HARQ Timing Configuration for Semi-Persistent Scheduling in NR

Solution Overview

Problem

In New Radio (NR) systems, there is a need to efficiently determine Hybrid Automatic Repeat Request (HARQ) timing for Semi-Persistent Scheduling (SPS) transmissions without a scheduling Downlink Control Information (DCI), as existing methods rely on dynamic indication which can be absent in certain scenarios.

Innovation Solution

A user equipment (UE) can predetermine or dynamically configure HARQ timing based on its capability, using initial DCI, Radio Resource Control (RRC) signaling, or the most recent DCI activating SPS, to ensure timely acknowledgement (ACK/NACK) responses for downlink transmissions.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If dynamic HARQ timing indication is used in NR systems, then HARQ timing flexibility is improved, but reliability deteriorates when scheduling DCI is absent in SPS transmissions

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveHARQ timing flexibilityVSAvoidHARQ timing determination reliability

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies preliminary action by pre-configuring HARQ timing values through RRC signaling before SPS transmissions occur. The network configures a set of HARQ timing values and indicates a specific value to use when scheduling DCI is absent, ensuring the UE has predetermined instructions ready for SPS transmissions without requiring dynamic DCI indication.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces RRC signaling as an intermediary mechanism between the network and UE for HARQ timing configuration. Instead of relying solely on direct DCI indication, the RRC layer serves as an intermediary that pre-establishes HARQ timing parameters, which then guide the physical layer during SPS transmissions when DCI scheduling is absent.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Loss of energy

If SPS transmissions are configured without scheduling DCI, then resource overhead is reduced, but the ability to dynamically adjust HARQ timing is lost

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecontrol signaling overheadVSAvoidHARQ timing dynamic adjustment capability

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of energyVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies preliminary action by pre-configuring HARQ timing values through RRC signaling before SPS transmissions occur. The network configures a set of HARQ timing values and indicates a specific value to use when scheduling DCI is absent, ensuring the UE has predetermined instructions ready for SPS transmissions without requiring dynamic DCI indication.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent enables parameter changes by allowing the network to configure multiple HARQ timing values through RRC signaling and dynamically select which value to apply. This allows the system to change HARQ timing parameters based on different SPS configurations and network conditions while maintaining the benefits of reduced control signaling overhead.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Device complexity

If HARQ timing is predetermined based on UE capability, then implementation complexity is reduced, but adaptability to different network conditions deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveHARQ timing determination complexityVSAvoidHARQ timing adaptability to network conditions

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent enables parameter changes by allowing the network to configure multiple HARQ timing values through RRC signaling and dynamically select which value to apply. This allows the system to change HARQ timing parameters based on different SPS configurations and network conditions while maintaining the benefits of reduced control signaling overhead.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies universality by creating a multi-functional HARQ timing configuration mechanism that serves both predetermined (via RRC) and dynamic (via DCI indication) requirements. The same RRC-configured parameters can serve as defaults for SPS transmissions while also being adjustable through DCI when needed, making the system adaptable to different operational modes.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentUS11838135B2Semi-persistent scheduling management in New Radio

Publication Date: 2023.12.05 QUALCOMM INC

AI summary

Methods, systems, and devices for wireless communications are described. In one example, a method includes receiving signaling from a base station to activate a semi-persistent scheduling (SPS) configuration for transmission between the base station and the UE, and receiving a hybrid automatic repeat request (HARM) timing for downlink transmissions based at least in part on the SPS configuration being activated. In another example, the method includes establishing a connection with a base station using a component carrier (CC), the CC having a plurality of bandwidth parts (BWPs), receiving signaling that indicates an SPS configuration or other types of pre-configured resources associated with at least a first BWP of the plurality of BWPs and transmitting or receiving using at least the first BWP according to the SPS configuration or other types of pre-configured resources associated with at least the first BWP.