Method, apparatus and computer program

Abstract

Determining, based on information related to two indexes for MCSs, a first index for an MCS for a first code block group, CBG, and a second index for an MCS for a second CBG, wherein the first CBG and

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] Various examples of this disclosure relate to methods, apparatuses, and computer programs for a communication network. BACKGROUND

[0002] A communication network can be seen as a facility that enables communications between two or more communication devices, or provides communication devices access to a data network. A mobile or wireless communication network is one example of a communication network. A communication device may be provided with a service by an application server.

[0003] Such communication networks operate in accordance with standards such as those provided by 3GPP (Third Generation Partnership Project) or ETSI (European Telecommunications Standards Institute). Examples of standards are the so-called 5G (5th Generation) or 6G (6th Generation) standards provided by 3GPP. SUMMARY

[0004] Some examples of this disclosure will be described with respect to certain aspects. These aspects are not intended to indicate key or essential features of the embodiments of this disclosure, nor are they intended to be used to limit the scope thereof. Other features, aspects, and elements will be readily apparent to a person skilled in the art in view of this disclosure. For example, it should be appreciated that further aspects may be provided by the combination of any two or more of the various aspects described below.

[0005] According to a first aspect, there is provided an apparatus comprising: means for determining, based on an index for a modulation and coding scheme, MCS, a first number of resources that are available for a first code block group, CBG; means for determining a second number of resources that are available for a second CBG based on: the first number of resources, and a total number of resources that are available for transmitting both the first CBG and the second CBG, wherein the first CBG and the second CBG are to be transmitted in a first data channel, wherein the first CBG comprises one of: data for initial transmission, or data for re-transmission, and the second CBG comprises the other of: the data for initial transmission, or the data for re-transmission; and means for performing one of: a transmission, or a reception, of the first CBG and the second CBG based on the first and the second number of resources.

[0006] According to a second aspect, there is provided a method performed by an apparatus, the method comprising: determining, based on an index for a modulation and coding scheme, MCS, a first number of resources that are available for a first code block group, CBG; determining a second number of resources that are available for a second CBG based on: the first number of resources, and a total number of resources that are available for transmitting both the first CBG and the second CBG, wherein the first CBG and the second CBG are to be transmitted in a first data channel, wherein the first CBG comprises one of: data for initial transmission, or data for re-transmission, and the second CBG comprises the other of: the data for initial transmission, or the data for re-transmission; and performing one of: a transmission, or a reception, of the first CBG and the second CBG based on the first and the second number of resources.

[0007] According to a third aspect, there is provided a computer program comprising instructions, which when executed by an apparatus, cause the apparatus to perform at least the following: determining, based on an index for a modulation and coding scheme, MCS, a first number of resources that are available for a first code block group, CBG; determining a second number of resources that are available for a second CBG based on: the first number of resources, and a total number of resources that are available for transmitting both the first CBG and the second CBG, wherein the first CBG and the second CBG are to be transmitted in a first data channel, wherein the first CBG comprises one of: data for initial transmission, or data for re-transmission, and the second CBG comprises the other of: the data for initial transmission, or the data for re-transmission; and performing one of: a transmission, or a reception, of the first CBG and the second CBG based on the first and the second number of resources.

[0008] According to a fourth aspect, there is provided an apparatus comprising: at least one processor, and at least one memory storing instructions that, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the apparatus to perform: determining, based on an index for a modulation and coding scheme, MCS, a first number of resources that are available for a first code block group, CBG; determining a second number of resources that are available for a second CBG based on: the first number of resources, and a total number of resources that are available for transmitting both the first CBG and the second CBG, wherein the first CBG and the second CBG are to be transmitted in a first data channel, wherein the first CBG comprises one of: data for initial transmission, or data for re-transmission, and the second CBG comprises the other of: the data for initial transmission, or the data for re-transmission; and performing one of: a transmission, or a reception, of the first CBG and the second CBG based on the first and the second number of resources.

[0009] According to a fifth aspect, there is provided an apparatus comprising: circuitry configured to perform: determining, based on an index for a modulation and coding scheme, MCS, a first number of resources that are available for a first code block group, CBG; circuitry configured to perform: determining a second number of resources that are available for a second CBG based on: the first number of resources, and a total number of resources that are available for transmitting both the first CBG and the second CBG, wherein the first CBG and the second CBG are to be transmitted in a first data channel, wherein the first CBG comprises one of: data for initial transmission, or data for re-transmission, and the second CBG comprises the other of: the data for initial transmission, or the data for re-transmission; and circuitry configured to perform: performing one of: a transmission, or a reception, of the first CBG and the second CBG based on the first and the second number of resources.

[0010] The following are applicable to each (e.g., one or more, including all) of the above first to fifth aspects.

[0011] In some examples, the first CBG and the second CBG are comprised in a first transport block, TB, the first TB to be transmitted in the first data channel.

[0012] In some examples, the first data channel is one of: a physical uplink shared channel, or the physical downlink shared channel.

[0013] In some examples, the determining of the first number of resources comprises: determining the first number of resources that are available for the first CBG based on the index for the MCS, and a size of data for re-transmission, wherein the first CBG comprises the data for re-transmission, and the second CBG comprises the data for initial transmission.

[0014] In some examples, the determining of the first number of resources and the second number of resources comprises: determining, based on the index for the MCS, a first coding rate for the first CBG, and a second coding rate for the second CBG, wherein the first CBG comprises the data for initial transmission and the second CBG comprises the data for retransmission, wherein the index for the MCS indicates the first coding rate for the first CBG, wherein the determining comprises: determining the first number of resources for transmitting the first CBG based on the first coding rate, and determining the second coding rate for the second CBG based on: the first number of resources, and the total number of resources; and the performing comprises: performing one of: a transmission, or a reception, of the first data channel based on the first coding rate for the first CBG and the second coding rate of the second CBG.

[0015] In some examples, the apparatus is caused to perform: receiving, from a network entity, an indication of the total number of resources.

[0016] In some examples, the apparatus is caused to perform: receiving, from a network entity, an indication, that the first data channel comprises at least one CBG that comprises data for initial transmission and at least one CBG that comprises data for re-transmission.

[0017] In some examples, the apparatus is caused to perform: determining a number of coded bits that are available for the first CBG based on the number of resources to be used for transmitting the first CBG.

[0018] In some examples, the number of coded bits that are available for the first CBG is further determined based on a modulation order for the first CBG.

[0019] In some examples, the apparatus is caused to perform: determining a number of coded bits that are available for the second CBG based on the second number of resources to be used for transmitting the second CBG.

[0020] In some examples, the number of coded bits that are available for the second CBG is further determined based on a modulation order for the second CBG.

[0021] In some examples, a modulation order is the same for both the first CBG and the second CBG.

[0022] In some examples, the apparatus is caused to perform: obtaining the index for the MCS; or receiving the index for the MCS.

[0023] In some examples, the determining of the number of resources to be used for transmitting the first CBG is based on: the first coding rate, a transport block size, a modulation order, and a number of MIMO layers.

[0024] In some examples, the apparatus is caused to perform: when it is determined that the first number of resources that are available for the first CBG is greater than a threshold number, reducing the first number of resources for the first CBG to the threshold number.

[0025] In some examples, the apparatus is a user equipment.

[0026] According to a sixth aspect, there is provided an apparatus comprising: means for determining, based on information related to two indexes for MCSs, a first index for an MCS for a first code block group, CBG, and a second index for an MCS for a second CBG, wherein the first CBG and the second CBG are to be transmitted in a first data channel, wherein the first CBG comprises data for initial transmission and the second CBG comprises data for retransmission, wherein the first index for the MCS indicates a first coding rate for the first CBG, and wherein the second index for the MCS indicates a second coding rate for the second CBG; and means for performing one of: a transmission, or a reception, of the first data channel based on the first coding rate for the first CBG and the second coding rate of the second CBG.

[0027] According to a seventh aspect, there is provided a method performed by an apparatus, the method comprising: determining, based on information related to two indexes for MCSs, a first index for an MCS for a first code block group, CBG, and a second index for an MCS for a second CBG, wherein the first CBG and the second CBG are to be transmitted in a first data channel, wherein the first CBG comprises data for initial transmission and the second CBG comprises data for re-transmission, wherein the first index for the MCS indicates a first coding rate for the first CBG, and wherein the second index for the MCS indicates a second coding rate for the second CBG; and performing one of: a transmission, or a reception, of the first data channel based on the first coding rate for the first CBG and the second coding rate of the second CBG.

[0028] According to a eighth aspect, there is provided a computer program comprising instructions, which when executed by an apparatus, cause the apparatus to perform at least the following: determining, based on information related to two indexes for MCSs, a first index for an MCS for a first code block group, CBG, and a second index for an MCS for a second CBG, wherein the first CBG and the second CBG are to be transmitted in a first data channel, wherein the first CBG comprises data for initial transmission and the second CBG comprises data for re-transmission, wherein the first index for the MCS indicates a first coding rate for the first CBG, and wherein the second index for the MCS indicates a second coding rate for the second CBG; and performing one of: a transmission, or a reception, of the first data channel based on the first coding rate for the first CBG and the second coding rate of the second CBG.

[0029] According to a ninth aspect, there is provided an apparatus comprising: at least one processor, and at least one memory storing instructions that, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the apparatus to perform: determining, based on information related to two indexes for MCSs, a first index for an MCS for a first code block group, CBG, and a second index for an MCS for a second CBG, wherein the first CBG and the second CBG are to be transmitted in a first data channel, wherein the first CBG comprises data for initial transmission and the second CBG comprises data for re-transmission, wherein the first index for the MCS indicates a first coding rate for the first CBG, and wherein the second index for the MCS indicates a second coding rate for the second CBG; and performing one of: a transmission, or a reception, of the first data channel based on the first coding rate for the first CBG and the second coding rate of the second CBG.

[0030] According to a tenth aspect, there is provided an apparatus comprising: circuitry configured to perform: determining, based on information related to two indexes for MCSs, a first index for an MCS for a first code block group, CBG, and a second index for an MCS for a second CBG, wherein the first CBG and the second CBG are to be transmitted in a first data channel, wherein the first CBG comprises data for initial transmission and the second CBG comprises data for re-transmission, wherein the first index for the MCS indicates a first coding rate for the first CBG, and wherein the second index for the MCS indicates a second coding rate for the second CBG; and circuitry configured to perform: performing one of: a transmission, or a reception, of the first data channel based on the first coding rate for the first CBG and the second coding rate of the second CBG.

[0031] The following are applicable to each (e.g., one or more, including all) of the above sixth to tenth aspects.

[0032] In some examples, the first CBG and the second CBG are comprised in a first transport block, TB, the first TB to be transmitted in the first data channel.

[0033] In some examples, the first data channel is one of: a physical uplink shared channel, or the physical downlink shared channel.

[0034] In some examples, the apparatus is caused to perform: receiving, from a network entity, the information related to the two indexes for the MCSs in downlink control information.

[0035] In some examples, the information comprises: the first index for the MCS, and the second index for the MCS.

[0036] In some examples, the information comprises: the first index for the MCS, and a delta value with reference to the first index for the MCS,

[0037] wherein the determining of the second index for the MCS is based on: the first index for the MCS and the delta value.

[0038] In some examples, a plurality of first CBGs comprising data for initial transmission, and a plurality of second CBGs comprising data for re-transmission are to be transmitted in the first data channel.

[0039] In some examples, an index for MCS for each of: the plurality of first CBGs and the plurality of second CBGs, is used to determine a coding rate for the respective CBG, such that there is an index for MCS per CBG in the first data channel.

[0040] In some examples, the plurality of first CBGs is a first type of CBG, and the plurality of second CBGs is a second type of CBG, wherein an index for MCS per type of CBG is used to determine a coding rate for the respective CBG, such that there is an index for MCS per type of CBG in the first data channel.

[0041] In some examples, the apparatus is caused to perform: determining a number of resources for transmitting each of the first CBG and the second CBG based on the first coding rate and the second coding rate, respectively.

[0042] In some examples, the apparatus is caused to perform: when it is determined that a sum of the number of resources for transmitting the first CBG and the number of resources for transmitting the second CBG is greater than a total number of resources that are available, reducing at least one of: the first coding rate, or the second coding rate.

[0043] In some examples, the apparatus is caused to perform: when it is determined that a sum of the number of resources for transmitting the first CBG and the number of resources for transmitting the second CBG is greater than a total number of resources that are available, dropping at least one of: the first CBG, or the second CBG.

[0044] In some examples, the apparatus is a user equipment.

[0045] A computer product stored on a medium may cause an apparatus to perform the methods as described herein.

[0046] A non-transitory computer readable medium comprising program instructions, that, when executed by an apparatus, cause the apparatus to perform the methods as described herein.

[0047] An electronic device may comprise apparatus as described herein.

[0048] Various other aspects and further embodiments are also described in the following detailed description and in the attached claims. According to some aspects, there is provided the subject matter of the independent claims. Some further aspects are defined in the dependent claims. The embodiments that do not fall under the scope of the claims are to be interpreted as examples useful for understanding the disclosure.

[0049] List of Abbreviations: AF: Application Function AMF: Access and Mobility Management Function AN: Access Network BS: Base Station CB: Code block CBG: Code block group CN: Core Network DL: Downlink eNB: eNodeB gNB: gNodeB lloT: Industrial Internet of Things LTE: Long Term Evolution MOS: Modulation and coding scheme NEF: Network Exposure Function NG-RAN: Next Generation Radio Access Network NF: Network Function NR: New Radio NRF: Network Repository Function NW: Network OFDM: Orthogonal frequency division multiplexing PCF Policy Control Function PDCCH: Physical downlink control channel PLMN: Public Land Mobile Network PRB: Physical resource block PUSCH: Physical uplink shared channel RAN: Radio Access Network RF: Radio Frequency SMF: Session Management Function TB: Transport block TBS: Transport block size TDRA: Time domain resource allocation UE: User Equipment UDR: Unified Data Repository UDM: Unified Data Management UL: Uplink UPF: User Plane Function 3GPP: 3rd Generation Partnership Project 5G: 5th Generation 5G Core network 5G-AN: 5G Radio Access Network 5GS: 5G System BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0050] Some examples will now be described, by way of illustrative and non-limiting example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:

[0051] FIG. 1 shows a schematic representation of a 5G communication system;

[0052] FIG. 2 shows a schematic representation of an apparatus for the 5G communication system of FIG. 1;

[0053] FIG. 3 shows a schematic representation of a communication device;

[0054] FIG. 4 shows a schematic representation a code blocks comprised in a transport block;

[0055] FIG. 5 shows an example signalling and operations diagram for a communication device and a network entity;

[0056] FIG. 6 shows a schematic representation of a frequency and time resources that are split between two different types of code blocks;

[0057] FIG. 7 shows an example method flow diagram performed by an apparatus;

[0058] FIG. 8 shows another example method flow diagram performed by an apparatus; and

[0059] FIG. 9 shows an example apparatus represented as a block diagram. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0060] In 5G New Radio (NR), a communication device (such as a UE) is scheduled for reception of a physical downlink shared channel (PDSCH), or transmission of a physical uplink shared channel (PUSCH) with a modulation and coding scheme (MCS) and time-frequency resources. The UE then determines a transport block size (TBS), based on the MCS and resources, to be received or transmitted. This determination is typically based on a formulation defined in 3GPP TS 38.214, namely: Ninfo ^RE ■ ■ Qm ■

[0061] In this formulation, N_info represents the TBS, N_RE represents the number of allocated resource elements (RE), R represents the coding rate associated with the scheduled MCS, Q_m represents the modulation scheme associated with the scheduled MCS, and v represents the number of multiple input / multiple output (MIMO) layers for the transmission or reception.

[0062] An indication of the MCS to be used by the UE is based on an indication of an index for an MCS (also called an ‘MCS index’) which is received by a UE in the scheduling downlink control information downlink control information (DCI). The MCS index indicates a row of a specified table, such as the table included in 3GPP TS 38.214, that in turn defines a modulation scheme and target coding rate for the MCS index. Several MCS index tables are defined in the 3GPP standard specification. As an example, a default table associated with PDSCH is shown below (Table 1), wherein the MCS indexes are between 0 and 28 and define specific values of the target coding rate, R, and modulation order / scheme, Q_m. The MCS indexes above 28 are reserved and typically used for MCS indication in case of transport block (TB) re-transmissions. MCS indexes above 28 do not define a value of the target coding rate for cases of re-transmissions, wherein a UE may assume the same TBS as the initial (or previous) transmission of the same TB. MCS Index Imcs Modulation Order Qm Target code Rate R x

[1024] Spectral efficiency 0 2 120 0.2344 1 2 157 0.3066 2 2 193 0.3770 3 2 251 0.4902 4 2 308 0.6016 5 2 379 0.7402 6 2 449 0.8770 7 2 526 1.0273 8 2 602 1.1758 9 2 679 1.3262 10 4 340 1.3281 11 4 378 1.4766 12 4 434 1.6953 13 4 490 1.9141 14 4 553 2.1602 15 4 616 2.4063 16 4 658 2.5703 17 6 438 2.5664 18 6 466 2.7305 19 6 517 3.0293 20 6 567 3.3223 21 6 616 3.6094 22 6 666 3.9023 23 6 719 4.2129 24 6 772 4.5234 25 6 822 4.8164 26 6 873 5.1152 27 6 910 5.3320 28 6 948 5.5547 29 2 reserved 30 4 reserved 31 6 reserved Table 1: Example of an MCS index table for PDSCH, 3GPP TS 38.214

[0063] This allows an autonomous determination of the coding rate once the time-frequency resources are allocated. When the TBS (i.e. N_info) value is known, the coding rate R can be autonomously determined by the UE once the number of resources (N_RE), modulation order (Q_m) and number of MIMO layers, v, are indicated to the UE. This latter described mode of operation is particularly advantageous in case of PDSCH / PUSCH (i.e., PxSCH) retransmissions, allowing a gNB to keep the same TBS value (for re-transmission combining) but with potentially different transmission reliability. For example, a gNB could schedule double the number of resources for the PxSCH re-transmission, halving the coding rate of the transmission.

[0064] After a TBS is determined by a UE / gNB, information bits are generated and a cyclic redundancy check (CRC) is attached to them to generate a bit sequence. This bit sequence is then passed to a code block segmentation block, wherein the bit sequence is segmented into one or more code blocks (CBs) based on its length. For example, for low-density parity check (LDPC) base graph 1, a maximum code block size is 8448 bits and when the input bit sequence (i.e., information bits + CRC) length is larger than the maximum, then it is segmented into multiple CBs.

[0065] Each generated CB is subsequently LDPC encoded to generate a codeword of length N, and each codeword is rate matched to the number of resources allocated for each CB. In the case of re-transmissions, if a certain CB is not scheduled for the re-transmission, the length of the rate matching output is set to 0. Stated differently, if the CB is not re-transmitted, the generated codeword for the CB is completely punctured.

[0066] In 5G NR, each TB transmission is associated with a specific hybrid automatic request (HARQ) process number, which in case of failed initial transmission, is re-transmitted until all of the CBs associated to the TB are successfully received or until a failure. A depiction of a TB comprising a plurality of CBs is shown in FIG. 4.

[0067] FIG. 4 shows a schematic representation a code blocks comprised in a transport block. A TB 401 comprises a first CB (code block #1) 403, a second CB (code block #2) 405, and a third CB (code block #3) 407. The TB 401 has a CRC 409. Each of the three CBs 403, 405, 407 also have a CRC 411. In the example of FIG. 4, there are three CBs in the TB, which should be understood as an example only. A TB may comprise more, or fewer, than three CBs.

[0068] 5G NR introduced the possibility of code block group (CBG)-specific re-transmissions, via a specific code block group transmission indicator (CBGTI) field in DCI, which contains a bitmap indicating the code block groups (CGBs) that are being re-transmitted for the HARQ process. A code block group is a group of code blocks. A CBG may comprise a plurality of CBs. A CBG may comprise a single CB. However, even if only one CB is failing to be received, the HARQ process may be stuck in re-transmission of the CBG containing the failed CB and cannot be used for transmission of new data.

[0069] It has been proposed that a TB comprising CBs with data for initial transmission and CBs with data for re-transmission (re-Tx) are transmitted (which may be termed a ‘mixed TB’) in a single and same PxSCH transmission. For example, in FIG. 4, the first CB 403 may comprise data for initial transmission, while the second 405 and third CBs 405 may comprise data for re-Tx. In this manner, part of the CBs are re-transmitted CBs and the other part of the CBs contain new data. The approach of transmitting / receiving a mixed TB would allow full utilization of the HARQ processes, and would save resources. However, this also has the associated problem of how the different types of CBs in a single TB would be configured. For example, how each CB would be configured for a modulation scheme and / or a coding rate. To have the same MCS for all CBs within a mixed TB would not be effective in terms of spectral efficiency and throughput. In this manner, at least one of the modulation scheme or coding rate for different types of CBs in a mixed TB should be different in order to allow effective transmission / reception of a mixed TB. One or more of the following examples aim to address one or more of the problems identified above.

[0070] In examples, there is provided a method (e.g., performed by an apparatus, such as a UE) that comprises: determining, based on an index for a modulation and coding scheme, MCS, a first number of resources that are available for a first code block group, CBG. The method further comprising: determining a second number of resources that are available for a second CBG based on: the first number of resources, and a total number of resources that are available for transmitting both the first CBG and the second CBG, wherein the first CBG and the second CBG are to be transmitted in a first data channel, wherein the first CBG comprises one of: data for initial transmission, or data for re-transmission, and the second CBG comprises the other of: the data for initial transmission, or the data for re-transmission. The method further comprising: performing one of: a transmission, or a reception, of the first CBG and the second CBG based on the first and the second number of resources. In examples, there is provided a method (e.g., performed by an apparatus, such as a UE) that comprises: determining, based on information related to two indexes for MCSs, a first index for an MCS for a first code block group, CBG, and a second index for an MCS for a second CBG, wherein the first CBG and the second CBG are to be transmitted in a first data channel, wherein the first CBG comprises data for initial transmission and the second CBG comprises data for re-transmission. The first index for the MCS indicates a first coding rate for the first CBG. The second index for the MCS indicates a second coding rate for the second CBG. The method further comprises: performing one of: a transmission, or a reception, of the first data channel based on the first coding rate for the first CBG and the second coding rate of the second CBG.

[0071] In some examples, it is assumed that the TBS of a mixed TB is the same as the TBS of a previous transmission.

[0072] In some examples, it is assumed that a UE is aware that the PxSCH (i.e., PDSCH or PUSCH) carries a mixed TB in the DL or UL. For example, a flag is present in the scheduling DCI indicating to the UE that the PxSCH carries a mixed TB.

[0073] In some examples, the coding rate of a CB comprising data for re-transmission is higher than the coding rate of CBs with data for initial transmission.

[0074] In some examples, there is a determination, by a UE, of the coding rate and modulation scheme to be used for re-transmitted CBs and initially transmitted CBs in a mixed TB, wherein at least the coding rates of the two different types of CBs are different.

[0075] These examples will be described in more detail below, alongside FIGS. 5 to 9.

[0076] Before explaining the examples above in greater detail, an example communication device (as shown in FIG. 3) that is capable of receiving and / or transmitting mixed TBs will be described. The communication device is part of a communication system (as shown in FIG. 1). The communication device is able to communicate with one or more of the entities of the communication system (as shown in FIG. 1) via an apparatus (as shown in FIG. 2), which may be part of / comprised in a base station (or gNB). As described above, a base station and communication device may communicate with each other by transmitting and receiving mixed TBs.

[0077] Certain general aspects of the communication system and the communication device are briefly explained with reference to FIGS. 1 to 3 to assist in understanding the technology underlying the described examples.

[0078] FIG. 1 shows a schematic representation of a 5G communication system 100. In this manner, FIG. 1 illustrates an example of a communication network to which examples disclosed herein may be applied. The communication network or a cellular communication network may comprise a network node 110 providing one or more cells, such as cell 100, and a network node 112 providing one or more other cells, such as cell 102. Each cell may be, e.g., a macro cell, a micro cell, femto, or a pico cell, for example. The cell may define a coverage area or a service area of the corresponding access node.

[0079] The network node 110 may provide a user equipment (UE) 120 (one or more UEs) with wireless access to the communication network. The wireless access may comprise downlink (DL) communication from the network node to the UE 120 and uplink (UL) communication from the UE 120 to the network node. Examples of uplink channels comprise physical uplink control channel (PUCCH) for transmitting control information and physical uplink shared channel (PUSCH) for transmitting data towards the network. Examples of downlink channels comprise physical downlink control channel (PDCCH) for transmitting control information and physical downlink shared channel (PDSCH) for transmitting data towards the user equipment.

[0080] There may be a plurality of UEs 120, 122 in the system. Each of them may be served by the same or by different network nodes 110, 112. UE may be configured with dual connectivity (DC), wherein the UE, e.g. UE 120, may be connected to multiple network nodes 110, 112. The UEs 120, 122 may communicate with each other, in case device-to-device (D2D) communication interface is established between them via a so-called sidelink (SL). Such D2D communications may be referred to as machine-to-machine, peer-to-peer (P2P) communications, or vehicle-to-vehicle (V2V), for example.

[0081] In the case of multiple network nodes in the communication network, the network nodes may be connected to each other via an interface. LTE specifications call such an interface as X2 interface. An interface between an LTE node and a 5G node, or between two 5G nodes may be called Xn interface.

[0082] The network nodes 110 and 112 may be further connected via another interface to a core network 116 of the communication network. The LTE specifications specify the core network as an evolved packet core (EPC), and the core network may comprise e.g. a mobility management entity (MME) and a gateway node. The MME may handle mobility of terminal devices in a tracking area encompassing a plurality of cells and handle signalling connections between the terminal devices and the core network. The gateway node may handle data routing in the core network and to / from the terminal devices. The 5G specifications specify the core network as a 5G core (5GC). The 5G core may comprise e.g. an access and mobility management function (AMF) and a user plane function / gateway (UPF) and other functions. The AMF may handle termination of non-access stratum (NAS) signalling, NAS ciphering &integrity protection, registration management, connection management, mobility management, access authentication and authorization, security context management. The UPF node may support packet routing and forwarding, packet inspection and quality of service (QoS) handling, for example.

[0083] FIG. 2 illustrates an example of an apparatus 200. The apparatus 200 may be for the 5G communication system of FIG. 1. The apparatus 200 may be for controlling a function of one or more network entities and / or network functions, such as the entities of the 5G-RAN or the 5GC as illustrated on FIG. 1. The apparatus 200 comprises at least one random access memory (RAM) 211a, at least one read only memory (ROM) 211b, at least one processor 212, 213 and an input / output interface 214. The at least one processor 212, 213 is coupled to the RAM 211a and the ROM 211b. The at least one processor 212, 213 may be configured to execute an appropriate software code 215. The software code 215 may for example allow to perform one or more steps to perform one or more of the present aspects or examples. The software code 215 may be stored in the ROM 211b. The apparatus 200 may be interconnected with another apparatus 200 controlling another entity / function of the 5G-AN or the 5GC. . In some examples, apparatus 200 may be configured to provide one or more functions of the 5G-AN or the 5GC. For example, apparatus 200 may be configured to perform at least some functionality of a particular function of the 5G-AN or the 5GC. For example, apparatus 200 may be configured to operate as a particular function of the 5G-AN or the 5GC. In alternative examples, apparatus 200 may be configured to perform at least some functionality of two or more functions of the 5G-AN and / or the 5GC. For example, apparatus 200 may be configured to operate as two or more functions of the 5G-AN and / or the 5GC. The apparatus 200 may comprise one or more circuits, or circuitry (not shown) which may be configured to perform one or more of the present aspects or examples.

[0084] FIG. 3 illustrates an example of a communication device 300. The communication device 300 may be similar to the communication device 102 illustrated in FIG. 1. The communication device 300 may be provided by any device capable of sending and receiving radio signals. Non-limiting examples of a communication device 300 are a user equipment, a terminal, a mobile station (MS) or mobile device such as a mobile phone or what is known as a ’smart phone’, a computer provided with a wireless interface card or other wireless interface facility (e.g., USB dongle), a personal data assistant (PDA) or a tablet provided with wireless communication capabilities, a machine-type communications (MTC) device, a Cellular Internet of things (CloT) device, or a terrestrial / maritime / aerial vehicle such as a car, a truck, a boat, an air plane, or a drone, or any combinations of these or the like. The communication device 300 may provide, for example, communication of data for carrying communications. The communications may be one or more of voice, electronic mail (email), text message, multimedia, data, machine data and so on.

[0085] The communication device 300 may receive signals over an air or radio interface 307 via appropriate apparatus for receiving and may transmit signals via appropriate apparatus for transmitting radio signals. In FIG. 3, a transceiver apparatus is designated schematically by block 306. The transceiver apparatus 306 may be provided for example by means of a radio part and associated antenna arrangement. The antenna arrangement may be arranged internally or externally to the mobile device.

[0086] The communication device 300 may be provided with at least one processor 301, at least one memory ROM 302a, at least one RAM 302b and other possible components 303 for use in software and hardware aided execution of tasks it is designed to perform, including control of access to and communications with access systems and other communication devices. The at least one processor 301 is coupled to the RAM 302b and the ROM 302a. The at least one processor 301 may be configured to execute an appropriate software code 308. The software code 308 may for example allow to perform one or more of the present aspects. The software code 308 may be stored in the ROM 302a. The communication device 300 may comprise one or more circuits, or circuitry (not shown) which may be configured to perform one or more of the present aspects or examples.

[0087] The processor, storage and other relevant control apparatus may be provided on an appropriate circuit board and / or in chipsets. This feature is denoted by reference 304. The communication device may optionally have a user interface such as keypad 305, touch sensitive screen or pad, combinations thereof or the like. Optionally one or more of a display, a speaker and a microphone may be provided depending on the type of the device.

[0088] Methods are provided for the determination of coding rates and / or the determination of numbers of allocated resources for CBs in a data channel (e.g., a PUSCH or PDSCH). Some CBs may comprise data for re-transmission (which may be termed re-transmitted CBs, e.g., a first ‘type’ of CB), while some other CBs may comprise data for initial transmission (which may be termed initial CBs, e.g., a second ‘type’ of CB). Re-transmitted CBs and initial CBs may both be comprised in a single TB within the data channel. Alternatively, or additionally, at least one TB in the data channel may comprise re-transmitted CBs, and at least one other TB in the data channel may comprise initial CBs. This may be referred to as ‘mixed TB’. Stated differently, there may be intra-TB mixing of the types of CBs, or inter-TB mixing of the types of CBs, in a (single) data channel (which is herein referred to as a ‘mixed TB’).

[0089] The re-transmitted CBs may be determined to have at least one of: a coding rate, or a number of allocated resources, that is different compared to CBs with initially transmitted data. The determination of the modulation scheme used for each CB in the mixed TB may also be determined. Alternatively, the modulation scheme for each CB in the mixed TB may be the same. One or more of the examples described below are applicable to a mixed TB in either a PDSCH or PUSCH.

[0090] In some examples, there is a determination of different coding rates for different CBs of a mixed TB, wherein at least one CB in the mixed TB comprises data for initial transmission, and at least one CB in the mixed TB comprises data for re-Tx. The determination may be performed by a communication device (e.g., a UE or terminal device).

[0091] The determination of the different coding rates may be based on (separate) MCS indexes (also referred to as indexes for MCSs) for each CB or CBG of the mixed TB. The CBG is a group of CBs. A CBG comprises at least one CB. The MCS index per CB / CBG in the mixed TB may be obtained by the communication device. The MCS index per CB / CBG in the mixed TB may be received by the communication device (e.g., received from a network entity / gNB). For each CB / CBG in the mixed TB, the allocated resources and / or coding rate is determined based on the respective MCS index. Each MCS index indicates a coding rate for each respective CB in a CBG. For example, each MCS index indicates a coding rate in a (reference) table. The MCS indexes may be indicated via DCI with separate MCS index fields, one per CB or CBG. Alternatively, the separate MCS indexes may be directly indicated via DCI via indication of a delta MCS index. Stated differently, a difference in MCS index. The MCS index of one CB / CBG functions as a reference MCS index and the MCS indexes of other CBs / CBGs are derived based on the reference MCS index and the indicated delta value(s).

[0092] The determination of the different coding rates may be based on an MCS index for the CBs or CBGs that comprise data for initial transmission and an MCS index for the CBs or CBGs that comprise data for re-Tx, in the TB. In this manner, there are two MCS indexes (one for each type of CB or CBG in the mixed TB). Utilising two MCS indexes in order to determine the coding rates may have less overhead on the DCI. For each CB / CBG in the mixed TB, the coding rate is determined based on one of the two MCS index. Based on the data in each CB / CBG, the relevant MCS index of the two MCS indexes is used to determine the coding rate. Each MCS index indicates a coding rate for each CB or CBG. For example, each MCS index indicates a coding rate in a (reference) table. The MCS indexes may be indicated via DCI. Each MCS index may be directly indicated via DCI with separate MCS index fields, one for each CB / CBG. Alternatively, the separate MCS indexes may be directly indicated via DCI via indication of a delta MCS index. Stated differently, a difference in MCS index. The MCS index for one CB / CBG functions as a reference MCS index and the MCS indexes for other CBs / CBGs are derived based on the reference MCS index and the indicated delta value(s). The MCS index for CBs or CBGs that comprise data for initial transmission function as a reference MCS index, so that the MCS indexes for CBs or CBGs that comprise data for re-Tx may be derived based on the reference MCS index and the indicated delta value(s).

[0093] When there is a determination of the different coding rates based on an MCS index per CB or CBG or an MCS index per type of CB or CBG (e.g., carrying either initial transmission or re-transmission data), there may also be a determination of a number of resources to use for each CB (e.g., output length of the rate matching) based on the determined coding rates. The determination of the number of resources to use for each CB may be performed by the UE.

[0094] The network may check (due to selection of the MCS) that the sum of the rate matching output length of the CBs matches the number of available coded bits (related to the number of allocated resources). For example, if two CBs are transmitted, each with a modulation scheme (and related coding rates, labelled R1 and R2, respectively), network checks that the sum of N, = —— and N2 = -—- , i.e. resources for CB, and CB2, is equal to the number 1 RrQm-v ~ 1 2 >m of allocated resources. CBSA and CBS2 in the formula above represent the size of the CB at bit level, which may be the same.

[0095] When it has been determined that Nr + N2 is greater than the number of allocated resources, the UE may adjust the value of either^ or^2, or both, to fit the number of allocated resources. For example, the UE may adjust the coding rate of the first or the second, or both, CBs, in order to fit the number of allocated resources.

[0096] When it has been determined that N± + N2 is greater than the number of allocated resources, the UE may drop either of CBS, or CBS2 , or the whole transmission.

[0097] The determination of the different coding rates may be based on a (single) MCS index. The MCS index indicates the coding rate for CB(s) in the mixed TB that comprise data for initial transmission. The coding rate for the CB(s) in the mixed TB that comprise data for re-TX is then determined (implicitly or explicitly) based on a number of (allocated) resources that are remaining for the mixed TB. The remaining resources are herein termed NR.

[0098] In order to determine NR , the UE may determine a number of resources Nt to be used TBS' for transmitting the CBs that comprise data for initial Tx as Nt = r q wherein R and Qm are the coding rate and modulation order (or modulation scheme) of the MCS (indicated by the (single) MCS index), respectively, v is the number of MIMO layers, and TBSt is the sum of the sizes of all CBs that comprise data for initial Tx. A number that is output by the formula may not be a natural number, and so a ceiling or flooring operation may also be utilised. This would ensure that Nt results in a natural number (i.e., positive integer). Following the determination of Nt , the UE may determine the number of remaining resources (N^ for the CB(s) that comprise data for re-Tx, as NR = N - Nb where N is a total number of allocated resources for the TB. Based on NR and a known TBS (or number of CBs / CBGs) for re-transmission, UE may then determine either the coding rate or the rate matching output length of the CBs / CBGs for the re-transmission.

[0099] In some examples, there is a determination (by the UE) of a number of resources that are available for different CBs / CBGs based on a (single) MCS index and a total number of resources that are available for transmission of a mixed TB (or PDSCH / PUSCH). The MCS index indicates a coding rate for CB / CBG(s) in the mixed TB (that comprises data for retransmission and initial transmission). A number of resources for first CB / CBG(s) (i.e., for a single CBG, or multiple CBGs) in the mixed TB that comprise data for re-Tx is determined based on a size of the re-transmission (e.g., the size in bits of the re-transmitted CB(s)) and the MCS index. Stated differently, the size of the re-transmission (e.g., TBS), which is known by the UE, is used with the MCS index to determine the number of resources needed for the re-TX data. A number of resources that are available for second CB / CBG(s) (i.e., for a single CBG, or multiple CBGs) (in the mixed TB) that comprise data for initial transmission is determined based on a number of resources that are remaining for the mixed TB. The remaining resources are herein termed NR.

[0100] In order to determine NR , the UE may determine the number of resources N, to be used for transmitting the first CB / CBGs that comprise data for re-Tx, as N, = wherein R and Qm are the coding rate and modulation order (or modulation scheme) of the MCS (indicated by the (single) MCS index), respectively, v is the number of MIMO layers, and TBSt is the sum of the sizes of all CBs that comprise data for re-transmission. A number that is output by the formula may not be a natural number, and so a ceiling or flooring operation may also be utilised. This would ensure that results in a natural number (i.e., positive integer). Following the determination of Nt , the UE may determine the number of remaining resources (NR) for the second CB / CBG(s) that comprise data for initial transmission, as NR = N - Nt, where N is a total number of allocated resources for the TB. Based on NR UE then may determine the TBS (for initial transmission) and a related number of CB / CBG(s) that comprise data for initial transmission. Alternatively, based on NR and a known TBS (or number of CBs / CBGs) for initial transmission, UE may then determine either the coding rate or the rate matching output length of the CBs / CBGs for initial transmission.

[0101] Following the determination of the different coding rates and / or the number of resources that are available for the different CBs in the mixed TB, the UE performs one of: a transmission, or a reception, of the mixed TB. The transmission or reception may be based on the coding rate for the at least one CB that comprises data for initial Tx and the second coding rate of the at least one CB that comprises data for re-Tx. The transmission or reception may be based on the number of resources available for the CB / CBG(s) with re-TX data, and the number of resources available for the CB / CBG(s) with initial Tx data.

[0102] An example signalling and operations diagram related to the determination of the different coding rates based on a (single) MCS index is shown in FIG. 5.

[0103] FIG. 5 shows an example signalling and operations diagram for a communication device and a network entity. In the example of FIG. 5, the communication device is a UE and the network entity is a gNB. The example of FIG. 5 is for PUSCH, but is equally applicable to PDSCH.

[0104] In S501, the gNB sends, to the UE, an allocation of a total number of resources (herein referred to as N) for transmission of a PUSCH. The total number of resources, N, is depicted in FIG. 6, which is discussed in more detail below.

[0105] In S502, the gNB sends, to the UE, an indication that the PUSCH carries a TB, wherein the TB comprises a CB (or CBG) with data for initial Tx (herein ‘first CB’) and a CB (or CBG) with data for re-Tx (herein ‘second CB’). In this manner, the TB in the example of FIG. 5 is a mixed TB (e.g., intra-TB mixing). In the example of FIG. 5, it is assumed that the TB comprises 2 CBs / CBGs (1 initial Tx and 1 re-Tx). In other examples, the TB may comprise any number of re-transmitted or initial CBs.

[0106] In S503, the UE determines a coding rate, R, (herein ‘first coding rate’) for the first CB based on an MCS index. The MCS index indicates the coding rate for the first CB. The MCS index is obtained by the UE (e.g., received from the gNB). The MCS index also indicates the modulation order, Qm, for the first CB.

[0107] In S504, the UE determining a number of resources to be used for transmitting the first CB based on the first coding rate. The determination may also be based on the modulation order, Qm, for the first CB. The UE may use the following formula, N, =---- , in order to determine the number of resources for transmitting the first CB. The UE may be assumed to know the number and size of CBs for initial Tx (1 in this example), based on the indication received in S502, which is used for CBS,.

[0108] In some examples, the UE may compare the number of resources (NJ to be used for transmitting the first CB to a threshold number (of resources). When it is determined by the UE that the number of resources (^) that are available for the first CB is greater than the threshold number, the UE may reduce the first number of resources for the first CB to the threshold number. Stated differently, the UE limits the number of resources to be used for transmitting the first CB (e.g., to ensure a minimum baseline amount of resources for transmitting the re-TX data in the TB).

[0109] The UE then determines a number of available coded bits (G;) to be used for transmitting the first CB based on Nt . For example, using Gt = Qm ■ Nt ■ v .

[0110] In S505, the UE determines a second coding rate for the second CB based on: the number of resources to be used for transmitting the first CB (Nj) and a total number of resources that are available for transmitting the TB ( / V).

[0111] In order to determine the second coding rate, the UE may determine a number of remaining resources ( / VR) dedicated for the re-transmission CB using NR = N — Nt . Based on the number of remaining resources (NR), the UE determines the second coding rate. For example, using R = CBSr . In some examples it may be assumed that the same modulation NR'Qm'v order is used for both the first CB and the second CB. In other examples, the modulation orders are different. When the modulation orders different, the UE may receive an indication that indicates which modulation order to use for CBs / CBGs with re-TX data.

[0112] In S506, the UE performs a transmission, to the gNB, of the PUSCH carrying the TB, based on the first coding rate of the first CB and the second coding rate of the second CB.

[0113] In some examples, for the transmission, the UE determines a number of available coded bits (GR) to be used for transmitting the second CB based on the number of remaining resources (NR). For example, using GR = Qm ■ NR ■ v. This example assumes that no additional overhead (e.g., phase tracking reference signal (PTRS)) is present in the remaining resources.

[0114] The UE encodes and rate matches the first CB and the second CB (with a respective CRC attached to each of the first and second CBs) based on the determined number of bits Gt and Gr , to form a rate-matched first CB and a rate-matched second CB. The UE then concatenates the rate-matched first CB and the rate-matched second CB, and performs the transmission of the PUSCH with the TB.

[0115] FIG. 6 shows a schematic representation of a frequency and time resources that are split between two different types of code blocks. FIG. 6 shows an example of how a UE may determine a number of remaining resources in order to determine a coding rate for CBs with data for re-TX (e.g., the process shown in FIG. 5).

[0116] As shown in FIG. 6, the UE is allocated M PRBs 601 and L OFDM symbols 603, such that there is a total number of resources, N, 605. The total number of resources 605 may be calculated using N = 12 ■ L ■ M, wherein 12 is the number of resource elements in one PRB. The UE may determine the size of NR 607 and Nj 609 using any of the methods described above.

[0117] One or more of the examples described above allows for a UE determination of different coding rates and / or different number of resources for different types of CB / CBG in a (mixed) TB transmission, which is not possible with legacy mechanisms. For TBs that comprise both CBs / CBGs for initial Tx and CBs / CBGs for re-Tx, it is more efficient for spectral efficiency and throughput when the CBs / CBGs for re-Tx have a higher coding rate than CBs / CBGs for initial Tx. Therefore, for mechanisms whereby the same coding rate is given to both types of CBs / CBGs, this will not be efficient. Examples of the present disclosure provide methods that may be used by a UE to determine the suitable (different) coding rates. One or more of the examples give the gNB full control of all the parameters for a CB transmission in a mixed TB, by providing an MCS index per CB or per type of CB.

[0118] Furthermore, in one or more examples described above, an efficient determination of different coding rates is provided without impacting the DCI size of a mixed TB transmission (i.e., a single MCS index is still used). With such a mechanism, the network is able to assign a certain (single) MCS for CBs / CBGs comprising data for an initial transmission, while reserving enough resources for the re-transmitted CBs / CBGs. Stated differently, since the number of resources for the initial transmissions is determined based on the size of the initial CBs / CBGs regardless of the total number of allocated resources, enough resources are reserved for the re-transmitted CBs / CBGs by allocating an appropriate total number of resources (N) for the whole PDSCH / PUSCH transmission.

[0119] FIG. 7 shows an example method flow performed by an apparatus. The apparatus may be a communication device. For example, the communication device may be a UE, a terminal device, or other mobile device.

[0120] In S701, the method comprises: determining, based on an index for a modulation and coding scheme, MCS, a first number of resources that are available for a first code block group, CBG.

[0121] In S703, the method comprises: determining a second number of resources that are available for a second CBG based on: the first number of resources, and a total number of resources that are available for transmitting both the first CBG and the second CBG, wherein the first CBG and the second CBG are to be transmitted in a first data channel, wherein the first CBG comprises one of: data for initial transmission, or data for re-transmission, and the second CBG comprises the other of: the data for initial transmission, or the data for retransmission.

[0122] In S705, the method comprises: performing one of: a transmission, or a reception, of the first CBG and the second CBG based on the first and the second number of resources.

[0123] It should be understood that, in some examples, one or more additional method steps are included in the method flow of FIG. 7 and are performed by the apparatus. In some examples, one or more of the method steps of FIG. 7 detailed above may not be performed, or may be performed in a different order.

[0124] FIG. 8 shows an example method flow performed by an apparatus. The apparatus may be a communication device. For example, the communication device may be a UE, a terminal device, or other mobile device.

[0125] In S801, the method comprises: determining, based on information related to two indexes for MCSs, a first index for an MCS for a first code block group, CBG, and a second index for an MCS for a second CBG, wherein the first CBG and the second CBG are to be transmitted in a first data channel, wherein the first CBG comprises data for initial transmission and the second CBG comprises data for re-transmission, wherein the first index for the MCS indicates a first coding rate for the first CBG, and wherein the second index for the MCS indicates a second coding rate for the second CBG.

[0126] In S803, the method comprises: performing one of: a transmission, or a reception, of the first data channel based on the first coding rate for the first CBG and the second coding rate of the second CBG.

[0127] It should be understood that, in some examples, one or more additional method steps are included in the method flow of FIG. 8 and are performed by the apparatus. In some examples, one or more of the method steps of FIG. 8 detailed above may not be performed, or may be performed in a different order.

[0128] FIG. 9 shows an example apparatus represented as a block diagram. FIG. 9 shows, by way of example, a block diagram of an apparatus 10. The apparatus 10 comprises, for example, at least one processor 12 and at least one memory 14 storing instructions 15 that, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the apparatus 10 at least to perform the method or methods as disclosed herein, and any of the embodiments thereof. In an example, the at least one memory and the instructions (e.g. a computer program code, software), are configured, with the at least one processor, to cause the apparatus 10 to perform the method or methods as disclosed herein, and any of the embodiments thereof.

[0129] A processor 12 may comprise circuitry, or be constituted as circuitry or circuitries, the circuitry or circuitries being configured to perform phases of methods in accordance with example embodiments described herein. As used in this application, the term “circuitry” may refer to one or more or all of the following: (a) hardware-only circuit implementations, such as implementations in only analog and / or digital circuitry, and (b) combinations of hardware circuits and software, such as, as applicable: (i) a combination of analog and / or digital hardware circuit(s) with software / firmware and (ii) any portions of hardware processor(s) with software (including digital signal processor(s)), software, and memory(ies) that work together to cause an apparatus, such as a user equipment, to perform various functions) and (c) hardware circuit(s) and or processor(s), such as a microprocessor(s) or a portion of a microprocessor(s), that requires software (e.g., firmware) for operation, but the software may not be present when it is not needed for operation. This definition of circuitry applies to all uses of this term in this application, including in any claims. As a further example, as used in this application, the term circuitry also covers an implementation of merely a hardware circuit or processor (or multiple processors) or portion of a hardware circuit or processor and its (or their) accompanying software and / or firmware. The term circuitry also covers, for example and if applicable to the particular claim element, a baseband integrated circuit or processor integrated circuit for a mobile device or a similar integrated circuit in server, a cellular network device, or other computing or network device.

[0130] The memory 14 may be implemented using any suitable data storage technology. The memory may comprise a database for storing data. The memory 14 may be at least in part external to apparatus 10 but accessible to apparatus 10.

[0131] The instructions 15 may be comprised in a computer readable medium or a non-transitory computer readable medium. A term non-transitory, as used herein, is a limitation of the medium itself (i.e. tangible, not a signal) as opposed to a limitation on data storage persistency (e.g. random access memory, RAM, vs. read only memory, ROM).

[0132] For example, the apparatus 10 is a terminal device (or communication device), such as the UE of FIG.3. As another example, the apparatus is comprised in such a terminal device, e.g. as a chipset configured to control the terminal device. The apparatus 10 may be caused or configured to perform at least the method of FIG. 7 or 8, and / or any one or more of the examples described.

[0133] As another example, the apparatus 10 is a network entity, e.g. the network entity of FIG. 2. In another example, the apparatus is comprised in such a network entity, e.g. as a chipset configured to control the network entity. The apparatus 10 may be caused or configured to perform at least the method of the network entity in FIG. 5, and / or any one or more of the examples described.

[0134] The apparatus 10 comprises a radio interface 16. The radio interface 16 may provide the apparatus 10 with communication capabilities. The radio interface 16 may comprise a receiver configured to receive information in accordance with at least one cellular or non-cellular standard. The radio interface 16 may comprise a transmitter configured to transmit information in accordance with at least one cellular or non-cellular standard. The receiver may comprise more than one receiver. The transmitter may comprise more than one transmitter. The radio interface 16 may comprise a transceiver configured to receive and transmit information in accordance with at least one cellular or non-cellular standard. The transceiver may comprise more than one transceiver.

[0135] The apparatus 10 may comprise a user interface 18 comprising, for example, at least one of a keypad, a microphone, a touch display, a display, a speaker, etc. The user interface 18 may be used to control the apparatus by the user. The user interface 18 may be external to the apparatus 10. For example, the apparatus 10 may be connected to another device, such as a computer, either via wireless or wired connection, and the apparatus 10 is controlled by the user via the computer.

[0136] In an embodiment, at least some of the processes described herein may be carried out by an apparatus comprising means for carrying out at least some of the described processes. Means for performing method steps as disclosed herein may include software and / or hardware components of the apparatus 10. For example, the at least one processor 12, the memory 14, and the computer program code form means for carrying out the method or methods as disclosed herein, and any of the embodiments thereof. As used herein the term “means” is to be construed in singular form, i.e. referring to a single element, or in plural form, i.e. referring to a combination of single elements. Therefore, terminology “means for [performing A, B, C]”, is to be interpreted to cover an apparatus in which there is only one means for performing A, B and C, or where there are separate means for performing A, B and C, or partially or fully overlapping means for performing A, B, C. Further, terminology “means for performing A, means for performing B, means for performing C” is to be interpreted to cover an apparatus in which there is only one means for performing A, B and C, or where there are separate means for performing A, B and C, or partially or fully overlapping means for performing A, B, C.lt is noted that while the above describes example embodiments, there are several variations and modifications which may be made to the disclosed solution without departing from the scope of the present invention.

[0137] The examples may thus vary within the scope of the attached claims. In general, some embodiments may be implemented in hardware or special purpose circuits, software, logic or any combination thereof. For example, some aspects may be implemented in hardware, while other aspects may be implemented in firmware or software which may be executed by a controller, microprocessor or other computing device, although embodiments are not limited thereto. While various embodiments may be illustrated and described as block diagrams, flow charts, or using some other pictorial representation, it is well understood that these blocks, apparatus, systems, techniques or methods described herein may be implemented in, as nonlimiting examples, hardware, software, firmware, special purpose circuits or logic, general purpose hardware or controller or other computing devices, or some combination thereof.

[0138] The examples may be implemented by computer software stored in a memory and executable by at least one data processor of the involved entities or by hardware, or by a combination of software and hardware. Further in this regard it should be noted that any procedures may represent program steps, or interconnected logic circuits, blocks and functions, or a combination of program steps and logic circuits, blocks and functions. The software may be stored on such physical media as memory chips, or memory blocks implemented within the processor, magnetic media such as hard disk or floppy disks, and optical media such as for example DVD and the data variants thereof, CD.

[0139] The term “non-transitory”, as used herein, is a limitation of the medium itself (i.e. tangible, not a signal) as opposed to a limitation on data storage persistency (e.g. RAM vs ROM).

[0140] As used herein, “at least one of the following:” and “at least one of: ” and similar wording, where the list of two or more elements are joined by “and”, or “or”, mean at least any one of the elements, or at least any two or more of the elements, or at least all of the elements.

[0141] The memory may be of any type suitable to the local technical environment and may be implemented using any suitable data storage technology, such as semiconductor-based memory devices, magnetic memory devices and systems, optical memory devices and systems, fixed memory and removable memory. The data processors may be of any type suitable to the local technical environment, and may include one or more of general purpose computers, special purpose computers, microprocessors, digital signal processors (DSPs), application specific integrated circuits (ASIC), gate level circuits and processors based on multi core processor architecture, as non-limiting examples.

[0142] As used herein, the terms “means for”, “means for performing operations including”, “means configured to perform operations including”, or “means configured to perform” (or similar) may be any means that are suitable for performing the feature(s). The “means” may be configured to perform one or more of the functions and / or method steps previously described. For example, the “means” may include one or more of: at least one processor, at least one memory, transceiver circuitry, antenna circuitry, etc. It should be understood that these are provided as non-limiting examples.

[0143] Alternatively, or additionally some examples may be implemented using circuitry. The circuitry may be configured to perform one or more of the functions and / or method steps previously described. That circuitry may be provided in the base station and / or in the communications device.

[0144] As used in this application, the term “circuitry” may refer to one or more or all of the following: (a) hardware-only circuit implementations (such as implementations in only analogue and / or digital circuitry); (b) combinations of hardware circuits and software, such as: (i) a combination of analogue and / or digital hardware circuit(s) with software / firmware and (ii) any portions of hardware processor(s) with software (including digital signal processor(s)), software, and memory(ies) that work together to cause an apparatus, such as the communications device or base station to perform the various functions previously described; and (c) hardware circuit(s) and or processor(s), such as a microprocessor(s) or a portion of a microprocessor(s), that requires software (e.g., firmware) for operation, but the software may not be present when it is not needed for operation.

[0145] This definition of circuitry applies to uses of the term “means” in this application, including in any claims. As a further example, as used in this application, the term circuitry also covers an implementation of merely a hardware circuit or processor (or multiple processors) or portion of a hardware circuit or processor and its (or their) accompanying software and / or firmware. The term circuitry also covers, for example integrated device. The term circuitry also covers, for example and if applicable to the particular claim element, a baseband integrated circuit or processor integrated circuit for a mobile device or a similar integrated circuit in a server, a cellular network device, or other computing or network device.

[0146] The foregoing description has provided byway of exemplary and non-limiting examples a full and informative description of some embodiments. However, various modifications and adaptations may become apparent to those skilled in the relevant arts in view of the foregoing description, when read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings and the appended claims. However, all such and similar modifications of the teachings will still fall within the scope as defined in the appended claims.

Claims

1. An apparatus comprising:means for determining, based on information related to two indexes for MCSs, a first index for an MCS for a first code block group, CBG, and a second index for an MCS for a second CBG, wherein the first CBG and the second CBG are to be transmitted in a first data channel, wherein the first CBG comprises data for initial transmission and the second CBG comprises data for re-transmission,wherein the first index for the MCS indicates a first coding rate for the first CBG, andwherein the second index for the MCS indicates a second coding rate for the second CBG; andmeans for performing one of: a transmission, or a reception, of the first data channel based on the first coding rate for the first CBG and the second coding rate of the second CBG.

2. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the first CBG and the second CBG are comprised in a first transport block, TB, the first TB to be transmitted in the first data channel.

3. The apparatus according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the first data channel is one of: a physical uplink shared channel, or the physical downlink shared channel.

4. The apparatus according to any of claims 1 to 3, further comprising:means for receiving, from a network entity, the information related to the two indexes for the MCSs in downlink control information.

5. The apparatus according to any of claims 1 to 4, wherein the information comprises: the first index for the MCS, and the second index for the MCS.

6. The apparatus according to any of claims 1 to 4, wherein the information comprises: the first index for the MCS, and a delta value with reference to the first index for the MCS,wherein the determining of the second index for the MCS is based on: the first index for the MCS and the delta value.

7. The apparatus according to any of claims 1 to 6, wherein a plurality of first CBGs comprising data for initial transmission, and a plurality of second CBGs comprising data for re-transmission are to be transmitted in the first data channel.

8. The apparatus according to claim 7, wherein an index for MCS for each of: the plurality of first CBGs and the plurality of second CBGs, is used to determine a coding rate for the respective CBG, such that there is an index for MCS per CBG in the first data channel.

9. The apparatus according to claim 7, wherein the plurality of first CBGs is a first type of CBG, and the plurality of second CBGs is a second type of CBG, wherein an index for MCS per type of CBG is used to determine a coding rate for the respective CBG, such that there is an index for MCS per type of CBG in the first data channel.

10. The apparatus according to any of claims 1 to 9, further comprising:means for determining a number of resources for transmitting each of the first CBG and the second CBG based on the first coding rate and the second coding rate, respectively.

11. The apparatus according to claim 10, further comprising:means for, when it is determined that a sum of the number of resources for transmitting the first CBG and the number of resources for transmitting the second CBG is greater than a total number of resources that are available, reducing at least one of: the first coding rate, or the second coding rate.

12. The apparatus according to claim 10, further comprising:means for, when it is determined that a sum of the number of resources for transmitting the first CBG and the number of resources for transmitting the second CBG is greater than a total number of resources that are available, dropping at least one of: the first CBG, or the second CBG.

13. A method performed by an apparatus, the method comprising:determining, based on information related to two indexes for MCSs, a first index for an MCS for a first code block group, CBG, and a second index for an MCS for a second CBG, wherein the first CBG and the second CBG are to be transmitted in a first data channel, wherein the first CBG comprises data for initial transmission and the second CBG comprises data for re-transmission,wherein the first index for the MCS indicates a first coding rate for the first CBG, andwherein the second index for the MCS indicates a second coding rate for the second CBG; andperforming one of: a transmission, or a reception, of the first data channel based on the first coding rate for the first CBG and the second coding rate of the second CBG.

14. The method according to claim 13, wherein the first CBG and the second CBG are comprised in a first transport block, TB, the first TB to be transmitted in the first data channel.

15. The method according to claim 13 or claim 14, wherein the first data channel is one of: a physical uplink shared channel, or the physical downlink shared channel.

16. The method according to any of claims 13 to 15, further comprising: receiving, from a network entity, the information related to the two indexes for the MCSs in downlink control information.

17. The method according to any of claims 13 to 16, wherein the information comprises: the first index for the MCS, and the second index for the MCS.

18. The method according to any of claims 13 to 16, wherein the information comprises: the first index for the MCS, and a delta value with reference to the first index for the MCS, wherein the determining of the second index for the MCS is based on: the first index for the MCS and the delta value.

19. The method according to any of claims 13 to 18, wherein a plurality of first CBGs comprising data for initial transmission, and a plurality of second CBGs comprising data for re-transmission are to be transmitted in the first data channel.

20. The method according to claim 19, wherein an index for MCS for each of: the plurality of first CBGs and the plurality of second CBGs, is used to determine a coding rate for the respective CBG, such that there is an index for MCS per CBG in the first data channel.

21. The method according to claim 19, wherein the plurality of first CBGs is a first type of CBG, and the plurality of second CBGs is a second type of CBG, wherein an index for MCS per type of CBG is used to determine a coding rate for the respective CBG, such that there is an index for MCS per type of CBG in the first data channel.

22. The method according to any of claims 13 to 21, further comprising: determining a number of resources for transmitting each of the first CBG and the second CBG based on the first coding rate and the second coding rate, respectively.

23. The method according to claim 22, further comprising:when it is determined that a sum of the number of resources for transmitting the first CBG and the number of resources for transmitting the second CBG is greater than a total number of resources that are available, reducing at least one of: the first coding rate, or the second coding rate.

24. The method according to claim 22, further comprising:when it is determined that a sum of the number of resources for transmitting the first CBG and the number of resources for transmitting the second CBG is greater than a total number of resources that are available, dropping at least one of: the first CBG, or the second CBG.

25. A computer program comprising instructions, which when executed by an apparatus, cause the apparatus to perform at least the following:determining, based on information related to two indexes for MCSs, a first index for an MCS for a first code block group, CBG, and a second index for an MCS for a second CBG, wherein the first CBG and the second CBG are to be transmitted in a first data channel, wherein the first CBG comprises data for initial transmission and the second CBG comprises data for re-transmission,wherein the first index for the MCS indicates a first coding rate for the first CBG, andwherein the second index for the MCS indicates a second coding rate for the second CBG; andperforming one of: a transmission, or a reception, of the first data channel based on the first coding rate for the first CBG and the second coding rate of the second CBG.31

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