Embodiments described herein provide systems and methods for reference signal configuration for multiple panels with panel-specific channel state information reference signals (CSI-RS) configurations and quasi-collocation (QCL) indication, including QCL type definition and indication for panel-specific CSI-RS configurations. Exemplary embodiments further provide multi-component precoder structure with panel specific component precoder and panel common precoder. Embodiments include: (semi)-open-loop schemes using random precoding for panel common precoder and/or panel specific precoder; panel selection/restriction with panel common precoder; MU-MIMO operation using different set of panels; and panel-wise CSI reporting.