PHR in MAC PCAP files

[praghur]

Hello all.

In the MAC PCAP files captured at gNB, I am observing the reported PHR values. The PHR value is reported in the format - for example:
Power Headroom: -6 dB <= PH < -5 dB (27)
What does the value in () indicate? I initially thought that it is the reported value as shown in Table 9.1.8.4-1 (https://www.sharetechnote.com/html/Handbook_LTE_PHR.html). But the value of POWER_HEADROOM_27 does not match with the measured quantity value of -6 dB <= PH < -5 dB. Can you please help me understand what the values in the () indicate?

Secondly, I am observing the SINR reported at gNB1 from the PUSCH (SINR_EQ_SEL) along with the PHR shown in the MAC level PCAP files. Please see attached the plot of these observations.

PHR.pdf

Typically, when the PHR decreases, the UE transmit power increases and the SINR reported to the gNB should also improve. Hence my expectation was that when PHR decreases, SINR reported should increase. However, as seen in the attached plot, that is not seen to be true. The SINR decreases with the PHR. Does it mean that the value reported as PHR is the actual UE transmit power and not the PHR? What am I missing in understanding the plot?

Thanks a lot for any input.