200. The transmitter 312 and the receiver 314 may be any suitable type of transmitters and receivers. Although only one transmitter 312 and one receiver 314 are illustrated, the transceiver 310 may have any suitable number of transmitters 312 and receivers 314. For example, the NE 300 may serve multiple cells and/or cell sectors, where the transceiver 310 includes a transmitter 312 and a receiver 314 for each cell or cell sector.

For common control information, such as SIB1, other system information, paging, etc., UE monitors PDCCH candidates in Type0-PDCCH CSS (common search space) set, Type0A-PDCCH CSS set, Type2-PDCCH CSS set, respectively.

For RRC idle state, the UE monitors Type0-PDCCH CSS set on the PDCCH monitoring occasions as described in section 13 of Technical Specification (TS) 38.213, where the association relationship between an SSB index and PDCCH monitoring occasions is defined. This association may also be referred to as “default association” in the disclosure.

For CONNECTED state, if Type0/0A/2-PDCCH CSS is SS#0, i.e., Type0/0A/2-PDCCH CSS set having searchSpaceID value of zero (0) , the UE monitors the common search space on the PDCCH monitoring occasions determined based on the default association, where the SSB is the one quasi-co-located (QCLed) to the CSI-RS/TRS in the TCI-state indicated for CORESET#0, or the SSB is the one selected through the random access procedure with a PRACH transmission not initiated by a PDCCH order that triggers a non-contention based random access procedure.

The UE monitoring behavior for Type0/0A/2-PDCCH CSS set with searchSpaceID of “0” and other non-zero value is specified in section 10.1 of TS 38.213. The detailed information is as follows.

If a UE is provided a zero value for searchSpaceID in PDCCH-ConfigCommon for a Type0/0A/2-PDCCH CSS set, the UE determines monitoring occasions for PDCCH candidates of the Type0/0A/2-PDCCH CSS set as described in Clause 13, and the UE is provided a C-RNTI, the UE monitors PDCCH candidates only at monitoring occasions associated with a SS/PBCH block, where the SS/PBCH block is determined by the most recent of

- a MAC CE activation command indicating a TCI state of the active BWP that includes a CORESET with index 0, as described in [6, TS 38.214] , where the TCI-state includes a CSI-RS which is quasi-co-located with the SS/PBCH block, or

- a random access procedure that is not initiated by a PDCCH order that triggers a contention-free random access procedure.

If a UE monitors PDCCH candidates for DCI formats with CRC scrambled by a C-RNTI and the UE is provided a non-zero value for searchSpaceID in PDCCH-ConfigCommon for a Type0/0A/2-PDCCH CSS set, the UE determines monitoring occasions for PDCCH candidates of the Type0/0A/2-PDCCH CSS set based on the search space set associated with the value of searchSpaceID.

For UE monitoring Type0-PDCCH CSS set, the association between an SSB index and PDCCH monitoring occasions is defined in Table 13-11, Table 13-12, Table 13-13, Table 13-14, and Table 13-15 in section 13 of TS 38.213. The detailed information is as follows.

If during cell search a UE determines from MIB that a CORESET for Type0-PDCCH CSS set is present, as described in Clause 4.1, the UE determines a number of consecutive resource blocks and a number of consecutive symbols for the CORESET of the Type0-PDCCH CSS set from controlResourceSetZero in pdcch-ConfigSIB1, as described in Tables 13-1 through 13-10, for operation without shared spectrum channel access, or as described in Tables 13-1A and 13-4A for operation with shared spectrum channel access, and determines PDCCH monitoring occasions from searchSpaceZero in pdcch-ConfigSIB1, included in MIB, as described in Tables 13-11 through 13-15. SFN _C and n _C are the SFN and slot index within a frame of the CORESET based on SCS of the CORESET and SFN _SSB, i and n _SSB, i are the SFN and slot index based on SCS of the CORESET, respectively, where the SS/PBCH block with index i overlaps in time with system frame SFN _SSB, i and slot n _SSB, i. The symbols of the CORESET associated with pdcch-ConfigSIB1 in MIB or with searchSpaceSIB1 in PDCCH-ConfigCommon have normal cyclic prefix.

For operation without shared spectrum channel access and for the SS/PBCH block and CORESET multiplexing pattern 1, a UE monitors PDCCH in the Type0-PDCCH CSS set over two consecutive slots starting from slot n ₀. For SS/PBCH block with index i, the UE determines an index of slot n ₀ as

that is in a frame with system frame number (SFN) SFN _C satisfying

or in a frame with SFN satisfying

M and O are provided by Tables 13-11 and 13-12, and μ∈ {0, 1, 2, 3} based on the SCS for PDCCH receptions in the CORESET [4, TS 38.211] . The index for the first symbol of the CORESET in slots n ₀ and n ₀+1 is the first symbol index provided by Tables 13-11 and 13-12.

For the SS/PBCH block and

CORESET multiplexing patterns

2 and 3, a UE monitors PDCCH in the Type0-PDCCH CSS set over one slot with Type0-PDCCH CSS set periodicity equal to the periodicity of SS/PBCH block. For the SS/PBCH block and

CORESET multiplexing patterns

2 and 3, if the active DL BWP is the initial DL BWP, the UE is expected to be able to perform radio link monitoring, as described in Clause 5, and measurements for radio resource management [10, TS 38.133] using a SS/PBCH block that provides a CORESET for Type0-PDCCH CSS set. For a SS/PBCH block with index i, the UE determines the slot index n _C and SFN _C based on parameters provided by Tables 13-13 through 13-15.

The QCL determining scheme for CORESET #0 is specified in section 10.1 of TS 38.213 and the detailed information is as follows.

For a CORESET other than a CORESET with index 0,

- if a UE has not been provided a configuration of TCI state (s) by tci-StatesPDCCH-ToAddList and tci-StatesPDCCH-ToReleaseList for the CORESET, or has been provided initial configuration of more than one TCI states for the CORESET by tci-StatesPDCCH-ToAddList and tci-StatesPDCCH-ToReleaseList but has not received a MAC CE activation command for one of the TCI states as described in [11, TS 38.321] , the UE assumes that the DM-RS antenna port associated with PDCCH receptions is quasi co-located with the SS/PBCH block the UE identified during the initial access procedure;

- if a UE has been provided a configuration of more than one TCI states by tci-StatesPDCCH-ToAddList and tci-StatesPDCCH-ToReleaseList for the CORESET as part of Reconfiguration with sync procedure as described in [12, TS 38.331] but has not received a MAC CE activation command for one of the TCI states as described in [11, TS 38.321] , the UE assumes that the DM-RS antenna port associated with PDCCH receptions is quasi co-located with the SS/PBCH block or the CSI-RS resource the UE identified during the random access procedure initiated by the Reconfiguration with sync procedure as described in [12, TS 38.331] .

For a CORESET with index 0, the UE assumes that a DM-RS antenna port for PDCCH receptions in the CORESET is quasi co-located with

- the one or more DL RS configured by a TCI state, where the TCI state is indicated by a MAC CE activation command for the CORESET, if any, or

- a SS/PBCH block the UE identified during a most recent random access procedure not initiated by a PDCCH order that triggers a contention-free random access procedure, if no MAC CE activation command indicating a TCI state for the CORESET is received after the most recent random access procedure.

For a CORESET other than a CORESET with index 0, if a UE is provided a single TCI state for a CORESET, or if the UE receives a MAC CE activation command for one of the provided TCI states for a CORESET, the UE assumes that the DM-RS antenna port associated with PDCCH receptions in the CORESET is quasi co-located with the one or more DL RS configured by the TCI state. For a CORESET with index 0, the UE expects that QCL-TypeD of a CSI-RS in a TCI state indicated by a MAC CE activation command for the CORESET is provided by a SS/PBCH block

- if the UE receives a MAC CE activation command for one of the TCI states, the UE applies the activation command in the first slot that is after slot

where k is the slot where the UE would transmit a PUCCH with HARQ-ACK information for the PDSCH providing the activation command and μ is the SCS configuration for the PUCCH. The active BWP is defined as the active BWP in the slot when the activation command is applied.

The MAC CE activation command for indicating a TCI state is specified in TS 38.321. The detailed information is illustrated as follows with reference to Figure 4, which is an example of TCI state indication for UE-specific PDCCH MAC CE in accordance with some implementations of the present disclosure.

The TCI State Indication for UE-specific PDCCH MAC CE 410 is identified by a MAC subheader with LCID. It has a fixed size of 16 bits with following fields:

- Serving Cell ID 411: This field indicates the identity of the Serving Cell for which the MAC CE applies. The length of the field is 5 bits. If the indicated Serving Cell is configured as part of a simultaneousTCI-UpdateList1-r16 or simultaneousTCI-UpdateList2-r16 as specified in TS 38.331, this MAC CE applies to all theServing Cells in the set simultaneousTCI-UpdateList1-r16 or simultaneousTCI-UpdateList2-r16, respectively;

- CORESET ID 412: This field indicates a Control Resource Set identified with ControlResourceSetId as specified in TS 38.331, for which the TCI State is being indicated. In case the value of the field is 0, the field refers to the Control Resource Set configured by controlResourceSetZero as specified in TS 38.331. The length of the field is 4 bits;

- TCI State ID 413: This field indicates the TCI state identified by TCI-StateId as specified in TS 38.331 applicable to the Control Resource Set identified by CORESET ID field. If the field of CORESET ID is set to 0, this field indicates a TCI-StateId for a TCI state of the first 64 TCI-states configured by tci-States-ToAddModList and tci-States-ToReleaseList in the PDSCH-Config in the active BWP. If the field of CORESET ID is set to the other value than 0, this field indicates a TCI-StateId configured by tci-StatesPDCCH-ToAddList and tci-StatesPDCCH- ToReleaseList in the controlResourceSet identified by the indicated CORESET ID. The length of the field is 7 bits.

Based on PDCCH monitoring behavior defined in Release 15, UE only monitors occasions associated with SSB QCLed to the one TCI state indicated for CORESET #0, i.e., the CORESET with index zero.

For easy reference, PDCCH scheduling common information, e.g., SIB, paging, may also be referred to as “common PDCCH” in the disclosure.

In the conventional scheme defined in Release 15, for CONNECTED state, if Type0/0A/2-PDCCH CSS is SS#0, the UE monitors the common search space on the PDCCH monitoring occasions determined based on the one activated TCI state and the default association, where the SSB can be the one QCLed to the CSI-RS/TRS in the TCI-state indicated for the CORESET #0. That is, only one TCI state is indicated for CORESET #0 and one corresponding occasion is selected for monitoring.

Figure 5 illustrates an example of determination of monitoring occasion based on TCI state indicated by MAC CE for CORESET #0 in accordance with some implementations of the present disclosure. In this example, TCI state 1 is indicated for CORESET #0 by MAC CE; and monitoring occasions 0-3 (520) in slot 0 to slot 3 are associated with SSB 0-3 (510) , respectively. The linkage, or predefined association relationship, between SSB indexes and PDCCH monitoring occasions is a one-to-one mapping, as indicated by arrows from the SSB 510 to monitoring occasions 520. Similar linkage exists between the SSB 510 and the monitoring occasions 530 starting from slot 20. The monitoring occasions, e.g., slot 1, 21, etc., may be selected for monitoring common PDCCH based on the default association and QCL information from indicated TCI state 1 for CORESET #0. In the conventional scheme defined in Release 15, only one TCI state (e.g., TCI sate 1) is indicated for CORESET#0 and one corresponding occasion is used for monitoring.

However, for enhanced PDCCH transmission where one DCI may be transmitted with multiple candidates/repetitions to improve reliability, two search spaces are linked by configuration. Two candidates from the two linked search space sets are associated, in a one-to-one manner, implicitly; and they may be jointly detected to improve reliability.

To eliminate or reduce the difference on reliability between UE specific PDCCH and common PDCCH, enhancement schemes are proposed on monitoring behavior for common PDCCH. For example, multiple candidates from one or two search space sets may be monitored jointly for detecting a common PDCCH with repetition transmission. In such case, it needs to specific how to determine linked candidates and the corresponding QCL. In the disclosure, both implicit and explicit schemes are provided for determining linked monitoring occasions and corresponding QCL for monitoring common PDCCH.

For multiple TRP scenario, multiple beams may be used for PDCCH transmission with repetition. It may be desirable to support monitoring two linked candidates for detecting a common PDCCH with repetition transmission. The reliability may be improved by joint detection of multiple linked candidates. With the proposed schemes in the disclosure, similar reliability may be achieved for common PDCCH and UE specific PDCCH.

Linked Candidates in Search Space Set #0

The following schemes for determining linked candidates in search spaces set #0 are provided based on the assumption that part of SSB (i.e., SSB subset 1) and common PDCCH with corresponding TCI states are transmitted from one TRP and another part of SSB (i.e., SSB subset 2) and common PDCCH with corresponding TCI states are transmitted from another TRP. Thus, one desirable beam may be found from each SSB subset for one UE. Then, the UE can monitor common PDCCH on two monitoring occasions associated with the two selected desirable beams in search space set #0. In such case, the association between SSB and PDCCH monitoring occasions specified in TS 38.213 may be reused. According to the current specification (i.e., Release15 and Release 16) , only one TCI state can be activated for CORESET #0. Thus, some enhancements are proposed for determining monitoring occasions for two linked candidates. Both explicit and implicit schemes are proposed as follows.

As a first alternative, explicit determining scheme by signaling indication is provided.

For CORESET #0, two TCI states are required to be activated if two monitoring occasions are determined based on activated TCI states. However, only one TCI state is activated in Release15 and Release 16. In this scheme, explicit signaling is used to indicate that two activated TCI states are used for two linked monitoring occasions. Based on the two activated TCI states, two monitoring occasions may be determined by using the default association.

The detailed signaling may be designed as shown in Figure 6, which illustrates an example of PDCCH MAC CE indicating two TCI states for determining linked monitoring occasions in accordance with some implementations of the present disclosure. In addition to the fields of a Serving Cell ID 611, CORESET ID 612 and the TCI State ID 613 (or TCI State 1) , the MAC CE 610 further includes TCI State 2 (614) .

In the example shown in Figure 6, activated TCI state 1 (613) and activated TCI state 2 (614) are used to determine linked monitoring occasions, respectively. The same restriction may be needed as Release 15 that a UE is expected to be activated only with the TCI state of CSI-RS/TRS QCLed with an SSB. The UE monitors two linked PDCCH candidates together based on corresponding TCI states and uses them for one common DCI detection

In this scheme, two TCI states are activated for the CORESET with index zero with explicit signaling; the two linked PDCCH monitoring occasions and/or QCL are determined based on the two activated TCI states and the predefined association relationship (i.e., the default linkage) between SSB indexes and PDCCH monitoring occasions for search space set #0. The UE monitors both PDCCH candidates based on the two activated TCI states, respectively.

As a second alternative, implicit determining scheme by using available configured linked search space sets is provided.

After UE enters the RRC connected state, two linked search space sets may be configured for UE monitoring PDCCH transmitting from different TRPs with repetition. For example, two linked search space sets can be configured for UE specific PDCCH. For each of the two linked search space sets, it is associated with one CORESET and thus corresponds to one activated TCI state indicated by MAC CE. When the PDCCH from two linked search space sets with corresponding TCI states are QCLed with two SSB respectively, two monitoring occasions can be determined by their associated SSB derived from the TCI states of two linked search space sets and the default association between SSB and monitoring occasions in search space set #0. Same restriction is applicable as Release 15 for this scheme that a UE is expected to be activated only with the TCI state of CSI-RS/TRS QCLed with an SSB for two CORESETs associated with two linked search space sets for UE specific PDCCH. The UE monitors both PDCCH candidates based on the corresponding TCI states and uses them for one common DCI detection.

In this scheme, two linked PDCCH monitoring occasions and/or QCL are determined based on the activated TCI states for the two linked search space sets for UE specific PDCCH with repetition and the predefined association relationship between SSB indexes and PDCCH monitoring occasions for search space set #0. The UE monitors both PDCCH candidates based on the two activated TCI states for two linked UE specific search space sets, respectively.

Linked Candidates from Two Search Space Sets

In the following schemes, UE may be configured with two linked search space sets for monitoring common PDCCH with repetition. The two linked search space sets have the same CCE aggregation levels, the same number of PDCCH candidates per CCE aggregation level and monitoring period. For example, CCE aggregation levels and the number of candidates for each aggregation level specified in Table 10.1-1 of TS 38.213, which is extracted and shown as Table 1 below, may be reused. In another example, the same configured values for CCE aggregation level and the corresponding number of candidate may be used for both search space sets. The UE will monitor linked candidates with the same candidate index from two configured search space sets in PDCCH-Configcommon or in PDCCH-Config.

Table 1. CCE aggregation levels and maximum number of PDCCH candidates per CCE aggregation level for CSS sets configured by searchSpaceSIB1

CCE Aggregation Level	Number of Candidates
4	4
8	2
16	1

That is, an additional search space set may be introduced in PDCCH-Configcommon or PDCCH-Config for determining linked monitoring occasions. The newly introduced signaling is shown in bold as follows.

With the newly introduced signaling, two linked search space sets may be configured in PDCCH-Configcommon or PDCCH-Config for determining monitoring occasions and linked candidates for common PDCCH with repetition transmission. That is, UE may receive an indication of two linked search space sets for monitoring the PDCCH with common control information. The two linked monitoring occasions are determined based on configurations of the two linked search space sets for monitoring common PDCCH.

The two linked search space sets are configured with same values of: monitoring period, Control Channel Element (CCE) aggregation level, and candidate number per CCE aggregation level; and the number of candidates to be monitored for each aggregation level in a monitoring occasion is: four for CCE aggregation level four, and two for CCE aggregation level eight, and one for CCE aggregation level sixteen.

In some cases, one of the two linked search space sets for common PDCCH is configured with value zero as its search space set ID. That is, UE is configured with two linked search space sets for monitoring common PDCCH, in which one space set is search space set #0. In such cases, the UE may determine the linked monitoring occasions using a hybrid scheme. In an example, for two linked search space sets for monitoring PDCCH scheduling SIB1, the UE is configured with PDCCH-ConfigCommon in which the value of searchSpaceID is zero for searchSpaceSIB1 and non-zero for searchSpaceSIB1Addition-r17. The UE may determine one monitoring occasion (i.e., a first one of the two linked monitoring occasions) from search space set #0 based on activated TCI states for CORESET #0 according to the default association between SSB and monitoring occasion when UE is provided a zero value for searchSpaceID in PDCCH-ConfigCommon. The UE determines the other linked monitoring occasion (i.e., a second one of the two linked monitoring occasions) based on the configuration of the search space set with its searchSpaceID in PDCCH-ConfigCommon configured as non-zero value. For simplifying linking candidates from two configured search space sets, the same value for aggregation level, candidate number for each aggregation level and monitoring period as search space set #0 may be reused for search space set with non-zero value as ID.

The hybrid scheme may be used to determine monitoring occasions with one monitoring occasion from search space set #0 and the other monitoring occasion from search space set with non-zero value. In the hybrid scheme, one of the two linked monitoring occasions is determined based on one TCI state activated for the CORESET with index zero and a predefined association relationship between SSB indexes and PDCCH monitoring occasions for the search space set with index zero; and the other monitoring occasion is determined based on configuration of one of the two linked search space sets with index of non-zero value.

Figure 7 is a flow chart illustrating steps of monitoring enhanced PDCCH scheduling common information with multiple TRP transmission by UE 200 in accordance with some implementations of the present disclosure.

At step 702, the receiver 214 of UE 200 receives a signaling indicating that one or two Transmission Configuration Indication (TCI) states are activated for a Control Resource Set (CORESET) with index zero for transmission of Physical Downlink Control Channel (PDCCH) with common control information, wherein the PDCCH is transmitted with a plurality of repetitions on linked candidates.

At step 704, the receiver 214 of UE 200 receives a first configuration of a search space set with index zero for monitoring the PDCCH with common control information, and/or a second configuration of two linked search space sets for monitoring enhanced PDCCH.

At step 706, the processor 202 of UE 200 determines two linked monitoring occasions and a Quasi Co-Location (QCL) for the linked candidates, based on: at least one of the activated TCI states, and/or two activated TCI states associated with the two linked search space sets derived by second configuration, and a predefined association relationship between Synchronization Signal Block (SSB) indexes and PDCCH monitoring occasions for the search space set with index zero.

At step 708, the processor 202 of UE 200 performs a blind detection for common Downlink Control Information (DCI) from the linked candidates of the PDCCH with common control information on the two linked monitoring occasions based on the determined QCL.

Figure 8 is a flow chart illustrating steps of monitoring enhanced PDCCH scheduling common information with multiple TRP transmission by gNB or NE 300 in accordance with some implementations of the present disclosure.

At step 802, the transmitter 312 of NE 300 transmits a signaling indicating that one or two Transmission Configuration Indication (TCI) states are activated for a Control Resource Set (CORESET) with index zero for transmission of Physical Downlink Control Channel (PDCCH) with common control information, wherein the PDCCH is transmitted with a plurality of repetitions on linked candidates.

At step 804, the transmitter 312 of NE 300 transmits a first configuration of a search space set with index zero for monitoring the PDCCH with common control information, and/or a second configuration of two linked search space sets for monitoring enhanced PDCCH.

At step 806, the processor 302 of NE 300 determines two linked monitoring occasions and a Quasi Co-Location (QCL) for the linked candidates, based on: at least one of the activated TCI states, and/or two activated TCI states associated with the two linked search space sets derived by second configuration, and a predefined association relationship between Synchronization Signal Block (SSB) indexes and PDCCH monitoring occasions for the search space set with index zero.

At step 808, the transmitter 312 of NE 300 transmits common Downlink Control Information (DCI) using the linked candidates of the PDCCH with common control information on the two linked monitoring occasions based on the determined QCL.

In one aspect, some items as examples of the disclosure concerning a method of a UE or remote device may be summarized as follows:

1. A method, comprising:

receiving, by a receiver, a signaling indicating that one or two Transmission Configuration Indication (TCI) states are activated for a Control Resource Set (CORESET) with index zero for transmission of Physical Downlink Control Channel (PDCCH) with common control information, wherein the PDCCH is transmitted with a plurality of repetitions on linked candidates;

receiving, by the receiver, a first configuration of a search space set with index zero for monitoring the PDCCH with common control information, and/or a second configuration of two linked search space sets for monitoring enhanced PDCCH;

determining, by a processor, two linked monitoring occasions and a Quasi Co-Location (QCL) for the linked candidates, based on:

at least one of the activated TCI states, and/or two activated TCI states associated with the two linked search space sets derived by second configuration, and

a predefined association relationship between Synchronization Signal Block (SSB) indexes and PDCCH monitoring occasions for the search space set with index zero; and

performing, by the processor, a blind detection for common Downlink Control Information (DCI) from the linked candidates of the PDCCH with common control information on the two linked monitoring occasions based on the determined QCL.

2. The method of item 1, wherein two TCI states are activated for the CORESET with index zero; and the two linked monitoring occasions and QCL are determined based on the two activated TCI states for the CORESET with index zero and the predefined association relationship between SSB indexes and PDCCH monitoring occasions for the search space set with index zero.

3. The method of item 1, wherein the two linked monitoring occasions and QCL are determined based on activated TCI states for the two linked search space sets and the predefined association relationship between SSB indexes and PDCCH monitoring occasions for the search space set with index zero.

4. The method of

item

2 or 3, wherein an SSB is quasi-co-located to Channel State Information Reference Signal (CSI-RS) or Tracking Reference Signal (TRS) in at least one of the activated TCI states.

5. The method of item 1, wherein the receiver further receives an indication of an additional search space set for monitoring the PDCCH with common control information; and the additional search space set is linked with the search space set of the first configuration, thereby forming further two linked search space sets.

6. The method of item 1, wherein the receiver further receives an indication of further two linked search space sets for monitoring the PDCCH with common control information.

7. The method of item 5 or 6, wherein the two linked monitoring occasions are determined based on configurations of the further two linked search space sets.

8. The method of item 5 or 6, wherein a first one of the two linked monitoring occasions is determined based on one TCI state activated for the CORESET with index zero and a predefined association relationship between SSB indexes and PDCCH monitoring occasions for the search space set with index zero; a second one of the two linked monitoring occasions is determined based on configuration of one of the further two linked search space sets with index of non-zero value.

9. The method of item 5 or 6, wherein the further two linked search space sets are configured with same values of: monitoring period, Control Channel Element (CCE) aggregation level, and candidate number per CCE aggregation level.

10. The method of item 1, wherein number of candidates to be monitored for each aggregation level in a monitoring occasion is: four for CCE aggregation level four, and two for CCE aggregation level eight, and one for CCE aggregation level sixteen.

11. The method of item 5 or 6, wherein the further two linked search space sets are indicated in PDCCH-Configcommon or PDCCH-Config as linked search space sets for monitoring the PDCCH with common control information.

In another aspect, some items as examples of the disclosure concerning a method of a NE or gNB may be summarized as follows:

12. A method, comprising:

transmitting, by a transmitter, a signaling indicating that one or two Transmission Configuration Indication (TCI) states are activated for a Control Resource Set (CORESET) with index zero for transmission of Physical Downlink Control Channel (PDCCH) with common control information, wherein the PDCCH is transmitted with a plurality of repetitions on linked candidates;

transmitting, by the transmitter, a first configuration of a search space set with index zero for monitoring the PDCCH with common control information, and/or a second configuration of two linked search space sets for monitoring enhanced PDCCH;

transmitting, by the transmitter, common Downlink Control Information (DCI) using the linked candidates of the PDCCH with common control information on the two linked monitoring occasions based on the determined QCL.

13. The method of item 12, wherein two TCI states are activated for the CORESET with index zero; and the two linked monitoring occasions and QCL are determined based on the two activated TCI states for the CORESET with index zero and the predefined association relationship between SSB indexes and PDCCH monitoring occasions for the search space set with index zero.

14. The method of item 12, wherein the two linked monitoring occasions and QCL are determined based on activated TCI states for the two linked search space sets and the predefined association relationship between SSB indexes and PDCCH monitoring occasions for the search space set with index zero.

15. The method of item 13 or 14, wherein an SSB is quasi-co-located to Channel State Information Reference Signal (CSI-RS) or Tracking Reference Signal (TRS) in at least one of the activated TCI states.

16. The method of item 12, wherein the transmitter further transmits an indication of an additional search space set for monitoring the PDCCH with common control information; and the additional search space set is linked with the search space set of the first configuration, thereby forming further two linked search space sets.

17. The method of item 12, wherein the transmitter further transmits an indication of further two linked search space sets for monitoring the PDCCH with common control information.

18. The method of item 16 or 17, wherein the two linked monitoring occasions are determined based on configurations of the further two linked search space sets.

19. The method of item 16 or 17, wherein a first one of the two linked monitoring occasions is determined based on one TCI state activated for the CORESET with index zero and a predefined association relationship between SSB indexes and PDCCH monitoring occasions for the search space set with index zero; a second one of the two linked monitoring occasions is determined based on configuration of one of the further two linked search space sets with index of non-zero value.

20. The method of item 16 or 17, wherein the further two linked search space sets are configured with same values of: monitoring period, Control Channel Element (CCE) aggregation level, and candidate number per CCE aggregation level.

21. The method of item 12, wherein number of candidates to be monitored for each aggregation level in a monitoring occasion is: four for CCE aggregation level four, and two for CCE aggregation level eight, and one for CCE aggregation level sixteen.

22. The method of item 16 or 17, wherein the further two linked search space sets are indicated in PDCCH-Configcommon or PDCCH-Config as linked search space sets for monitoring the PDCCH with common control information.

In a further aspect, some items as examples of the disclosure concerning a UE or remote device may be summarized as follows:

23. An apparatus, comprising:

a receiver that receives a signaling indicating that one or two Transmission Configuration Indication (TCI) states are activated for a Control Resource Set (CORESET) with index zero for transmission of Physical Downlink Control Channel (PDCCH) with common control information, wherein the PDCCH is transmitted with a plurality of repetitions on linked candidates;

wherein the receiver further receives a first configuration of a search space set with index zero for monitoring the PDCCH with common control information, and/or a second configuration of two linked search space sets for monitoring enhanced PDCCH; and

a processor that determines two linked monitoring occasions and a Quasi Co-Location (QCL) for the linked candidates, based on:

a predefined association relationship between Synchronization Signal Block (SSB) indexes and PDCCH monitoring occasions for the search space set with index zero;

wherein the processor further performs a blind detection for common Downlink Control Information (DCI) from the linked candidates of the PDCCH with common control information on the two linked monitoring occasions based on the determined QCL.

24. The apparatus of item 23, wherein two TCI states are activated for the CORESET with index zero; and the two linked monitoring occasions and QCL are determined based on the two activated TCI states for the CORESET with index zero and the predefined association relationship between SSB indexes and PDCCH monitoring occasions for the search space set with index zero.

25. The apparatus of item 23, wherein the two linked monitoring occasions and QCL are determined based on activated TCI states for the two linked search space sets and the predefined association relationship between SSB indexes and PDCCH monitoring occasions for the search space set with index zero.

26. The apparatus of item 24 or 25, wherein an SSB is quasi-co-located to Channel State Information Reference Signal (CSI-RS) or Tracking Reference Signal (TRS) in at least one of the activated TCI states.

27. The apparatus of item 23, wherein the receiver further receives an indication of an additional search space set for monitoring the PDCCH with common control information; and the additional search space set is linked with the search space set of the first configuration, thereby forming further two linked search space sets.

28. The apparatus of item 23, wherein the receiver further receives an indication of further two linked search space sets for monitoring the PDCCH with common control information.

29. The apparatus of item 27 or 28, wherein the two linked monitoring occasions are determined based on configurations of the further two linked search space sets.

30. The apparatus of item 27 or 28, wherein a first one of the two linked monitoring occasions is determined based on one TCI state activated for the CORESET with index zero and a predefined association relationship between SSB indexes and PDCCH monitoring occasions for the search space set with index zero; a second one of the two linked monitoring occasions is determined based on configuration of one of the further two linked search space sets with index of non-zero value.

31. The apparatus of item 27 or 28, wherein the further two linked search space sets are configured with same values of: monitoring period, Control Channel Element (CCE) aggregation level, and candidate number per CCE aggregation level.

32. The apparatus of item 23, wherein number of candidates to be monitored for each aggregation level in a monitoring occasion is: four for CCE aggregation level four, and two for CCE aggregation level eight, and one for CCE aggregation level sixteen.

33. The apparatus of item 27 or 28, wherein the further two linked search space sets are indicated in PDCCH-Configcommon or PDCCH-Config as linked search space sets for monitoring the PDCCH with common control information.

In a yet further aspect, some items as examples of the disclosure concerning a NE or gNB may be summarized as follows:

34. An apparatus, comprising:

a transmitter that transmits a signaling indicating that one or two Transmission Configuration Indication (TCI) states are activated for a Control Resource Set (CORESET) with index zero for transmission of Physical Downlink Control Channel (PDCCH) with common control information, wherein the PDCCH is transmitted with a plurality of repetitions on linked candidates;

wherein the transmitter further transmits a first configuration of a search space set with index zero for monitoring the PDCCH with common control information, and/or a second configuration of two linked search space sets for monitoring enhanced PDCCH; and

wherein the transmitter further transmits common Downlink Control Information (DCI) using the linked candidates of the PDCCH with common control information on the two linked monitoring occasions based on the determined QCL.

35. The apparatus of item 34, wherein two TCI states are activated for the CORESET with index zero; and the two linked monitoring occasions and QCL are determined based on the two activated TCI states for the CORESET with index zero and the predefined association relationship between SSB indexes and PDCCH monitoring occasions for the search space set with index zero.

36. The apparatus of item 34, wherein the two linked monitoring occasions and QCL are determined based on activated TCI states for the two linked search space sets and the predefined association relationship between SSB indexes and PDCCH monitoring occasions for the search space set with index zero.

37. The apparatus of item 35 or 36, wherein an SSB is quasi-co-located to Channel State Information Reference Signal (CSI-RS) or Tracking Reference Signal (TRS) in at least one of the activated TCI states.

38. The apparatus of item 34, wherein the transmitter further transmits an indication of an additional search space set for monitoring the PDCCH with common control information; and the additional search space set is linked with the search space set of the first configuration, thereby forming further two linked search space sets.

39. The apparatus of item 34, wherein the transmitter further transmits an indication of further two linked search space sets for monitoring the PDCCH with common control information.

40. The apparatus of item 38 or 39, wherein the two linked monitoring occasions are determined based on configurations of the further two linked search space sets.

41. The apparatus of item 38 or 39, wherein a first one of the two linked monitoring occasions is determined based on one TCI state activated for the CORESET with index zero and a predefined association relationship between SSB indexes and PDCCH monitoring occasions for the search space set with index zero; a second one of the two linked monitoring occasions is determined based on configuration of one of the further two linked search space sets with index of non-zero value.

42. The apparatus of item 38 or 39, wherein the further two linked search space sets are configured with same values of: monitoring period, Control Channel Element (CCE) aggregation level, and candidate number per CCE aggregation level.

43. The apparatus of item 34, wherein number of candidates to be monitored for each aggregation level in a monitoring occasion is: four for CCE aggregation level four, and two for CCE aggregation level eight, and one for CCE aggregation level sixteen.

44. The apparatus of item 38 or 39, wherein the further two linked search space sets are indicated in PDCCH-Configcommon or PDCCH-Config as linked search space sets for monitoring the PDCCH with common control information.

Various embodiments and/or examples are disclosed to provide exemplary and explanatory information to enable a person of ordinary skill in the art to put the disclosure into practice. Features or components disclosed with reference to one embodiment or example are also applicable to all embodiments or examples unless specifically indicated otherwise.

Embodiments may be practiced in other specific forms. The described embodiments are to be considered in all respects only as illustrative and not restrictive. The scope is, therefore, indicated by the appended claims rather than by the foregoing description. All changes which come within the meaning and range of equivalency of the claims are to be embraced within their scope.

Claims

A method, comprising:

receiving, by a receiver, a signaling indicating that one or two Transmission Configuration Indication (TCI) states are activated for a Control Resource Set (CORESET) with index zero for transmission of Physical Downlink Control Channel (PDCCH) with common control information, wherein the PDCCH is transmitted with a plurality of repetitions on linked candidates;

receiving, by the receiver, a first configuration of a search space set with index zero for monitoring the PDCCH with common control information, and/or a second configuration of two linked search space sets for monitoring enhanced PDCCH;

determining, by a processor, two linked monitoring occasions and a Quasi Co-Location (QCL) for the linked candidates, based on:

at least one of the activated TCI states, and/or two activated TCI states associated with the two linked search space sets derived by second configuration, and

a predefined association relationship between Synchronization Signal Block (SSB) indexes and PDCCH monitoring occasions for the search space set with index zero; and

performing, by the processor, a blind detection for common Downlink Control Information (DCI) from the linked candidates of the PDCCH with common control information on the two linked monitoring occasions based on the determined QCL.
The method of claim 1, wherein two TCI states are activated for the CORESET with index zero; and the two linked monitoring occasions and QCL are determined based on the two activated TCI states for the CORESET with index zero and the predefined association relationship between SSB indexes and PDCCH monitoring occasions for the search space set with index zero.
The method of claim 1, wherein the two linked monitoring occasions and QCL are determined based on activated TCI states for the two linked search space sets and the predefined association relationship between SSB indexes and PDCCH monitoring occasions for the search space set with index zero.
The method of claim 2 or 3, wherein an SSB is quasi-co-located to Channel State Information Reference Signal (CSI-RS) or Tracking Reference Signal (TRS) in at least one of the activated TCI states.
The method of claim 1, wherein the receiver further receives an indication of an additional search space set for monitoring the PDCCH with common control information; and the additional search space set is linked with the search space set of the first configuration, thereby forming further two linked search space sets.
The method of claim 1, wherein the receiver further receives an indication of further two linked search space sets for monitoring the PDCCH with common control information.
The method of claim 5 or 6, wherein the two linked monitoring occasions are determined based on configurations of the further two linked search space sets.
The method of claim 5 or 6, wherein a first one of the two linked monitoring occasions is determined based on one TCI state activated for the CORESET with index zero and a predefined association relationship between SSB indexes and PDCCH monitoring occasions for the search space set with index zero; a second one of the two linked monitoring occasions is determined based on configuration of one of the further two linked search space sets with index of non-zero value.
The method of claim 5 or 6, wherein the further two linked search space sets are configured with same values of: monitoring period, Control Channel Element (CCE) aggregation level, and candidate number per CCE aggregation level.
The method of claim 1, wherein number of candidates to be monitored for each aggregation level in a monitoring occasion is: four for CCE aggregation level four, and two for CCE aggregation level eight, and one for CCE aggregation level sixteen.
The method of claim 5 or 6, wherein the further two linked search space sets are indicated in PDCCH-Configcommon or PDCCH-Config as linked search space sets for monitoring the PDCCH with common control information.
A method, comprising:

transmitting, by a transmitter, a signaling indicating that one or two Transmission Configuration Indication (TCI) states are activated for a Control Resource Set (CORESET) with index zero for transmission of Physical Downlink Control Channel (PDCCH) with common control information, wherein the PDCCH is transmitted with a plurality of repetitions on linked candidates;

transmitting, by the transmitter, a first configuration of a search space set with index zero for monitoring the PDCCH with common control information, and/or a second configuration of two linked search space sets for monitoring enhanced PDCCH;

determining, by a processor, two linked monitoring occasions and a Quasi Co-Location (QCL) for the linked candidates, based on:

at least one of the activated TCI states, and/or two activated TCI states associated with the two linked search space sets derived by second configuration, and

a predefined association relationship between Synchronization Signal Block (SSB) indexes and PDCCH monitoring occasions for the search space set with index zero; and

transmitting, by the transmitter, common Downlink Control Information (DCI) using the linked candidates of the PDCCH with common control information on the two linked monitoring occasions based on the determined QCL.
The method of claim 12, wherein two TCI states are activated for the CORESET with index zero; and the two linked monitoring occasions and QCL are determined based on the two activated TCI states for the CORESET with index zero and the predefined association relationship between SSB indexes and PDCCH monitoring occasions for the search space set with index zero.
The method of claim 12, wherein the two linked monitoring occasions and QCL are determined based on activated TCI states for the two linked search space sets and the predefined association relationship between SSB indexes and PDCCH monitoring occasions for the search space set with index zero.
The method of claim 13 or 14, wherein an SSB is quasi-co-located to Channel State Information Reference Signal (CSI-RS) or Tracking Reference Signal (TRS) in at least one of the activated TCI states.