Method and user equipment for managing harq processes with multiple numerologies

Abstract

Embodiments herein provide a method for managing a plurality of numerology multiplexed HARQ processes in a wireless communication network. The method includes transmitting, by a user equipment (UE), a capability parameter of the UE to a base station (BS). Further, the method includes receiving, by the UE, a plurality of HARQ configuration parameters corresponding to the capability parameter of the UE from the BS, and performing, by the UE, one of an individual HARQ process and a shared HARQ process based on the plurality of HARQ configuration parameters received from the BS.

Description

[0001] This case is a divisional application of the invention patent application filed on February 6, 2018, with application number 201880010300.4 and invention title "Method and User Equipment (UE) for Managing HARQ Procedures for Multiple Digital Parameter Configurations". Technical Field

[0002] The embodiments described herein generally relate to wireless communication networks. More specifically, they relate to methods and user equipment (UEs) for managing a hybrid automatic repeat request (HARQ) process that multiplexes multiple digital parameter configurations (numerologies) in a wireless communication network. Background Technology

[0003] Fifth-generation (5G) telecommunications is expected to support a wide range of services, including enhanced mobile broadband, ultra-reliable and low-latency communications, and massive machine-type communications. Each service has its own specific requirements, which are anticipated to be provided by cellular networks. For example, enhanced mobile broadband requires high-speed data transmission, ultra-reliable low-latency communications require data transmission with very low latency but may not require high data rates, while massive machine-type communications may require minimizing user equipment (UE) power consumption. To meet these different requirements, cellular networks can partition radio resources, allowing each group of radio resources to meet the requirements of a given service by using different physical layer configurations.

[0004] In 5G systems, UEs can access multiple services simultaneously, necessitating the design of Radio Access Network (RAN) procedures that allow UEs to efficiently operate different physical layer configurations without hindering any service requirements. Ideally, a single Media Access Control (MAC) entity should be able to support multiple physical layer configurations or digital parameter configurations simultaneously. This, of course, depends on the capabilities of the UE hardware. This introduces new challenges to physical layer operations such as HARQ procedures. For example, in LTE and related versions, only one digital parameter configuration is used across all carriers in carrier aggregation mechanisms. Furthermore, the Physical Uplink Control Channel (PUCCH) on the primary cell carries HARQ information for all carriers. However, this mechanism will be useless for future wireless systems (i.e., 5G) when considering different digital parameter configurations for different carriers or even within a single carrier. A mechanism to effectively support HARQ procedures is needed.

[0005] Therefore, it is hoped that the above-mentioned shortcomings or other disadvantages can be resolved or at least a useful alternative can be provided. Summary of the Invention

[0006] [Solution to the problem]

[0007] One aspect of this disclosure provides a method performed by a user equipment (UE) in a wireless communication system, the method comprising: sending capability information to a base station (BS) indicating whether the UE supports joint feedback or individual feedback; receiving from the BS information indicating joint feedback or individual feedback based on the capability information; in the case of individual feedback, separately performing a hybrid automatic repeat request-acknowledgment (HARQ-ACK) transmission for a first node and a HARQ-ACK transmission for a second node; and in the case of joint feedback, performing a HARQ-ACK transmission associated with combined information on a physical uplink control channel (PUCCH), wherein the combined information is generated by jointly designing a HARQ-ACK codebook for each of the first and second nodes.

[0008] Another aspect of this disclosure provides a method performed by a base station (BS) in a wireless communication system, the method comprising: receiving capability information from a user equipment (UE) indicating whether the UE supports joint feedback or individual feedback; sending information to the UE based on the capability information indicating joint feedback or individual feedback; receiving a hybrid automatic repeat request-acknowledgment (HARQ-ACK) transmission for a first node and a HARQ-ACK transmission for a second node if the information indicates individual feedback; and receiving a HARQ-ACK transmission associated with combined information on a physical uplink control channel (PUCCH) if the information indicates joint feedback, wherein the combined information is associated with a HARQ-ACK codebook jointly designed for each of the first and second nodes.

[0009] Another aspect of this disclosure provides a user equipment (UE) in a wireless communication system, the UE comprising: a transceiver; and at least one processor coupled to the transceiver, wherein the at least one processor is configured to: send capability information to a base station (BS) indicating whether the UE supports joint feedback or individual feedback; receive from the BS information indicating joint feedback or individual feedback based on the capability information; in the case of individual feedback, separately perform a hybrid automatic repeat request-acknowledgment (HARQ-ACK) transmission for a first node and a HARQ-ACK transmission for a second node; and in the case of joint feedback, perform a HARQ-ACK transmission associated with combined information on a physical uplink control channel (PUCCH), wherein the combined information is generated by jointly designing a HARQ-ACK codebook for each of the first and second nodes.

[0010] Another aspect of this disclosure provides a base station (BS) in a wireless communication system, comprising: a transceiver; and at least one processor coupled to the transceiver, wherein the at least one processor is configured to: receive capability information from a user equipment (UE) indicating whether the UE supports joint feedback or individual feedback; send information to the UE based on the capability information indicating joint feedback or individual feedback; if the information indicates individual feedback, receive a hybrid automatic repeat request-acknowledgment (HARQ-ACK) transmission for a first node and a HARQ-ACK transmission for a second node; and if the information indicates joint feedback, receive a HARQ-ACK transmission associated with combined information on a physical uplink control channel (PUCCH), wherein the combined information is associated with physical downlink shared channel (PDSCH) reception of the first and second nodes.

[0011] The primary objective of the embodiments described herein is to provide a method and a UE for managing HARQ procedures for multiplexing multiple digital parameter configurations in a wireless communication network.

[0012] Another objective of embodiments of this document is to provide a method for performing a shared (i.e., combined) HARQ procedure in the presence of multiple numeric parameter configurations (e.g., including multiple different sets of numeric parameter configurations).

[0013] Another objective of the embodiments herein is to provide a method for supporting joint uplink control information (UCI) feedback for aggregated carriers with different digital parameter configurations.

[0014] Another objective of the embodiments described herein is to provide a method for supporting a PUCCH in a cell group of NR DC / CA, wherein each cell group includes the same digital parameter configuration.

[0015] Another objective of the embodiments described herein is to provide HARQ configurations such as HARQ procedures and HARQ timing indications for future wireless systems.

[0016] Another objective of the embodiments described herein is to provide a mechanism based on HARQ priority to take into account service types in future wireless systems.

[0017] Therefore, embodiments of this document provide a method for managing HARQ procedures multiplexed by multiple digital parameter configurations in a wireless communication network. The method includes a user equipment (UE) transmitting UE capability parameters to a base station (BS). Furthermore, the method includes the UE receiving multiple HARQ configuration parameters corresponding to the UE's capability parameters from the BS, and the UE performing one of an individual HARQ procedure and a shared HARQ procedure based on the multiple HARQ configuration parameters received from the BS.

[0018] In an embodiment, the plurality of HARQ configuration parameters include HARQ timing configuration, a joint HARQ-ACK codebook for performing a shared HARQ procedure, a group identifier representing a plurality of carriers corresponding to each of the same digital parameter configurations from a plurality of digital parameter configurations for performing a shared HARQ procedure, a service type, and at least one of a plurality of service parameters.

[0019] In this embodiment, the service type and multiple service parameters are used to determine the priority of the HARQ process in order to execute a shared HARQ process.

[0020] In the embodiments, the UE capability parameters include at least one UE minimum HARQ processing time, subcarrier spacing, TTI length, timing advance (TA), maximum TBS, and UE power constraints and HARQ buffer constraints.

[0021] In this embodiment, HARQ timing configuration is received from the BS via one of the System Information Block (SIB) messages, Radio Resource Control (RRC) messages, and DCI messages.

[0022] Therefore, embodiments of this document provide a Hybrid Automatic Repeat Request (HARQ) procedure for UE multiplexing multiplexed by multiple digital parameter configurations. The UE includes: a memory; a processor coupled to the memory; and a HARQ procedure executor configured to transmit the UE's capability parameters to a base station (BS). Furthermore, the HARQ procedure executor is configured to receive from the BS multiple HARQ configuration parameters corresponding to the UE's capability parameters. Additionally, the HARQ procedure executor is configured to perform one of an individual HARQ procedure and a shared HARQ procedure based on the multiple HARQ configuration parameters received from the BS.

[0023] These and other aspects of the embodiments herein will be better understood and appreciated when considered in conjunction with the following description and accompanying drawings. However, it should be understood that while the following description illustrates preferred embodiments and their many specific details, it is given by way of illustration rather than limitation. Many variations and modifications may be made within the scope of the embodiments herein without departing from the spirit of the invention, and the embodiments herein include all such modifications. Attached Figure Description

[0024] The invention is illustrated in the accompanying drawings, in which the same reference numerals denote corresponding portions throughout the drawings. Embodiments herein will be better understood from the following description with reference to the accompanying drawings, wherein:

[0025] Figure 1A-1B An example of TDM digital parameter configuration multiplexing in an LTE-FDD system is shown;

[0026] Figure 2A-2B An example of TDM digital parameter configuration multiplexing in an LTE-TDD system with DL-UL configuration 0 is shown;

[0027] Figure 3 A wireless communication system according to an embodiment disclosed herein is illustrated, comprising a BS and a UE for managing a HARQ process under multiple digital parameter configurations;

[0028] Figure 4 This is a flowchart illustrating a method for managing a Hybrid Automatic Repeat Request (HARQ) process for multiplexing multiplexed by configuring multiple digital parameters, according to an embodiment disclosed herein.

[0029] Figure 5 This is a flowchart illustrating various steps performed by the BS (i.e., gNB) to indicate to the UE multiple HARQ configuration parameters corresponding to the UE's capability parameters, according to embodiments disclosed herein; and

[0030] Figure 6 This is a flowchart illustrating various steps performed by the BS (i.e., gNB) to instruct the UE on HARQ priority processing, according to embodiments disclosed herein. Detailed Implementation

[0031] Various embodiments of the present disclosure will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the following description, specific details such as detailed configurations and components are provided only to aid in a comprehensive understanding of these embodiments of the present disclosure. Therefore, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various changes and modifications can be made to the embodiments described herein without departing from the scope and spirit of the present disclosure. Furthermore, for clarity and brevity, descriptions of well-known functions and structures have been omitted.

[0032] Furthermore, the various embodiments described herein are not necessarily mutually exclusive, as some embodiments can be combined with one or more other embodiments to form new embodiments. Throughout this document, unless otherwise stated, the term "or" means non-exclusive. The examples used herein are intended only to facilitate understanding of how the embodiments described herein can be practiced, and further to enable those skilled in the art to practice the embodiments described herein. Therefore, these embodiments should not be construed as limiting the scope of the embodiments described herein.

[0033] Before describing the embodiments in detail, it is helpful to provide definitions of the key terms used herein. Unless otherwise defined, all technical terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this invention pertains.

[0034] Given the limited number of HARQ procedures, it is necessary to handle them effectively. The following are HARQ procedures for multiplexing multiplexed by configuring multiple digital parameters in future wireless communication systems.

[0035] Individual HARQ procedure: In response to receiving HARQ configuration parameters (i.e., HARQ procedure, HARQ timing indication) from the BS, the UE can perform an individual HARQ procedure with cells operating in different subcarriers. For example, if the UE determines that there is no latency in the HARQ procedure, and determines that the HARQ transmission with cell "A" operating with digital parameter configuration -1 needs to be sent at subframe n+4, and the HARQ transmission with cell "B" operating with digital parameter configuration -2 needs to be sent at subframe n+6, then it can follow the individual HARQ procedure with each cell.

[0036] Shared HARQ procedure: In response to receiving HARQ configuration parameters (i.e., HARQ procedure, HARQ timing indication) from the BS, the UE can perform a shared HARQ procedure with cells operating in different subcarriers. For example, if the UE determines that there is a delay in the HARQ procedure / in the case of power saving, it can follow a joint HARQ codebook across carriers (cell "A" and cell "B") with multiple digital parameter configurations, so that digital parameter configuration aggregation is taken into account. Furthermore, the shared HARQ procedure is similar to "slot aggregation due to differences in digital parameter configurations".

[0037] As is conventional in the art, embodiments can be described and illustrated based on blocks that perform one or more described functions. Hereinafter, these blocks may be referred to as units, managers, detectors, engines, or modules, etc., and are physically implemented by analog and / or digital circuitry, such as logic gates, integrated circuits, microprocessors, microcontrollers, memory circuits, passive electronic components, active electronic components, optical components, hardwired circuitry, etc., and may optionally be driven by firmware and / or software. For example, the circuitry may be implemented in one or more semiconductor chips, or on a substrate support such as a printed circuit board. The circuitry constituting a block may be implemented by dedicated hardware, or by a processor (e.g., one or more programmed microprocessors and associated circuitry), or by a combination of dedicated hardware for performing some functions of the block and a processor for performing other functions of the block. Each block of an embodiment may be physically divided into two or more interactive and discrete blocks without departing from the scope of this disclosure. Similarly, blocks of embodiments may be physically combined into more complex blocks without departing from the scope of this disclosure.

[0038] Therefore, embodiments of this document provide a method for managing HARQ procedures multiplexed by multiple digital parameter configurations in a wireless communication network. The method includes a user equipment (UE) sending UE capability parameters to a base station (BS). Further, the method includes: the UE receiving multiple HARQ configuration parameters corresponding to the UE's capability parameters from the BS, and based on the multiple HARQ configuration parameters received from the BS, the UE determining whether to execute an individual HARQ procedure or a shared HARQ procedure.

[0039] Unlike traditional methods and systems, the proposed method can be used to provide HARQ procedures for configuring multiplexed multiplexing for various digital parameters in future wireless systems. The proposed method provides HARQ configuration for future wireless systems, such as HARQ procedures and HARQ timing indications. Furthermore, the proposed method provides a mechanism based on HARQ priority to account for service types in future wireless systems.

[0040] Referring now to the accompanying drawings, and more specifically to Figures 1 through 6, similar reference characters are used throughout the drawings to denote the corresponding features.

[0041] Figure 1A-1B An example of TDM digital parameter configuration multiplexing in an LTE-FDD system is shown.

[0042] In LTE, only one numerical parameter configuration is used for all primary cells (Pcells) and secondary cells (Scells). All configuration parameters used for all Scells, such as HARQ and UCI, are carried only on the Pcell (because they all operate on the same timeline of the frame structure, etc.).

[0043] See Figure 1A In this configuration, Pcells and Scells operate at a 15kHz carrier frequency. The UE receives DL transmissions in subframe "n" and feeds back a signaling message indicating whether the DL transmission received in subframe "n" needs to be retransmitted. That is, the ACK / NACK information in the UL subframe at n+4 is fed back to Pcells and Scells. Therefore, when carriers are aggregated, ACK / NACK information corresponding to multiple DL carriers in subframe n+4 will be fed back simultaneously in UL subframe n.

[0044] In addition, in response to sending a feedback signaling message, the UE can be configured to receive DL potential retransmission of data in subframe "n+8".

[0045] When Pcell and Scell ​​operate at 30kHz, the UE performs a similar HARQ procedure.

[0046] However, in future wireless systems (e.g., NR, i.e., 5G communication systems), different digital parameter configurations can be used on different carriers / cells that can be activated (e.g., a Pcell operating at 15kHz and an Scell ​​operating at 30kHz). Due to the use of carrier aggregation (CA), it is potentially desirable to use different digital parameter configurations where HARQ-ACK using a carrier with a shorter TTI needs to occur on a carrier / cell using a longer TTI, dynamic HARQ-ACK timing is desired, and it is potentially desirable to use code block-based or code block group-based HARQ-ACK. Semi-static HARQ-ACK codebook determination will often lead to a significant increase in resource overhead for achieving the target BLER.

[0047] Different carriers can be configured with different digital parameters, such as different subcarrier intervals or different durations for transmission, which may be optimal for that particular frequency depending on the capabilities of the UE and BS. For example, capabilities could be coverage and link robustness for higher frequency links, such as mmWave links, which can be provided by sending control transmissions on lower frequency links, while the larger bandwidth of higher frequencies can be used for large-scale data transmission.

[0048] Therefore, a HARQ process similar to that of LTE (with the same digital parameter configuration, i.e., both Pcells and Scells operate at 15kHz / both Pcells and Scells operate at 30kHz) is not optimal in NR (i.e., 5G communication systems) that combine multiple digital parameter configurations (i.e., Pcells operate at 15kHz and Scells operate at 30kHz).

[0049] Furthermore, in LTE, HARQ-ACK codebook determination can be dynamic or semi-static based on DAI (e.g., based on the number of active cells), and the UL time slots for HARQ-ACK transmissions for the UE have a fixed timing relationship relative to the DL time slots for the corresponding PDSCH reception. In future radio systems, dynamic and semi-static HARQ-ACK codebook determination can be considered, and HARQ-ACK transmission timing can be dynamic, as indicated by the DCI format of the corresponding PDSCH. Additionally, various types of HARQ procedures exist, synchronous or asynchronous, and adaptive or non-adaptive. Any synchronous HARQ procedure has no HARQ process and is tightly coupled to the timeline. Therefore, each transmission must adhere to the timeline and cannot share its timeline with anyone else. For example, the uplink primarily uses synchronous HARQ procedures. On the other hand, when asynchronous HARQ procedures are available, they use the HARQ procedure ID and HARQ codebook to adhere to the appropriate retransmission period.

[0050] like Figure 1A As shown, digital parameter configuration -1 (i.e., 15kHz) has twice the... Figure 1B The TTI duration is shown in the digital parameter configuration -2. Since the symbol duration is inversely proportional to the subcarrier spacing, for example, if the symbol duration for a 15kHz carrier is 67μs, then for a 30kHz carrier, the symbol duration will be 33μs. Therefore, if these digital parameter configurations must share the HARQ procedure, then digital parameter configuration -2 will have to wait, thus increasing the delay. For example, suppose the actual A / N position is at subframe "n7 = n3 + 4" (in the case of shared HARQ 15kHz and 30kHz), but the joint A / N is transmitted at subframe "n10 = n6 + 4". Therefore, a delay is experienced when performing the shared HARQ procedure.

[0051] Unlike traditional methods and systems, the proposed method can be used to manage HARQ procedures with multiple digital parameter configurations. Furthermore, the proposed method can be used to perform efficient and fast joint HARQ procedures based on the HARQ configuration indicated to the UE, thereby reducing latency.

[0052] Unlike traditional methods and systems, the proposed method can be used to share HARQ IDs / codebooks with other transports. Therefore, the proposed method can be used to provide joint HARQ codebook designs across carriers with multiple digital parameter configurations, thus taking into account digital parameter configuration aggregation.

[0053] Figure 2A-2B An example of TDM digital parameter configuration multiplexing in an LTE-TDD system with DL-UL configuration 0 is shown.

[0054] In one example, a 10-millisecond frame is divided into 10 subframes. Subframes can be uplink (UL), downlink (DL), or special subframes. The ratio of UL to DL subframes and the number of special subframes per frame vary depending on the UL-DL configuration used. Available TD LTE UL-DL configurations are... Figure 2A-2B As shown, "D" represents a subframe reserved for DL ​​transmission, "U" represents a subframe reserved for UL transmission, and "S" represents a special subframe. Special subframes are used to switch between DL and UL subframes.

[0055] As mentioned above, similar issues persist in LTE-TDD systems with DL / UL configuration 0, in the case of LTE-FDD systems (e.g., Figure 2A-2B (As shown). If HARQ sharing must be performed, latency needs to be considered.

[0056] Unlike traditional methods and systems, the proposed method can be used to execute a shared HARQ process (i.e., if latency is not an issue and digital parameter configuration multiplexing is permissible). Otherwise, an individual HARQ process is preferred. For power-saving scenarios, a shared HARQ process can be used. Considering all the trade-offs involved, either a shared or individual HARQ process can be used.

[0057] Unlike traditional methods and systems, the proposed method can be used to provide a single HARQ process for the configuration of each digital parameter configuration in the case of digital parameter configuration multiplexing in a single carrier.

[0058] Unlike traditional methods and systems, the proposed method is used to effectively manage the HARQ process because the HARQ process is constrained to each UE.

[0059] Figure 3 A wireless communication system 300 according to an embodiment disclosed herein is shown, which includes a BS 100 and a UE 200 for managing a HARQ process with multiple digital parameter configurations.

[0060] See Figure 3 The wireless communication system 300 includes a BS 100 that communicates with the UE 200. In embodiments, the wireless communication system 300 may include, for example, an evolved universal terrestrial radio access network (EUTRAN), a wireless metropolitan area network (WMAN), a wireless local area network (WLAN), or a wireless personal area network (WPAN). The wireless communication system 300 may support various wireless technologies, such as Global System for Mobile Communications (GSM), Enhanced Data Rate for GSM Evolution (EDGE), GSM EDGE Radio Access Network (GERAN), Universal Mobile Telecommunications System (UMTS), UMTS Terrestrial Radio Access Network (UTRAN), or other 2G, 3G, 4G, 5G, and other technologies that have been developed or will be developed.

[0061] In an embodiment, BS 100 may include, for example, a base transceiver unit (BTS), an evolved Node (eNB), a next-generation Node (gNB), a macrocell, a microcell, a picocell, a femtocell, etc.

[0062] In embodiments, UE 200 may include, for example, a cellular phone, a smartphone, a Session Initiation Protocol (SIP) phone, a laptop, a personal digital assistant (PDA), satellite broadcasting, a global positioning system, a multimedia device, a video device, a digital audio player (e.g., an MP3 player), a camera, a game console, a tablet computer, a laptop, a smartbook, an ultrabook, or any other similar device. UE 200 may also be, for example, a mobile station, subscriber station, mobile unit, subscriber unit, wireless unit, remote unit, mobile device, wireless device, wireless communication device, remote device, mobile subscriber station, access terminal, mobile terminal, wireless terminal, remote terminal, mobile phone, user agent, mobile client, client, or some other suitable terminology.

[0063] In an embodiment, UE 200 includes an RF transceiver 220, a HARQ process executor 230, a processor 240, and a memory 250.

[0064] The RF transceiver 220 coupled to antenna 210 can be configured to communicate with various other devices via a transmission medium. These other devices include, for example, networks and any other UEs (not shown). Networks may include, for example, any of the aforementioned BS 100.

[0065] RF transceiver 220 can be configured to transmit multiple UE capability parameters to BS 100. These multiple UE capability parameters may include, for example, at least one UE minimum HARQ processing time, subcarrier spacing, TTI length, timing advance (TA), maximum TBS, soft buffer limit, and UE power constraint. The UE capability parameters can be represented using the terms "N1" and "N2". For example, according to aspects of this embodiment, "N1" is considered the most relevant.

[0066] When UE 200 is used for scheduling in consecutive time slots, the number of HARQ procedures should be determined by the HARQ Retransmission Timer (HTT) (not shown). For example, if the HARQ RTT is 8 time slots, then for consecutive data scheduling, the number of HARQ procedures for UE 200 should be at least 8. In LTE, each UE category defines the soft buffer size and maximum number of data bits that UE 200 can receive in a TTI. The maximum number of data bits that UE 200 can receive in a TTI can be derived from the maximum TBS and the number of supported cell groups (CGs) / cells (i.e., reported by UE 200 as UE capability parameters).

[0067] Even for the same maximum number of data bits per TTI, the maximum TBS and the number of supported CGs can be variable. Factors such as the soft buffer size and maximum TBS can affect the HARQ RTT. Regarding the HARQ RTT, the UE 200 can report its capabilities to the gNB. Therefore, the number of HARQ procedures supported by the UE 200 can be related to how the UE 200 category is defined in the NR. Furthermore, the number of HARQ procedures supported by the UE 200 is indicated by the UE 200 to the BS 100.

[0068] In response to transmitting multiple UE capability parameters, the HARQ procedure executor 230 coupled to the RF transceiver 210 can be configured to receive multiple HARQ configuration parameters from the BS 100. In an embodiment, the HARQ procedure executor 230 can be configured to receive multiple HARQ configurations from the BS 100. In an embodiment, the multiple UE capability parameters include, for example, a HARQ timing configuration, a joint HARQ-ACK codebook for performing a shared HARQ procedure, a group identifier representing multiple carriers corresponding to each identical digital parameter configuration from multiple digital parameter configurations for performing the shared HARQ procedure, a service type, and at least one of multiple service parameters.

[0069] In an embodiment, UE 200 can be configured to receive multiple HARQ configuration parameters via System Information Block (SIB) messages, Radio Resource Control (RRC) messages, and Downlink Control Indicator (DCI) messages.

[0070] Another concern is whether HARQ retransmission can be performed across digital parameter configurations, i.e., when the first transmission is on digital parameter configuration-1 but the corresponding retransmission is on digital parameter configuration-2. Note that if the mother codes of different transmissions are different, HARQ cannot be performed across different digital parameter configurations because the combination of data must be performed by the receiver. However, when the mother codes are the same, retransmission can be performed in different digital parameter configurations compared to the first transmission, if necessary. In the event that future wireless systems support multiple HARQ Ack bits per TB, only the CB needs to be retransmitted. When the carriers and bandwidths used for transmission and retransmission are the same, the benefits of using only different digital parameter configurations to address channel effects may be minimal. However, if the bandwidth used for retransmission can be adjusted, especially with an increase compared to the first transmission in this case, retransmission on different digital parameter configurations can facilitate the fastening process. HARQ entities are entities maintained at the MAC layer. If HARQ retransmission is not performed across different digital parameter configurations, it is possible to model such that each digital parameter configuration of each carrier links at least one HARQ entity. Therefore, specific HARQs can be configured using digital parameters; in other words, the BS 100 can indicate that HARQ retransmissions across digital parameter configurations are not allowed. However, when retransmissions across different digital parameter configurations are allowed, HARQ entities can be shared across digital parameter configurations. HARQ configurations can be asymmetric between the base station and UE sides, depending on the digital parameter configurations used at each end and their respective capabilities. In this case, a polling-based HARQ procedure can be used, where each node requests another node to send HARQs for all previous durations at a specific duration.

[0071] HARQ Timing: In this embodiment, for dynamic HARQ timing, fully dynamic signaling can be used via DCI. Another mechanism is to subject it to RRC and DCI control, where RRC configures a set of potential timing offsets, which the UE 200 will prepare in advance, and the DCI can specifically configure one of these offsets. This can provide a more controlled asynchronous HARQ process for future radio systems. For example, the offsets configured by RRC for the HARQ process can take into account the timelines of various digital parameter configurations involved, and the potential retransmission durations shown in Figures 1, 2, and 3 as described above. The DCI can then accurately indicate the retransmission time based on delay, priority, etc. In another mechanism, the default HARQ timeline can be configured by BS 100 as part of a System Information Block (SIB) message. Therefore, mechanisms based on (i) SIB, (ii) RRC, and (iii) DCI can be considered for configuring the HARQ timeline and configuration. Switching between these configurations is possible. The SIB-based configuration can be changed in each SIB modification cycle instance. Therefore, (i) static, (ii) semi-static and (iii) dynamic mechanisms for HARQ timing are considered for future wireless technologies.

[0072] Furthermore, since the symbol length and TTI depend on the subcarrier spacing, i.e., the digital parameter configuration, the minimum HARQ processing time will also depend on the digital parameter configuration. When the UE 200 determines its minimum HARQ processing time capability, the UE 200 should consider the subcarrier spacing, TTI length, timing advance (TA), and maximum TBS, and indicate this in advance to the BS 200. When considering a self-contained time slot structure for future radio systems, HARQs can be transmitted within the same time slot under extreme latency conditions.

[0073] Considering this design for future wireless systems, the total number of HARQ procedures does not need to be limited as in LTE. Specifically, several HARQ procedures need to run in parallel to continue the transmission of TBs while the receiver decodes those already received. For future wireless systems, this can be configured based on UE capabilities, the number of supported digital parameter configurations, service type (eMBB can support a large number of HARQ procedures while URLLC requires fewer to avoid significant latency), etc. In practice, the total number of HARQ procedures used depends on the total number of cells / digital parameter configurations / TTI durations that the UE 200 can support and the processing time for each digital parameter configuration / TTI duration. However, this is also related to the soft buffer size limit per node. A trade-off exists because the soft buffer size and memory scale linearly with the amount of data to be stored for a large number of HARQ procedures. It is best to define a small soft buffer size for a large number of HARQ procedures.

[0074] When the number of HARQ processes is very large and HARQ bundling is used, the coding gain can be better due to the larger payload size. However, latency will increase in this case. Therefore, the number of HARQ bits bundled can be chosen based on the coding mechanism used to encode the PUCCH / PDCCH data being transmitted, such as TBCC / Reed Muller or polar codes. This is because each of these codes performs better at different numbers of bits in the payload. Therefore, joint design is required for this purpose.

[0075] NACK-based HARQ procedure: Typically in LTE, an Ack is sent for each successfully received packet. Under good channel conditions, a large number of Acks must be sent. In this situation, the base station and UE can decide to switch to a NACK-based protocol, where NACK is sent only for unsuccessful packets (UL and DL), thus saving resources. This handover can be dynamic when mobility conditions change rapidly. A semi-static RRC-based reconfiguration can also be used when the UE does not move.

[0076] In an embodiment, the HARQ process executor 230 may include, for example, a HARQ configuration parameter analyzer 232, a HARQ process determination engine 234, and a HARQ priority analyzer 236.

[0077] In an embodiment, the HARQ configuration parameter analyzer 232 can be configured to analyze multiple HARQ configuration parameters received from the BS 100. For example, the HARQ configuration parameter analyzer 232 can analyze (for example, decode) signaling messages that include HARQ configuration parameters to identify the HARQ timeline that the UE 200 must adhere to.

[0078] This means that in all these cases, depending on the implementation and BS 100 network load, the reference timing can be Pcell / Scell. The timeline can be maintained based on Pcell / Scell ​​or any other cell. The reference timeline can be maintained as long as the Scell ​​adheres to the reference digital parameter configuration. This can also be indicated based on the maximum number of cells in the UE 200 to identify which timeline must be used if a shared HARQ procedure is allowed. For example, if only two cells are used, i.e., Pcell and Scell, the "1" bit can be used as either "0" or "1" to indicate that the UE 200 adheres to the Pcell digital parameter configuration / Scell ​​digital parameter configuration. The BS 100 can then configure the UE 200 based on the new timeline.

[0079] In an embodiment, the HARQ process determination engine 234 can be configured to determine whether to execute an individual HARQ process or a shared HARQ process based on the output indicated by the HARQ configuration parameter analyzer 232. For example, if the HARQ configuration parameter analyzer 232 determines that there is no HARQ process and soft buffer restriction, the HARQ process determination engine 234 can be configured to execute an individual HARQ process; otherwise, it executes a shared HARQ process.

[0080] In the embodiments, for shared HARQ procedures, the HARQ codebook is designed jointly.

[0081] In LTE, there exists the concept of cell groups for which all uplink control information is jointly transmitted. Similarly, for future radio systems, since different digital parameter configurations can be used across different numbers of carriers, cell groups are identified based on the digital parameter configurations used on various carriers, and within each of these cell groups, a carrier will be designated as the Pcell group carrier, which will carry the UCI for all cells / carriers in that group on the same digital parameter configuration. However, when this is not feasible and the network requires UE 200 to transmit only on a designated Pcell, then UCI scheduling should take into account the various digital parameter configurations, delays, etc., corresponding to all TTI durations for all digital parameter configurations.

[0082] Therefore, the proposed method can be used to support one PUCCH in a cell group for NR DC / CA. Furthermore, the proposed method allows the wireless communication system 100 to support the configuration of transmitting at least one carrier of PUCCH within the cell group.

[0083] In an embodiment, when UE 200 is configured using carrier aggregation for cells with different digital parameter configurations / slot durations, such as a first slot duration and a second slot duration, and configured using HARQ-ACK transmission on the PUCCH of a cell using the first slot duration (e.g., Pcell), the HARQ-ACK timing for HARQ-ACK transmission on a cell using the second slot duration can be relative to the first slot duration. Regardless of FDD or TDD operation, if the first slot duration is P times longer than the second slot duration, the HARQ-ACK codebook determines that the first slot duration corresponds to a bundled window of P slot sizes for cells using the second slot duration. Note that this operation can be similar to the operation in LTE for FDD-TDD CA or TDD CA with different UL-DL configurations. For the operation of the DAI field, cells using different slot durations can be grouped into corresponding groups based on the slot duration. For cells with the same slot duration, the value of the DAI field in the DL DCI format is set.

[0084] In addition, the HARQ priority analyzer 236 can be configured to provide a mechanism based on HARQ priority to take into account service types in future wireless systems (5G).

[0085] To support proper operation of URLLC and consider its low-latency aspects, a separate HARQ procedure is preferred. While asynchronous HARQ can be used in future radio systems, some form of HARQ prioritization may be necessary in this case to ensure that low-latency service is not affected. Although no HARQ procedure prioritization is defined in LTE to handle potential soft buffer overflows, such priorities need to be defined in future radio systems based on service type, and network-based configuration is a reasonable approach. If services have equal priorities, the BS 100 can use a round-robin scheduling method to cycle through priorities for fairness.

[0086] For example, the HARQ priority analyzer 236 can be configured to assign HARQ priorities based on indications received from BS 110 (by determining multiple service parameters). Examples of these service parameters include: a) based on SR / BSR, b) buffer overflow state, c) channel conditions (better channel conditions allow for faster transmission, thus allowing longer retransmission cycles for devices with poor channel conditions), d) beam training period (which can indicate channel quality in mmWave beamforming systems), e) coverage level identified using RSRP / RSRQ, f) data type (voice / video / public safety, etc.), g) QoS requirements, h) UE capabilities (low-power UEs have higher priority than high-power UEs), and so on.

[0087] Some new bits may need to be added for HARQ priority. The UE 200 receives a number of bits from BS 100 in the PDCCH, where each bit indicates the timing of the HARQ transmission. The number of bits depends on the number of digital parameter configurations that the UE 200 can support simultaneously or the number of CGs defined for future radio systems. This defines the PDCCH format that the UE 200 will have to receive. For example, depending on the size of the bits used for HARQ priority indication, different PDCCH formats can be used to indicate that number of bits.

[0088] Processor 240 can be configured to execute instructions received from other hardware components of UE 200.

[0089] Memory 250 may be, for example, a computer-readable medium, such as a magnetic storage device (e.g., a hard disk, floppy disk, magnetic tape), an optical disk (e.g., a compact disc (CD), a digital versatile disc (DVD)), a smart card, a flash memory device (e.g., a card, stick, key drive), random access memory (RAM), read-only memory (ROM), programmable ROM (PROM), erasable PROM (EPROM), electrically erasable PROM (EEPROM), a register, or a removable disk. Although memory is shown separately from the processor in various aspects presented throughout this disclosure, memory may be internal to the processor (e.g., a cache or register).

[0090] Figure 4 This is a flowchart illustrating a method 400 for managing a HARQ process for multiplexing multiple digital parameter configurations according to embodiments disclosed herein.

[0091] In step 402, the method includes sending capability parameters of UE 200 to BS 100. In an embodiment, the method allows RF transceiver 210 to send capability parameters of UE 200 to BS 100.

[0092] In step 404, the method includes receiving from BS 100 a plurality of HARQ configuration parameters corresponding to the capability parameters of UE 200. In an embodiment, the method allows HARQ procedure executor 230 to receive from BS 100 a plurality of HARQ configuration parameters corresponding to the capability parameters of UE 200.

[0093] In step 406, the method includes executing one of an individual HARQ process and a shared HARQ process based on a plurality of HARQ configuration parameters received from BS 100. In an embodiment, the method allows HARQ process determination engine 234 to execute one of an individual HARQ process and a shared HARQ process based on a plurality of HARQ configuration parameters received from BS 100.

[0094] Figure 5 This is a flowchart 500 illustrating various steps performed by a BS (i.e., gNB) to indicate to a UE multiple HARQ configuration parameters corresponding to the UE's capability parameters, according to embodiments disclosed herein. In step 502, the method includes determining a carrier aggregation (CA) configuration based on the UE's capabilities. In step 504, the method includes determining a single-carrier digital parameter configuration multiplexing for the UE based on the UE's capabilities. In step 506, the method includes determining HARQ procedure limitations at the UE 200 based on the UE capability information, and then the BS 100 instructs the UE 200 to perform an individual HARQ procedure or a shared HARQ procedure based on the UE 200's capability parameters.

[0095] In steps 508a and 508b, the BS 200 determines and indicates whether to perform an individual HARQ procedure or a shared HARQ procedure via HARQ configuration parameters. In step 510a, the BS provides a cell group definition for the CA based on digital parameter configurations, wherein the BS 200 assigns group identifiers representing multiple carriers corresponding to each of the same digital parameter configurations from multiple digital parameter configurations used to perform the shared HARQ procedure. In step 512a, a PUCCH is assigned for each group of carriers with the same digital parameter configuration, and thus, in step 514a, the HARQ timeline decision is indicated to the UE 200.

[0096] In the case of a single-carrier digital parameter configuration, BS 200 defines a reference digital parameter configuration in step 510b. Furthermore, in step 512b, BS 200 assigns a PUCCH digital parameter configuration, and therefore instructs the UE 200 on the HARQ timeline decision in step 514b.

[0097] Figure 6 This is a flowchart 600 illustrating various steps performed by a BS (i.e., gNB) to instruct a UE on HARQ priority processing, according to embodiments disclosed herein.

[0098] In step 602, BS 100 determines the shared HARQ procedure based on the capability parameters of UE 200. In step 604, BS 100 determines whether to provide HARQ priority based on the configuration of BS 200. If no HARQ priority is provided to UE 200, then in step 606, BS 100 provides a joint HARQ timeline / codebook design across digital parameter configuration / services. If no HARQ priority is provided to UE 200, then in step 608, BS 100 indicates the HARQ priority to the UE. In step 610, the HARQ timing configuration is indicated to UE 200 via one of the following: SIB message, RRC message, Downlink Control Indicator (DCI) message, and MAC message.

[0099] The embodiments disclosed herein can be implemented by at least one software program that runs on at least one hardware device and performs network management functions to control these elements. The elements shown in Figures 1 to 6 include blocks that may be at least one of a hardware device or a combination of a hardware device and a software unit.

[0100] The foregoing description of the specific embodiments will fully reveal the general nature of the embodiments herein. Others can readily modify or change them for various applications by applying present knowledge without departing from the general concept, and therefore such modifications and changes should and are intended to be understood as falling within the meaning and scope of equivalents of the disclosed embodiments. It should be understood that the wording or terminology used herein is for descriptive purposes and not restrictive. Therefore, although the embodiments herein have been described with reference to preferred embodiments, those skilled in the art will recognize that the embodiments herein can be practiced with modifications within the spirit and scope of the embodiments described herein.

Claims

1. A method performed by a user equipment (UE) in a wireless communication system, the method comprising: Send information to the base station (BS) indicating whether the UE supports joint feedback or individual feedback. Receive information from the BS indicating joint or individual feedback based on the capability information; If the information indicates separate feedback, perform the hybrid automatic repeat request-acknowledgment (HARQ-ACK) transmission separately for the first node and the HARQ-ACK transmission separately for the second node; and In the case of the information indicating joint feedback, HARQ-ACK transmission associated with the combined information is performed on a physical uplink control channel (PUCCH). The combined information is generated by jointly designing a HARQ-ACK codebook for each of the first and second nodes.

2. The method according to claim 1, in, The combined information is generated based on the Physical Downlink Shared Channel (PDSCH) reception of the first and second nodes.

3. The method according to claim 1, further comprising: Receive information about one or more timing offsets from the base station via Radio Resource Control (RRC) signaling; as well as Receive downlink control information (DCI) from the base station indicating one of the one or more timing offsets. The one or more timing offsets are used to indicate the uplink timing of HARQ-ACK transmission relative to the PDSCH reception scheduled by the DCI.

4. The method according to claim 1, in, One of the dynamic HARQ-ACK codebook and the semi-static HARQ-ACK codebook is used in the HARQ-ACK codebook. The UE is configured with a first group of identifiers corresponding to the first node. The UE is configured with a second set of identifiers corresponding to the second node. The first and second sets of identifiers are obtained based on Radio Resource Control (RRC) signaling. The first node provides at least one first cell, and The second node provides at least one second cell.

5. A method performed by a base station (BS) in a wireless communication system, the method comprising: Receive information from the user equipment (UE) indicating whether the UE supports joint feedback or individual feedback; Send information to the UE based on the capability information, indicating joint or individual feedback; In the event of separate feedback indicated by the information, the hybrid automatic repeat request-acknowledgment (HARQ-ACK) transmission for the first node and the HARQ-ACK transmission for the second node are received separately; and In the case of the information indicating joint feedback, a HARQ-ACK transmission associated with the combined information is received on a physical uplink control channel (PUCCH). The combined information is associated with a HARQ-ACK codebook jointly designed for each of the first and second nodes.

6. The method according to claim 5, in, The combined information is associated with the Physical Downlink Shared Channel (PDSCH) reception of the first and second nodes.

7. The method according to claim 5, further comprising: Send information about one or more timing offsets to the UE via Radio Resource Control (RRC) signaling; as well as Send downlink control information (DCI) to the UE indicating one of the one or more timing offsets. Wherein, the one or more timing offsets are used to indicate the uplink timing of HARQ-ACK transmission relative to the PDSCH reception scheduled by the DCI. One of the dynamic HARQ-ACK codebook and the semi-static HARQ-ACK codebook is used in the HARQ-ACK codebook. The UE is configured with a first group of identifiers corresponding to the first node. The UE is configured with a second set of identifiers corresponding to the second node. The first and second sets of identifiers are transmitted based on Radio Resource Control (RRC) signaling. The first node provides at least one first cell, and The second node provides at least one second cell.

8. A user equipment (UE) in a wireless communication system, the UE comprising: transceiver; and At least one processor, coupled to the transceiver, Wherein, the at least one processor is configured to: Send information to the base station (BS) indicating whether the UE supports joint feedback or individual feedback. Receive information from the BS indicating joint or individual feedback based on the capability information; If the information indicates separate feedback, perform the hybrid automatic repeat request-acknowledgment (HARQ-ACK) transmission separately for the first node and the HARQ-ACK transmission separately for the second node; and In the case of the information indicating joint feedback, HARQ-ACK transmission associated with the combined information is performed on a physical uplink control channel (PUCCH). The combined information is generated by jointly designing a HARQ-ACK codebook for each of the first and second nodes.

9. The UE according to claim 8, in, The combined information is generated based on the Physical Downlink Shared Channel (PDSCH) reception of the first and second nodes.

10. The UE according to claim 8, wherein, The at least one processor is further configured to: Receive information about one or more timing offsets from the BS via Radio Resource Control (RRC) signaling; and Receive downlink control information (DCI) from the BS indicating one of the one or more timing offsets. The one or more timing offsets are used to indicate the uplink timing of HARQ-ACK transmission relative to the PDSCH reception scheduled by the DCI.

11. The UE according to claim 8, in, One of the dynamic HARQ-ACK codebook and the semi-static HARQ-ACK codebook is used in the HARQ-ACK codebook. The UE is configured with a first group of identifiers corresponding to the first node. The UE is configured with a second set of identifiers corresponding to the second node. The first and second sets of identifiers are obtained based on Radio Resource Control (RRC) signaling. The first node provides at least one first cell, and The second node provides at least one second cell.

12. A base station (BS) in a wireless communication system, comprising: transceiver; as well as At least one processor, coupled to the transceiver, Wherein, the at least one processor is configured to: Receive information from the user equipment (UE) indicating whether the UE supports joint feedback or individual feedback; Send information to the UE based on the capability information, indicating joint or individual feedback; In the event of separate feedback indicated by the information, the hybrid automatic repeat request-acknowledgment (HARQ-ACK) transmission for the first node and the HARQ-ACK transmission for the second node are received separately; and In the case of the information indicating joint feedback, a HARQ-ACK transmission associated with the combined information is received on a physical uplink control channel (PUCCH). The combined information is associated with the Physical Downlink Shared Channel (PDSCH) reception of the first and second nodes.

13. The BS according to claim 12, in, The combined information is associated with a HARQ-ACK codebook jointly designed for each of the first and second nodes.

14. The BS according to claim 12, wherein, The at least one processor is further configured to: Send information about one or more timing offsets to the UE via Radio Resource Control (RRC) signaling; as well as Send downlink control information (DCI) to the UE indicating one of the one or more timing offsets, and The one or more timing offsets are used to indicate the uplink timing of HARQ-ACK transmission relative to the PDSCH reception scheduled by the DCI.

15. The BS according to claim 12, wherein, One of the dynamic HARQ-ACK codebooks and the semi-static HARQ-ACK codebook was used in the HARQ-ACK codebook. The UE is configured with a first group of identifiers corresponding to the first node. The UE is configured with a second set of identifiers corresponding to the second node. The first and second sets of identifiers are transmitted based on Radio Resource Control (RRC) signaling. The first node provides at least one first cell, and The second node provides at least one second cell.

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