Facilitating MCS use with varying features for UCI transmission

Techniques for signaling varied modulation and coding schemes for wireless communication are discussed. A method of wireless communication may comprise receiving, by a user equipment (UE), an indication to apply a modulation order cap to determine a first modulation and coding scheme for transmission of uplink control information different from a second modulation and coding scheme for transmission of data. The method may further comprise transmitting the uplink control information using the first modulation and coding scheme, wherein the first modulation and coding scheme is determined based, at least in part, on the received indication to apply the modulation order cap.

TECHNICAL FIELD

Aspects of the present disclosure relate generally to wireless communication systems, and more particularly, to techniques and apparatuses for allowing different multiplexing and coding schemes for multiplexed uplink control information. Certain embodiments of the technology discussed below can enable and provide enhanced efficiency, high communication speeds, low latency, and high reliability in transmission of uplink control information.

INTRODUCTION

Wireless communication networks are widely deployed to provide various communication services such as voice, video, packet data, messaging, broadcast, and the like. These wireless networks may be multiple-access networks capable of supporting multiple users by sharing the available network resources. Such networks, which are usually multiple access networks, support communications for multiple users by sharing the available network resources.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF SOME EMBODIMENTS

In one aspect of the disclosure, a method of wireless communication may include determining, by a UE, whether to apply a first modulation and coding scheme for transmission of uplink control information multiplexed on a physical uplink shared channel (PUSCH), different from a second modulation and coding scheme applied to payload data. The method may include determining, by the UE, whether to apply a modulation order cap to determine the first modulation and coding scheme. The method may include determining, by the UE, the first modulation and coding scheme for transmission of uplink control information based, at least in part, on the determination of whether to apply a modulation order cap to determine the first modulation and coding scheme. The method may include transmitting the uplink control information on the PUSCH using the determined first modulation and coding scheme. In some aspects, the first modulation and coding scheme may be a modulation and coding scheme for transmission of at least one of: a hybrid automatic repeat request acknowledgement (HARQ-ACK) of the uplink control information, a first channel state information part of the uplink control information, or a second channel state information part of the uplink control information.

In some aspects, the method may include receiving, by the UE, an indication of an offset value from a code rate of the second modulation and coding scheme for the payload data transmission. The determination of the first modulation and coding scheme may be made further based on the received indication of the offset value. In some aspects, a code rate of the first modulation and coding scheme may be determined based on the received indication of the offset value. In some aspects, receiving an indication of an offset value from a code rate of the second modulation and coding scheme for the payload data transmission may comprise at least one of: receiving an indication of an offset value from the code rate of the second modulation and coding scheme for determining a code rate of a hybrid automatic repeat request acknowledgement (HARQ-ACK) of the uplink control information, receiving an indication of an offset value from the code rate of the second modulation and coding scheme for determining a code rate of a first channel state information part of the uplink control information, or receiving an indication of an offset value from the code rate of the second modulation and coding scheme for determining a code rate of a second channel state information part of the uplink control information.

In some aspects, determination of whether to apply a modulation order cap to determine the first modulation and coding scheme may include receiving, by the UE, a cap enablement parameter indicating enablement of the modulation order cap for the first modulation and coding scheme. Determination of whether to apply a modulation order cap to determine the first modulation and coding scheme may include determining, by the UE, that the PUSCH is a low priority PUSCH. A determination, by the UE, of the first modulation and coding scheme for transmission of uplink control information may be based, at least in part, on the received cap enablement parameter and the determination that the PUSCH is a low priority PUSCH. The cap enablement parameter may be received via a radio resource control (RRC) configuration communication. The cap enablement parameter may comprise a downlink control information (DCI) format indication and a determination, by the UE of the first modulation and coding scheme for transmission of uplink control information may be based, at least in part, on the DCI format indication. In some aspects, the DCI format indication may comprise an indication of DCI format 1_2. For more examples and information relating to DCI formats used in wireless communications, see 3GPP Technical Specification (TS) 38.212 version 15.8.0 section 7.3.1, entitled “Multiplexing and channel coding” published Jan. 11, 2020, which is publicly available. In some aspects, the DCI format indication may comprise a priority indicator indicating a high priority, and the determination, by the UE, of the first modulation and coding scheme for transmission of uplink control information may be based, at least in part, on the priority indicator indicating high priority.

In an additional aspect, a method of wireless communication may include determining, by a base station to apply a modulation order cap by a user equipment (UE) to a modulation and coding scheme for transmission of uplink control information multiplexed on a physical uplink shared channel (PUSCH). The method may further include transmitting, by the base station, a cap enablement parameter indicating to apply the modulation order cap to the modulation and coding scheme. The method may further include receiving, by the base station, the uplink control information to which the first modulation and coding scheme, having an order capped by the modulation order cap, has been applied.

In some aspects, the uplink control information may comprise at least one of a hybrid automatic repeat request acknowledgement (HARQ-ACK) of the uplink control information, a first channel state information part of the uplink control information, or a second channel state information part of the uplink control information. In some aspects, transmitting the cap enablement parameter may comprise transmitting the cap parameter in a radio resource control (RRC) configuration communication. In some aspects, transmitting the cap enablement parameter may comprise transmitting the cap enablement parameter in downlink control information (DCI). The cap enablement parameter may comprise a DCI format indicator. The cap enablement parameter may comprise a high priority indicator in DCI format 1_2.

In some aspects, a method of wireless communication may include receiving, by a UE, an indication to apply a modulation order cap to determine a first modulation and coding scheme for transmission of uplink control information different from a second modulation and coding scheme for transmission of data and transmitting the uplink control information using the first modulation and coding scheme, wherein the first modulation and coding scheme is determined based, at least in part, on the received indication to apply the modulation order cap. In some aspects, the first modulation and coding scheme is further determined based on a received indication of an offset value from a code rate of the second modulation and coding scheme. In some aspects, a code rate of the first modulation and coding scheme is determined based on a received indication of an offset value from a code rate of the second modulation and coding scheme. In some aspects, the method may further include receiving, by the UE, an indication of an offset value from a code rate of the second modulation and coding scheme for transmission of data, wherein receiving, by the UE, the indication of the offset value comprises at least one of: receiving an indication of an offset value from the code rate of the second modulation and coding scheme for determining a code rate of a hybrid automatic repeat request acknowledgement (HARQ-ACK) of the uplink control information; receiving an indication of an offset value from the code rate of the second modulation and coding scheme for determining a code rate of a first channel state information part of the uplink control information; or receiving an indication of an offset value from the code rate of the second modulation and coding scheme for determining a code rate of a second channel state information part of the uplink control information. In some aspects the first modulation and coding scheme is a modulation and coding scheme for transmission of at least one of: a hybrid automatic repeat request acknowledgement (HARQ-ACK) of the uplink control information, a first channel state information part of the uplink control information, or a second channel state information part of the uplink control information. In some aspects, receiving, by the UE, an indication to apply a modulation order cap comprises receiving, by the UE, a cap enablement parameter indicating enablement of the modulation order cap for the first modulation and coding scheme, and wherein the first modulation and coding scheme is further determined based, at least in part, on a determination that the data has a first priority lower than a second priority of the uplink control information and the received cap enablement parameter. In some aspects, the cap enablement parameter comprises a downlink control information (DCI) format indication, and wherein the first modulation and coding scheme for transmission of uplink control information is further determined based, at least in part, on the DCI format indication. In some aspects, the DCI format indication comprises a priority indicator indicating the second priority, and wherein the first modulation and coding scheme for transmission of uplink control information is further determined based, at least in part, on the priority indicator indicating the second priority.

In an additional aspect of the present disclosure, a non-transitory computer-readable medium having program code recorded thereon is disclosed. The program code may include code to perform one or more actions or steps described herein.

In an additional aspect of the disclosure, an apparatus configured for wireless communication is disclosed. The apparatus includes at least one processor and a memory coupled to the processor. The processor is configured to perform the steps described herein. In an additional aspect of the disclosure, an apparatus for wireless communication may include means for performing the steps described herein.

Other aspects, features, and embodiments will become apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art, upon reviewing the following description of specific, exemplary embodiments in conjunction with the accompanying figures. While features may be discussed relative to certain embodiments and figures below, all embodiments can include one or more of the advantageous features discussed herein. In other words, while one or more embodiments may be discussed as having certain advantageous features, one or more of such features may also be used in accordance with the various embodiments. In similar fashion, while exemplary embodiments may be discussed below as device, system, or method embodiments the exemplary embodiments can be implemented in various devices, systems, and methods.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

For clarity, certain aspects of the apparatus and techniques may be described below with reference to exemplary LTE implementations or in an LTE-centric way, and LTE terminology may be used as illustrative examples in portions of the description below; however, the description is not intended to be limited to LTE applications. Indeed, the present disclosure is concerned with shared access to wireless spectrum between networks using different radio access technologies or radio air interfaces, such as those of 5G NR.

While aspects and embodiments are described in this application by illustration to some examples, those skilled in the art will understand that additional implementations and use cases may come about in many different arrangements and scenarios. Innovations described herein may be implemented across many differing platform types, devices, systems, shapes, sizes, and packaging arrangements. For example, embodiments and/or uses may come about via integrated chip embodiments and/or other non-module-component based devices (e.g., end-user devices, vehicles, communication devices, computing devices, industrial equipment, retail/purchasing devices, medical devices, AI-enabled devices, etc.). While some examples may or may not be specifically directed to use cases or applications, a wide assortment of applicability of described innovations may occur. Implementations may range from chip-level or modular components to non-modular, non-chip-level implementations and further to aggregated, distributed, or OEM devices or systems incorporating one or more described aspects. In some practical settings, devices incorporating described aspects and features may also necessarily include additional components and features for implementation and practice of claimed and described embodiments. It is intended that innovations described herein may be practiced in a wide variety of implementations, including both large/small devices, chip-level components, multi-component systems (e.g. RF-chain, communication interface, processor), distributed arrangements, end-user devices, etc. of varying sizes, shapes, and constitution.

FIG.1shows wireless network100for communication according to some embodiments. Wireless network100may, for example, comprise a 5G wireless network. As appreciated by those skilled in the art, components appearing inFIG.1are likely to have related counterparts in other network arrangements including, for example, cellular-style network arrangements and non-cellular-style-network arrangements (e.g., device to device or peer to peer or ad hoc network arrangements, etc.).

FIG.2shows a block diagram of a design of a base station105and a UE115, which may be any of the base stations and one of the UEs inFIG.1. For a restricted association scenario (as mentioned above), base station105may be small cell base station105finFIG.1, and UE115may be UE115cor115D operating in a service area of base station105f, which in order to access small cell base station105f, would be included in a list of accessible UEs for small cell base station105f. Base station105may also be a base station of some other type. As shown inFIG.2, base station105may be equipped with antennas234athrough234t, and UE115may be equipped with antennas252athrough252rfor facilitating wireless communications.

At base station105, transmit processor220may receive data from data source212and control information from controller/processor240. The control information may be for the physical broadcast channel (PBCH), physical control format indicator channel (PCFICH), physical hybrid-ARQ (automatic repeat request) indicator channel (PHICH), physical downlink control channel (PDCCH), enhanced physical downlink control channel (EPDCCH), MTC physical downlink control channel (MPDCCH), etc. The data may be for the PDSCH, etc. Transmit processor220may process (e.g., encode and symbol map) the data and control information to obtain data symbols and control symbols, respectively. Transmit processor220may also generate reference symbols, e.g., for the primary synchronization signal (PSS) and secondary synchronization signal (SSS), and cell-specific reference signal. Transmit (TX) multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO) processor230may perform spatial processing (e.g., precoding) on the data symbols, the control symbols, and/or the reference symbols, if applicable, and may provide output symbol streams to modulators (MODs)232athrough232t. Each modulator232may process a respective output symbol stream (e.g., for OFDM, etc.) to obtain an output sample stream. Each modulator232may additionally or alternatively process (e.g., convert to analog, amplify, filter, and upconvert) the output sample stream to obtain a downlink signal. Downlink signals from modulators232athrough232tmay be transmitted via antennas234athrough234t, respectively.

At UE115, the antennas252athrough252rmay receive the downlink signals from base station105and may provide received signals to demodulators (DEMODs)254athrough254r, respectively. Each demodulator254may condition (e.g., filter, amplify, downconvert, and digitize) a respective received signal to obtain input samples. Each demodulator254may further process the input samples (e.g., for OFDM, etc.) to obtain received symbols. MIMO detector256may obtain received symbols from demodulators254athrough254r, perform MIMO detection on the received symbols if applicable, and provide detected symbols. Receive processor258may process (e.g., demodulate, deinterleave, and decode) the detected symbols, provide decoded data for UE115to data sink260, and provide decoded control information to controller/processor280. A channel processor may determine reference signal received power (RSRP), received signal strength indicator (RSSI), reference signal received quality (RSRQ), channel quality indicator (CQI), and the like.

Controllers/processors240and280may direct the operation at base station105and UE115, respectively. Controller/processor240and/or other processors and modules at base station105and/or controller/processor280and/or other processors and modules at UE115may perform or direct the execution of various processes for the techniques described herein, such as to perform or direct the execution illustrated inFIGS.3-5, and/or other processes for the techniques described herein. Memories242and282may store data and program codes for base station105and UE115, respectively. Scheduler244may schedule UEs for data transmission on the downlink and/or uplink.

Wireless communications systems operated by different network operating entities (e.g., network operators) may share spectrum. In some instances, a network operating entity may be configured to use an entirety of a designated shared spectrum for at least a period of time before another network operating entity uses the entirety of the designated shared spectrum for a different period of time. Thus, in order to allow network operating entities use of the full designated shared spectrum, and in order to mitigate interfering communications between the different network operating entities, certain resources (e.g., time) may be partitioned and allocated to the different network operating entities for certain types of communication.

For example, a network operating entity may be allocated certain time resources reserved for exclusive communication by the network operating entity using the entirety of the shared spectrum. The network operating entity may also be allocated other time resources where the entity is given priority over other network operating entities to communicate using the shared spectrum. These time resources, prioritized for use by the network operating entity, may be utilized by other network operating entities on an opportunistic basis if the prioritized network operating entity does not utilize the resources. Additional time resources may be allocated for any network operator to use on an opportunistic basis.

Access to the shared spectrum and the arbitration of time resources among different network operating entities may be centrally controlled by a separate entity, autonomously determined by a predefined arbitration scheme, or dynamically determined based on interactions between wireless nodes of the network operators.

A UE may transmit uplink control information and payload data to a base station. In some communications systems the UE may transmit the uplink control information on an uplink channel, such as a physical uplink shared channel (PUSCH). For example, the UE may multiplex both uplink control information and payload data on a PUSCH. The UE may transmit the uplink control information and the payload data using a common modulation order. The UE may back off a code rate for the uplink control information relative to the payload data to improve a reliability of the uplink control information relative to the payload data. For example, the uplink control information may be transmitted using a reduced code rate relative to the payload data resulting in a reduced likelihood of loss and/or error in a transmission of the uplink control information. However, using a modulation order associated with the payload data and a backed off code rate may result in relatively poor network performance and/or a relatively inefficient utilization of network resources. For example, if a code rate for the uplink control information is reduced, use of the same modulation order for both the uplink control information and the payload data may result in a mismatch between the modulation order and the code rate, such as a modulation order that is greater than needed. Such a mismatch may lead to inefficiencies in uplink control information transmission.

Some aspects, described herein, may determine to apply a first modulation and coding scheme for uplink control information, different from a modulation and coding scheme for payload data. For example, a different modulation and coding scheme may be used for high priority uplink control information. In some instances, UCI can be multiplexed and transmitted on a low priority PUSCH (e.g., such as for some enhanced mobile broadband (eMBB) use cases). In particular, if uplink control information is multiplexed on a PUSCH with payload data, it may be advantageous to use a different modulation and coding scheme for the uplink control information than for the payload data. As one example, as shown inFIG.8, a transmission800may include uplink control information802and payload data804. The uplink control information802may be multiplexed with the payload data804, and the transmission800may be a PUSCH transmission. A different modulation and coding scheme may be used in transmission of the uplink control information802than in the transmission of the payload data804. For example, if the uplink control information802is high priority, such as indicated as being high priority by a priority indicator received from a base station, and the payload data804, or transmission800in general, is not high priority a MCS used for transmission of the uplink control information802may be different from an MCS used for the payload data804. In some embodiments, the uplink control information802may include multiple different parts and different MCSs may be used for different parts of the uplink control information802. The use of different MCS schemes may be based on operating conditions or desired operational characteristics. Varied MCS schemes can be determined on a number of factors.

In some aspects, the determination of the first modulation and coding scheme may be based, at least in part, on a determination of whether to apply a modulation order cap in determining the first modulation and coding scheme. For example, a UE may determine a modulation order and/or a code rate of the first modulation and coding scheme for the uplink control information that is different from a modulation order and/or a code rate of a second modulation and coding scheme for the payload data. A UE may determine whether or not to implement a different modulation and coding scheme for uplink control information than a modulation and coding scheme used for payload data and whether or not to implement a modulation order cap in determining the modulation and coding scheme for uplink control information based on information received from a base station in a radio resource control (RRC) configuration communication or a downlink control information message, such as one or more cap enablement parameters. Furthermore, determinations of whether to apply different modulation and coding schemes and whether to apply modulation order caps in determining the different modulation and coding schemes may be made for individual parts of the uplink control information, such as for a HARQ-ACK, a first part of channel state information, and a second part of channel state information.

FIG.3is a diagram300illustrating an example300of uplink control information transmission, according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. As shown inFIG.3, the diagram300includes a UE115in communication with a base station105.

As further shown inFIG.3, the UE115may receive a downlink control information message305from base station105. The downlink control information message305may, for example, be a downlink control information scheduling message for a physical downlink shared channel, such as a downlink control information scheduling message associated with a hybrid automatic repeat request acknowledgement (HARQ-ACK). The downlink control information message305may indicate, to the UE115, whether to use a first modulation and coding scheme for transmission of uplink control information, such as high priority uplink control information, multiplexed on a PUSCH by the UE115, that is different from a second modulation and coding scheme used for transmission of payload data on the PUSCH by the UE115. Alternatively or additionally, the downlink control information message305may indicate, to the UE115, whether to apply a modulation order cap in determining a modulation and coding scheme for use in transmission of uplink control information on the PUSCH by the UE115.

A format of the downlink control information message305may indicate whether to apply a different modulation and coding scheme in transmitting uplink control information and/or whether to apply a modulation order cap in determining the modulation and coding scheme for the uplink control information. Use of a downlink control information (DCI) format 1_2, for example, by the base station105may indicate to the UE115to implement one or more varied MCSs. In some deployments, DCI format may indicate to implement either a different modulation and coding scheme for uplink control information, a modulation order cap for the modulation and coding scheme for the uplink control information, or both. In some embodiments, the downlink control information message305, such as a downlink control information message including downlink control information in DCI format 1_2, may include a priority indicator. A high priority indicator, such as a priority indicator of 1, may indicate to the UE115to implement either a different modulation and coding scheme for uplink control information, a modulation order cap for the different modulation and coding scheme for the uplink control information, or both. A low priority indicator, such as a priority indicator of 0, may indicate to the UE115to avoid implementation of a different modulation coding scheme for uplink control information and/or a modulation order cap for the modulation and coding scheme for the uplink control information. For example, in some embodiments, a format of the DCI message305may be used by the UE115to determine whether to use a different modulation and coding scheme, and a priority indicator of the DCI message305may be used to determine whether to use a modulation order cap in determining the different modulation and coding scheme. In some embodiments, the UE may be configured by default, or by another parameter, to use a different modulation and coding scheme for the high priority uplink control information, and the format and/or priority indicator of the DCI message305may be used to determine whether to apply a modulation order cap. In some embodiments, separate priority indicators of the DCI message305may be included for indicating to use a different modulation and coding scheme and to implement a modulation order cap. High priority uplink control information may, for example, include uplink control information associated with a high priority indicator received from a base station instructing the UE to designate uplink control information as high priority. Low priority uplink control information may, for example, include uplink control information that is not associated with a high priority indicator received from a base station, or that is associated with a low priority indicator received from a base station.

In some embodiments, in place of or in addition to downlink control information message305, the UE115may receive from the base station105an RRC communication. For example, for semi-statically configured uplink control information, such as P-CSI, a radio resource control (RRC) communication may be transmitted from the base station105to the UE115. The RRC communication may indicate, to the UE, whether to implement either a different modulation and coding scheme for uplink control information from a modulation and coding scheme for payload data, a modulation order cap for the first modulation and coding scheme for the uplink control information, or both. For example, the RRC communication may include a cap enablement parameter, a modulation and coding scheme adjustment parameter, or both. As one example, a high cap enablement parameter in the RRC communication may indicate to the UE115to apply a modulation order cap in determining a modulation and coding scheme for uplink control information. A high modulation and coding scheme differentiation parameter may indicate to the UE115to apply a modulation order for the first modulation and coding scheme for the transmission of the uplink control information that is different from a modulation order applied to payload data. In some embodiments, the UE115may be configured by default, or by another communication, to use a different modulation and coding scheme for the uplink control information and may determine whether to apply a modulation order cap in determining the different modulation and coding scheme based on a parameter in the received RRC communication.

The UE115may determine a modulation and coding scheme for the uplink control information using the received downlink control information message305, or based on a received RRC communication, at process310. For example, the UE115may determine whether to apply a first modulation and coding scheme to uplink control information different from a modulation and coding scheme applied to payload data and whether to apply a modulation order cap in determining the first modulation and coding scheme. Determination of a modulation and coding scheme may include determination of a modulation order of the modulation and coding scheme and determination of a code rate of the modulation and coding scheme. Determination of the modulation order may include determination of whether to apply a modulation order cap in determining the modulation order. If a determination is made, by the UE115, to apply a modulation order cap in determination of the modulation order, the UE115may determine a modulation order of the modulation and coding scheme for application to the uplink control information that is less than or equal to a modulation order specified by the modulation order cap. The UE115may determine downlink control information scheduling of the physical downlink shared channel associated with a hybrid automatic repeat request acknowledgement (HARQ-ACK). In some embodiments, the UE115may also segment uplink control information.

A determination by the UE115of whether to apply a different modulation and coding scheme to high priority uplink control information from a modulation and coding scheme applied to payload information and/or whether to implement a modulation order cap in determining a modulation order of the modulation and coding scheme for the uplink control information may be based on one or more aspects of the received downlink control information message305. For example, such a determination may be made based on a format of the downlink control information message305, one or more priority indicators of the received downlink control information message305, or both. In some embodiments, when the downlink control information message305is received, the UE115may determine a format of the downlink control information message305. If the downlink control information message has a predetermined format, such as DCI format 1_2, the UE115may determine to apply a different modulation and coding scheme to the uplink control information from a modulation and coding scheme applied to payload data, may determine to apply a modulation order cap in determining a modulation and coding scheme to apply to the uplink control information, or both. In some embodiments, the UE115may further determine whether to apply a different modulation and coding scheme, such as a different modulation order, to the uplink control information from a modulation and coding scheme applied to payload data and/or whether to apply a modulation order cap in determining the modulation and coding scheme to apply to the uplink control information based on a status of one or more priority indicators included in the downlink control information message305, such as a downlink control information message with DCI format 1_2. For example, the downlink control information message305may include a priority indicator. If the priority indicator is high, the UE115may determine to apply a different modulation and coding scheme to the uplink control information from a modulation and coding scheme applied to payload data and to apply a modulation cap in determining the modulation order of the modulation and coding scheme for the uplink control information. In some embodiments, separate priority indicators, or other variables, may be included in the downlink control information message305to indicate whether to apply a different modulation and coding scheme to the uplink control information from a modulation and coding scheme applied to payload data and whether to apply a modulation order cap in determining the modulation order of the modulation and coding scheme for the uplink control information. Thus, in one possible configuration, a different modulation order may be applied to the uplink control information from a modulation order applied to payload data, based on a first indicator, but a modulation order cap may not be applied, based on a second indicator. If the UE115determines that a format other than DCI format 1_2 is used for the downlink control information message305and/or that a priority indicator indicates low status, such as low priority, the UE115may determine to apply the same modulation and coding scheme to the uplink control information and the payload data and/or to refrain from application of a modulation order cap in determining the modulation and coding scheme for the uplink control information.

In some embodiments, the UE115may determine a modulation and coding scheme to apply to uplink control information based on a received RRC communication. For example, information from an RRC configuration communication may be used when determining a modulation and coding scheme for primary channel state uplink control information. The UE115may determine whether to apply a different modulation and coding scheme to uplink control information from a modulation and coding scheme applied to payload data and/or whether to apply a modulation order cap in determining the modulation order of the modulation and coding scheme for the uplink control information based on one or more RRC configuration enable/disable parameters received in an RRC communication. For example, the UE115may determine in process310based on a high status of a single parameter received in an RRC communication, to apply a different modulation and coding scheme for the uplink control information and to use the modulation order cap in determining the modulation order of the modulation and coding scheme for the uplink control information. In some embodiments, a first parameter may be included in the RRC configuration communication for indicating whether to use a different modulation and coding scheme for the uplink control information, and a second parameter may be included in the RRC configuration communication for indicating to apply a modulation cap in determining the modulation order of the modulation and coding scheme for the uplink control information. In some embodiments, the UE115may be configured by default, or by another parameter, to apply a different modulation and coding scheme to the uplink control information and may determine based on a cap activation parameter received in the RRC communication whether to apply a modulation order cap in determining the modulation and coding scheme for the uplink control information.

In some embodiments, the UE115may further base the determination of a whether to apply a different modulation and coding scheme to uplink control information and/or whether to apply a modulation order cap in determining the different modulation and coding scheme on a priority of a physical uplink shared channel (PUSCH) on which the uplink control information is to be transmitted. For example, if the uplink control information is multiplexed on a low priority PUSCH, the UE115may determine, based on the low priority of the PUSCH, to use a different modulation and coding scheme for the uplink control information from a modulation and coding scheme used for payload data and/or to apply a modulation order cap in determining the modulation order of the modulation and coding scheme for the uplink control information. If the uplink control information is multiplexed on a high priority PUSCH, the UE115may determine, based on the high priority of the PUSCH, to use the same modulation order and modulation and coding scheme for the uplink control information and the payload data and/or to refrain from application of a modulation order cap in determining a modulation and coding scheme. The priority of the PUSCH may, for example, be determined based on a priority indicator included in downlink control information scheduling the PUSCH. For example, if the DCI scheduling the PUSCH indicates that the PUSCH on which the uplink control information will be multiplexed is low priority, or the priority indicator is not present in the DCI scheduling the PUSCH, the UE may determine that the PUSCH is low priority. If an indicator that the priority of the PUSCH is high is included in the DCI scheduling the PUSCH, the UE may determine that the PUSCH is high priority. Thus, in some embodiments, a determination of whether to use a different modulation and coding scheme for uplink control information from a modulation and coding scheme for payload data and whether to apply a modulation order cap in determining the modulation order of the modulation and coding scheme for the uplink control information may be based on a format of received downlink control information, one or more parameters, such as priority parameters, included in the downlink control information, and a priority of the PUSCH on which the uplink control information will be transmitted. Alternatively or additionally, a determination of whether to use a different modulation and coding scheme for uplink control information from a modulation and coding scheme for payload data and whether to apply a modulation order cap in determining the modulation order of the modulation and coding scheme for the uplink control information may be based on one or more parameters received in an RRC configuration communication and a priority of the PUSCH on which the uplink control information will be transmitted.

In some embodiments, the UE115may receive, from the base station105, one or more beta_offset values for determining a code rate of the modulation and coding scheme for the uplink control information. Beta_offset values may be used to determine a scaled-down coding rate for a modulation and coding scheme for transmission of high priority uplink control information. Scaling-down of the coding rate may enhance reliability of transmission of uplink control information. For example, a beta_offset value may be specified for determination of a code rate such that a code rate for the uplink control information is equal to the code rate for the payload data of the PUSCH divided by the beta_offset value. In some embodiments, separate beta offsets may be received for different parts of uplink control information. For example, separate betta offsets may be received for a HARQ-ACK, such as a high priority HARQ-ACK, a first part of channel state information, such as CSI-part1, and a second part of channel state information, such as CSI-part2. In some embodiments, information received from the base station105in the downlink control information message305may indicate to apply a different modulation and coding scheme only to part of the uplink control information, such as applied to one or more of a HARQ-ACK, a first part of channel state information, and a second part of channel state information. Furthermore, in some embodiments, information received from the base station105in the downlink control information message305may indicate to apply a modulation order cap only in determining a modulation order of a modulation and coding scheme for part of the channel state information. The base station105may indicate to the UE115to apply the modulation order cap in determining a modulation order for a modulation and coding scheme of at least one of a HARQ-ACK, a first part of channel state information, and a second part of channel state information. In some embodiments, separate indications of whether to apply a modulation order cap for each of the HARQ-ACK, a first part of channel state information, and a second part of channel state information, may be transmitted in the downlink control information message305, such as separate priority indicators or other parameters, or in an RRC configuration communication, such as separate RRC configuration enable/disable parameters. For example, when high priority uplink control information is multiplexed on a PUSCH without uplink shared channel payload data, the UE115may determine to apply the modulation order cap only in determining a modulation and coding scheme for a HARQ-ACK of uplink control information and not channel state information transmitted on the PUSCH.

Based on the determination of whether to use a different modulation and coding scheme for the uplink control information and whether to apply a modulation order cap, the UE115may determine a modulation and coding scheme to apply to uplink control information. A determination of the modulation and coding scheme may, for example, include a determination of a modulation order and a code rate of the modulation and coding scheme. For example, UE115may determine spectral efficiency for the uplink control information transmission based at least in part on the spectral efficiency for the PUSCH and the beta offset value. In this case, UE115may determine a largest index of a modulation and coding scheme in a modulation and coding scheme table, such that a product of a code rate and a quadrature amplitude modulation (QAM) order of the determined modulation and coding scheme is less than a spectral efficiency for uplink control information determined and described above. For example, UE115may determine a code rate and QAM order that are associated with an index value in the modulation and coding scheme table less than the spectral efficiency for the uplink control information transmission. In this case, UE115may select the QAM order for modulation of the uplink control information transmission and the code rate for a polar code rate for the uplink control information transmission. In determining the order of the modulation and coding scheme, such as the QAM order, the UE115may apply a modulation order cap, if the UE115has determined to apply the modulation order cap. For example, the UE115may determine an order of the modulation and coding scheme, such as a QAM order, that is no greater than an order specified by the modulation order cap. In some aspects, UE115may rate match based at least in part on the beta offset value. For example, the UE115may determine a modulation order of the modulation and coding scheme based, at least in part, on a modulation order cap. The UE115may then apply the determined modulation and coding scheme to the uplink control information and may generate an uplink control information message315. The UE115may then transmit the uplink control information message315to the base station105. The uplink control information included in the message315may, for example, be dynamic scheduled uplink control information, such as HARQ-ACK information or semi-statically configured uplink control information, such as P-CSI information.

In some embodiments, UE115may determine a code rate of the modulation and coding scheme for the uplink control information based at least in part on the order of the modulation and coding scheme, such as the QAM order. For example, UE115may select the QAM order from the modulation and coding scheme table and may determine a code rate that is a quotient of the spectral efficiency for the uplink control information transmission and a value for the QAM order. In some embodiments, UE115may determine the code rate based at least in part on a scaling factor. For example, UE115may scale a code rate for the uplink control information relative to a code rate for the PUSCH based at least in part on a scaling of a QAM order for the uplink control information relative to a QAM order for the PUSCH and the beta offset value. Additionally, or alternatively, UE115may scale a resource element allocation for the uplink control information relative to a resource allocation for the PUSCH based at least in part on the scaling of the QAM order for the uplink control information relative to the QAM order for the PUSCH and the beta offset value.

In some embodiments, UE115may determine a resource allocation relating to the modulation and coding scheme for the uplink control information transmission. For example, UE115may determine a quantity of resource elements for the uplink control information transmission based at least in part on a quantity of bits of uplink control information that are to be transmitted and the spectral efficiency of the uplink control information. In this case, the quantity of resource elements, RE, may equal a quotient of a quantity of bits of the uplink control information and a spectral efficiency for uplink control information determined and described above (e.g., based on a QAM order, based on a code rate, etc.) or an actual spectral efficiency achievable for the uplink control information (based on the QAM order, based on the code rate, etc.). In other words, UE115may determine a result of #REs=nBits_UCI/SE_UCI*, where #REs is a quantity of resource elements for which resources are to be allocated, nBits_UCI represents a quantity of bits of uplink control information, and SE_UCI* represents an actual spectral efficiency of uplink control information determined based at least in part on a calculated maximum spectral efficiency, a code rate, and a QAM order, as described above.

In some embodiments, UE115may include one or more additional resource elements based at least in part on the quantity of bits of the uplink control information and the spectral efficiency. For example, UE115may determine that a first quantity of whole resource elements and a partial resource element are to be used to transmit the uplink control information, and may determine to allocate a complete resource element for the uplink control information transmission rather than a partial resource element. In some embodiments, UE115may determine a resource allocation for the PUSCH. For example, UE115may determine a quantity of remaining resource elements after allocating one or more resource elements for the uplink control information transmission, and may allocate the remaining resource elements for the PUSCH.

A UE may determine to apply a different modulation and coding scheme to uplink control information from a modulation and coding scheme applied to payload data. The UE may also determine whether to cap a modulation order of the modulation and coding scheme for the uplink control information. Use of a different modulation and coding scheme and capping of a modulation order of the modulation and coding scheme may be useful in the context of multiplexing of high priority uplink control information with payload data on a PUSCH. An example method for determining, by a UE, a modulation and coding scheme for uplink control information is shown inFIG.4. The method may begin, at step400, with determination to apply a first modulation and coding scheme for transmission of uplink control information, different from a second modulation and coding scheme applied to payload data. The uplink control information may be uplink control information to be multiplexed on a PUSCH, such as with payload data of the PUSCH. For example, the UE may receive a communication from the base station specifying to use a different modulation and coding scheme for uplink control information. The first modulation and coding scheme may, for example, have a different modulation order and/or coding rate from the second modulation and coding scheme. In some cases, a determination may be made to apply a different modulation and coding scheme to only a part of uplink control information, such as to a HARQ-ACK, but not first and second parts of channel state information, or to a HARQ-ACK and a first part of channel state information but not a second part of channel state information. If uplink control information being multiplexed on a PUSCH is low priority, the UE may determine to apply the same modulation and coding scheme to both the uplink control information and the payload data.

In some embodiments, such as embodiments involving transmission of semi-statically configured uplink control information such as P-CSI, information specifying whether to use a different modulation and coding scheme may be received, by the UE, in a radio resource control (RRC) communication, such as in one or more RRC configuration enable/disable parameters. For example, an RRC configuration enable/disable parameter may, when high, indicate to use a different modulation and coding scheme for the uplink control information. If the RRC configuration enable/disable parameter is low, a determination may be made, by the UE, to use the same modulation and coding scheme for the uplink control information and the payload data. In some embodiments, a determination may be made to use a different modulation and coding scheme and to apply a modulation order cap in determining the different modulation and coding scheme based on a single parameter indicating to use a modulation order cap.

In some embodiments, such as embodiments involving transmission of dynamic scheduled uplink control information such as HARQ-ACK, information specifying whether to use a different modulation and coding scheme may be received, by the UE, in downlink control information, such as downlink control information scheduling the PDSCH associated with the HARQ-ACK. For example, the determination of whether to use a different modulation and coding scheme may be based on a format of received downlink control information. If the downlink control information has a DCI format of 1_2, the UE may determine to use a different modulation and coding scheme. If the downlink control information has another DCI format, such as DCI format 1_1, the UE may determine to use the same modulation and coding scheme for both uplink control information and payload data. In some embodiments, a DCI communication from a base station, such as a DCI message in DCI format 1_2, may further include one or more priority indicators. A priority indicator may be further used, in addition to or in place of a format of the DCI message, in a determination of whether to use a different modulation and coding scheme. For example, even if a DCI message is received in format 1_2, if a priority indicator of the DCI message is low, the UE may determine to use the same modulation and coding scheme for the uplink control information and the payload data. If a DCI message is received in format 1_2, and a priority indicator of the DCI message is high, the UE may determine to use a different modulation and coding scheme.

In some embodiments, step400's determination of whether to use a different modulation and coding scheme may be made further based on one or more characteristics of a PUSCH on which the uplink control information is multiplexed. In some embodiments, if the uplink control information is multiplexed on a high priority PUSCH, the UE may apply the same modulation and coding scheme irrespective of received downlink control information and/or RRC information. In some embodiments, if the uplink control information is multiplexed on a low priority PUSCH, the UE may determine whether to use a different modulation and coding scheme for the uplink control information based on receive downlink control information and/or received RRC communications.

When a UE determines to use a different modulation and coding scheme for uplink control information than for payload data, the UE may also, at step401determine whether to apply a modulation order cap in determining the different modulation and coding scheme for the uplink control information. For example, in some cases code rate adjustments may render a lower modulation order for the different modulation and coding scheme more suitable. In such cases, applying a modulation order cap to limit a modulation order of the modulation and coding scheme for the uplink control information may enhance system efficiency and performance by limiting a modulation order of the uplink control information. The UE may determine whether to apply a modulation order cap in determining the first modulation and coding scheme for the uplink control information in a similar manner to the determination to use a different modulation and coding scheme for the uplink control information. For example, the UE may determine whether to apply a modulation order cap based on information received from a base station in an RRC communication or in a downlink control information message. The RRC communication and/or downlink control information message may include a cap enablement parameter. In some cases, a determination may be made to apply a modulation order cap in determination of a modulation and coding scheme of a part of uplink control information, such as to a HARQ-ACK, but not first and second parts of channel state information, or to a HARQ-ACK and a first part of channel state information but not a second part of channel state information.

In some embodiments, such as embodiments involving transmission of semi-statically configured uplink control information such as P-CSI, information, such as a cap enablement parameter, specifying whether to use a modulation order cap in determining the modulation and coding scheme for the uplink control information may be received, by the UE, in a radio resource control (RRC) communication. Cap enablement parameter may, for example, include one or more RRC configuration enable/disable parameters. For example, an RRC configuration enable/disable parameter may, when high, indicate to use a modulation order cap in determining the different modulation and coding scheme for the uplink control information. If the RRC configuration enable/disable parameter is low, a determination may be made not to apply a modulation order cap. In some embodiments, a determination may be made to use a different modulation and coding scheme based on a single parameter indicating to apply a modulation order cap. For example, a modulation order cap may always be implemented when a different modulation and coding scheme is used for the uplink control information. Alternatively, a UE may be configured to always use a different modulation and coding scheme when high priority uplink control information is multiplexed on a low priority PUSCH and thus a single parameter may be received indicating whether or not to apply a modulation order cap in determining the modulation and coding scheme for the uplink control information. In some embodiments, separate RRC configuration parameters may be received by the UE, with a first RRC configuration parameter indicating, to the UE, whether to apply a different modulation and coding scheme to uplink control information and a second RRC configuration parameter indicating, to the UE, whether to apply a modulation order cap in determining the different modulation and coding scheme. Such functionality would, for example, enable the UE to apply a different modulation and coding scheme to uplink control information without implementing a modulation order cap. In some embodiments, the UE may receive, in the RRC communication, information specifying a specific modulation order cap to be implemented.

In some embodiments, such as embodiments involving transmission of dynamic scheduled uplink control information such as HARQ-ACK, information specifying whether to use a modulation order cap may be received, by the UE, in downlink control information, such as downlink control information scheduling the PDSCH associated with the HARQ-ACK. For example, the determination of whether to apply a modulation order cap may be based on a cap enablement parameter received in the downlink control information. The cap enablement parameter may, for example include a format of received downlink control information and/or one or more priority indicators included in the downlink control information. If the downlink control information has a DCI format of 1_2, the UE may determine to apply a modulation order cap. For example, the use of DCI format 1_2 may indicate to the UE to both use a different modulation and coding scheme for uplink control information and to apply a modulation order cap in determining the different modulation and coding scheme. Alternatively, the UE may be configured to apply a different modulation and coding scheme by default, if the uplink control information is multiplexed on a low priority PUSCH and may determine whether to apply a modulation order cap in determining the different modulation and coding scheme based on the format of the downlink control information. If the downlink control information has another DCI format, such as DCI format 1_1, the UE may determine to refrain from use of the modulation order cap. In some embodiments, a DCI communication from a base station, such as a DCI message in DCI format 1_2, may further include one or more priority indicators. A priority indicator may be further used, in addition to or in place of a format of the DCI message, in a determination of whether to use a modulation order cap. For example, even if a DCI message is received in format 1_2, if a priority indicator of the DCI message is low, the UE may determine to refrain from application of the modulation order cap. For example, in some embodiments, the DCI message format may be used to determine whether to use a different modulation and coding scheme for the uplink control information, and a DCI format indicator may be used, by the UE, to determine whether to apply a modulation order cap in determining the different modulation and coding scheme. For example, if a DCI message is received in format 1_2, and a priority indicator of the DCI message is high, the UE may determine to use a different modulation and coding scheme and to apply a modulation order cap in determining the modulation order of the different modulation and coding scheme. Such functionality would enable the UE to determine, in some cases, to use a different modulation and coding scheme for the uplink control information while foregoing application of a modulation order cap in determination of the different modulation and coding scheme. In some embodiments, the UE may receive, in the downlink control information, information specifying a specific modulation order cap to be implemented.

In some embodiments, step401's determination of whether to apply a modulation order cap may be made further based on one or more characteristics of a PUSCH on which the uplink control information is multiplexed. In some embodiments, if the uplink control information is multiplexed on a high priority PUSCH, the UE may apply the same modulation and coding scheme irrespective of received downlink control information and/or RRC information, and thus may forego application of the modulation order cap. In some embodiments, if the uplink control information is multiplexed on a low priority PUSCH, the UE may determine whether to use a different modulation and coding scheme for the uplink control information, and whether to apply a modulation order cap, based on receive downlink control information and/or received RRC communications.

In some embodiments, the UE may, at step402, receive an indication of an offset value from a code rate of a second modulation and coding scheme for a payload data transmission. For example, a base station may transmit, to the UE, an indication of an offset value from a code rate of a modulation and coding scheme for the payload data transmission for use in determining a code rate of the different coding and modulation schemes for uplink control information. For example, received offset values may be beta_offset values that, when used to divide a code rate of the modulation and coding scheme for the payload data of the PUSCH, may produce code rates for modulation and coding schemes for uplink control information. Beta_offset values may be transmitted in RRC configuration information, in downlink control information, or via another communication transmission. In some embodiments, multiple beta_offset values may be received by the UE for use in determining multiple modulation and coding schemes for multiple parts of uplink control information. For example, separate beta_offset values may be received for HARQ_ACK, for a first part of channel state information, and for a second part of channel state information. The separate beta_offset values may be used to determine coding rates for modulation and coding schemes for each of the HARQ_ACK, the first part of the channel state information, and the second part of the channel state information.

The UE may, at step403, determine, based, at least in part, on the determination of whether to apply a modulation order cap, the modulation and coding scheme for the uplink control information. If the UE determines to refrain from use of a different modulation and coding scheme for the uplink control information, the UE may use the same modulation and coding scheme for the uplink control information and the payload data multiplexed on the PUSCH. However, if the UE determines to use a different modulation and coding scheme, the UE may determine a modulation order and/or code rate of the different modulation and coding scheme for the uplink control information. In some embodiments, different modulation and coding schemes, having different modulation orders and/or different code rates, may be determined for different portions of uplink control information. For example, separate modulation and coding schemes may be determined for a HARQ-ACK, a first part of channel state information, and a second part of channel state information. In some embodiments, a modulation order cap may be applied in determining the modulation and coding scheme for some parts of the uplink control information, such as a HARQ-ACK and a first part of channel state information, but not for other parts of the uplink control information, such as the second part of the channel state information, based on separate modulation order cap activation parameters for each of the parts of the uplink control information received from the base station. In some embodiments different code rates may be determined for separate modulation and coding schemes for each of the HARQ-ACK, a first part of channel state information, and a second part of channel state information.

Determination of the modulation and coding scheme for the uplink control information, at step403, may also include determination of a code rate of the modulation and coding scheme for the uplink control information. In some embodiments, the UE may determine a code rate of the modulation and coding scheme for the uplink control information based on one or more offset values, such as beta_offset values, received by the UE. For example, the UE may determine a code rate for the first modulation and coding scheme for the uplink control information by dividing a code rate of a second modulation and coding scheme for the payload data multiplexed on the PUSCH by the received beta_offset value.

The UE may, at step404, transmit the uplink control information using the determined first modulation and coding scheme. For example, the UE may transmit the uplink control information using the determined code rate and the determined modulation order. Thus, the UE may determine a modulation and coding scheme applied to uplink control information based, at least in part, on a determination of whether to apply a modulation order cap.

A base station may indicate to a UE whether to apply a modulation order cap. An example method, shown inFIG.5, of base station operation may begin, at step500, with determining to indicate to a UE to apply a modulation order cap to a modulation and coding scheme for transmission of uplink control information. The transmission of uplink control information may be transmission of uplink control information multiplexed on a PUSCH, such as with payload data. In some embodiments, the base station may also determine to indicate to a UE to apply a different modulation and coding scheme to uplink control information transmitted by the UE than a modulation and coding scheme applied to payload data transmitted by the UE. In some embodiments, the determination to indicate to a UE to apply a modulation order cap may be based on a code rate, or beta_offset value to be applied in determining a code rate, of the modulation and coding scheme for the uplink control information. For example, if a code rate is low, such as 1/8, the base station may determine to indicate to a UE to apply a modulation order cap, such as a modulation order cap limiting a modulation order to QPSK, in determining the modulation order of the modulation and coding scheme.

The base station may, at step501, transmit, to the UE a cap enablement parameter indicating to apply the modulation order cap to the modulation and coding scheme for the uplink control information. In some embodiments, the base station may also transmit a parameter specifying a level at which to set the cap. The uplink control information for which the cap enablement parameter is transmitted may include at least one of a HARQ-ACK, a first part of channel state information, and a second part of channel state information. The cap enablement parameter may be transmitted in an RRC communication or in downlink control information, as described with respect to the basis for the UE determination at step401of the method ofFIG.4, and described with respect to the operation of base station105ofFIG.3. For example, the base station may transmit downlink control information having a specific format indicator, such an indicator that the downlink control information is in format 1_2. In some embodiments, the base station may transmit a priority indicator, such as a high priority indicator, in downlink control information format 1_2 as the cap enablement parameter indicating to apply the modulation order cap. In some embodiments the base station may also transmit an indication to the UE to use a different modulation and coding scheme for the uplink control information from a modulation and coding scheme used for payload data, as described with respect to the basis for the UE determination at step400ofFIG.4, and described with respect to the operation of the base station105ofFIG.3.

The base station may, at step502, receive uplink control information to which the first modulation and coding scheme, having an order capped by the modulation order cap, has been applied. For example, the UE may receive the cap enablement parameter transmitted by the base station at step501and may determine a modulation and coding scheme for the uplink control information based on the cap enablement parameter. The UE may then transmit the uplink control information on a PUSCH, such as a low priority PUSCH, using the determined modulation and coding scheme, and the uplink control information may be received by the base station. Thus, a base station may transmit indicators of a UE to use in determining whether to apply a modulation order cap in determining a modulation and coding scheme for uplink control information.

A UE may transmit uplink control information using a modulation and coding scheme based on an indication received from a base station. An example method, shown inFIG.9, of UE operation may begin, at step900with receipt of an indication to apply a modulation order cap in determining a first modulation and coding scheme for application to uplink control information different from a modulation and coding scheme applied to payload data. In some embodiments, the indication to apply a modulation order cap may include an indication to apply the first modulation and coding scheme. In some embodiments, the indication to apply the modulation order cap may be received from a base station, such as in a cap enablement parameter as described with respect to step501ofFIG.5. At step902, the UE may transmit uplink control information using a modulation and coding scheme indicated by the received indication to apply the modulation order cap. Such transmission may, for example, be similar to the transmission described with respect to step404ofFIG.4. In some embodiments, step900may be performed along with one or more steps described with respect toFIG.4. For example, the received indication described with respect to step900may be used as a basis for a determination to apply a first modulation and coding scheme and/or to apply a modulation order cap in determining the first modulation and coding scheme as described with respect toFIG.4. In some embodiments, the steps described with respect toFIG.9may be performed by an apparatus including a processor or a memory, and/or may be included in instructions stored in a non-transitory computer readable medium. In still other embodiments, an apparatus may include means for performing the steps described with respect toFIG.9.

A UE may, in some embodiments, receive an uplink control information transmission priority indicator indicating that uplink control information is high priority and may apply a modulation and coding scheme to transmitted uplink control information based on the high priority. An example method, shown inFIG.10, may begin, at step1000, with receipt, by a UE, of an uplink control information transmission priority indicator indicating a first priority of the uplink control information, where the first priority is greater than a second priority. The first priority may, for example, be a high priority. In some embodiments, the received uplink control information transmission priority indicator may be included in an uplink control information transmission grant. The priority indicator may be a DCI format, as described herein, or may be comprised in a priority indicator information element of a DCI format, as further described herein.

At step1002, the UE may transmit uplink control information using a modulation and coding scheme based on a modulation order indicated by the first priority of the uplink control information. For example, in some embodiments, the uplink control information may be transmitted on a PUSCH, such as multiplexed on a PUSCH with payload data. In some embodiments, a different modulation and coding scheme may be applied to the uplink control information than is applied to the payload data when the priority of the uplink control information is higher than the priority of the payload data, or the PUSCH in general. In some embodiments, a same modulation and coding scheme may be applied to the uplink control information and the payload data if a priority of the uplink control information is the same as or lower than a priority of the payload data and/or PUSCH. In some embodiments, the second priority may be a priority of the payload data or the PUSCH.

In some embodiments, a modulation and coding scheme for the uplink control information may be selected based on a modulation order cap. For example, when a modulation and coding scheme is used for uplink control information that is different from a modulation and coding scheme used for payload data multiplexed with the uplink control information, a modulation order cap may be used in determining the different modulation and coding scheme for the uplink control information. A modulation order cap may impose an upper limit on a modulation order of the modulation and coding scheme used in transmitting the uplink control information having the first priority. As one example, a modulation order cap of QPSK may be imposed, limiting modulation and coding schemes to be used in transmission of the uplink control information to being less than or equal to QPSK. In some embodiments, the steps described with respect toFIG.10may be performed by an apparatus including a processor or a memory, and/or may be included in instructions stored in a non-transitory computer readable medium. In still other embodiments, an apparatus may include means for performing the steps described with respect toFIG.10.

FIGS.4,9, and10are block diagrams illustrating example blocks executed to implement some aspects of the present disclosure. The example blocks will also be described with respect to UE115as illustrated inFIG.6.FIG.6is a block diagram illustrating UE115configured according to one aspect of the present disclosure. UE115includes the structure, hardware, and components as illustrated for UE115ofFIG.2. For example, UE115includes controller/processor280, which operates to execute logic or computer instructions stored in memory282, as well as controlling the components of UE115that provide the features and functionality of UE115. UE115, under control of controller/processor280, transmits and receives signals via wireless radios601a-rand antennas252a-r. Wireless radios601a-rincludes various components and hardware, as illustrated inFIG.2for UE115, including modulator/demodulators254a-r, MIMO detector256, receive processor258, transmit processor264, and TX MIMO processor266. A memory282of the UE115may include modulation and coding scheme (MCS) determination logic602. The MCS determination logic602may include logic to cause the UE115to determine to apply a first modulation and coding scheme for transmission of uplink control information multiplexed on a PUSCH that is different from a second MCS for application to payload data. The memory282may further include modulation order cap application logic603for determining whether to apply a modulation order cap in determination of the first MCS. The MCS determination logic602may also include logic to cause the UE115to determine the first MCS for application based on the determination of whether to apply a modulation order cap. In some cases, the MCS determination logic602may further include logic for determining an MCS for application to uplink control information on a PUSCH channel further based on a received offset value from a code rate of the second MCS for application to payload data. In some embodiments, the MCS determination logic602may further include logic to determine a priority of the PUSCH, and determination of the MCS for application to the uplink control information by the MCS determination logic602may be based further on the priority of the PUSCH. In some embodiments, the wireless radios601a-rof the UE115may perform steps including receiving an indication of an offset value from a code rate of a second MCS for a payload data transmission, receiving an uplink transmission grant, receiving an indication to apply a modulation order cap, and transmitting uplink control information using a determined first MCS.

FIG.5is a block diagram illustrating example blocks executed to implement one aspect of the present disclosure. The example blocks will also be described with respect to eNB105as illustrated inFIG.7.FIG.7is a block diagram illustrating eNB105configured according to one aspect of the present disclosure. eNB105includes the structure, hardware, and components as illustrated for eNB105ofFIG.2. For example, eNB105includes controller/processor240, which operates to execute logic or computer instructions stored in memory242, as well as controlling the components of eNB105that provide the features and functionality of eNB105. eNB105, under control of controller/processor240, transmits and receives signals via wireless radios701a-tand antennas234a-t. Wireless radios701a-tincludes various components and hardware, as illustrated inFIG.2for eNB105, including modulator/demodulators232a-t, MIMO detector236, receive processor238, transmit processor220, and TX MIMO processor230. The eNB105may include a memory242. The memory242of the eNB105may include modulation order cap application logic702, which may include logic for determining to indicate to a UE to apply a modulation order cap to a modulation and coding scheme for transmission of uplink control information. The wireless radios701a-tmay perform steps including transmitting a cap enablement parameter indicating to apply the modulation order cap, by the UE, to the modulation and coding scheme and receiving uplink control information to which a modulation and coding scheme having its order capped by the modulation order cap has been applied.

The functional blocks and modules described herein (e.g., the functional blocks and modules inFIGS.2,6, and7) may comprise processors, electronics devices, hardware devices, electronics components, logical circuits, memories, software codes, firmware codes, etc., or any combination thereof. In addition, features discussed herein relating to the methods ofFIGS.4-5and9-10may be implemented via specialized processor circuitry, via executable instructions, and/or combinations thereof.