WO2025129504A1

WO2025129504A1 - Channel state information reference signal based measurement and reporting

Info

Publication number: WO2025129504A1
Application number: PCT/CN2023/140329
Authority: WO
Inventors: Ling Yang; Bo Gao; Ke YAO
Original assignee: ZTE Corp
Current assignee: ZTE Corp
Priority date: 2023-12-20
Filing date: 2023-12-20
Publication date: 2025-06-26
Anticipated expiration: 2026-06-20

Abstract

Systems, methods, and apparatus for wireless communication are described. A wireless communication method includes receiving, by a wireless device, a reference signal (RS) -related information for one or more candidate cells. The method further includes performing, by the wireless device and according to the RS-related information, at least one of a RS-based measurement or a RS-based reporting, including but not limited to a channel state information (CSI) acquisition. Among other things, this patent document discloses initiation methods for the wireless device to report a RS-based measurement and slot determinations for CSI-RSs and CSI reference resources.

Description

CHANNEL STATE INFORMATION REFERENCE SIGNAL BASED MEASUREMENT AND REPORTING

TECHNICAL FIELD

This patent document is directed generally to wireless communications.

BACKGROUND

Mobile telecommunication technologies are moving the world toward an increasingly connected and networked society. In comparison with the existing wireless networks, next-generation systems and wireless communication techniques will need to support a much wider range of use-case characteristics and provide a more complex and sophisticated range of access requirements and flexibilities.

Long-Term Evolution (LTE) is a standard for wireless communication for mobile devices and data terminals developed by 3rd Generation Partnership Project (3GPP) . LTE Advanced (LTE-A) is a wireless communication standard that enhances the LTE standard. The 5th generation of wireless system, known as 5G, advances the LTE and LTE-Awireless standards and is committed to supporting higher data rates, large number of connections, ultra-low latency, high reliability, and other emerging business needs.

SUMMARY

Techniques are disclosed for a user equipment (UE) to perform a reference signal (RS) -based measurement or reporting, including but not limited to a channel state information (CSI) acquisition. Among other things, techniques are disclosed in this patent document on the initiation methods of the RS-based measurement or reporting and the slot determinations for a CSI RS and a CSI reference resource.

A first example wireless communication method includes receiving, by a wireless device, a reference signal (RS) -related information for one or more candidate cells. The method further includes performing, by the wireless device and according to the RS-related information, at least one of a RS-based measurement or a RS-based reporting.

A second example wireless communication method includes configuring, by a network device, a reference signal (RS) -related information for one or more candidate cells. The method further includes transmitting, by the network device, a RS according to the RS-related information. The method further includes receiving, by the network device and based on the RS, a channel state information (CSI) report.

In yet another example embodiment, a device that is configured or operable to perform the above-described methods is disclosed. The device includes at least one processor configured to implement the above-described methods.

In yet another example embodiment, the above-described methods are embodied in the form of processor-executable code and stored in a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium. The code included in the computer readable storage medium when executed by a processor, causes the processor to implement the methods described in this patent document.

The above and other aspects and their implementations are described in greater detail in the drawings, the descriptions, and the claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 and FIG. 2 illustrate example methods of indicating serving or candidate cells.

FIGS. 3-6 illustrate example slot determinations for channel state information (CSI) reference resources.

FIGS. 7-14 illustrate example slot determinations for CSI reference signals (CSI-RSs) .

FIG. 15 is an example flowchart for performing a RS-based measurement or reporting.

FIG. 16 is an example flowchart for receiving a CSI report.

FIG. 17 illustrates an example block diagram of a hardware platform that may be a part of a network device or a wireless device.

FIG. 18 illustrates example wireless communication including a Base Station (BS) and User Equipment (UE) based on some implementations of the disclosed technology.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The example headings for the various sections below are used to facilitate the understanding of the disclosed subject matter and do not limit the scope of the claimed subject matter in any way. Accordingly, one or more features of one example section can be combined with one or more features of another example section. Furthermore, 5G terminology is used for the sake of clarity of explanation, but the techniques disclosed in the present document are not limited to 5G technology only and may be used in wireless systems that implemented other protocols.

I. Introduction

The present patent document describes how a wireless device performs a reference signal (RS) -based measurement or reporting, including but not limited to a channel state information (CSI) acquisition.

When a user equipment (UE) moves from the coverage area of one cell to another cell, at some point a serving cell change needs to be performed. Currently serving cell change is triggered by L3 measurements and is done by radio resource control (RRC) signaling-triggered reconfiguration with synchronization for the change of primary cells (PCells) and primary and secondary cells (PSCells) , as well as release add for secondary cells (SCells) when applicable. All cases involve complete L2 (and L1) resets, leading to greater latency, greater overhead, and greater interruption time than beam switch mobility. The goal of L1/L2 mobility enhancements is to enable a serving cell change via L1/L2 signaling, in order to reduce the latency, overhead, and interruption time.

In the patent document, we provide a method of channel state information-reference signal-based (CSI-RS) measurement and/or reporting.

A goal of further new radio (NR) mobility enhancements is to enable a serving cell change via L1/L2 signaling with low latency, overhead, interruption time, and high system performance. In order to support a cell change, some enhancements on CSI-RS-based measurement and reporting, and/or CSI-RS-based CSI acquisition or beam management should be supported before cell switching.

In order to achieve link adaption, knowledge of channel state information (CSI) is essential for the base station. In some cases, CSI can be obtained by exploiting the channel reciprocity using sounding reference signal (SRS) , or wireless device measurement and/or reporting. The intention to do this is that the base station can select or indicate more reliable at least one of a modulation and coding scheme (MCS) , a CSI-RS resource indicator (CRI) , a channel quality indicator (CQI) , a pre-coding matrix indicator (PMI) , a rank indicator (RI) , a lawful interception (LI) , a signal interference and noise ratio (SINR) , a reference signal received quality (RSRQ) , and/or less punching, and/or better time and/or frequency resource for a wireless device or user equipment.

In this patent document, a candidate cell can be equivalent to a non-serving cell or a target cell or a serving cell.

In this patent document, a reference signal (RS) can be at least one of: channel state information -reference signal (CSI-RS) , synchronization signal and physical broadcast channel (PBCH) block (SSB) , a sounding reference signal (SRS) , a demodulation reference signal (DM-RS) , a tracking reference signal (TRS) , or a phase tracking reference signal (PTRS) .

In this patent document, a CSI-RS can be at least one of Channel State Information –Interference Measurement (CSI-IM) , Non Zero Power Channel State Information-Reference signal (NZP CSI-RS) , or Zero Power Channel State Information-Reference signal (ZP CSI-RS) .

In this patent document, a CSI-IM can be used for interference measurement. A NZP CSI-RS can be used for interference measurement and/or channel measurement.

In this patent document, reference signal (RS) -related information can be configured for one or more candidate cells.

In this patent document, reference signal (RS) -related information for candidate cell includes at least one of one or more channel state information (CSI) resource configurations, one or more CSI-RS resources, one or more CSI-RS resource sets, one or more CSI reporting configurations, a list of triggering states, one or more SRS resources, one or more SRS resource sets, cell information or identification, cell group information or identification, a transmission configuration indication (TCI) state, time domain information, frequency domain information, periodicity, offset, the quantity of report, resource for reporting, or other related RS and/or reporting information.

In this patent document, reference signal (RS) -related information can be configured by at least one of radio resource control (RRC) , medium access control (MAC) control element (CE) , downlink control information (DCI) , or pre-configuration.

In some cases, a CSI resource configuration is associated with or linked to a CSI report configuration. In some cases, a CSI resource configuration and a CSI report configuration can have the same or different DL frequency positions.

In some cases, a DL frequency position can be at least one of a bandwidth part (BWP) , a carrier, a frequency, and so on.

In this patent document, a CSI resource configuration includes at least one of one or more CSI resource sets, one or more CSI resources, or related time and/or frequency domain information. In some cases, a CSI resource or resource set can be at least one of a CSI-RS resource or resource set, or a CSI-IM resource or resource set.

In this patent document, a CSI report configuration includes at least one of codebook configuration, time-domain behavior, frequency granularity for CQI and/or PMI, measurement restriction configurations, and the CSI-related quantities to be reported by the UE such as the layer indicator (LI) , L1-RSRP, L1-SINR, CRI, SSBRI (SSB Resource Indicator) , Capability Index and time-domain channel property (TDCP) . In some cases, codebook configuration includes configuration parameters for at least one of Type-I, Type II, Enhanced Type II CSI, Further Enhanced Type II Port Selection, Enhanced Type II for coherent joint transmission (CJT) , Further Enhanced Type II Port Selection for CJT, Enhanced Type II for predicted PMI, or Further Enhanced Type II Port Selection for predicted PMI including codebook subset restriction when applicable, and configurations of group-based reporting, or codebook type for mobility.

In this patent document, time domain information can be at least one of resource type, report type, periodicity, or offset. In some cases, resource type can be at least one of aperiodic, periodic, or semi-persistent. In some cases, report type can be at least one of aperiodic, semiPersistentOnPUCCH, semiPersistentOnPUSCH, or periodic.

In this patent document, the quantity of report includes at least one of: CRI, RI, PMI, CQI, LI, SSB-index, RSRQ, SINR, TDCP, none.

In this patent document, frequency domain information includes at least one of reporting granularity, band information and so on. Granularity can be at least one of: wideband or sub-band.

In this patent document, CSI may include at least one of Channel Quality Indicator (CQI) , precoding matrix indicator (PMI) , CSI-RS resource indicator (CRI) , SS/PBCH Block Resource indicator (SSBRI) , layer indicator (LI) , rank indicator (RI) , L1-RSRP, L1-SINR, Capability Index, time-domain channel properties (TDCP) , cell identification, or cell group identification.

II. Embodiment 1

At least one of the following can be considered for CSI acquisition:

Alt-1: CSI acquisition is indicated or triggered or enabled based on a transmission configuration indication (TCI) state or a MAC CE for TCI state activation or deactivation for candidate cell (s) .

Alt-2: CSI acquisition is indicated or triggered or enabled based on a physical downlink control channel (PDCCH) order.

Alt-3: CSI acquisition is indicated or triggered or configured or enabled based on at least one of a RRC configuration, a medium access control (MAC) control element (CE) signaling, a downlink control information (DCI) signaling, or a pre-configuration.

In some examples, whether CSI needs to be acquired or reported or whether CSI acquisition is supported is based on UE capability.

In some examples, CSI acquisition can be indicated or triggered or enabled before receiving a cell switch command, during receiving a cell switch command, or after receiving a cell switch command.

In this patent document, CSI acquisition can be achieved by at least one of: SRS, RS based measurement, reporting, TCI state, PDCCH order, reception of signaling.

In some examples, RS can be at least one of CSI-RS, SSB, SRS, DM-RS, TRS, or PTRS.

In some examples, RS can be set to aperiodic, periodic, or semi-persistent.

In some examples, reporting can be set to aperiodic (AP) , periodic, or semi-persistent (SP) .

EMBODIMENT 1-1

For Alt-1 in embodiment 1, when or after receiving a MAC CE signaling for activating or deactivating and/or indicating a TCI state for a candidate cell, UE can measure one or more RS resources, or resource sets for the candidate cell, and/or, report acquired channel state information to a serving cell and/or a candidate cell, or UE can transmit one or more RS to a serving cell and/or a candidate cell.

In some examples, one or more RS resources, or resource sets and/or report related information can be configured by at least one of RRC, MAC CE, pre-configuration.

For Alt-1 in embodiment 1, the TCI state can be one of an activated TCI state, a configured TCI state, or an indicated TCI state.

For Alt-1 in embodiment 1, TCI state (s) are activated or deactivated, and/or indicated by at least one of a MAC CE signaling, a RRC signaling, or a DCI signaling.

For Alt-1 in embodiment 1, TCI state (s) are configured by a RRC signaling.

For Alt-1 in embodiment 1, TCI state (s) can be from or associated with one or multiple cells. The cells can be at least one of a candidate cell or a serving cell.

Below paragraphs describe an activated TCI state.

In some examples, CSI acquisition is triggered or indicated or enabled by a MAC CE for TCI state activation or deactivation for candidate cell (s) .

In some examples, CSI acquisition is triggered or indicated or enabled by a MAC CE for TCI state activation or deactivation for candidate cell (s) if a MAC CE for TCI state activation or deactivation for candidate cell (s) is provided.

In some examples, CSI acquisition is triggered or indicated or enabled by a TCI state activated and/or indicated by a MAC CE signaling. In some examples, the MAC CE is used for TCI state activation or deactivation for candidate cell (s) .

In some examples, one or a single MAC CE can select, activate, or deactivate one or multiple TCI states for a candidate cell. Or one or a single MAC CE can select, activate, or deactivate one or multiple TCI states for multiple candidate cells.

In some examples, UE will measure one or more RS resources, or resource sets, and/or, report acquired channel state information to base station. Or UE will transmit one or more RS to base station.

In some examples, a RS index in an activated TCI state is associated with or related to at least one of: one or multiple RS resources, one or multiple RS resource sets, or one or multiple RS transmission bursts, one or multiple CSI report configurations.

In some examples, a RS index in an activated TCI state is associated with or related to a RS index that is associated with or related to at least one of: one or multiple RS resources, one or multiple RS resource sets, or one or multiple RS transmission bursts, one or multiple CSI report configurations.

Below paragraphs describe a configured TCI state.

In some examples, CSI acquisition is indicated or triggered or enabled by TCI state (s) configured by a RRC, or CSI acquisition is indicated or triggered or enabled by TCI state (s) configured by a RRC if a MAC CE for TCI state activation for candidate cell (s) is NOT provided, or, CSI acquisition is indicated or triggered or enabled by RRC.

In some examples, when or after receiving a RRC signaling, UE can measure one or more RS resources, or resource sets for a candidate cell, and/or, report acquired channel state information to a serving cell and/or a candidate cell, or UE can transmit one or more RS to a serving cell and/or a candidate cell.

In some examples, RRC can configure at least one of: one or multiple TCI states, one or multiple RS resources, one or multiple RS resource sets, or one or multiple RS transmission bursts, one or multiple CSI report configurations. In some examples, RRC configured information can be per candidate cell, or across candidate cell, or across multiple candidate cells.

In some examples, a RRC can configure one or multiple TCI states for a candidate cell. Or a RRC can configure one or multiple TCI states for multiple candidate cells.

In some examples, a RS index in a configured TCI state is associated with or related to at least one of: one or multiple RS resources, one or multiple RS resource sets, or one or multiple RS transmission bursts, one or multiple CSI report configurations.

In some examples, a RS index in a configured TCI state is associated with or related to a RS index that is associated with or related to at least one of: one or multiple RS resources, one or multiple RS resource sets, or one or multiple RS transmission bursts, one or multiple CSI report configurations.

Below paragraphs describe an indicated TCI state.

In some examples, when or after receiving a signaling for indicating a TCI state, UE can measure one or more RS resources, or resource sets for a candidate cell, and/or, report acquired channel state information to a serving cell and/or a candidate cell, or UE can transmit one or more RS to a serving cell and/or a candidate cell.

In some examples, if a TCI state for a candidate cell is indicated and/or activated by a signaling before or in a cell switch command, CSI acquisition is triggered by the indicated and/or activated TCI state or signaling to carry an indicated and/or activated TCI state. In some examples, the signaling can be a DCI or a MAC CE.

In some examples, a RS index in an indicated and/or activated TCI state is associated with or related to at least one of: one or multiple RS resources, one or multiple RS resource sets, or one or multiple RS transmission bursts, one or multiple CSI report configurations.

In some examples, a RS index in an indicated and/or activated TCI state is associated with or related to a RS index that is associated with or related to at least one of: one or multiple RS resources, one or multiple RS resource sets, or one or multiple RS transmission bursts, one or multiple CSI report configurations.

In some embodiments, a RS can be at least one of a CSI-RS, a synchronization signal and physical broadcast channel (PBCH) block (SSB) , a sounding reference signal (SRS) , a demodulation reference signal (DM-RS) , a tracking reference signal (TRS) , or a phase tracking reference signal (PTRS) .

In some embodiments, at least one of a RS source or resource set or transmission burst, or, one or multiple CSI report configurations is used for CSI acquisition.

EMBODIMENT 1-2

For Alt-2 in embodiment 1, CSI acquisition is triggered or indicated or enabled by using a PDCCH order. Or a PDCCH order for a candidate cell can be used to trigger or indicate or enable CSI acquisition for the candidate cell. Or information indicated in a PDCCH order for a candidate cell can be used to trigger or indicate or enable CSI acquisition for the candidate cell.

In some examples, one or a single PDCCH order can trigger physical random access channel (PRACH) transmission (s) for candidate cell (s) . To be specific, one or a single PDCCH order can trigger a PRACH transmission for a candidate cell. Or one or a single PDCCH order can trigger a PRACH transmission for multiple candidate cells. Or one or a single PDCCH order can trigger PRACH transmissions for multiple candidate cells. Or one or a single PDCCH order can trigger PRACH transmissions for a candidate cell.

In some examples, a PDCCH order signaling can indicate at least one of the following information: a preamble index, a RS index, a PRACH mask index, an UL carrier indicator, or a cell indicator.

In some examples, a RS index indicated by a PDCCH order for a candidate cell is associated with or related to at least one of: one or multiple RS resources, one or multiple RS resource sets, one or multiple RS transmission bursts, or one or multiple CSI report configurations.

In some embodiments, , at least one of a RS source or resource set or transmission burst, or, one or multiple CSI report configurations is used for CSI acquisition.

In some embodiments, RS can be at least one of CSI-RS, SSB, SRS, DM-RS, TRS, or PTRS.

In some examples, a SSB index indicated by a PDCCH order for a candidate cell is associated with or related to at least one of: a CSI-RS or SSB or SRS index, one or multiple CSI-RS or SSB or SRS resources, or one or multiple CSI-RS or SSB or SRS resource sets, or one or multiple CSI-RS or SSB or SRS transmission bursts, or one or multiple CSI report configurations.

In some examples, a CSI-RS resource index indicated by a PDCCH order for a candidate cell is associated with or related to at least one of: one or multiple CSI-RS or SSB or SRS resources, one or multiple CSI-RS or SSB or SRS resource sets, or one or multiple CSI-RS or SSB or SRS transmission bursts, or one or multiple CSI report configurations.

In some examples, a PDCCH order is used to activate and/or indicate or determine a TCI state or a RS index or at least one of: one or multiple CSI-RS resources, one or multiple CSI-RS resource sets, or one or multiple CSI-RS transmission bursts for CSI acquisition. Preferably, the TCI state is used to trigger or indicate or enable CSI acquisition. To be specific, a PDCCH order with a RS index can activate and/or indicate or determine a TCI state that includes the same or different or associated RS index. Or a PDCCH order with a RS index can activate and/or indicate or determine a TCI state that includes a RS index associated with the RS index indicated in PDCCH order. The RS index in the TCI state or RS index is associated with or related to at least one of: one or multiple CSI-RS resources, one or multiple CSI-RS resource sets, one or multiple CSI-RS transmission bursts for CSI acquisition, or one or multiple CSI report configurations.

EMBODIMENT 1-3-1

For Alt-3 in embodiment 1, CSI acquisition is triggered or indicated or configured or enabled based on at least one of a RRC configuration, a MAC CE signaling, a DCI signaling, or a pre-configuration.

In some embodiments, UE can report a capability on whether CSI acquisition is supported for one or multiple cells.

In the embodiment, term “cell” can be equivalent to candidate cell or serving cell. RS can be at least one of CSI-RS, SSB, SRS, DM-RS, TRS, or PTRS.

In some embodiments, at least one of CSI-RS, SSB, SRS, or CSI reporting is used for CSI acquisition.

Below paragraphs describe a triggering method for an aperiodic CSI-RS and/or an aperiodic CSI reporting case.

A signaling can be used to trigger at least one of CSI acquisition, CSI-RS or SSB or SRS transmission and/or CSI report for one or multiple cells. In some examples, the signaling can be at least one of a DCI, a MAC CE, or a RRC.

In some examples, a CSI request field in the DCI or MAC CE can be used to trigger an AP CSI-RS and/or an AP CSI report. In some embodiments, DCI can be DCI format 0_1, or DCI format 0_2, or other DCI formats.

In some examples, a codepoint of a CSI request field is associated with a CSI trigger state.

In some examples, a codepoint of a CSI request field is associated with a CSI trigger state for a candidate cell.

In some examples, different codepoints of a CSI request field are associated with a CSI trigger state for different candidate cells.

In some examples, a trigger state of a list of trigger states is configured for one or multiple candidate cells. Or a list of trigger states is configured for one or multiple candidate cells. Or, different trigger state lists are configured for one or multiple candidate cells.

In some examples, a CSI trigger state is associated with one or multiple CSI report configurations for one or multiple cells.

In some examples, a CSI trigger state is associated with one or multiple RS resource configurations for one or multiple cells.

In some examples, a CSI report config is associated with one or multiple CSI or RS resource configurations.

In some examples, a CSI or RS resource configuration can be used for at least one of a channel measurement or an interference measurement.

In some examples, a CSI or RS resource configuration includes at least one of one or multiple RS resources or RS resource sets. In some examples, if a RS resource set is configured in a CSI resource configuration, it includes one or multiple RS resources. In some examples, each RS resource or resource set is associated with a TCI state. where the TCI state includes at least one of a QCL source RS, a QCL type, or an offset in time and/or frequency domain.

Note that for a CSI trigger state, a list of CSI trigger states is configured.

Note that for the relationship between a codepoint of a CSI request field and a CSI trigger state, at least one of the following can be considered:

When all bits of the CSI request field are set to zero, no CSI is requested.

When the number of configured CSI triggering states is greater than a threshold N, the MAC CE selects up to N trigger states, and each trigger state is mapped to a codepoint of the CSI request field in the DCI.

When the number of configured CSI triggering states is less than or equal to a threshold N, the MAC CE selects up to N trigger states, and each trigger state is mapped to a codepoint of the CSI request field in the DCI.

Note that for a UE configured with the higher layer parameter CSI-AperiodicTriggerStateList or other parameters, if a resource setting or resource configuration linked to a CSI-ReportConfig or CSI report configuration for mobility has multiple aperiodic resource sets or aperiodic resources, only one of the aperiodic CSI-RS resource sets or one or more of the aperiodic CSI-RS resources from the resource setting or resource configuration is associated with a trigger state.

In some examples, the UE is configured per trigger state per resource setting or resource configuration to select the one or more CSI-Interference Measurement (IM) /non-zero-power (NZP) /zero-power (ZP) CSI-RS resource sets or CSI-IM/NZP/ZP CSI-RS resources from the resource setting or resource configuration.

In some examples, at least one of X >=1 reporting settings (CSI report configuration) , Y >=1 resource settings (CSI resource configuration) , Trigger state list#1 for aperiodic CSI, Trigger state list#2 for semi-persistent CSI, each trigger state for aperiodic CSI contains a list of associated CSI report configurations indicating the Resource Set IDs for channel, and in some examples, for interference is configured.

In some examples, trigger state for a semi-persistent CSI contains one associated CSI report configurations.

EMBODIMENT 1-3-2

A MAC CE is used to activate or deactivate a semi-persistent CSI-RS (SP CSI-RS) and/or a CSI-IM (SP CSI-IM) resource or resource set for a candidate cell.

CSI acquisition is triggered or indicated or configured or enabled by at least one of:

Once at least one of a RS resource or resource set configuration and a CSI report configuration is configured by a RRC configuration;

UE reports a capability of supporting a CSI acquisition and at least one of a RS resource or resource set configuration and a CSI report configuration is configured by a RRC configuration.

UE reports a capability of supporting a CSI acquisition;

A MAC CE signaling to activate or deactivate CSI-RS or CSI-IM resource or resource set.

A DCI signaling to trigger an aperiodic CSI report.

In some examples, SP CSI-RS or SP CSI-IM resource or resource set is associated with a CSI trigger state indicated by a DCI signaling;

In some examples, one or a single MAC CE can be used to activate or deactivate the SP CSI-RS or SP CSI-IM resource or resource set for one or single or multiple candidate cells.

In some examples, the same or different MAC CE can be used to activate or deactivate the SP CSI-RS or SP CSI-IM resource or resource set for a serving cell and/or a candidate cell.

In some examples, a MAC CE for activation or deactivation of the SP CSI-RS or SP CSI-IM resource or resource set for a serving cell can be the same as or different from a MAC CE for activation or deactivation of the SP CSI-RS or SP CSI-IM resource or resource set for a candidate cell.

In some examples, at least one of the following can be considered:

Adding a field:

Case-1: This field indicates the presence of a candidate cell related filed or the octet containing a candidate cell related filed. For examples, if the field is set to 1, a candidate cell related filed or the octet containing a candidate cell related filed is present. If the field is set to 0, a candidate cell related filed or the octet containing a candidate cell related filed is not present;

Case-2: This filed indicates a serving cell and/or a candidate cell for which the MAC CE applies. The length of the field is 1 or m bits. For the former, the field is set to 1 to indicate a candidate cell (or a serving cell) , the field is set to 0 to indicate a serving cell (or a candidate cell) . For the latter, two methods are illustrated in FIG. 1 and FIG. 2 for indicating serving or candidate cells. FIG. 1 shows that a value of the field is used to indicate a serving call and/or a candidate cell. FIG. 2 shows that a length of the bits of the field is used to indicate a serving cell and/or a candidate cell.

Adding candidate cell related field (s) . Such as at least one of a BWP identifier (ID) for a candidate cell, a SP CSI-RS resource set ID for a candidate cell, a SP CSI-RS resource ID for a candidate cell, a SP CSI-IM resource set ID for a candidate cell, a SP CSI-IM resource ID for a candidate cell, a TCI state id for a candidate cell.

An AP CSI is triggered by a CSI trigger state indicated by a DCI signaling, where the CSI trigger state is associated with one or multiple CSI report configurations for one or multiple cells. Each CSI report config is associated with a CSI-resource config. CSI-resource config can be for at least one of a channel measurement or an interference measurement. In some embodiments, CSI resource config includes at least of one or multiple RS resources or RS resource sets. In some embodiments, RS resource or RS resource set is set to “semi-persistent. ” In some embodiments, if RS resource set is configured in CSI resource config, it includes one or multiple RS resources. In some cases, each RS resource is associated with a TCI state, where the TCI state includes at least one of a QCL source RS, a QCL type, or an offset in time and/or frequency domain.

In some examples, at least one of a CSI request field, trigger state, RS resource or resource sets or configuration, or CSI reporting configuration can refer to related descriptions as in embodiment 1-3-1, such as:

In some examples, a CSI request field in the DCI or MAC CE can be used to trigger an AP CSI report. DCI can be DCI format 0_1, or DCI format 0_2, or other DCI formats.

In some examples, a CSI or RS resource configuration includes at least one of one or multiple RS resources or RS resource sets. In some examples, if a RS resource set is configured in a CSI resource configuration, it includes one or multiple RS resources. In some examples, each RS resource or resource set is associated with a TCI state. The TCI state includes at least one of a QCL source RS, a QCL type, or an offset in time and/or frequency domain.

Note that for a CSI trigger state, a list of CSI trigger states is configured.

when all bits of the CSI request field are set to zero, no CSI is requested.

EMBODIMENT 1-3-3

Once at least one of a RS resource or resource set configuration and a CSI report configuration is configured by a RRC configuration; or

UE reports a capability of supporting a CSI acquisition;

A DCI signaling to trigger an aperiodic CSI report.

In some examples, a periodic CSI-RS resource or resource set is configured by a RRC.

In some examples, an AP CSI is triggered by a CSI request indicated by a DCI signaling.

In some examples, a trigger state of a list of trigger states is configured for one or multiple candidate cells. Or a list of trigger states is configured for one or multiple candidate cells. Or, different trigger state lists is configured for one or multiple candidate cells.

In some examples, a CSI report configuration is associated with one or multiple CSI or RS resource configurations.

Note that for a CSI trigger state, a list of CSI trigger states is configured.

when all bits of the CSI request field are set to zero, no CSI is requested.

EMBODIMENT 1-3-4

For semi-persistent reporting on a PUSCH, a list of trigger states for semi-persistent CSI reporting is configured by a RRC.

In some examples, a trigger state for a SP CSI reporting is activated by a CSI request filed in the DCI or MAC CE.

In some examples, the DCI is scrambled with SP-CSI-Radio Network Temporary Identifier (RNTI) .

For semi-persistent reporting on a physical uplink control channel (PUCCH) , a PUCCH resource used for transmitting the CSI report is configured by a RRC.

In some examples, the SP CSI reporting on the PUCCH is activated by a MAC CE signaling. where the MAC CE can select one of the SP CSI reporting configuration that includes PUCCH resources for the SP CSI reporting.

In some examples, the SP CSI reporting configuration is associated with one or multiple RS resource configurations for one or multiple cells. The RS can be a SSB or a CSI-RS.

For a UE configured with one or multiple CSI resource configurations and a resource type set to “semi-persistent, ” CSI-RS resource (s) or resource set (s) for channel measurement and/or CSI-IM/NZP CSI-RS resource (s) or resource set (s) for interference measurement for a candidate cell are activated by a MAC CE.

In some examples, one or a single MAC CE can activate or deactivate one or more CSI-RS resource (s) or resource set (s) for a channel measurement and/or CSI-IM/NZP CSI-RS resource (s) or resource set (s) for an interference measurement for one or multiple candidate cells and/or serving cell.

Once at least one of a RS resource or resource set configuration and a CSI report configuration and a list of CSI trigger states is configured by a RRC configuration;

UE reports a capability of supporting a CSI acquisition and at least one of a RS resource or resource set configuration and a CSI report configuration and a list of CSI trigger states is configured by a RRC configuration;

UE reports a capability of supporting a CSI acquisition;

A MAC CE signaling. In some examples, the MAC CE is used to activate or deactivate one or more CSI-RS resource (s) or resource set (s) for channel measurement and/or CSI-IM/NZP CSI-RS resource (s) or resource set (s) for interference measurement for one or more candidate cells. In some examples, the MAC CE is used to trigger or indicate a SP CSI reporting on a PUCCH for a candidate cell; or

A DCI signaling to trigger a SP CSI report.

EMBODIMENT 1-3-5

Different with embodiment 1-3-4, SP CSI-RS is replaced with P CSI-RS, where a periodic CSI-RS resource or resource set is configured by a RRC.

UE reports a capability of supporting a CSI acquisition;

A MAC CE. In some examples, the MAC CE is used to trigger or indicate a SP CSI reporting on a PUCCH for a candidate cell; or

A DCI signaling to trigger a SP CSI report.

EMBODIMENT 1-3-6

A periodic CSI reporting is reported on a PUCCH.

In some examples, a CSI reporting configuration is configured by a RRC, such as periodicity, offset, a PUCCH resource.

In some examples, a CSI reporting configuration is associated with one or more CSI-RS resources or resource sets for one or more candidate cells.

The periodic CSI-RS resource or resource set for a candidate cell is configured by a RRC. In some examples, periodicity and/or offset are configured by the RRC.

Once at least one of a RS resource or resource set configuration and a CSI report configuration is configured by a RRC;

UE reports a capability of supporting a CSI acquisition and at least one of a RS resource or resource set configuration and a CSI report configuration is configured by a RRC;

UE reports a capability of supporting a CSI acquisition.

III. Embodiment 2

In some examples, a TCI state can include at least one of an offset, a periodicity, or an interval in addition to a RS and a QCL type.

In some examples, the offset can be at least one of: an offset of time domain, an offset of frequency domain. In some embodiments, the offset can be at least one of:

an offset between the starting or ending of receiving a MAC CE for TCI state activation for a candidate cell and the starting or ending of a CSI-RS resource or CSI-RS resource set or CSI-RS transmission burst.

an offset between the starting or ending of a symbol or slot where a MAC CE for a TCI state activation for a candidate cell takes effect and the starting or ending of a CSI-RS resource or CSI-RS resource set or a CSI-RS transmission burst.

an offset between the starting or ending of a CSI-RS resource or CSI-RS resource set or a CSI-RS transmission burst and the starting or ending of resource (s) for a CSI report.

an offset between the starting or ending of receiving a MAC CE for TCI state activation for a candidate cell and the starting or ending of resource (s) for a CSI report.

an offset between the starting or ending of a symbol or slot where a MAC CE for TCI state activation for a candidate cell takes effect and the starting or ending of resource (s) for a CSI report.

an offset between a starting or an ending of receiving a DCI and a starting or an ending of a channel state information (CSI) RS (CSI-RS) resource, a CSI-RS resource set, or a CSI-RS transmission burst;

an offset between a starting or an ending of receiving a MAC CE and a starting or an ending of a channel state information (CSI) RS (CSI-RS) resource, a CSI-RS resource set, or a CSI-RS transmission burst;

an offset between a starting or an ending of receiving a DCI and a starting or an ending of a resource for a CSI report;

an offset between a starting or an ending of receiving a MAC CE and a starting or an ending of a resource for a CSI report; or

an offset between a starting or an ending of receiving a channel state information (CSI) RS (CSI-RS) resource, a CSI-RS resource set, or a CSI-RS transmission burst and a starting or an ending of a resource for a CSI report.

In some examples, an interval can be at least one of: an interval of time domain, an interval of frequency domain.

In some examples, the interval can be at least one of:

an interval between CSI-RS resources or CSI-RS resource sets or CSI-RS transmission bursts.

an interval between resource (s) for a CSI report.

In some examples, a periodicity can be at least one of:

A periodicity for a CSI-RS resource or CSI-RS resource set or a CSI-RS transmission burst.

A periodicity for resource (s) for a CSI report.

In some examples, the offset in the time domain for a periodic CSI-RS or a semi-persistent CSI-RS can be updated by at least one of a TCI state, a DCI, a MAC CE, RRC, updating a CSI-RS resource ID or a resource set ID, updating an associated SSB index or transmission occasion, or an update associated with a CSI identification.

In some examples, a TCI state can be an indicated TCI state by a DCI and/or a MAC CE, or an activated TCI state by a MAC CE. The CSI-RS resource ID or resource set ID or TCI state is associated with or includes an offset in the time domain for a periodic CSI-RS or a semi-persistent CSI-RS.

In some examples, an offset of time domain for a CSI measurement and/or reporting can be updated or indicated by at least one of a TCI state, a DCI, a MAC CE, RRC, updating of associated CSI-RS resource identification or a CSI-RS resource set identification, an update associated with a CSI identification, or an update associated with a SSB index or transmission occasion.

IV. Embodiment 3

In order to identify or determine a validation of a RS resource for measurement and/or reporting, CSI reference resource needs to be defined or clarified.

In some examples, a RS is transmitted from a candidate cell. In some examples, a CSI report is reported to a serving cell and/or a candidate cell. In some examples, a RS transmission and/or a CSI report can be for the same cell or different cells, or frequency.

In some examples, one or more RS resources for measurement and/or reporting are seen as validation when one or more RS resources are located before or within a CSI reference resource.

In some examples, a CSI reference resource is defined based on at least one of the following:

T = n-n_{csi_ref};

T = n-n_{csi_ref}+offset#8; or

For the above formulas, at least one of the following parameters can be considered:

n is a slot containing a CSI reporting of the candidate cell;

n_{csi_ref} is a smallest value relative to a CSI report slot;

offset#8 is a slot offset between a serving cell and a candidate cell;

u_CSI is a subcarrier spacing (SCS) configuration for a CSI reporting of a candidate cell in a serving cell;

u_CSI-RS is a SCS configuration for a CSI-RS in a candidate cell; and

u_{max {CSI, CSI-RS}} is a maximum SCS of a serving cell and a candidate cell, or a maximum SCS of a SCS of a CSI reporting of a candidate cell in a serving cell and a SCS of a CSI-RS in a candidate cell.

In some examples, CSI reference resource in the time domain is defined by a single downlink sloton a candidate cell, where it corresponds to a valid downlink slot. Related examples are shown in FIG. 3 to FIG. 6.

Where,

n is the slot containing the CSI reporting of the candidate cell.

n_{csi_ref} is the smallest value relative to a CSI report slot. In some embodiments it can be determined or defined based on the smallest or largest or any SCS for the serving cell and the candidate cell, or SCS for CSI reporting and SCS for CSI-RS.

offset#8 is the slot offset between the serving cell and the candidate cell, or the offset between the slot of CSI reporting of the candidate cell in the serving cell and the slot of the CSI-RS transmission in the candidate cell. In some examples, offset#8 can be configured by at least one of a RRC, a MAC CE, or a DCI. In some examples, offset#8 can be positive or negative.

u_CSI is the subcarrier spacing configuration for the CSI reporting of the candidate cell in the serving cell.

u_CSI-RS is the subcarrier spacing configuration for the CSI-RS in the candidate cell.

u_{max {CSI, CSI-RS}} is the maximum SCS of the serving cell and the candidate cell, or the maximum of SCS of the CSI reporting of the candidate cell in the serving cell and SCS of the CSI-RS in the candidate cell.

is present for the case that CSI reporting of the candidate cell reported on the serving cell, and/or CSI-RS transmission on the candidate cell, and/or CSI reporting of the candidate cell reported on the serving cell and CSI-RS transmission on the candidate cell have different SCSs or numerology, and/or, in an asynchronization scenario, and/or an unaligned slot or frame case.

V. Embodiment 4

Regarding the quantity or content of a CSI report for a candidate cell, at least one of the following can be considered: a CSI-RS resource indicator (CRI) , a channel quality indicator (CQI) , a Pre-coding Matrix Indicator (PMI) , a rank indicator (RI) , lawful interception (LI) , Signal Interference + Noise Ratio (SINR) , Reference Signal Received Quality (RSRQ) , cell identification, or a codebook.

In some examples, one of all potential combinations of CRI, CQI, PMI, RI, LI, SINR, and RSRQ can be reported to the candidate cell and/or the serving cell.

In some examples, CRI, CQI, PMI, RI, LI, SINR, and RSRQ to be reported can be for the candidate cell and/or the serving cell.

In some examples, LI can be calculated conditioned on the reported CQI, PMI, RI, and CRI.

In some examples, CQI can be calculated conditioned on the reported PMI, RI, and CRI.

In some examples, PMI can be calculated conditioned on the reported RI and CRI.

In some examples, RI can be calculated conditioned on the reported CRI.

VI. Embodiment 5

In some embodiments, at least one of the following can be applied to, but not limited to, CSI acquisition, or beam management, or TRS tracking, or other use cases.

Timeline: timeline between DCI and an aperiodic CSI-RS

An aperiodic CSI-RS offset is configured per resource set or resource or per cell or candidate cell.

In some examples, the offset is in the unit of one of a symbol, a slot, a frame, or a subframe.

Location of CSI-RS transmission can be determined by at least one of the following:

K=n+offset#1;

K=n+offset#1+offset#2; or

For the above formulas, at least one of the following can be considered:

n is a slot containing a triggering downlink control information (DCI) signaling;

u_CSI-RS is a subcarrier spacing (SCS) configuration for a CSI-RS transmission in a candidate cell;

u_PDCCH is a SCS configuration for a physical downlink control channel (PDCCH) or a triggering DCI signaling in a serving cell;

offset#1 is a CSI-RS triggering offset in a numerology of a CSI-RS transmission;

offset#2 is a slot or frame offset between a serving cell and a candidate cell; and

u_{max {PDCCH, CSI-RS}} is a maximum SCS configuration among SCSs of a serving cell and a candidate cell or a maximum SCS of a SCS of a PDCCH or a triggering DCI signaling in a serving cell and a SCS of a CSI-RS transmission in a candidate cell.

In some examples, an aperiodic CSI-RS is transmitted in a slot K, K= n + offset. Where, n is the slot containing the triggering DCI in a serving cell. Offset denotes offset between a DCI transmitted in a serving cell and an aperiodic CSI-RS transmitted in a candidate cell. Offset can be configurable or have a fixed value or is up to UE capability.

In some examples, for the case that a PDCCH triggered by a serving cell and an aperiodic CSI-RS have the same Subcarrier Spacing (SCS) or numerology, and/or, in a synchronization scenario, the aperiodic CSI-RS is transmitted in a slot K, K= n + offset. As shown in FIG. 7, the triggering DCI in the serving cell is received in slot #4, offset configured for the candidate cell is 2, the slot where the aperiodic CSI-RS is transmitted is slot #6, K= n + offset = 4 + 2=6.

In some examples, for the case that a PDCCH triggered by a serving cell and an aperiodic CSI-RS have different SCSs or numerology, and/or, in a synchronization scenario,

Case-1: the slot for the aperiodic CSI-RS transmission or reception is determined based on the candidate cell. To be specific, the aperiodic CSI-RS is transmitted in a slot K, K= n*u_CSI-RS/u_DCI+ offset. As shown in FIG. 8 for SCS_CSI-RS<SCS_DCI, SCS for the serving cell or the triggering DCI is 30kHz, SCS for the candidate cell or the CSI-RS is 15kHz. Triggering DCI in the serving cell is received in slot #4, offset configured for the candidate cell is 2, the slot where the aperiodic CSI-RS is transmitted is slot #4, K=n*SCS_CSI-RS/SCS_DCI+ offset = 4* (15/30) + 2=4. FIG. 9 shows the scenario for SCS_CSI-RS>SCS_DCI.

Case-2: the slot for the aperiodic CSI-RS transmission or reception is determined based on the serving cell. To be specific, the aperiodic CSI-RS is transmitted in a slot K, K=n+ offset* (SCS_DCI/SCS_CSI-RS) . As shown in FIG. 10 for SCS_CSI-RS<SCS_DCI, SCS for the serving cell or the triggering DCI is 30kHz, SCS for the candidate cell or the CSI-RS is 15kHz. Triggering DCI in the serving cell is received in slot #4, offset configured for the candidate cell is 2, the slot where the aperiodic CSI-RS is transmitted is slot #4, K=n+ offset* (SCS_DCI/SCS_CSI-RS) = 4 + 2*2=8. But actually, the UE may receive the aperiodic CSI-RS from the candidate cell in the slot based on the serving cell that is overlapped with the aperiodic CSI-RS transmission slot based on the candidate cell. FIG. 11 shows the scenario for SCS_CSI-RS>SCS_DCI.

Note that for an asynchronization scenario for the serving cell and the candidate cell, it may exist that the slot boundary of the serving cell is not aligned with the slot boundary of the candidate cell, or the frame boundary of the serving cell is not aligned with the frame boundary of the candidate cell.

In some examples, for the case that a PDCCH triggered by the serving cell and the aperiodic CSI-RS have the same SCS or numerology, and/or, in an asynchronization scenario, the aperiodic CSI-RS is transmitted in a slot K, K= n + offset + factor, where the factor = (offset_csi-rs/2^u_offset_csirs) *2^u_csirs, where offset_csi-rs is the slot offset between the serving cell and the candidate cell, u_offset_csirs is the maximum SCS of the serving cell and the candidate cell. In some embodiments, the offset_csi-rs can be positive or negative.

As shown in FIG. 12, the start of slot 0 for the serving cell coincides with the start of slot 2 for the candidate cell. Slot 2 for the candidate cell is determined based on the slot offset between the serving cell and the candidate cell and/or “mod the number of slot in frame, ” assuming that the triggering DCI in the serving cell is received in slot #4, offset configured for the candidate cell is 2, the slot where the aperiodic CSI-RS is transmitted is slot #6, K= n + offset + factor = n + offset + (offset_csi-rs/2^u_offset_csirs) *2^u_csirs =4 +2 +2 =8.

In some examples, for the case that a PDCCH triggered by the serving cell and an aperiodic CSI-RS have different SCSs or numerology, and/or, in an asynchronization scenario, the aperiodic CSI-RS is transmitted in a slot K, K=n*2^u_csi-rs/2^u_PDCCH+offset#1+factor, where the factor can be set as offset#2*2^u_csi-rs/2^u_max {PDCCH, CSI-RS} , where n is the slot containing the trigger DCI in the serving cell, u_PDCCH is the subcarrier spacing configuration for the PDCCH or the triggering DCI in the serving cell, u_csi-rs is the subcarrier spacing configuration for the CSI-RS in the candidate cell, offset#1 is the CSI-RS triggering offset in the numerology of the CSI-RS. In some embodiments, it can be configurable by at least one of a RRC, a MAC CE, a DCI, or a TCI state, or fixed or determined based on UE capability. The factor is introduced for at least an async scenario, an unalignment of slot or frame or serving cell and candidate cell, or different SCSs. offset#2 is the slot offset between the serving cell and the candidate cell, or offset between the slot of the triggering DCI in the serving cell and the slot of the CSI-RS transmission in the candidate cell. In some embodiments, offset#2 can be configured by at least one of a RRC, a MAC CE or a DCI. In some embodiments, offset#2 can be positive or negative. u_max {PDCCH, CSI-RS} is the maximum SCS of the serving cell and the candidate cell, or the maximum of SCS of the PDCCH in the serving cell and SCS of the CSI-RS in the candidate cell.

As shown in FIG. 13, SCS for the serving cell or the triggering DCI is 30kHz, SCS for the candidate cell or the CSI-RS is 15kHz. Triggering DCI in the serving cell is received in slot #4, offset#1 configured for candidate cell is 2, offset#2 =-2, u_max {PDCCH, CSI-RS} =1. The aperiodic CSI-RS is transmitted in a slot:

As shown in FIG. 14, a SCS for the serving cell or the triggering DCI is 15kHz, a SCS for the candidate cell or the CSI-RS is 30kHz. Triggering DCI in the serving cell is received in slot #2, offset#1 configured for candidate cell is 2, offset#2 =-2, u_max {PDCCH, CSI-RS} =1. The aperiodic CSI-RS is transmitted in a slot:

Below paragraphs describe the timeline between DCI and a CSI report.

For an aperiodic CSI report on a physical uplink shared channel (PUSCH) , the allowed slot offsets are configured by a RRC. A RRC parameter can be reportSlotOffsetList. The offset is selected in the activating/triggering DCI. In some examples, the aperiodic CSI for the candidate cell is reported on the PUSCH in the serving cell.

When the UE is scheduled to transmit a PUSCH with no transport block and with a CSI report (s) by a 'CSI request' field on a DCI, the 'Time domain resource assignment' field value m of the DCI provides a row index m + 1. The indexed row provides at least one of the offset from the triggering DCI to the CSI reporting, the start and length indicator value (SLIV) , or the start symbol S and the allocation length L, and the PUSCH mapping type to be applied in the PUSCH transmission.

In some examples, the slot where the UE shall transmit the CSI on the PUSCH =n+offset#3, where n is the slot containing the triggering DCI in the serving cell, offset#3 is the CSI reporting offset in the numerology of the CSI or the offset from the triggering DCI to the CSI reporting. In some embodiments, the aperiodic CSI reporting for the candidate cell can be reported in the serving cell.

When the UE is scheduled to transmit a PUSCH with no transport block and with a CSI report (s) by a 'CSI request' field on a DCI,

the 'Time domain resource assignment' field value m of the DCI provides a row index m + 1 to the allocated table.

The indexed row includes at least one of the SLIV, or directly the start symbol S and the allocation length L, and the PUSCH mapping type to be applied in the PUSCH transmission,

and the K₂ value is determined aswhere Y_j, j=0,..., N_Rep-1 are the corresponding list entries of the higher layer parameter reportSlotOffsetList.

When the UE is scheduled to transmit a transport block and a CSI report (s) on PUSCH by a DCI,

the 'Time domain resource assignment' field value m of the DCI; or

the PUSCH time resource allocation field value m of the random access response (RAR) UL grant or of the fallback RAR UL grant

provides a row index m + 1 to an allocated table.

The indexed row includes at least one the slot offset K₂, the SLIV, or directly the start symbol S and the allocation length L, the PUSCH mapping type, and so on.

Below paragraphs describe Quasi Co Location (QCL) .

If a UE is indicated with a TCI state for an aperiodic CSI-RS resource ore resource set, the UE applies the indicated TCI state to receiving the aperiodic CSI-RS.

If an offset between a first or last symbol or slot of a physical downlink control channel (PDCCH) carrying a triggering downlink control information (DCI) signaling for a serving cell or a first or last symbol or slot in a candidate cell corresponding to a first or last symbol or slot of a PDCCH carrying a triggering DCI signaling and a first or last symbol or slot of an aperiodic channel state information (CSI) RS (CSI-RS) resource for a candidate cell is smaller than or equal to a first time gap threshold #1, at least one of the following can be considered:

If there is one or more or any downlink (DL) signal in the same symbol (s) or slot (s) as the CSI-RS, the UE applies QCL assumption of the DL signal when receiving the aperiodic CSI-RS.

In some examples, the DL signal refers to at least one of:

A PDSCH carrying a MAC CE command for the candidate cell and/or with offset larger than or equal to a time gap threshold#2. In some examples, the MAC CE command can be a MAC CE command for a TCI state activation or deactivation, or a MAC CE command for an aperiodic CSI triggering state selection, activation, or deactivation, or a MAC CE command for a semi-persistent CSI triggering state selection, activation, or deactivation, or a MAC CE command for a semi-persistent CSI-RS resource or resource set activation or deactivation, a MAC CE command for a semi-persistent CSI reporting activation or deactivation, or a MAC CE command for a cell switching. In some embodiments, the PDSCH is configured with a TCI state; or,

A PDSCH carrying a random access response (RAR) information. In some embodiments, the PDSCH is configured with a TCI state. In some examples, the PDSCH is configured with an offset larger than or equal to a time gap threshold#2; or,

A PDCCH order for the candidate cell. In some examples, the PDCCH order for the candidate cell is received in symbol (s) or slot (s) in a serving cell that correspond to symbol (s) or slot (s) in which the aperiodic CSI-RS is transmitted by the candidate cell; or

An aperiodic CSI-RS triggered by a DCI for the candidate cell and/or with an offset larger than or equal to time gap threshold#1; or

A periodic CSI-RS. In some examples, the periodic CSI-RS can be configured with a TCI state; or

A semi-persistent CSI-RS. In some examples, the semi-persistent CSI-RS can be configured with a TCI state; or

A SSB. In some examples, the SSB can be configured with a TCI state; or

A RS indicated by the PDCCH order to trigger a random access channel (RACH) transmission for the candidate cell. In some examples, the RS (e.g., SSB or CSI-RS) can be configured with a TCI state; or

A RS associated with a RS indicated by a PDCCH order to trigger a RACH transmission for the candidate cell. In some examples, the RS (e.g., SSB or CSI-RS) can be configured with a TCI state.

Otherwise, at least one of the following can be considered:

if there is a QCL assumption or parameter of a control resource for a candidate cell, the wireless device applies the QCL assumption or parameter of the control resource;

if there is a QCL assumption or parameter of a control resource for a candidate cell that is transmitted or received from a serving cell, the wireless device applies the QCL assumption or parameter of the control resource;

if there is a QCL assumption or parameter of a control resource set (CORESET) for a candidate cell and a CSI-RS is received or transmitted from a candidate cell, the wireless device applies the QCL assumption or parameter of the CORESET;

if there is a QCL assumption or parameter of a control resource for a candidate cell that is transmitted or received from a serving cell and a CSI-RS is received or transmitted from a candidate cell, the wireless device applies the QCL assumption or parameter of the control resource;

UE applies a QCL assumption or parameter of a CORESET associated with a monitored search space in a latest slot where one or more CORESETs of a serving cell are monitored;

UE applies a QCL assumption or parameter of a CORESET associated with a monitored search space in a latest slot where one or more CORESETs of a candidate cell are monitored;

UE applies a QCL assumption or parameter of a CORESET associated with a monitored search space in a latest slot where one or more CORESETs of a candidate cell are monitored from a serving cell;

UE applies a QCL assumption or parameter of a CORESET that is the same as or associated with a CORESET or search space or DCI that triggers an aperiodic CSI-RS resource or resource set;

UE applies a QCL assumption or parameter of a CORESET that is the same as or associated with a CORESET or search space or DCI that triggers an aperiodic CSI-RS resource or resource set for a candidate cell; or

UE applies an indicated transmission configuration indication (TCI) state to receive an aperiodic CSI-RS resource or resource set.

If the offset between the last symbol of a PDCCH carrying a triggering DCI for a serving cell and the first symbol of an aperiodic CSI-RS resource (s) for a candidate cell is greater than or equal to a time gap threshold#1, at least one of the following can be considered:

UE is expected to apply the QCL assumptions in the indicated TCI state (s) for the aperiodic CSI-RS resource (s) ; or

UE is expected to apply the QCL assumptions in the indicated TCI state (s) for the aperiodic CSI-RS resource (s) to receive the aperiodic CSI-RS and the PDSCH/aperiodic CSI-RS in an overlapped symbol (s) or slot (s) . In some examples, these RSs in overlapping symbol (s) or slot (s) are from the same candidate cell.

UE is not expected to receive the aperiodic CSI-RS and the PDSCH/aperiodic CSI-RS with different TCI states or QCL assumption or QCL parameter (s) in overlapped symbol (s) or slot (s) . In some examples, at least one of these RSs in overlapping symbol (s) or slot (s) are from the same candidate cell.

UE is not expected to receive an aperiodic CSI-RS and a PDSCH or PDCCH order or SSB or DL channel or signal with different TCI states, QCL assumptions, or QCL parameters in overlapped symbols or slots.

In some examples, a UE is not expected to be configured with different TCI-StateId’s for the same aperiodic CSI-RS resource ID configured in multiple aperiodic CSI-RS resource sets or multiple aperiodic CSI-RS resources with the same or different triggering offsets in the same aperiodic trigger state.

In some examples, a UE is not expected to receive more than one aperiodic CSI report request for a transmission in a given slot per cell.

In some examples, a UE is not expected to receive an aperiodic CSI report request for a transmission in a slot overlapping with any slot having an aperiodic CSI report transmission in a list of cells.

In some examples, if a DL bandwidth part (BWP) and/or carrier in which a CSI-RS is transmitted by a candidate cell or received by UE is different from a DL BWP and/or carrier in which a triggering DCI is transmitted by a serving cell or received by UE, or if a cell on which a CSI-RS is transmitted or received is different from a cell on which a triggering DCI is transmitted or received, at least one of the following can be considered:

The last symbol of the DCI carrying the CSI trigger shall be no later than the first symbol of the triggered CSI-RS.

UE is not expected to have any triggering DCI after the last symbol of DCI carrying the CSI trigger and before the first symbol of the triggered CSI-RS.

This patent document discloses, but is not limited to, the following features:

Triggering conditions for a CSI acquisition before a cell switch command is received (seen in embodiment 1 and subembodiments corresponding to embodiment 1) .

Timeline for a DCI received in a serving cell to a CSI-RS received in a candidate cell, and the CSI-RS in the candidate cell to a CSI reporting of the candidate cell in the serving cell.

A QCL assumption for a CSI-RS reception.

Definition of a CSI reference resource in the time domain (for a CSI-RS in a candidate cell and a CSI reporting of the candidate cell in a serving cell) (seen in embodiment 3) .

A TCI state including an offset of time domain for a CSI-RS resource or resource set. (seen in embodiment 2) .

FIG. 15 is an example flowchart for performing a RS-based measurement or reporting. Operation 1502 includes receiving, by a wireless device, a reference signal (RS) -related information for one or more candidate cells. Operation 1504 includes performing, by the wireless device and according to the RS-related information, at least one of a RS-based measurement or a RS-based reporting. In some embodiments, the method can be implemented according to Embodiments 1-5. In some embodiments, performing further steps of the method can be based on a better system performance than a legacy protocol.

In some embodiments, performing the at least one of the RS-based measurement or the RS-based reporting includes performing a channel state information (CSI) acquisition, where the CSI acquisition is indicated or triggered based on at least one of the following: one or more transmission configuration indication (TCI) states; or a medium access control (MAC) control element (CE) for activating or deactivating at least one TCI state of the one or more TCI states. In some embodiments, the one or more TCI states include at least one of an activated TCI state, a configured TCI state, or an indicated TCI state.

In some embodiments, a RS index in an activated, configured, or indicated transmission configuration indication (TCI) state is associated with or corresponds to, or a first RS index in an activated, configured, or indicated TCI state is associated with a second RS index or an identification that is associated with or corresponds to, at least one of the following: one or more channel state information (CSI) RS (CSI-RS) resources; one or more synchronization signal and physical broadcast channel (PBCH) block (SSB) indexes; one or more CSI-RS resource sets; one or more SSB index lists; one or more sounding reference signal (SRS) resources; one or more SRS resource sets; one or more CSI-RS transmission bursts; one or more SSB transmission bursts; or one or more SRS transmission bursts.

In some embodiments, performing the at least one of the RS-based measurement or the RS-based reporting includes performing a channel state information (CSI) acquisition, where the CSI acquisition is indicated or triggered based on at least one of the following: a physical downlink control channel (PDCCH) order signaling; or an information indicated or included in the PDCCH order signaling. In some embodiments, the information indicated or included in the PDCCH order signaling includes at least one of a preamble index, a RS index, a physical random access channel (PRACH) mask index, a random access channel (RACH) occasion (RO) , an uplink (UL) carrier indicator, or a cell indicator.

In some embodiments, a RS index, a cell indicator, a RS index associated with a physical random access channel (PRACH) mask index, or a random access channel (RACH) occasion (RO) indicated by a physical downlink control channel (PDCCH) order signaling for a candidate cell is associated with or corresponds to, or a first RS index indicated by a PDCCH order signaling for a candidate cell is associated with a second RS index or an identification that is associated with or corresponds to, at least one of the following: one or more channel state information (CSI) RS (CSI-RS) resources; one or more synchronization signal and physical broadcast channel (PBCH) block (SSB) indexes; one or more CSI-RS resource sets; one or more SSB index lists; one or more sounding reference signal (SRS) resources; one or more SRS resource sets; one or more CSI-RS transmission bursts; one or more SSB transmission bursts; or one or more SRS transmission bursts.

In some embodiments, a physical downlink control channel (PDCCH) order signaling triggers, activates, or is associated with one or more transmission configuration indication (TCI) states.

In some embodiments, a RS index, a cell indicator, a RS index associated with a physical random access channel (PRACH) mask index, or a random access channel (RACH) occasion (RO) indicated by a physical downlink control channel (PDCCH) order signaling is associated with or corresponds to a RS index in a transmission configuration indication (TCI) state.

In some embodiments, performing the at least one of the RS-based measurement or the RS-based reporting includes performing a channel state information (CSI) acquisition, where the CSI acquisition for a candidate cell of the one or more candidate cells is indicated, triggered, or configured based on at least one of a radio resource control (RRC) configuration, a medium access control (MAC) control element (CE) signaling, a downlink control information (DCI) signaling, or a pre-configuration. In some embodiments, a CSI request field in the DCI signaling is used to trigger at least one of an aperiodic CSI-RS, an aperiodic CSI report, or a semi-persistent CSI report, where the DCI signaling includes a DCI format 0_1, a DCI format 0_2, or other DCI formats. In some embodiments, a codepoint of a CSI request field is associated with a CSI trigger state, where the CSI trigger state is associated with one or more CSI report configurations or one or more CSI resource configurations for the one or more candidate cells, and/or where a CSI report configuration is associated with one or more CSI resource configurations for the one or more candidate cells.

In some embodiments, an aperiodic channel state information (CSI) RS (CSI-RS) is transmitted, measured, or received in a slot K determined by at least one of the following: K=n+offset#1; K=n+offset#1+offset#2; or where one or more parameters are defined as follows: n is a slot containing a triggering downlink control information (DCI) signaling; u_CSI-RS is a subcarrier spacing (SCS) configuration for a CSI-RS transmission in a candidate cell; u_PDCCH is a SCS configuration for a physical downlink control channel (PDCCH) or a triggering DCI signaling in a serving cell; offset#1 is a CSI-RS triggering offset in a numerology of a CSI-RS transmission; offset#2 is a slot or frame offset between a serving cell and a candidate cell; and u_{max {PDCCH, CSI-RS}} is a maximum SCS configuration among SCSs of a serving cell and a candidate cell or a maximum SCS of a SCS of a PDCCH or a triggering DCI signaling in a serving cell and a SCS of a CSI-RS transmission in a candidate cell.

In some embodiments, if an offset between a first or last symbol or slot of a physical downlink control channel (PDCCH) carrying a triggering downlink control information (DCI) signaling for a serving cell or a first or last symbol or slot in a candidate cell corresponding to a first or last symbol or slot of a PDCCH carrying a triggering DCI signaling and a first or last symbol or slot of an aperiodic channel state information (CSI) RS (CSI-RS) resource for a candidate cell is smaller than or equal to a first time gap threshold, at least one of the following applies: if there is one or more downlink (DL) signals in a same symbol or slot as a CSI-RS, the wireless device applies a quasi co location (QCL) assumption of a DL signal when receiving the CSI-RS; or the wireless device applies a default QCL assumption rule for the CSI-RS.

In some embodiments, the default QCL assumption rule includes at least one of the following: if there is a QCL assumption or parameter of a control resource for a candidate cell, the wireless device applies the QCL assumption or parameter of the control resource; if there is a QCL assumption or parameter of a control resource for a candidate cell that is transmitted or received from a serving cell, the wireless device applies the QCL assumption or parameter of the control resource; if there is a QCL assumption or parameter of a control resource set (CORESET) for a candidate cell and a CSI-RS is received or transmitted from the candidate cell, the wireless device applies the QCL assumption or parameter of the CORESET; if there is a QCL assumption or parameter of a control resource for a candidate cell that is transmitted or received from a serving cell and a CSI-RS is received or transmitted from the candidate cell, the wireless device applies the QCL assumption or parameter of the control resource; the wireless device applies a QCL assumption or parameter of a CORESET associated with a monitored search space in a latest slot where one or more CORESETs of a serving cell are monitored; the wireless device applies a QCL assumption or parameter of a CORESET associated with a monitored search space in a latest slot where one or more CORESETs of a candidate cell are monitored; the wireless device applies a QCL assumption or parameter of a CORESET associated with a monitored search space in a latest slot where one or more CORESETs of a candidate cell are monitored from a serving cell; the wireless device applies a QCL assumption or parameter of a CORESET that is same as or associated with a CORESET, a search space, or a DCI that triggers an aperiodic CSI-RS resource or resource set; the wireless device applies a QCL assumption or parameter of a CORESET that is same as or associated with a CORESET, a search space, or a DCI that triggers an aperiodic CSI-RS resource or resource set for a candidate cell; or the wireless device applies an indicated transmission configuration indication (TCI) state to receive an aperiodic CSI-RS resource or resource set.

In some embodiments, each DL signal of the one or more DL signals includes at least one of the following: a physical downlink shared channel (PDSCH) carrying a medium access control (MAC) control element (CE) command for a candidate cell; a PDSCH for a candidate cell with an offset greater than or equal to a second time gap threshold; a PDSCH carrying a MAC CE command for a candidate cell and with an offset greater than or equal to the second time gap threshold; a PDSCH carrying a random access response (RAR) information for a candidate cell; a physical downlink control channel (PDCCH) order signaling for a candidate cell; an aperiodic CSI-RS triggered by a DCI for a candidate cell; an aperiodic CSI-RS triggered by a DCI for a candidate cell and with an offset greater than or equal to the first time gap threshold; a periodic CSI-RS; a semi-persistent CSI-RS; a synchronization signal and physical broadcast channel (PBCH) block (SSB) ; a RS indicated by a PDCCH order signaling for a candidate cell; a RS indicated by a PDCCH order signaling to trigger a random access channel (RACH) transmission for a candidate cell; a RS associated with a RS indicated by a PDCCH order signaling for a candidate cell; or a RS associated with a RS indicated by a PDCCH order signaling to trigger a RACH transmission for a candidate cell.

In some embodiments, the MAC CE command is a MAC CE command for a transmission configuration indication (TCI) state activation or deactivation; a MAC CE command for an aperiodic CSI triggering state selection, activation, or deactivation; a MAC CE command for a semi-persistent CSI triggering state selection, activation, or deactivation; a MAC CE command for a semi-persistent CSI-RS resource or resource set activation or deactivation; a MAC CE command for a semi-persistent CSI reporting activation or deactivation; or a MAC CE command for a cell switching.

In some embodiments, at least one of the following applies: the PDSCH is configured with a transmission configuration indication (TCI) state; a PDCCH order for a candidate cell is received in a symbol or slot in a serving cell that corresponds to a symbol or slot in which an aperiodic CSI-RS is transmitted by the candidate cell; the periodic CSI-RS is configured with a TCI state; the aperiodic CSI-RS is configured with a TCI state; the semi-persistent CSI-RS is configured with a TCI state; or the SSB is configured with a TCI state.

In some embodiments, if an offset between a first or last symbol of a physical downlink control channel (PDCCH) carrying a triggering downlink control information (DCI) signaling for a serving cell and a first or last symbol of an aperiodic CSI-RS resource for a candidate cell is greater than or equal to a first time gap threshold, at least one of the following applies: the wireless device is expected to apply a quasi co location (QCL) assumption in an indicated transmission configuration indication (TCI) state for the aperiodic CSI-RS resource; the wireless device is expected to apply a QCL assumption in an indicated TCI state for the aperiodic CSI-RS resource to receive an aperiodic CSI-RS and a physical downlink shared channel (PDSCH) in an overlapped symbol or slot; or the wireless device is not expected to receive an aperiodic CSI-RS and at least one of a PDSCH, a PDCCH order, a synchronization signal and physical broadcast channel (PBCH) block (SSB) , or a downlink (DL) channel or signal with different TCI states, QCL assumptions, or QCL parameters in overlapped symbols or slots. In some embodiments, RSs in overlapped symbols or slots are from a same or different candidate cells.

In some embodiments, performing the at least one of the RS-based measurement or the RS-based reporting includes performing a channel state information (CSI) acquisition, where the CSI acquisition is triggered, indicated, or configured by at least one of the following: at least one of a RS resource or resource set, a CSI report configuration, or a list of CSI trigger states being configured by a radio resource control (RRC) configuration; the wireless device reporting a capability of supporting the CSI acquisition; a medium access control (MAC) control element (CE) signaling to activate or deactivate a semi-persistent CSI-RS or a semi-persistent CSI interference measurement (CSI-IM) resource or resource set; a MAC CE used to activate or deactivate a CSI-RS resource or resource set for a channel measurement and/or a CSI-IM/non-zero-power CSI-RS resource or resource set for an interference measurement for a candidate cell; a MAC CE used to trigger or indicate a semi- persistent CSI reporting on a physical uplink control channel (PUCCH) for a candidate cell; a downlink control information (DCI) signaling to trigger an aperiodic CSI report; a MAC CE for a transmission configuration indication (TCI) state activation or deactivation for a candidate cell; a DCI signaling to trigger a semi-persistent CSI report; a DCI signaling to trigger a random access channel (RACH) transmission for a candidate cell; a RS resource or resource set being configured for the CSI acquisition; a RS resource or resource set being not configured for a tracking reference signal (TRS) tracking or a beam management; a RS resource or resource set being not configured for a TRS tracking and a beam management; or a quantity of reporting being configured or set as a special value or state.

In some embodiments, the RS-related information includes at least one of the following: one or more channel state information (CSI) resource configurations, one or more CSI-RS resources, one or more CSI-RS resource sets, one or more CSI reporting configurations, a list of triggering states, a candidate cell information or identification, a transmission configuration indication (TCI) state, a time domain information, a frequency domain information, a periodicity, or an offset.

In some embodiments, a transmission configuration indication (TCI) state includes at least one of an offset, a periodicity, or an interval.

In some embodiments, the offset includes at least one of the following: an offset between a starting or an ending of receiving a medium access control (MAC) control element (CE) for a TCI state activation for a candidate cell and a starting or an ending of a channel state information (CSI) RS (CSI-RS) resource, a CSI-RS resource set, or a CSI-RS transmission burst; an offset between a starting or an ending of a symbol or slot where a MAC CE for a TCI state activation for a candidate cell takes effect and a starting or an ending of a CSI-RS resource, a CSI-RS resource set, or a CSI-RS transmission burst; an offset between a starting or an ending of a CSI-RS resource, a CSI-RS resource set, or a CSI-RS transmission burst and a starting or an ending of a resource for a CSI report; an offset between a starting or an ending of receiving a MAC CE for a TCI state activation for a candidate cell and a starting or an ending of a resource for a CSI report; an offset between a starting or an ending of a symbol or slot where a MAC CE for a TCI state activation for a candidate cell takes effect and a starting or an ending of a resource for a CSI report; an offset between a starting or an ending of receiving a downlink control information (DCI) signaling and a starting or an ending of a CSI-RS resource, a CSI-RS resource set, or a CSI-RS transmission burst; an offset between a starting or an ending of receiving a MAC CE and a starting or an ending of a CSI-RS resource, a CSI-RS resource set, or a CSI-RS transmission burst; an offset between a starting or an ending of receiving a DCI signaling and a starting or an ending of a resource for a CSI report; an offset between a starting or an ending of receiving a MAC CE and a starting or an ending of a resource for a CSI report; or an offset between a starting or an ending of receiving a CSI-RS resource, a CSI-RS resource set, or a CSI-RS transmission burst and a starting or an ending of a resource for a CSI report.

In some embodiments, an offset in a time domain for a channel state information (CSI) measurement and/or reporting is updated by at least one of the following: a transmission configuration indication (TCI) state, a downlink control information (DCI) signaling, a medium access control (MAC) control element (CE) , an update associated with a CSI-RS resource identification or a CSI-RS resource set identification, or an update associated with a CSI identification.

In some embodiments, the interval includes at least one of the following: an interval between channel state information (CSI) RS (CSI-RS) resources, CSI-RS resource sets, or CSI-RS transmission bursts; or an interval between resources for a CSI report.

In some embodiments, the periodicity includes at least one of the following: a periodicity for a channel state information (CSI) RS (CSI-RS) resource, a CSI-RS resource set, or a CSI-RS transmission burst; or a periodicity for a CSI report.

In some embodiments, a downlink (DL) slot T for a channel state information (CSI) reference resource in a candidate cell is determined by at least one of the following: T=n-n_{csi_ref}; T = n-n_{csi_ref}+offset#8; where one or more parameters are defined as follows: n is a slot containing a CSI reporting of a candidate cell; n_{csi_ref} is a smallest value relative to a CSI report slot; offset#8 is a slot offset between a serving cell and a candidate cell; u_CSI is a subcarrier spacing (SCS) configuration for a CSI reporting of a candidate cell in a serving cell; u_CSI-RS is a SCS configuration for a CSI-RS in a candidate cell; and u_{max {CSI, CSI-RS}} is a maximum SCS of a serving cell and a candidate cell, or a maximum SCS of a SCS of a CSI reporting of a candidate cell in a serving cell and a SCS of a CSI-RS in a candidate cell. In some embodiments, n_{csi_ref} is determined, defined, or configured based on a smallest, greatest, or any SCS for a serving cell and a candidate cell, a SCS for a CSI reporting, a SCS for a CSI-RS, or a UE capability.

In some embodiments, at least one of the following is reported in a channel state information (CSI) reporting: a CSI-RS resource indicator (CRI) , a channel quality indicator (CQI) , a pre-coding matrix indicator (PMI) , a rank indicator (RI) , a lawful interception (LI) , a signal interference and noise ratio (SINR) , a reference signal received quality (RSRQ) , a cell identification, or a codebook.

FIG. 16 is an example flowchart for receiving a CSI report. Operation 1602 includes configuring, by a network device, a reference signal (RS) -related information for one or more candidate cells. Operation 1604 includes transmitting, by the network device, a RS according to the RS-related information. Operation 1606 includes receiving, by the network device and based on the RS, a channel state information (CSI) report. In some embodiments, the method can be implemented according to Embodiments 1-5. In some embodiments, performing further steps of the method can be based on a better system performance than a legacy protocol. All the above technical solutions that are applicable to the wireless device are applicable to the network device.

FIG. 17 shows an example block diagram of a hardware platform 1700 that may be a part of a network device (e.g., base station, or transmission and reception point (TRP) ) or a wireless device (e.g., a user equipment (UE) ) . The hardware platform 1700 includes at least one processor 1710 and a memory 1705 having instructions stored thereupon. The instructions upon execution by the processor 1710 configure the hardware platform 1700 to perform the operations described in FIGS. 1 to 16 and in the various embodiments described in this patent document. The transmitter 1715 transmits or sends information or data to another device. For example, a network device transmitter can send a message to a user equipment. The receiver 1720 receives information or data transmitted or sent by another device. For example, a user equipment can receive a message from a network device. For example, a UE, a wireless device, or a network device, as described in the present document, may be implemented using the hardware platform 1700.

The implementations as discussed above will apply to a wireless communication. FIG. 18 shows an example of a wireless communication system (e.g., a 5G or NR cellular network) that includes a base station 1820 and one or more user equipment (UE) 1811, 1812, and 1813. In some embodiments, the UEs access the BS (e.g., the network, the TRP) using a communication link to the network (sometimes called uplink direction, as depicted by dashed arrows 1831, 1832, 1833) , which then enables subsequent communication (e.g., shown in the direction from the network to the UEs, sometimes called downlink direction, shown by arrows 1841, 1842, 1843) from the BS to the UEs. In some embodiments, the BS send information to the UEs (sometimes called downlink direction, as depicted by arrows 1841, 1842, 1843) , which then enables subsequent communication (e.g., shown in the direction from the UEs to the BS, sometimes called uplink direction, shown by dashed arrows 1831, 1832, 1833) from the UEs to the BS. The UE may be, for example, a smartphone, a tablet, a mobile computer, a machine to machine (M2M) device, an Internet of Things (IoT) device, and so on. The UEs described in the present document may be communicatively coupled to the base station 1820 depicted in FIG. 18.

It will be appreciated by one of skill in the art that the present patent document discloses methods of performing, by a wireless device, a RS-based measurement or reporting, including determining slots for CSI-RSs and CSI reference resources. The present patent document identifies multiple initiation methods for the wireless device to report a RS-based measurement.

Some of the embodiments described herein are described in the general context of methods or processes, which may be implemented in one embodiment by a computer program product, embodied in a computer-readable medium, including computer-executable instructions, such as program code, executed by computers in networked environments. A computer-readable medium may include removable and non-removable storage devices including, but not limited to, Read Only Memory (ROM) , Random Access Memory (RAM) , compact discs (CDs) , digital versatile discs (DVD) , etc. Therefore, the computer-readable media can include a non-transitory storage media. Generally, program modules may include routines, programs, objects, components, data structures, etc. that perform particular tasks or implement particular abstract data types. Computer-or processor-executable instructions, associated data structures, and program modules represent examples of program code for executing steps of the methods disclosed herein. The particular sequence of such executable instructions or associated data structures represents examples of corresponding acts for implementing the functions described in such steps or processes.

Some of the disclosed embodiments can be implemented as devices or modules using hardware circuits, software, or combinations thereof. For example, a hardware circuit implementation can include discrete analog and/or digital components that are, for example, integrated as part of a printed circuit board. Alternatively, or additionally, the disclosed components or modules can be implemented as an Application Specific Integrated Circuit (ASIC) and/or as a Field Programmable Gate Array (FPGA) device. Some implementations may additionally or alternatively include a digital signal processor (DSP) that is a specialized microprocessor with an architecture optimized for the operational needs of digital signal processing associated with the disclosed functionalities of this application. Similarly, the various components or sub-components within each module may be implemented in software, hardware, or firmware. The connectivity between the modules and/or components within the modules may be provided using any one of the connectivity methods and media that is known in the art, including, but not limited to, communications over the Internet, wired, or wireless networks using the appropriate protocols.

While this document contains many specifics, these should not be construed as limitations on the scope of an invention that is claimed or of what may be claimed, but rather as descriptions of features specific to particular embodiments. Certain features that are described in this document in the context of separate embodiments can also be implemented in combination in a single embodiment. Conversely, various features that are described in the context of a single embodiment can also be implemented in multiple embodiments separately or in any suitable sub-combination. Moreover, although features may be described above as acting in certain combinations and even initially claimed as such, one or more features from a claimed combination can in some cases be excised from the combination, and the claimed combination may be directed to a sub-combination or a variation of a sub-combination. Similarly, while operations are depicted in the drawings in a particular order, this should not be understood as requiring that such operations be performed in the particular order shown or in sequential order, or that all illustrated operations be performed, to achieve desirable results.

Only a few implementations and examples are described, and other implementations, enhancements and variations can be made based on what is described and illustrated in this patent document.

Claims

A method of wireless communication, comprising:

receiving, by a wireless device, a reference signal (RS) -related information for one or more candidate cells; and

performing, by the wireless device and according to the RS-related information, at least one of a RS-based measurement or a RS-based reporting.
The method of claim 1, wherein performing the at least one of the RS-based measurement or the RS-based reporting comprises performing a channel state information (CSI) acquisition, and wherein the CSI acquisition is indicated or triggered based on at least one of the following:

one or more transmission configuration indication (TCI) states; or

a medium access control (MAC) control element (CE) for activating or deactivating at least one TCI state of the one or more TCI states.
The method of claim 2, wherein the one or more TCI states comprise at least one of an activated TCI state, a configured TCI state, or an indicated TCI state.
The method of any of claims 1-3, wherein a RS index in an activated, configured, or indicated transmission configuration indication (TCI) state is associated with or corresponds to, or a first RS index in an activated, configured, or indicated TCI state is associated with a second RS index or an identification that is associated with or corresponds to, at least one of the following:

one or more channel state information (CSI) RS (CSI-RS) resources;

one or more synchronization signal and physical broadcast channel (PBCH) block (SSB) indexes;

one or more CSI-RS resource sets;

one or more SSB index lists;

one or more sounding reference signal (SRS) resources;

one or more SRS resource sets;

one or more CSI-RS transmission bursts;

one or more SSB transmission bursts; or

one or more SRS transmission bursts.
The method of claim 1, wherein performing the at least one of the RS-based measurement or the RS-based reporting comprises performing a channel state information (CSI) acquisition, and wherein the CSI acquisition is indicated or triggered based on at least one of the following:

a physical downlink control channel (PDCCH) order signaling; or

an information indicated or comprised in the PDCCH order signaling.
The method of claim 5, wherein the information indicated or comprised in the PDCCH order signaling comprises at least one of a preamble index, a RS index, a physical random access channel (PRACH) mask index, a random access channel (RACH) occasion (RO) , an uplink (UL) carrier indicator, or a cell indicator.
The method of any of claims 1, 5, or 6, wherein a RS index, a cell indicator, a RS index associated with a physical random access channel (PRACH) mask index, or a random access channel (RACH) occasion (RO) indicated by a physical downlink control channel (PDCCH) order signaling for a candidate cell is associated with or corresponds to, or a first RS index indicated by a PDCCH order signaling for a candidate cell is associated with a second RS index or an identification that is associated with or corresponds to, at least one of the following:

one or more channel state information (CSI) RS (CSI-RS) resources;

one or more synchronization signal and physical broadcast channel (PBCH) block (SSB) indexes;

one or more CSI-RS resource sets;

one or more SSB index lists;

one or more sounding reference signal (SRS) resources;

one or more SRS resource sets;

one or more CSI-RS transmission bursts;

one or more SSB transmission bursts; or

one or more SRS transmission bursts.
The method of any of claims 1-7, wherein a physical downlink control channel (PDCCH) order signaling triggers, activates, or is associated with one or more transmission configuration indication (TCI) states.
The method of any of claims 1-8, wherein a RS index, a cell indicator, a RS index associated with a physical random access channel (PRACH) mask index, or a random access channel (RACH) occasion (RO) indicated by a physical downlink control channel (PDCCH) order signaling is associated with or corresponds to a RS index in a transmission configuration indication (TCI) state.
The method of claim 1, wherein performing the at least one of the RS-based measurement or the RS-based reporting comprises performing a channel state information (CSI) acquisition, and wherein the CSI acquisition for a candidate cell of the one or more candidate cells is indicated, triggered, or configured based on at least one of a radio resource control (RRC) configuration, a medium access control (MAC) control element (CE) signaling, a downlink control information (DCI) signaling, or a pre-configuration.
The method of claim 10, wherein a CSI request field in the DCI signaling is used to trigger at least one of an aperiodic CSI-RS, an aperiodic CSI report, or a semi-persistent CSI report, and wherein the DCI signaling comprises a DCI format 0_1, a DCI format 0_2, or other DCI formats.
The method of claim 10 or 11, wherein a codepoint of a CSI request field is associated with a CSI trigger state, wherein the CSI trigger state is associated with one or more CSI report configurations or one or more CSI resource configurations for the one or more candidate cells, and/or wherein a CSI report configuration is associated with one or more CSI resource configurations for the one or more candidate cells.
The method of any of claims 1 or 10-12, wherein an aperiodic channel state information (CSI) RS (CSI-RS) is transmitted, measured, or received in a slot K determined by at least one of the following:
K=n+offset#1;

K=n+offset#1+offset#2; or

and wherein one or more parameters are defined as follows:

n is a slot containing a triggering downlink control information (DCI) signaling;

u_CSI-RS is a subcarrier spacing (SCS) configuration for a CSI-RS transmission in a candidate cell;

u_PDCCH is a SCS configuration for a physical downlink control channel (PDCCH) or a triggering DCI signaling in a serving cell;

offset#1 is a CSI-RS triggering offset in a numerology of a CSI-RS transmission;

offset#2 is a slot or frame offset between a serving cell and a candidate cell; and

u_{max {PDCCH, CSI-RS}} is a maximum SCS configuration among SCSs of a serving cell and a candidate cell or a maximum SCS of a SCS of a PDCCH or a triggering DCI signaling in a serving cell and a SCS of a CSI-RS transmission in a candidate cell.
The method of any of claims 1 or 11-13, wherein if an offset between a first or last symbol or slot of a physical downlink control channel (PDCCH) carrying a triggering downlink control information (DCI) signaling for a serving cell or a first or last symbol or slot in a candidate cell corresponding to a first or last symbol or slot of a PDCCH carrying a triggering DCI signaling and a first or last symbol or slot of an aperiodic channel state information (CSI) RS (CSI-RS) resource for a candidate cell is smaller than or equal to a first time gap threshold, at least one of the following applies:

if there is one or more downlink (DL) signals in a same symbol or slot as a CSI-RS, the wireless device applies a quasi co location (QCL) assumption of a DL signal when receiving the CSI-RS; or

the wireless device applies a default QCL assumption rule for the CSI-RS.
The method of claim 14, wherein the default QCL assumption rule comprises at least one of the following:

if there is a QCL assumption or parameter of a control resource for a candidate cell, the wireless device applies the QCL assumption or parameter of the control resource;

if there is a QCL assumption or parameter of a control resource for a candidate cell that is transmitted or received from a serving cell, the wireless device applies the QCL assumption or parameter of the control resource;

if there is a QCL assumption or parameter of a control resource set (CORESET) for a candidate cell and a CSI-RS is received or transmitted from the candidate cell, the wireless device applies the QCL assumption or parameter of the CORESET;

if there is a QCL assumption or parameter of a control resource for a candidate cell that is transmitted or received from a serving cell and a CSI-RS is received or transmitted from the candidate cell, the wireless device applies the QCL assumption or parameter of the control resource;

the wireless device applies a QCL assumption or parameter of a CORESET associated with a monitored search space in a latest slot where one or more CORESETs of a serving cell are monitored;

the wireless device applies a QCL assumption or parameter of a CORESET associated with a monitored search space in a latest slot where one or more CORESETs of a candidate cell are monitored;

the wireless device applies a QCL assumption or parameter of a CORESET associated with a monitored search space in a latest slot where one or more CORESETs of a candidate cell are monitored from a serving cell;

the wireless device applies a QCL assumption or parameter of a CORESET that is same as or associated with a CORESET, a search space, or a DCI that triggers an aperiodic CSI-RS resource or resource set;

the wireless device applies a QCL assumption or parameter of a CORESET that is same as or associated with a CORESET, a search space, or a DCI that triggers an aperiodic CSI-RS resource or resource set for a candidate cell; or

the wireless device applies an indicated transmission configuration indication (TCI) state to receive an aperiodic CSI-RS resource or resource set.
The method of claim 14, wherein each DL signal of the one or more DL signals comprises at least one of the following:

a physical downlink shared channel (PDSCH) carrying a medium access control (MAC) control element (CE) command for a candidate cell;

a PDSCH for a candidate cell with an offset greater than or equal to a second time gap threshold;

a PDSCH carrying a MAC CE command for a candidate cell and with an offset greater than or equal to the second time gap threshold;

a PDSCH carrying a random access response (RAR) information for a candidate cell;

a physical downlink control channel (PDCCH) order signaling for a candidate cell;

an aperiodic CSI-RS triggered by a DCI for a candidate cell;

an aperiodic CSI-RS triggered by a DCI for a candidate cell and with an offset greater than or equal to the first time gap threshold;

a periodic CSI-RS;

a semi-persistent CSI-RS;

a synchronization signal and physical broadcast channel (PBCH) block (SSB) ;

a RS indicated by a PDCCH order signaling for a candidate cell;

a RS indicated by a PDCCH order signaling to trigger a random access channel (RACH) transmission for a candidate cell;

a RS associated with a RS indicated by a PDCCH order signaling for a candidate cell; or

a RS associated with a RS indicated by a PDCCH order signaling to trigger a RACH transmission for a candidate cell.
The method of claim 16, wherein the MAC CE command is a MAC CE command for a transmission configuration indication (TCI) state activation or deactivation; a MAC CE command for an aperiodic CSI triggering state selection, activation, or deactivation; a MAC CE command for a semi-persistent CSI triggering state selection, activation, or deactivation; a MAC CE command for a semi-persistent CSI-RS resource or resource set activation or deactivation; a MAC CE command for a semi-persistent CSI reporting activation or deactivation; or a MAC CE command for a cell switching.
The method of claim 16, wherein at least one of the following applies:

the PDSCH is configured with a transmission configuration indication (TCI) state;

a PDCCH order for a candidate cell is received in a symbol or slot in a serving cell that corresponds to a symbol or slot in which an aperiodic CSI-RS is transmitted by the candidate cell;

the periodic CSI-RS is configured with a TCI state;

the aperiodic CSI-RS is configured with a TCI state;

the semi-persistent CSI-RS is configured with a TCI state; or

the SSB is configured with a TCI state.
The method of any of claims 1 or 11-13, wherein if an offset between a first or last symbol of a physical downlink control channel (PDCCH) carrying a triggering downlink control information (DCI) signaling for a serving cell and a first or last symbol of an aperiodic CSI-RS resource for a candidate cell is greater than or equal to a first time gap threshold, at least one of the following applies:

the wireless device is expected to apply a quasi co location (QCL) assumption in an indicated transmission configuration indication (TCI) state for the aperiodic CSI-RS resource;

the wireless device is expected to apply a QCL assumption in an indicated TCI state for the aperiodic CSI-RS resource to receive an aperiodic CSI-RS and a physical downlink shared channel (PDSCH) in an overlapped symbol or slot; or

the wireless device is not expected to receive an aperiodic CSI-RS and at least one of a PDSCH, a PDCCH order, a synchronization signal and physical broadcast channel (PBCH) block (SSB) , or a downlink (DL) channel or signal with different TCI states, QCL assumptions, or QCL parameters in overlapped symbols or slots.
The method of claim 19, wherein RSs in overlapped symbols or slots are from a same or different candidate cells.
The method of claim 1, wherein performing the at least one of the RS-based measurement or the RS-based reporting comprises performing a channel state information (CSI) acquisition, and wherein the CSI acquisition is triggered, indicated, or configured by at least one of the following:

at least one of a RS resource or resource set, a CSI report configuration, or a list of CSI trigger states being configured by a radio resource control (RRC) configuration;

the wireless device reporting a capability of supporting the CSI acquisition;

a medium access control (MAC) control element (CE) signaling to activate or deactivate a semi-persistent CSI-RS or a semi-persistent CSI interference measurement (CSI-IM) resource or resource set;

a MAC CE used to activate or deactivate a CSI-RS resource or resource set for a channel measurement and/or a CSI-IM/non-zero-power CSI-RS resource or resource set for an interference measurement for a candidate cell;

a MAC CE used to trigger or indicate a semi-persistent CSI reporting on a physical uplink control channel (PUCCH) for a candidate cell;

a downlink control information (DCI) signaling to trigger an aperiodic CSI report;

a MAC CE for a transmission configuration indication (TCI) state activation or deactivation for a candidate cell;

a DCI signaling to trigger a semi-persistent CSI report;

a DCI signaling to trigger a random access channel (RACH) transmission for a candidate cell;

a RS resource or resource set being configured for the CSI acquisition;

a RS resource or resource set being not configured for a tracking reference signal (TRS) tracking or a beam management;

a RS resource or resource set being not configured for a TRS tracking and a beam management; or

a quantity of reporting being configured or set as a special value or state.
The method of claim 1, wherein the RS-related information comprises at least one of the following: one or more channel state information (CSI) resource configurations, one or more CSI-RS resources, one or more CSI-RS resource sets, one or more CSI reporting configurations, a list of triggering states, a candidate cell information or identification, a transmission configuration indication (TCI) state, a time domain information, a frequency domain information, a periodicity, or an offset.
The method of any of claims 2-22, wherein a transmission configuration indication (TCI) state comprises at least one of an offset, a periodicity, or an interval.
The method of claims 23, wherein the offset comprises at least one of the following:

an offset between a starting or an ending of receiving a medium access control (MAC) control element (CE) for a TCI state activation for a candidate cell and a starting or an ending of a channel state information (CSI) RS (CSI-RS) resource, a CSI-RS resource set, or a CSI-RS transmission burst;

an offset between a starting or an ending of a symbol or slot where a MAC CE for a TCI state activation for a candidate cell takes effect and a starting or an ending of a CSI-RS resource, a CSI-RS resource set, or a CSI-RS transmission burst;

an offset between a starting or an ending of a CSI-RS resource, a CSI-RS resource set, or a CSI-RS transmission burst and a starting or an ending of a resource for a CSI report;

an offset between a starting or an ending of receiving a MAC CE for a TCI state activation for a candidate cell and a starting or an ending of a resource for a CSI report;

an offset between a starting or an ending of a symbol or slot where a MAC CE for a TCI state activation for a candidate cell takes effect and a starting or an ending of a resource for a CSI report;

an offset between a starting or an ending of receiving a downlink control information (DCI) signaling and a starting or an ending of a CSI-RS resource, a CSI-RS resource set, or a CSI-RS transmission burst;

an offset between a starting or an ending of receiving a MAC CE and a starting or an ending of a CSI-RS resource, a CSI-RS resource set, or a CSI-RS transmission burst;

an offset between a starting or an ending of receiving a DCI signaling and a starting or an ending of a resource for a CSI report;

an offset between a starting or an ending of receiving a MAC CE and a starting or an ending of a resource for a CSI report; or

an offset between a starting or an ending of receiving a CSI-RS resource, a CSI-RS resource set, or a CSI-RS transmission burst and a starting or an ending of a resource for a CSI report.
The method of claim 1 or 23, wherein an offset in a time domain for a channel state information (CSI) measurement and/or reporting is updated by at least one of the following: a transmission configuration indication (TCI) state, a downlink control information (DCI) signaling, a medium access control (MAC) control element (CE) , an update associated with a CSI-RS resource identification or a CSI-RS resource set identification, or an update associated with a CSI identification.
The method of claim 23, wherein the interval comprises at least one of the following:

an interval between channel state information (CSI) RS (CSI-RS) resources, CSI-RS resource sets, or CSI-RS transmission bursts; or

an interval between resources for a CSI report.
The method of claim 23, wherein the periodicity comprises at least one of the following:

a periodicity for a channel state information (CSI) RS (CSI-RS) resource, a CSI-RS resource set, or a CSI-RS transmission burst; or

a periodicity for a CSI report.
The method of claim 1, wherein a downlink (DL) slot T for a channel state information (CSI) reference resource in a candidate cell is determined by at least one of the following:
T = n-n_{CSi_ref};

T = n-n_{CSi_ref}+offset#8; or

and wherein one or more parameters are defined as follows:

n is a slot containing a CSI reporting of a candidate cell;

n_{CSi_ref} is a smallest value relative to a CSI report slot;

offset#8 is a slot offset between a serving cell and a candidate cell;

u_CSI is a subcarrier spacing (SCS) configuration for a CSI reporting of a candidate cell in a serving cell;

u_CSI-RS is a SCS configuration for a CSI-RS in a candidate cell; and

u_{max {CSI, CSI-RS}} is a maximum SCS of a serving cell and a candidate cell, or a maximum SCS of a SCS of a CSI reporting of a candidate cell in a serving cell and a SCS of a CSI-RS in a candidate cell.
The method of claim 28, wherein n_{CSi_ref} is determined, defined, or configured based on a smallest, greatest, or any SCS for a serving cell and a candidate cell, a SCS for a CSI reporting, a SCS for a CSI-RS, or a UE capability.
The method of claim 1, wherein at least one of the following is reported in a channel state information (CSI) reporting: a CSI-RS resource indicator (CRI) , a channel quality indicator (CQI) , a pre-coding matrix indicator (PMI) , a rank indicator (RI) , a lawful interception (LI) , a signal interference and noise ratio (SINR) , a reference signal received quality (RSRQ) , a cell identification, or a codebook.
A method of wireless communication, comprising:

configuring, by a network device, a reference signal (RS) -related information for one or more candidate cells;

transmitting, by the network device, a RS according to the RS-related information; and

receiving, by the network device and based on the RS, a channel state information (CSI) report.
An apparatus for wireless communication, comprising a processor, wherein the processor is configured to implement a method recited in any one or more of claims 1 to 31.
A computer readable program storage medium having code stored thereon, the code, when executed by a processor, causing the processor to implement a method recited in any one or more of claims 1 to 31.