Configurable HARQ Feedback for Low-Latency 5G Data
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Solution Overview
Problem
The challenge in 5G communication systems is the need for efficient scheduling and data transmission/reception schemes that consider the varying channel and interference characteristics of next-generation communication systems, particularly in providing multiple services with different requirements such as eMBB, mMTC, and URLLC, while minimizing latency and ensuring reliable data transmission.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus are introduced to optimize data transmission by setting a number of hybrid automatic repeat request (HARQ) processes based on a configuration, enabling fast HARQ-ACK feedback by storing and processing information in a hardware entity, thereby reducing processing time and latency in HARQ operations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If the number of HARQ processes is increased to handle multiple services, then the system capacity and service coverage are improved, but the processing complexity and latency increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments HARQ processes into two distinct types: first HARQ processes for eMBB services and second HARQ processes for URLLC services. Each type has dedicated feedback resources and processing paths, allowing parallel independent operation. This segmentation enables the system to handle multiple services simultaneously without the processing complexity of a single monolithic HARQ system, as each segment can be optimized independently for its specific service requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a new dimension of service-type differentiation by creating separate HARQ process categories (first and second types) with distinct feedback resource allocations. This dimensional separation in the HARQ process space allows the system to scale capacity for multiple services while maintaining manageable complexity through specialized handling paths for each service category.
2Reliability
If HARQ-ACK feedback is transmitted for all HARQ processes, then the reliability of data transmission is improved, but the feedback overhead and processing time increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides HARQ feedback transmission into separate channels: first HARQ processes use dedicated first feedback resources while second HARQ processes use second feedback resources. This segmentation allows parallel feedback transmission without mutual interference, maintaining high reliability for all processes while reducing total processing time through concurrent operations rather than sequential handling.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent pre-configures multiple types of feedback resources (first and second feedback resources) in advance, associated with different HARQ process types. This preliminary preparation eliminates the need for dynamic resource allocation during feedback transmission, reducing processing time while ensuring reliable dedicated resources are available for each HARQ process type.
3Adaptability or versatility
If separate feedback resources are allocated for different service types, then the service-specific performance is improved, but the resource overhead increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a universal feedback resource framework where first and second feedback resources serve multiple purposes: they can be independently allocated to different service types (eMBB, URLLC) while maintaining a unified HARQ process structure. This multi-functionality allows the system to adapt to different service requirements without proportionally increasing total resource overhead, as the same resource management infrastructure serves both feedback types.
Data Source
AI summary
Methods and apparatuses are provided for performing communication in a wireless communication system is provided. A number of hybrid automatic repeat request (HARQ) processes is set as N. The N is a natural number, one value within a maximum value, 16, and set based on a configuration of a base station (BS). Downlink control information (DCI) is received including a 1-bit HARQ-acknowledgment (HARQ-ACK) feedback request for all of N HARQ processes. HARQ-ACK information associated with all of the N HARQ processes is identified, based on the received DCI. A number of bits for the HARQ-ACK information is defined based on xN by the configuration, and the x is a natural number. The HARQ-ACK information is transmitted to the BS.