Block feedback with variable feedback timing for semi-persistent scheduling

Methods, systems, and devices for wireless communications are described for block feedback of multiple semi-persistent scheduling (SPS) occasions. Block feedback may be provided based on variable feedback timing values that are associated with one or more SPS occasions. A user equipment (UE) may determine feedback for each of two or more SPS occasions, and transmit a block feedback that indicates the feedback. A separate feedback timing between a SPS occasion and uplink feedback resources may be provided for multiple SPS occasions, which are associated with a single uplink feedback resource. Alternatively, a minimum feedback timing value and a maximum feedback timing value may be configured for a particular uplink resource, and block feedback for multiple SPS occasions within the minimum and maximum feedback timing values may be reported in the uplink feedback resource.

FIELD OF TECHNOLOGY

The following relates generally to wireless communications and more specifically to block feedback with variable feedback timing for semi-persistent scheduling.

BACKGROUND

Some wireless communications systems may support semi-persistent scheduling (SPS) in which a wireless device (e.g., a UE) may be configured with a set of recurring resources for receiving or transmitting communications. Such SPS configurations may reduce overhead by allowing for communications in the absence of control channel communications associated with each occasion of a resource. Further, some wireless communications system may support acknowledgment/negative-acknowledgment (ACK/NACK) feedback (e.g., hybrid automatic repeat request (HARQ) ACK/NACK feedback) to indicate if a wireless device (e.g., a UE) successfully decodes communications. Techniques to enhance system performance for SPS and ACK/NACK feedback may be desirable in order to enhance network efficiency and reliability.

SUMMARY

The described techniques relate to improved methods, systems, devices, and apparatuses that support block feedback techniques for semi-persistent scheduling. In various aspects, described techniques provide for block feedback of multiple semi-persistent scheduling (SPS) occasions based on variable feedback timing values that are associated with one or more SPS occasions. In some cases, a base station may provide a user equipment (UE) with a block feedback SPS configuration that includes resources for a number of SPS occasions that are scheduled for downlink communications from the base station to the UE. The UE may determine feedback for each SPS occasion (e.g., hybrid automatic repeat request (HARQ) acknowledgment/negative-acknowledgment (ACK/NACK) feedback), and transmit a block feedback that indicates ACK/NACK for each of multiple SPS occasions. In some cases, a separate feedback timing between a SPS occasion and uplink feedback resources may be provided for multiple SPS occasions, which are associated with a single uplink feedback resource that provides the block feedback. In some cases, a minimum feedback timing value and a maximum feedback timing value may be configured for a particular uplink resource, and block feedback for multiple SPS occasions within the minimum and maximum feedback timing values may be reported in the uplink feedback resource.

A method of wireless communication at a UE is described. The method may include receiving, from a base station, a semi-persistent scheduling configuration for a set of semi-persistent scheduling occasions that are scheduled for downlink communications from the base station to the UE, identifying two or more feedback timings for transmission of feedback associated with one or more semi-persistent scheduling occasions of the set of semi-persistent scheduling occasions based on the semi-persistent scheduling configuration, where the two or more feedback timings are associated with a same uplink resource for transmitting block feedback to the base station, determining feedback for each of the one or more semi-persistent scheduling occasions, and transmitting a block feedback in the uplink resource that indicates the feedback for each of the one or more semi-persistent scheduling occasions.

An apparatus for wireless communication at a UE is described. The apparatus may include a processor, memory coupled with the processor, and instructions stored in the memory. The instructions may be executable by the processor to cause the apparatus to receive, from a base station, a semi-persistent scheduling configuration for a set of semi-persistent scheduling occasions that are scheduled for downlink communications from the base station to the UE, identify two or more feedback timings for transmission of feedback associated with one or more semi-persistent scheduling occasions of the set of semi-persistent scheduling occasions based on the semi-persistent scheduling configuration, where the two or more feedback timings are associated with a same uplink resource for transmitting block feedback to the base station, determine feedback for each of the one or more semi-persistent scheduling occasions, and transmit a block feedback in the uplink resource that indicates the feedback for each of the one or more semi-persistent scheduling occasions.

Another apparatus for wireless communication at a UE is described. The apparatus may include means for receiving, from a base station, a semi-persistent scheduling configuration for a set of semi-persistent scheduling occasions that are scheduled for downlink communications from the base station to the UE, identifying two or more feedback timings for transmission of feedback associated with one or more semi-persistent scheduling occasions of the set of semi-persistent scheduling occasions based on the semi-persistent scheduling configuration, where the two or more feedback timings are associated with a same uplink resource for transmitting block feedback to the base station, determining feedback for each of the one or more semi-persistent scheduling occasions, and transmitting a block feedback in the uplink resource that indicates the feedback for each of the one or more semi-persistent scheduling occasions.

A non-transitory computer-readable medium storing code for wireless communication at a UE is described. The code may include instructions executable by a processor to receive, from a base station, a semi-persistent scheduling configuration for a set of semi-persistent scheduling occasions that are scheduled for downlink communications from the base station to the UE, identify two or more feedback timings for transmission of feedback associated with one or more semi-persistent scheduling occasions of the set of semi-persistent scheduling occasions based on the semi-persistent scheduling configuration, where the two or more feedback timings are associated with a same uplink resource for transmitting block feedback to the base station, determine feedback for each of the one or more semi-persistent scheduling occasions, and transmit a block feedback in the uplink resource that indicates the feedback for each of the one or more semi-persistent scheduling occasions.

In some examples of the method, apparatuses, and non-transitory computer-readable medium described herein, the receiving further may include operations, features, means, or instructions for receiving a separate feedback timing for each semi-persistent scheduling occasion within a feedback window associated with the uplink resource. In some examples of the method, apparatuses, and non-transitory computer-readable medium described herein, a set of different feedback timings are configured in RRC signaling.

Some examples of the method, apparatuses, and non-transitory computer-readable medium described herein may further include operations, features, means, or instructions for receiving an activation DCI communication from the base station that activates the semi-persistent scheduling configuration and indicates which of the set of different feedback timings are to be used for each semi-persistent scheduling occasion within a feedback window that includes the two or more semi-persistent scheduling occasions. Some examples of the method, apparatuses, and non-transitory computer-readable medium described herein may further include operations, features, means, or instructions for receiving, from the base station, periodic updates to the feedback timings for two or more semi-persistent scheduling occasions within the feedback window.

Some examples of the method, apparatuses, and non-transitory computer-readable medium described herein may further include operations, features, means, or instructions for receiving a DCI communication from the base station that indicates the uplink resource and that indicates the two or more feedback timings for two or more semi-persistent scheduling occasions that are to be reported in the uplink resource. In some examples of the method, apparatuses, and non-transitory computer-readable medium described herein, the block feedback indicates feedback only for semi-persistent scheduling occasions that have negative-acknowledgment feedback.

In some examples of the method, apparatuses, and non-transitory computer-readable medium described herein, the receiving further may include operations, features, means, or instructions for identifying a minimum feedback timing value and a maximum feedback timing value from the two or more feedback timings, and where semi-persistent scheduling occasions within the minimum and the maximum feedback timing values are reported in an earliest uplink resource that is available for block feedback. In some examples of the method, apparatuses, and non-transitory computer-readable medium described herein, the minimum feedback timing value and the maximum feedback timing value are received in radio resource control signaling, and where the block feedback is transmitted for semi-persistent scheduling occasions within the minimum feedback timing value and the maximum feedback timing value of the earliest uplink resource. In some examples of the method, apparatuses, and non-transitory computer-readable medium described herein, the earliest uplink resource is a configured block feedback resource for a group of semi-persistent scheduling occasions or uplink resources associated with a different feedback communication of a dynamically configured uplink resource.

In some examples of the method, apparatuses, and non-transitory computer-readable medium described herein, a set of minimum feedback timing values and maximum feedback timing values are configured at the UE and a downlink control information communication from the base station activates one of the set of minimum feedback timing values and maximum feedback timing values. Some examples of the method, apparatuses, and non-transitory computer-readable medium described herein may further include operations, features, means, or instructions for receiving, from the base station, a downlink control information communication that provides an uplink grant associated with the uplink resource when a set of configured uplink resources are unavailable before the maximum feedback timing value of an earliest semi-persistent scheduling occasion that has unreported feedback.

In some examples of the method, apparatuses, and non-transitory computer-readable medium described herein, the block feedback has a fixed payload size based on a number of semi-persistent scheduling occasions with feedback reported in the block feedback. In some examples of the method, apparatuses, and non-transitory computer-readable medium described herein, the block feedback has a variable payload size based on a number of negative acknowledgments to be reported in the block feedback. In some examples of the method, apparatuses, and non-transitory computer-readable medium described herein, the block feedback is activated, reconfigured, or deactivated based on an indication provided in a medium access control (MAC) control element or in physical layer signaling from the base station.

A method of wireless communication at a base station is described. The method may include transmitting, to a UE, a semi-persistent scheduling configuration for a set of semi-persistent scheduling occasions that are scheduled for downlink communications from the base station to the UE, identifying two or more feedback timings for reception of feedback associated with one or more semi-persistent scheduling occasions of the set of semi-persistent scheduling occasions based on the semi-persistent scheduling configuration, where the two or more feedback timings are associated with a same uplink resource for transmitting block feedback to the base station, and receiving, from the UE, a block feedback in the uplink resource that indicates feedback for each of the two or more semi-persistent scheduling occasions.

An apparatus for wireless communication at a base station is described. The apparatus may include a processor, memory coupled with the processor, and instructions stored in the memory. The instructions may be executable by the processor to cause the apparatus to transmit, to a UE, a semi-persistent scheduling configuration for a set of semi-persistent scheduling occasions that are scheduled for downlink communications from the base station to the UE, identify two or more feedback timings for reception of feedback associated with one or more semi-persistent scheduling occasions of the set of semi-persistent scheduling occasions based on the semi-persistent scheduling configuration, where the two or more feedback timings are associated with a same uplink resource for transmitting block feedback to the base station, and receive, from the UE, a block feedback in the uplink resource that indicates feedback for each of the two or more semi-persistent scheduling occasions.

Another apparatus for wireless communication at a base station is described. The apparatus may include means for transmitting, to a UE, a semi-persistent scheduling configuration for a set of semi-persistent scheduling occasions that are scheduled for downlink communications from the base station to the UE, identifying two or more feedback timings for reception of feedback associated with one or more semi-persistent scheduling occasions of the set of semi-persistent scheduling occasions based on the semi-persistent scheduling configuration, where the two or more feedback timings are associated with a same uplink resource for transmitting block feedback to the base station, and receiving, from the UE, a block feedback in the uplink resource that indicates feedback for each of the two or more semi-persistent scheduling occasions.

A non-transitory computer-readable medium storing code for wireless communication at a base station is described. The code may include instructions executable by a processor to transmit, to a UE, a semi-persistent scheduling configuration for a set of semi-persistent scheduling occasions that are scheduled for downlink communications from the base station to the UE, identify two or more feedback timings for reception of feedback associated with one or more semi-persistent scheduling occasions of the set of semi-persistent scheduling occasions based on the semi-persistent scheduling configuration, where the two or more feedback timings are associated with a same uplink resource for transmitting block feedback to the base station, and receive, from the UE, a block feedback in the uplink resource that indicates feedback for each of the two or more semi-persistent scheduling occasions.

In some examples of the method, apparatuses, and non-transitory computer-readable medium described herein, the transmitting further may include operations, features, means, or instructions for providing a separate feedback timing for each semi-persistent scheduling occasion within a feedback window associated with the uplink resource. In some examples of the method, apparatuses, and non-transitory computer-readable medium described herein, a set of different feedback timings is configured in RRC signaling.

Some examples of the method, apparatuses, and non-transitory computer-readable medium described herein may further include operations, features, means, or instructions for transmitting an activation DCI communication to the UE that activates the semi-persistent scheduling configuration and indicates which of the set of different feedback timings are to be used for each semi-persistent scheduling occasion within a feedback window that includes two or more semi-persistent scheduling occasions. Some examples of the method, apparatuses, and non-transitory computer-readable medium described herein may further include operations, features, means, or instructions for transmitting, to the UE, periodic updates to the feedback timings for two or more semi-persistent scheduling occasions within the feedback window. Some examples of the method, apparatuses, and non-transitory computer-readable medium described herein may further include operations, features, means, or instructions for transmitting a DCI communication to the UE that indicates the uplink resource and that indicates the two or more feedback timings for two or more semi-persistent scheduling occasions that are to be reported in the uplink resource. In some examples of the method, apparatuses, and non-transitory computer-readable medium described herein, the block feedback indicates feedback only for semi-persistent scheduling occasions that have negative-acknowledgment feedback.

In some examples of the method, apparatuses, and non-transitory computer-readable medium described herein, the transmitting further may include operations, features, means, or instructions for providing a minimum feedback timing value and a maximum feedback timing value, and where semi-persistent scheduling occasions within the minimum and the maximum feedback timing values are reported in an earliest uplink resource that is available for block feedback. In some examples of the method, apparatuses, and non-transitory computer-readable medium described herein, the minimum feedback timing value and the maximum feedback timing value are configured in radio resource control signaling, and where the block feedback is transmitted for semi-persistent scheduling occasions within the minimum feedback timing value and the maximum feedback timing value of the earliest uplink resource. In some examples of the method, apparatuses, and non-transitory computer-readable medium described herein, the earliest uplink resource is a configured block feedback resource for a group of semi-persistent scheduling occasions or uplink resources associated with a different feedback communication of a dynamically configured uplink resource. In some examples of the method, apparatuses, and non-transitory computer-readable medium described herein, a set of minimum feedback timing values and maximum feedback timing values are configured at the UE and a downlink control information communication to the UE activates one of the set of minimum feedback timing values and maximum feedback timing values. Some examples of the method, apparatuses, and non-transitory computer-readable medium described herein may further include operations, features, means, or instructions for transmitting, to the UE, a downlink control information communication that provides an uplink grant associated with the uplink resource when a set of configured uplink resources are unavailable before the maximum feedback timing value of an earliest semi-persistent scheduling occasion that has unreported feedback.

In some examples of the method, apparatuses, and non-transitory computer-readable medium described herein, the block feedback has a fixed payload size based on a number of semi-persistent scheduling occasions with feedback reported in the block feedback. In some examples of the method, apparatuses, and non-transitory computer-readable medium described herein, the block feedback has a variable payload size based on a number of negative acknowledgments to be reported in the block feedback. In some examples of the method, apparatuses, and non-transitory computer-readable medium described herein, the block feedback is activated, reconfigured, or deactivated based on an indication provided in a medium access control (MAC) control element or in physical layer signaling from the base station.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Various described aspects of the disclosure relate to improved methods, systems, devices, or apparatuses that facilitate feedback for communications, such as hybrid automatic repeat request (HARQ) acknowledgment/negative-acknowledgment (ACK/NACK) feedback reports, in systems that use semi-persistent scheduling (SPS). In some examples, the techniques described herein enable efficient block feedback reporting of multiple SPS occasions based on variable feedback timings associated with multiple SPS occasions that indicate an uplink resource for block feedback communication.

In some cases, a base station may provide a user equipment (UE) with a block feedback SPS configuration that includes resources for a number of SPS occasions that are scheduled for downlink communications from the base station to the UE. The UE may determine feedback for each SPS occasion (e.g., HARQ ACK/NACK feedback), and transmit a block feedback that indicates ACK/NACK for each of multiple SPS occasions. In some cases, a separate feedback timing between a SPS occasion and uplink feedback resources may be provided for multiple SPS occasions, which are associated with a single uplink feedback resource that provides the block feedback. Thus, multiple SPS occasions of a SPS configuration may have different K1 values, which may be used to identify a feedback window with the multiple SPS occasions that are to have feedback reported in the block feedback. In some cases, the SPS configuration may indicate periodic resources that occur after a number of SPS occasions, and thus the block feedback is periodically transmitted for the number of SPS occasions. In some cases, a minimum feedback timing value and a maximum feedback timing value may be configured for a particular uplink resource, and block feedback for multiple SPS occasions within the minimum and maximum feedback timing values may be reported in the uplink feedback resource. In such cases, the minimum and maximum feedback timing values may define the feedback window.

The block feedback may include, in some cases, a separate ACK/NACK indication for each SPS occasion within the feedback window. In other cases, the block feedback may indicate only NACK feedback for SPS occasions that were unsuccessfully decoded at the UE, and in such cases the base station may perform blind decoding for multiple different sizes of the block feedback report. In some cases, the size of the feedback window may be determined based on one or more factors, such as a delay sensitivity associated with the downlink communications, a number of HARQ processes associated with the block feedback, a periodicity of the SPS occasions, or any combinations thereof.

Relative to conventional deployments in which each SPS occasion has associated uplink resources, block feedback techniques may provide a number of advantages and benefits including, for example, reduced resource overhead because feedback is not provided for each SPS occasion. Further, such techniques may allow for reduced power consumption based on fewer uplink communications to the base station from the UE. Additionally, such techniques may provide for reduced uplink interference relative to per-SPS occasion feedback that can result in co-channel interference or adjacent channel interference. Moreover, in some cases, block feedback techniques as discussed herein may provide for improved per-bit link efficiency, more diverse modulation and coding schemes (MCSs) and larger coding gain, reduced uplink loading level, reduced UE power consumption, or any combinations thereof, relative to per-SPS occasion feedback.

Such techniques may also provide a number of advantages and benefits for deployments that may use reduced capability UEs (e.g., NR-light UEs). In such cases, a base station may need to support a relatively large number of UEs, and hence the capacity of the downlink control channel can be a constraint, which can be alleviated to some extent through SPS configurations. Such reduced capability UEs may also be sensitive to power consumption and may carry diverse traffic types including some traffic that may be relatively latency tolerant and others that are relatively sensitive to latency. Thus, using block feedback SPS configurations can allow for SPS allocations of multiple traffic channels and block feedback for multiple SPS occasions of multiple different SPS configurations, thereby reducing control channel overhead and reducing UE power consumption.

Aspects of the disclosure are initially described in the context of wireless communications systems. Various examples of SPS occasions and associated feedback resources and feedback techniques are then discussed. Aspects of the disclosure are further illustrated by and described with reference to apparatus diagrams, system diagrams, and flowcharts that relate to block feedback with variable feedback timing for semi-persistent scheduling.

In some cases, base stations105and UEs115may use SPS configurations for some communications. In some cases, block feedback of multiple SPS occasions may be provided as discussed herein. In some cases, block feedback of multiple SPS occasions in a single feedback communication may be based on variable feedback timings that are associated with each of multiple SPS occasions, such that multiple feedback indications of multiple SPS occasions are reported in block feedback in a same uplink resource. In some cases, the UE115may determine feedback for each SPS occasion (e.g., HARQ ACK/NACK feedback), and transmit a block feedback that indicates ACK/NACK for each of the SPS occasions based on two or more indicated feedback timings. In some cases, a separate feedback timing may be provided for each of two or more SPS occasions that indicates associated feedback from the two or more SPS occasions is to be transmitted in a same uplink resource. In some cases, a maximum feedback timing and a minimum feedback timing may be indicated to the UE and one or more SPS occasions that are within the maximum feedback timing and the minimum feedback timing prior to the uplink resource may be included in block feedback transmitted in the uplink resource.

FIG.2illustrates an example of a wireless communications system200that supports block feedback with variable feedback timing for semi-persistent scheduling in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure. In some examples, wireless communications system200may implement aspects of wireless communications system100. Wireless communications system200may include a base station105-aand a UE115-a, which may be examples of corresponding base stations105and UEs115as described with reference toFIG.1.

As described herein, base station105-aand UE115-amay employ HARQ feedback techniques to indicate whether data has been received correctly at UE115-a, in which block feedback may be provided from multiple SPS occasions. For example, base station105-amay transmit a SPS configuration215to UE115-aon resources of a carrier205. The base station105-amay also transmit multiple SPS downlink communications220to the UE115-aon a number of SPS occasions using resources of carrier205. Based on the SPS configuration215, the UE115-amay transmit, on resources of a carrier210, one or more block feedback reports for SPS225to the base station105-athat indicate whether SPS downlink communications220of two or more SPS communications within a feedback window were received and decoded correctly. In some cases, carriers205and210may be the same carrier. In some cases, carriers205and210may be component carriers (CCs), and a number of different CCs may be used for communications between the UE115-aand the base station105-a. In some cases, carriers205and210may use licensed spectrum, shared or unlicensed spectrum, or combinations thereof. When using unlicensed or shared spectrum, the UE115-aand base station105-amay use a contention-based access technique (e.g., a listen before talk (LBT) procedure) to determine if a channel is available prior to initiating transmissions.

The block feedback report(s) for SPS225may include, in some cases, a separate ACK/NACK indication for each SPS occasion that is reported in the block feedback. In other cases, the block feedback report(s) for SPS225may indicate only NACK feedback for SPS occasions that were unsuccessfully decoded at the UE, and in such cases the base station105-amay perform blind decoding for multiple different sizes of feedback reports to successfully decode the block feedback report(s) for SPS225. Examples of feedback reports are discussed in more detail with respect to the examples ofFIGS.4and5. In some cases, the SPS occasions to be reported in a block feedback are determined based on two or more different feedback timings that are provided with the SPS configuration215. In some cases, a number of SPS occasions to be reported in a block feedback may be determined based on one or more factors, such as a delay sensitivity associated with the downlink communications, a number of HARQ processes associated with the block feedback, a periodicity of the SPS occasions, or any combinations thereof.

In some cases, each SPS occasion that is to be reported in a block feedback may have an associated feedback timing value, which may be referred to as a K1 value, that identifies a time between the SPS occasion and when feedback for the SPS occasion is to be reported (e.g., a number of OFDM symbols, a number of slots, etc.). In some cases, multiple K1 values may be preconfigured via RRC (e.g., in RRC signaling that provides the SPS configuration215, or that is separate from the SPS configuration215). In some cases, a separate activation DCI may be transmitted to activate one or more SPS configurations, and during SPS activation the K1 values for a group of SPS occasions are signaled using the activation DCI. In some case, K1 values for a group of SPS occasions may be periodically signaled to the UE115-a. Additionally or alternatively, the base station105-amay elect to send one DCI before the acknowledgment window associated with a block feedback report for SPS225, which may indicate the appropriate K1 values for the various SPS occasions within the acknowledgment window. Further, in certain situations even though K1 is sent for SPS occasions, the UE115-amay be configured to report NACKs only, as discussed herein for various feedback report configurations.

In some cases, the base station105-amay configure minimum and maximum K1 values (e.g., via RRC) and feedback for a particular SPS occasion is transmitted using the earliest available uplink resource (e.g., physical uplink control channel (PUCCH) resource) as long as the minimum and maximum K1 values are not violated and there are enough uplink resources to transmit the feedback. In some cases, the earliest uplink resource may be an uplink resource that is configured for block feedback for a group of SPS occasions, or the earliest uplink resource may be a PUCCH resource to be used for HARQ-feedback of a dynamic physical downlink shared channel (PDSCH) communication. In some cases, the minimum and maximum K1s can be preconfigured by the base station105-aand one set can be selected and activated using DCI as requested by the UE115-aor initiated by the base station105-a. In some cases, if there are no available PUCCH resources before the maximum K1, the base station105-amay transmit a DCI to the UE115-athat indicates the PUCCH resources that should be used for those block feedback

Such block feedback techniques may allow for reduced overhead associated with physical uplink control channel (PUCCH) resources as compared to cases where feedback is provided on a per-SPS occasion basis. Additionally, per-SPS occasion feedback may lead to unnecessary interference or unnecessary radio resource waste when the base station105-adoes not transmit PDSCH at a SPS occasion (e.g., when there is no data available to be transmitted). In such an event, the UE115-amay attempt to decode a downlink communication at the SPS occasion and generate a NACK based on not successfully decoding a transmission, which may be referred to as a “false-alarm” NACK. Such “false-alarm” NACKs may interfere other concurrent uplink transmissions (e.g., as co-channel interference to other cells, and/or as adjacent channel interference in the same cell). In some cases, a base station105-amay handle such a false-alarm NACK when it is the only UL transmission by conducting a downlink transmission in this false-alarm ACK/NACK occasion, but providing enough gap time and gap frequency to mitigate uplink-to-downlink interference. Alternatively, the base station105-amay decide to switch to uplink reception just for this false-alarm NACK with several OFDM symbols (including the gap for downlink-uplink switching) as overhead. Accordingly, block feedback techniques as discussed herein may mitigate the occurrence of such interference and thereby further enhance system operation (e.g., if a feedback window covers n SPS occasions, the frequency of false-alarm NACK transmission is at least suppressed to 1/n).

Such block feedback techniques also may allow for reduced uplink loading levels, as well as reduced UE115-apower consumption. Power consumption is reduced, for example, due to longer sleeping periods of a transmit chain at the UE115-a. With a block feedback covering n SPS occasions, the frequency that the UE115-aturns its transmit chain on is 1/n of that with per-SPS-occasion feedback. Additionally, such block feedback techniques may be beneficial for reduced capability UEs, as discussed above.

FIG.3illustrates an example of SPS resources and associated feedback resources300that support block feedback with variable feedback timing for semi-persistent scheduling in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure. In some examples, SPS resources and associated feedback resources300may implement aspects of wireless communications system100or200. InFIG.3, a first example305illustrates per-SPS-occasion feedback, and a second example320illustrates block SPS feedback. In this example, a SPS configuration may be provided to a UE (e.g., a UE115ofFIG.1or2) by a base station (e.g., a base station105ofFIG.1or2).

In the first example305a SPS configuration may include a number of SPS PDSCH310occasions during which the UE is to monitor for and attempt to decode downlink communications from the base station. A number of PUCCH resources may be configured as ACK/NACK resources315, in which each SPS PDSCH310occasion has a corresponding ACK/NACK resource315at a fixed K1 value from the SPS PDSCH310. Such a per-SPS-occasion feedback configuration, as discussed herein, may consume additional uplink resources and UE power than block feedback techniques, such as illustrated in second example320.

In the second example320, the base station may configure a block feedback SPS configuration at the UE, in which a block feedback window355is configured that spans multiple SPS occasions. In this example, block feedback window355spans four SPS occasions, corresponding to a first SPS PDSCH330occasion, a second SPS PDSCH335occasion, a third SPS PDSCH340occasion, and a fourth SPS PDSCH345occasion. In other examples, the number of SPS occasions within feedback window355may include more or fewer SPS occasions, with four SPS occasions illustrated for purposes of discussion and illustration only. In second example320, a block feedback report350may be provided in PUCCH resources configured by the block feedback SPS configuration. In this example, instead of individual ACKs/NACKs for each SPS occasion received by the UE, a group of SPS occasions received inside the block feedback window355are acknowledged in the single block feedback report350using PUCCH resource(s) at the end of the block feedback window355. In this example, the block feedback window355may be defined by providing a different K1 value for each SPS occasion, in which four different K1 values (i.e., K10through K13) each providing a feedback timing that indicates the uplink resources of the block feedback report350.

The number of SPS occasions to be reported in the block feedback report350may thus be identified based on a number of different K1 values that correspond to the same uplink resource. In some cases, a base station may determine a number of SPS occasions for inclusion in the block feedback report350. The number of SPS occasions to be included in the block feedback window355may be determined based on one or more of a number of different factors, such as a delay sensitivity of an application that provides data for the downlink transmissions (e.g., such that a time duration for SPS feedback may be set to be lower than the maximum latency tolerable by the application), a maximum number of HARQ processes (e.g., such that there are enough HARQ processes for receptions waiting to be acknowledged within the duration of the block feedback window355), a SPS periodicity, or combinations thereof, for example.

In some cases, the SPS configuration may be configured by the base station using RRC Signaling. In some cases, configuration information provided by RRC signaling may include a set of K1 values for SPS occasions within the block feedback window355, as well as SPS configuration parameters (e.g., SPS resources, SPS periodicity, PUCCH resources for transmitting block feedback, PUCCH resource periodicity, etc.). In some cases, the base station may configure number of different K1 values (e.g., 1 to N sets of K1 values), and may activate one of the sets of K1 values for block feedback. For example, an activation DCI325may be transmitted by the base station that indicates which set of K1 values is to be used when a SPS configuration is activated. In some cases, the K1 values can be configured along with or separately from the SPS configuration. In some cases, the block feedback may be activated or deactivated for each of a number of particular configured SPS configurations or groups of SPS configurations. Activation, reconfiguration or deactivation may be via MAC (e.g., in a MAC-CE), in physical layer signaling (e.g., in DCI), or combinations thereof.

The SPS configuration may also provide PUCCH resources for the block feedback report350. In such cases, the PUCCH resources may be include sufficient resources for feedback information for each of the SPS occasions. In some cases, a PUCCH format may be determined for the block feedback report350. In some examples, the PUCCH format may be based on a number of SPS occasions that are to be acknowledged in the block feedback report350. In some cases, different PUCCH formats may be configured, which may have transmission parameters that are suited for different amounts of data and may span different numbers of OFDM symbols. For example, in some NR deployments, PUCCH formats 0 through 4 may be configured, in which PUCCH formats 0 and 1 may be used for up to two bits of feedback, and formats 2 through 4 may be used for two or more bits of feedback. In some cases, the PUCCH format may be selected based on the number of SPS occasions that are to be acknowledged, where if the block feedback window355includes one or two SPS occasions, PUCCH format 0 or 1 may be used, and if the block feedback window355includes three or more SPS occasions, PUCCH format 2, 3, or 4 may be used. In other cases, PUCCH formats 0/1 may be used for immediate transmission of NACKs (as discussed with reference toFIG.6), and PUCCH format 2/3/4 may be for block feedback reports350.

FIG.4illustrates another example of SPS resources and associated feedback resources400that support block feedback with variable feedback timing for semi-persistent scheduling in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure. In some examples, SPS resources and associated feedback resources400may implement aspects of wireless communications system100or200. In this example, a SPS configuration may be provided to a UE (e.g., a UE115ofFIG.1or2) by a base station (e.g., a base station105ofFIG.1or2) in which block feedback may be configured. In this example, each SPS occasion within a block feedback window415may be provided with a separate K1 value.

In this example, an activation DCI405may be transmitted from the base station to the UE to activate a SPS configuration and initiate SPS downlink transmissions. In this example, the activation DCI405may include an indication to use a set of configured K1 values410, where each SPS occasion to be reported in the block feedback report440has a different K1 value (i.e., K10through K13in this example) that indicates the same PUCCH resource that is used for the block feedback report440. In some cases, a number of different sets of K1 values may be configured via RRC, and the activation DCI405may indicate the set of configured K1 values410from the number of different sets of K1 values (e.g., based on an index value associated with the different sets of K1 values). In other cases, the activation DCI405may provide an indication of the configured K1 values410directly.

The SPS occasions may include a first SPS PDSCH420, a second SPS PDSCH425, a third SPS PDSCH430, and a fourth SPS PDSCH435, which have K1 values of K10through K13, respectively, according to the configured K1 values410. In this example, a block feedback report440may provide feedback indications for each of the SPS occasions in the block feedback window415. In some cases a fixed payload block feedback report440-amay include a number of ACK/NACK indications that corresponds to the number of SPS occasions configured for block feedback. In the example ofFIG.4, the first SPS PDSCH420and the fourth SPS PDSCH435may be successfully decoded at the UE, and thus an ACK may be indicated at the corresponding ACK/NACK indications, and the second SPS PDSCH425and third SPS PDSCH430may have a CRC failure that indicates unsuccessful decoding, and thus a NACK may be indicated at the corresponding ACK/NACK indications. In other cases, a variable payload block feedback report440-bmay include only NACK indications from the UE. Thus, in this example, such a variable payload block feedback report440-bmay indicate the NACK feedback for the second SPS PDSCH425and third SPS PDSCH430. Such variable payload feedback reports440-bmay thus have different payload sizes, and the base station may perform blind decoding at the PUCCH resources for the different potential payload sizes of the variable payload feedback report440-b.

FIG.5illustrates another example of SPS resources and associated feedback resources500that support block feedback with variable feedback timing for semi-persistent scheduling in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure. In some examples, SPS resources and associated feedback resources500may implement aspects of wireless communications system100or200. In this example, a SPS configuration may be provided to a UE (e.g., a UE115ofFIG.1or2) by a base station (e.g., a base station105ofFIG.1or2) in which block feedback may be configured. In this example, a block feedback window515may be determined based on configured K1 values510that provide a minimum K1 value and a maximum K1 value.

In this example, an activation DCI505may be transmitted from the base station to the UE to activate a SPS configuration and initiate SPS downlink transmissions. In this example, the activation DCI505may include an indication to use a set of configured K1 values510, which include the minimum and maximum K1 values, where each SPS occasion within the minimum and maximum K1 values in advance of PUCCH resources used to for block feedback report540are to be reported in the block feedback report540. In some cases, a number of different sets of minimum and maximum K1 values may be configured via RRC, and the activation DCI505may indicate the set of configured K1 values510from the number of different pairs of minimum and maximum K1 values (e.g., based on an index value associated with the different sets of K1 values). In other cases, the activation DCI505may provide an indication of the configured K1 values510directly.

The SPS occasions in this example may include a first SPS PDSCH520, a second SPS PDSCH525, and a third SPS PDSCH530, are within the minimum and maximum K1 values. In this example, a block feedback report540may provide feedback indications for each of the SPS occasions in the block feedback window515. In some cases a fixed payload block feedback report540-amay include a number of ACK/NACK indications that corresponds to the number of SPS occasions of the block feedback. In the example ofFIG.5, the first SPS PDSCH520and the second SPS PDSCH525may be successfully decoded at the UE, and thus an ACK may be indicated at the corresponding ACK/NACK indications, and the third SPS PDSCH530may have a CRC failure that indicates unsuccessful decoding, and thus a NACK may be indicated at the corresponding ACK/NACK indication. In other cases, a variable payload block feedback report540-bmay include only NACK indications from the UE. Thus, in this example, such a variable payload block feedback report540-bmay indicate only the NACK feedback for the third SPS PDSCH530. Such variable payload feedback reports540-bmay thus have different payload sizes, and the base station may perform blind decoding at the PUCCH resources for the different potential payload sizes of the variable payload feedback report540-b. In some cases, of one or more SPS occasions do not lie within the minimum and maximum K1 values relative to a set of configured PUCCH resources associated with the SPS configuration, the base station may transmit a separate DCI535that may indicate a resource grant for block feedback.

FIG.6illustrates an example of a process flow600that supports block feedback with variable feedback timing for semi-persistent scheduling in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure. In some examples, process flow600may implement aspects of wireless communications system100or200. Process flow600may be implemented by a UE115-band a base station105-bas described herein. In the following description of the process flow600, the communications between the UE115-band the base station105-bmay be transmitted in a different order than the example order shown, or the operations performed by the UE115-band base station105-bmay be performed in different orders or at different times. Some operations may also be omitted from the process flow600, and other operations may be added to the process flow600.

At605, the base station105-band UE115-bmay perform a connection establishment procedure. The connection establishment procedure may be a RRC connection establishment according to established RRC connection procedures.

At610, the base station105-bmay transmit an SPS configuration to the UE115-b. The SPS configuration may configure various aspects of SPS communications, such as a periodicity and resources for downlink communications from the base station105-band the UE115-ba periodicity and resource for uplink communications from the UE115-bto the base station105-b, various transmission parameters (e.g., a modulation and coding scheme), and the like. In some cases, the SPS configuration may provide a block feedback configuration that enables block feedback for multiple SPS occasions in a single block feedback communication. In some cases, the SPS configuration may include configuration information for a number of different block feedback configurations (e.g., multiple different sets of two or more feedback timing values), and one of the configurations may be selected when the SPS is activated for communications.

At615, the UE115-bmay configure the SPS, in accordance with the SPS configuration. In some cases, multiple different SPS configurations for multiple different types communications or data channels may be configured, and block feedback may include feedback for SPS occasions of two or more different activated SPS configurations. At620, the base station105-bmay determine to activate the SPS configuration. Based on the determination to activate the SPS configuration, at625, the base station105-bmay transmit activation DCI to the UE. In some cases, the activation DCI may indicate that the SPS configuration is activated, and one or more configured parameters (e.g., a set of K1 parameters from multiple configured available sets of K1 parameters) that are selected for the SPS communications.

At630, the UE115-bmay monitor for downlink SPS transmissions in accordance with the activated SPS configuration. In some cases, such monitoring may include attempting to decode communications on configured SPS resources, and determining based on the decoding whether transmissions in the SPS occasion are successfully received (e.g., based on a CRC passing for the decoded communications). If the decoding is successful, the UE115-bmay determine that associated feedback is an acknowledgment, and if decoding is unsuccessful the associated feedback is a negative acknowledgment. At635through640, the base station105-bmay transmit SPS communications in accordance with the activated SPS configuration, which the UE115-bmay attempt to decode.

At645, the UE115-bmay determine a block feedback report. The block feedback report may include feedback indications for multiple SPS downlink communications, based on multiple different K1 values that are associated with the block feedback report, as discussed herein. At650, the UE115-bmay transmit the block feedback report to the base station105-b. At655, the base station105-bmay determine block feedback indications of the UE115-bbased on the block feedback report, and determine if any retransmission are to be initiated based on the feedback indications.

The receiver710may receive information such as packets, user data, or control information associated with various information channels (e.g., control channels, data channels, and information related to block feedback with variable feedback timing for semi-persistent scheduling, etc.). Information may be passed on to other components of the device705. The receiver710may be an example of aspects of the transceiver1020described with reference toFIG.10. The receiver710may utilize a single antenna or a set of antennas.

The communications manager715may receive, from a base station, a semi-persistent scheduling configuration for a set of semi-persistent scheduling occasions that are scheduled for downlink communications from the base station to the UE, identify two or more feedback timings for transmission of feedback associated with one or more semi-persistent scheduling occasions of the set of semi-persistent scheduling occasions based on the semi-persistent scheduling configuration, where the two or more feedback timings are associated with a same uplink resource for transmitting block feedback to the base station, transmit a block feedback in the uplink resource that indicates the feedback for each of the one or more semi-persistent scheduling occasions, and determine feedback for each of the one or more semi-persistent scheduling occasions. The communications manager715may be an example of aspects of the communications manager1010described herein.

The transmitter720may transmit signals generated by other components of the device705. In some examples, the transmitter720may be collocated with a receiver710in a transceiver module. For example, the transmitter720may be an example of aspects of the transceiver1020described with reference toFIG.10. The transmitter720may utilize a single antenna or a set of antennas.

The receiver810may receive information such as packets, user data, or control information associated with various information channels (e.g., control channels, data channels, and information related to block feedback with variable feedback timing for semi-persistent scheduling, etc.). Information may be passed on to other components of the device805. The receiver810may be an example of aspects of the transceiver1020described with reference toFIG.10. The receiver810may utilize a single antenna or a set of antennas.

The communications manager815may be an example of aspects of the communications manager715as described herein. The communications manager815may include a SPS configuration manager820, a block feedback manager825, and a HARQ manager830. The communications manager815may be an example of aspects of the communications manager1010described herein.

The SPS configuration manager820may receive, from a base station, a semi-persistent scheduling configuration for a set of semi-persistent scheduling occasions that are scheduled for downlink communications from the base station to the UE.

The block feedback manager825may identify two or more feedback timings for transmission of feedback associated with one or more semi-persistent scheduling occasions of the set of semi-persistent scheduling occasions based on the semi-persistent scheduling configuration, where the two or more feedback timings are associated with a same uplink resource for transmitting block feedback to the base station and transmit a block feedback in the uplink resource that indicates the feedback for each of the one or more semi-persistent scheduling occasions.

The HARQ manager830may determine feedback for each of the one or more semi-persistent scheduling occasions.

The transmitter835may transmit signals generated by other components of the device805. In some examples, the transmitter835may be collocated with a receiver810in a transceiver module. For example, the transmitter835may be an example of aspects of the transceiver1020described with reference toFIG.10. The transmitter835may utilize a single antenna or a set of antennas.

FIG.9shows a block diagram900of a communications manager905that supports block feedback with variable feedback timing for semi-persistent scheduling in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure. The communications manager905may be an example of aspects of a communications manager715, a communications manager815, or a communications manager1010described herein. The communications manager905may include a SPS configuration manager910, a block feedback manager915, a HARQ manager920, a RRC manager925, and a DCI manager930. Each of these modules may communicate, directly or indirectly, with one another (e.g., via one or more buses).

The SPS configuration manager910may receive, from a base station, a semi-persistent scheduling configuration for a set of semi-persistent scheduling occasions that are scheduled for downlink communications from the base station to the UE. In some cases, a set of minimum feedback timing values and maximum feedback timing values are configured at the UE and a downlink control information communication from the base station activates one of the set of minimum feedback timing values and maximum feedback timing values. In some cases, the block feedback is activated, reconfigured, or deactivated based on an indication provided in a medium access control (MAC) control element or in physical layer signaling from the base station.

The block feedback manager915may identify two or more feedback timings for transmission of feedback associated with one or more semi-persistent scheduling occasions of the set of semi-persistent scheduling occasions based on the semi-persistent scheduling configuration, where the two or more feedback timings are associated with a same uplink resource for transmitting block feedback to the base station. In some examples, the block feedback manager915may transmit a block feedback in the uplink resource that indicates the feedback for each of the one or more semi-persistent scheduling occasions. In some examples, the block feedback manager915may receive a separate feedback timing for each semi-persistent scheduling occasion within a feedback window associated with the uplink resource. In some examples, the block feedback manager915may receive, from the base station, periodic updates to the feedback timings for two or more semi-persistent scheduling occasions within the feedback window.

In some examples, the block feedback manager915may identify a minimum feedback timing value and a maximum feedback timing value from the two or more feedback timings, and where semi-persistent scheduling occasions within the minimum and the maximum feedback timing values are reported in an earliest uplink resource that is available for block feedback. In some cases, the block feedback indicates feedback only for semi-persistent scheduling occasions that have negative-acknowledgment feedback. In some cases, the minimum feedback timing value and the maximum feedback timing value are received in radio resource control signaling, and where the block feedback is transmitted for semi-persistent scheduling occasions within the minimum feedback timing value and the maximum feedback timing value of the earliest uplink resource.

In some cases, the earliest uplink resource is a configured block feedback resource for a group of semi-persistent scheduling occasions or uplink resources associated with a different feedback communication of a dynamically configured uplink resource. In some cases, the block feedback has a fixed payload size based on a number of semi-persistent scheduling occasions with feedback reported in the block feedback. In some cases, the block feedback has a variable payload size based on a number of negative acknowledgments to be reported in the block feedback.

The HARQ manager920may determine feedback for each of the one or more semi-persistent scheduling occasions. The RRC Manager925may provide configuration for SPS communications, block feedback configurations, or combinations thereof. In some cases, a set of different feedback timings are configured in RRC signaling.

The DCI manager930may receive an activation DCI communication from the base station that activates the semi-persistent scheduling configuration and indicates which of the set of different feedback timings are to be used for each semi-persistent scheduling occasion within a feedback window that includes the two or more semi-persistent scheduling occasions. In some examples, the DCI manager930may receive a DCI communication from the base station that indicates the uplink resource and that indicates the two or more feedback timings for two or more semi-persistent scheduling occasions that are to be reported in the uplink resource. In some examples, the DCI manager930may receive, from the base station, a downlink control information communication that provides an uplink grant associated with the uplink resource when a set of configured uplink resources are unavailable before the maximum feedback timing value of an earliest semi-persistent scheduling occasion that has unreported feedback.

FIG.10shows a diagram of a system1000including a device1005that supports block feedback with variable feedback timing for semi-persistent scheduling in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure. The device1005may be an example of or include the components of device705, device805, or a UE115as described herein. The device1005may include components for bi-directional voice and data communications including components for transmitting and receiving communications, including a communications manager1010, an I/O controller1015, a transceiver1020, an antenna1025, memory1030, and a processor1040. These components may be in electronic communication via one or more buses (e.g., bus1045).

The communications manager1010may receive, from a base station, a semi-persistent scheduling configuration for a set of semi-persistent scheduling occasions that are scheduled for downlink communications from the base station to the UE, identify two or more feedback timings for transmission of feedback associated with one or more semi-persistent scheduling occasions of the set of semi-persistent scheduling occasions based on the semi-persistent scheduling configuration, where the two or more feedback timings are associated with a same uplink resource for transmitting block feedback to the base station, transmit a block feedback in the uplink resource that indicates the feedback for each of the one or more semi-persistent scheduling occasions, and determine feedback for each of the one or more semi-persistent scheduling occasions.

The I/O controller1015may manage input and output signals for the device1005. The I/O controller1015may also manage peripherals not integrated into the device1005. In some cases, the I/O controller1015may represent a physical connection or port to an external peripheral. In some cases, the I/O controller1015may utilize an operating system such as iOS®, ANDROID®, MS-DOS®, MS-WINDOWS®, OS/2®, UNIX®, LINUX®, or another known operating system. In other cases, the I/O controller1015may represent or interact with a modem, a keyboard, a mouse, a touchscreen, or a similar device. In some cases, the I/O controller1015may be implemented as part of a processor. In some cases, a user may interact with the device1005via the I/O controller1015or via hardware components controlled by the I/O controller1015.

In some cases, the wireless device may include a single antenna1025. However, in some cases the device may have more than one antenna1025, which may be capable of concurrently transmitting or receiving multiple wireless transmissions.

The code1035may include instructions to implement aspects of the present disclosure, including instructions to support wireless communications. The code1035may be stored in a non-transitory computer-readable medium such as system memory or other type of memory. In some cases, the code1035may not be directly executable by the processor1040but may cause a computer (e.g., when compiled and executed) to perform functions described herein.

The communications manager1115may transmit, to a UE, a semi-persistent scheduling configuration for a set of semi-persistent scheduling occasions that are scheduled for downlink communications from the base station to the UE, identify two or more feedback timings for reception of feedback associated with one or more semi-persistent scheduling occasions of the set of semi-persistent scheduling occasions based on the semi-persistent scheduling configuration, where the two or more feedback timings are associated with a same uplink resource for transmitting block feedback to the base station, and receive, from the UE, a block feedback in the uplink resource that indicates feedback for each of the two or more semi-persistent scheduling occasions. The communications manager1115may be an example of aspects of the communications manager1410described herein.

The receiver1210may receive information such as packets, user data, or control information associated with various information channels (e.g., control channels, data channels, and information related to block feedback with variable feedback timing for semi-persistent scheduling, etc.). Information may be passed on to other components of the device1205. The receiver1210may be an example of aspects of the transceiver1420described with reference toFIG.14. The receiver1210may utilize a single antenna or a set of antennas.

The communications manager1215may be an example of aspects of the communications manager1115as described herein. The communications manager1215may include a SPS configuration manager1220, a block feedback manager1225, and a HARQ manager1230. The communications manager1215may be an example of aspects of the communications manager1410described herein.

The SPS configuration manager1220may transmit, to a UE, a semi-persistent scheduling configuration for a set of semi-persistent scheduling occasions that are scheduled for downlink communications from the base station to the UE.

The block feedback manager1225may identify two or more feedback timings for reception of feedback associated with one or more semi-persistent scheduling occasions of the set of semi-persistent scheduling occasions based on the semi-persistent scheduling configuration, where the two or more feedback timings are associated with a same uplink resource for transmitting block feedback to the base station.

The HARQ manager1230may receive, from the UE, a block feedback in the uplink resource that indicates feedback for each of the two or more semi-persistent scheduling occasions.

The transmitter1235may transmit signals generated by other components of the device1205. In some examples, the transmitter1235may be collocated with a receiver1210in a transceiver module. For example, the transmitter1235may be an example of aspects of the transceiver1420described with reference toFIG.14. The transmitter1235may utilize a single antenna or a set of antennas.

FIG.13shows a block diagram1300of a communications manager1305that supports block feedback with variable feedback timing for semi-persistent scheduling in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure. The communications manager1305may be an example of aspects of a communications manager1115, a communications manager1215, or a communications manager1410described herein. The communications manager1305may include a SPS configuration manager1310, a block feedback manager1315, a HARQ manager1320, a RRC manager1325, and a DCI manager1330. Each of these modules may communicate, directly or indirectly, with one another (e.g., via one or more buses).

The SPS configuration manager1310may transmit, to a UE, a semi-persistent scheduling configuration for a set of semi-persistent scheduling occasions that are scheduled for downlink communications from the base station to the UE. In some cases, the block feedback is activated, reconfigured, or deactivated based on an indication provided in a medium access control (MAC) control element or in physical layer signaling from the base station.

The block feedback manager1315may identify two or more feedback timings for reception of feedback associated with one or more semi-persistent scheduling occasions of the set of semi-persistent scheduling occasions based on the semi-persistent scheduling configuration, where the two or more feedback timings are associated with a same uplink resource for transmitting block feedback to the base station. In some examples, the block feedback manager1315may provide a separate feedback timing for each semi-persistent scheduling occasion within a feedback window associated with the uplink resource. In some examples, the block feedback manager1315may transmit, to the UE, periodic updates to the feedback timings for two or more semi-persistent scheduling occasions within the feedback window.

In some examples, the block feedback manager1315may provide a minimum feedback timing value and a maximum feedback timing value, and where semi-persistent scheduling occasions within the minimum and the maximum feedback timing values are reported in an earliest uplink resource that is available for block feedback. In some cases, the block feedback indicates feedback only for semi-persistent scheduling occasions that have negative-acknowledgment feedback. In some cases, the minimum feedback timing value and the maximum feedback timing value are configured in radio resource control signaling, and where the block feedback is transmitted for semi-persistent scheduling occasions within the minimum feedback timing value and the maximum feedback timing value of the earliest uplink resource. In some cases, the earliest uplink resource is a configured block feedback resource for a group of semi-persistent scheduling occasions or uplink resources associated with a different feedback communication of a dynamically configured uplink resource. In some cases, a set of minimum feedback timing values and maximum feedback timing values are configured at the UE and a downlink control information communication to the UE activates one of the set of minimum feedback timing values and maximum feedback timing values.

In some cases, the block feedback has a fixed payload size based on a number of semi-persistent scheduling occasions with feedback reported in the block feedback. In some cases, the block feedback has a variable payload size based on a number of negative acknowledgments to be reported in the block feedback.

The HARQ manager1320may receive, from the UE, a block feedback in the uplink resource that indicates feedback for each of the two or more semi-persistent scheduling occasions. The RRC Manager1325may configure UEs with one or more SPS configurations, block feedback configurations, or combinations thereof. In some cases, a set of different feedback timings are configured in RRC signaling.

The DCI manager1330may transmit an activation DCI communication to the UE that activates the semi-persistent scheduling configuration and indicates which of the set of different feedback timings are to be used for each semi-persistent scheduling occasion within a feedback window that includes two or more semi-persistent scheduling occasions. In some examples, the DCI manager1330may transmit a DCI communication to the UE that indicates the uplink resource and that indicates the two or more feedback timings for two or more semi-persistent scheduling occasions that are to be reported in the uplink resource. In some examples, the DCI manager1330may transmit, to the UE, a downlink control information communication that provides an uplink grant associated with the uplink resource when a set of configured uplink resources are unavailable before the maximum feedback timing value of an earliest semi-persistent scheduling occasion that has unreported feedback.

FIG.14shows a diagram of a system1400including a device1405that supports block feedback with variable feedback timing for semi-persistent scheduling in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure. The device1405may be an example of or include the components of device1105, device1205, or a base station105as described herein. The device1405may include components for bi-directional voice and data communications including components for transmitting and receiving communications, including a communications manager1410, a network communications manager1415, a transceiver1420, an antenna1425, memory1430, a processor1440, and an inter-station communications manager1445. These components may be in electronic communication via one or more buses (e.g., bus1450).

The communications manager1410may transmit, to a UE, a semi-persistent scheduling configuration for a set of semi-persistent scheduling occasions that are scheduled for downlink communications from the base station to the UE, identify two or more feedback timings for reception of feedback associated with one or more semi-persistent scheduling occasions of the set of semi-persistent scheduling occasions based on the semi-persistent scheduling configuration, where the two or more feedback timings are associated with a same uplink resource for transmitting block feedback to the base station, and receive, from the UE, a block feedback in the uplink resource that indicates feedback for each of the two or more semi-persistent scheduling occasions.

In some cases, the wireless device may include a single antenna1425. However, in some cases the device may have more than one antenna1425, which may be capable of concurrently transmitting or receiving multiple wireless transmissions.

The memory1430may include RAM, ROM, or a combination thereof. The memory1430may store computer-readable code1435including instructions that, when executed by a processor (e.g., the processor1440) cause the device to perform various functions described herein. In some cases, the memory1430may contain, among other things, a BIOS which may control basic hardware or software operation such as the interaction with peripheral components or devices.

The code1435may include instructions to implement aspects of the present disclosure, including instructions to support wireless communications. The code1435may be stored in a non-transitory computer-readable medium such as system memory or other type of memory. In some cases, the code1435may not be directly executable by the processor1440but may cause a computer (e.g., when compiled and executed) to perform functions described herein.

At1505, the UE may receive, from a base station, a semi-persistent scheduling configuration for a set of semi-persistent scheduling occasions that are scheduled for downlink communications from the base station to the UE. The operations of1505may be performed according to the methods described herein. In some examples, aspects of the operations of1505may be performed by a SPS configuration manager as described with reference toFIGS.7through10.

At1510, the UE may identify two or more feedback timings for transmission of feedback associated with one or more semi-persistent scheduling occasions of the set of semi-persistent scheduling occasions based on the semi-persistent scheduling configuration, where the two or more feedback timings are associated with a same uplink resource for transmitting block feedback to the base station. The operations of1510may be performed according to the methods described herein. In some examples, aspects of the operations of1510may be performed by a block feedback manager as described with reference toFIGS.7through10.

At1515, the UE may determine feedback for each of the one or more semi-persistent scheduling occasions. The operations of1515may be performed according to the methods described herein. In some examples, aspects of the operations of1515may be performed by a HARQ manager as described with reference toFIGS.7through10.

At1520, the UE may transmit a block feedback in the uplink resource that indicates the feedback for each of the one or more semi-persistent scheduling occasions. The operations of1520may be performed according to the methods described herein. In some examples, aspects of the operations of1520may be performed by a block feedback manager as described with reference toFIGS.7through10.

FIG.16shows a flowchart illustrating a method1600that supports block feedback with variable feedback timing for semi-persistent scheduling in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure. The operations of method1600may be implemented by a UE115or its components as described herein. For example, the operations of method1600may be performed by a communications manager as described with reference toFIGS.7through10. In some examples, a UE may execute a set of instructions to control the functional elements of the UE to perform the functions described below. Additionally or alternatively, a UE may perform aspects of the functions described below using special-purpose hardware.

At1605, the UE may receive, from a base station, a semi-persistent scheduling configuration for a set of semi-persistent scheduling occasions that are scheduled for downlink communications from the base station to the UE. The operations of1605may be performed according to the methods described herein. In some examples, aspects of the operations of1605may be performed by a SPS configuration manager as described with reference toFIGS.7through10.

At1610, the UE may receive a separate feedback timing for each semi-persistent scheduling occasion within a feedback window associated with the uplink resource. The operations of1610may be performed according to the methods described herein. In some examples, aspects of the operations of1610may be performed by a block feedback manager as described with reference toFIGS.7through10. In some cases, a set of different feedback timings are configured in RRC signaling. In some cases, the set of different feedback timings are provided with the semi-persistent scheduling configuration. In other cases, the set of different feedback timings are provided separately from the semi-persistent scheduling configuration (e.g., in separate RRC signaling or in a separate DCI).

At1615, the UE may receive an activation DCI communication from the base station that activates the semi-persistent scheduling configuration and indicates which of the set of different feedback timings are to be used for each semi-persistent scheduling occasion within a feedback window that includes the two or more semi-persistent scheduling occasions. The operations of1615may be performed according to the methods described herein. In some examples, aspects of the operations of1615may be performed by a DCI manager as described with reference toFIGS.7through10.

At1620, the UE may identify two or more feedback timings for transmission of feedback associated with one or more semi-persistent scheduling occasions of the set of semi-persistent scheduling occasions based on the semi-persistent scheduling configuration, where the two or more feedback timings are associated with a same uplink resource for transmitting block feedback to the base station. The operations of1620may be performed according to the methods described herein. In some examples, aspects of the operations of1620may be performed by a block feedback manager as described with reference toFIGS.7through10.

At1625, the UE may determine feedback for each of the one or more semi-persistent scheduling occasions. The operations of1625may be performed according to the methods described herein. In some examples, aspects of the operations of1625may be performed by a HARQ manager as described with reference toFIGS.7through10.

At1630, the UE may transmit a block feedback in the uplink resource that indicates the feedback for each of the one or more semi-persistent scheduling occasions. The operations of1630may be performed according to the methods described herein. In some examples, aspects of the operations of1630may be performed by a block feedback manager as described with reference toFIGS.7through10.

FIG.17shows a flowchart illustrating a method1700that supports block feedback with variable feedback timing for semi-persistent scheduling in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure. The operations of method1700may be implemented by a UE115or its components as described herein. For example, the operations of method1700may be performed by a communications manager as described with reference toFIGS.7through10. In some examples, a UE may execute a set of instructions to control the functional elements of the UE to perform the functions described below. Additionally or alternatively, a UE may perform aspects of the functions described below using special-purpose hardware.

At1705, the UE may receive, from a base station, a semi-persistent scheduling configuration for a set of semi-persistent scheduling occasions that are scheduled for downlink communications from the base station to the UE. The operations of1705may be performed according to the methods described herein. In some examples, aspects of the operations of1705may be performed by a SPS configuration manager as described with reference toFIGS.7through10.

At1710, the UE may receive a DCI communication from the base station that indicates the uplink resource and that indicates the two or more feedback timings for two or more semi-persistent scheduling occasions that are to be reported in the uplink resource. The operations of1710may be performed according to the methods described herein. In some examples, aspects of the operations of1710may be performed by a DCI manager as described with reference toFIGS.7through10.

At1715, the UE may identify two or more feedback timings for transmission of feedback associated with one or more semi-persistent scheduling occasions of the set of semi-persistent scheduling occasions based on the semi-persistent scheduling configuration, where the two or more feedback timings are associated with a same uplink resource for transmitting block feedback to the base station. The operations of1715may be performed according to the methods described herein. In some examples, aspects of the operations of1715may be performed by a block feedback manager as described with reference toFIGS.7through10.

At1720, the UE may determine feedback for each of the one or more semi-persistent scheduling occasions. The operations of1720may be performed according to the methods described herein. In some examples, aspects of the operations of1720may be performed by a HARQ manager as described with reference toFIGS.7through10.

At1725, the UE may transmit a block feedback in the uplink resource that indicates the feedback for each of the one or more semi-persistent scheduling occasions. The operations of1725may be performed according to the methods described herein. In some examples, aspects of the operations of1725may be performed by a block feedback manager as described with reference toFIGS.7through10.

At1805, the UE may receive, from a base station, a semi-persistent scheduling configuration for a set of semi-persistent scheduling occasions that are scheduled for downlink communications from the base station to the UE. The operations of1805may be performed according to the methods described herein. In some examples, aspects of the operations of1805may be performed by a SPS configuration manager as described with reference toFIGS.7through10.

At1810, the UE may identify two or more feedback timings for transmission of feedback associated with one or more semi-persistent scheduling occasions of the set of semi-persistent scheduling occasions based on the semi-persistent scheduling configuration, where the two or more feedback timings are associated with a same uplink resource for transmitting block feedback to the base station. The operations of1810may be performed according to the methods described herein. In some examples, aspects of the operations of1810may be performed by a block feedback manager as described with reference toFIGS.7through10.

At1815, the UE may identify a minimum feedback timing value and a maximum feedback timing value from the two or more feedback timings, and where semi-persistent scheduling occasions within the minimum and the maximum feedback timing values are reported in an earliest uplink resource that is available for block feedback. The operations of1815may be performed according to the methods described herein. In some examples, aspects of the operations of1815may be performed by a block feedback manager as described with reference toFIGS.7through10. In some cases, the minimum feedback timing value and the maximum feedback timing value are received in radio resource control signaling, and where the block feedback is transmitted for semi-persistent scheduling occasions within the minimum feedback timing value and the maximum feedback timing value of the earliest uplink resource.

At1820, the UE may determine feedback for each of the one or more semi-persistent scheduling occasions. The operations of1820may be performed according to the methods described herein. In some examples, aspects of the operations of1820may be performed by a HARQ manager as described with reference toFIGS.7through10.

At1825, the UE may transmit a block feedback in the uplink resource that indicates the feedback for each of the one or more semi-persistent scheduling occasions. The operations of1825may be performed according to the methods described herein. In some examples, aspects of the operations of1825may be performed by a block feedback manager as described with reference toFIGS.7through10.

At1905, the base station may transmit, to a UE, a semi-persistent scheduling configuration for a set of semi-persistent scheduling occasions that are scheduled for downlink communications from the base station to the UE. The operations of1905may be performed according to the methods described herein. In some examples, aspects of the operations of1905may be performed by a SPS configuration manager as described with reference toFIGS.11through14.

At1910, the base station may identify two or more feedback timings for reception of feedback associated with one or more semi-persistent scheduling occasions of the set of semi-persistent scheduling occasions based on the semi-persistent scheduling configuration, where the two or more feedback timings are associated with a same uplink resource for transmitting block feedback to the base station. The operations of1910may be performed according to the methods described herein. In some examples, aspects of the operations of1910may be performed by a block feedback manager as described with reference toFIGS.11through14.

At1915, the base station may receive, from the UE, a block feedback in the uplink resource that indicates feedback for each of the two or more semi-persistent scheduling occasions. The operations of1915may be performed according to the methods described herein. In some examples, aspects of the operations of1915may be performed by a HARQ manager as described with reference toFIGS.11through14.

At2005, the base station may transmit, to a UE, a semi-persistent scheduling configuration for a set of semi-persistent scheduling occasions that are scheduled for downlink communications from the base station to the UE. The operations of2005may be performed according to the methods described herein. In some examples, aspects of the operations of2005may be performed by a SPS configuration manager as described with reference toFIGS.11through14.

At2010, the base station may provide a separate feedback timing for each semi-persistent scheduling occasion within a feedback window associated with the uplink resource. The operations of2010may be performed according to the methods described herein. In some examples, aspects of the operations of2010may be performed by a block feedback manager as described with reference toFIGS.11through14. In some cases, a set of different feedback timings are configured in RRC signaling. In some cases, the set of different feedback timings are provided with the semi-persistent scheduling configuration. In other cases, the set of different feedback timings are provided separately from the semi-persistent scheduling configuration.

At2015, the base station may transmit an activation DCI communication to the UE that activates the semi-persistent scheduling configuration and indicates which of the set of different feedback timings are to be used for each semi-persistent scheduling occasion within a feedback window that includes two or more semi-persistent scheduling occasions. The operations of2015may be performed according to the methods described herein. In some examples, aspects of the operations of2015may be performed by a DCI manager as described with reference toFIGS.11through14.

At2020, the base station may identify two or more feedback timings for reception of feedback associated with one or more semi-persistent scheduling occasions of the set of semi-persistent scheduling occasions based on the semi-persistent scheduling configuration, where the two or more feedback timings are associated with a same uplink resource for transmitting block feedback to the base station. The operations of2020may be performed according to the methods described herein. In some examples, aspects of the operations of2020may be performed by a block feedback manager as described with reference toFIGS.11through14.

At2025, the base station may receive, from the UE, a block feedback in the uplink resource that indicates feedback for each of the two or more semi-persistent scheduling occasions. The operations of2025may be performed according to the methods described herein. In some examples, aspects of the operations of2025may be performed by a HARQ manager as described with reference toFIGS.11through14.

At2105, the base station may transmit, to a UE, a semi-persistent scheduling configuration for a set of semi-persistent scheduling occasions that are scheduled for downlink communications from the base station to the UE. The operations of2105may be performed according to the methods described herein. In some examples, aspects of the operations of2105may be performed by a SPS configuration manager as described with reference toFIGS.11through14.

At2110, the base station may identify two or more feedback timings for reception of feedback associated with one or more semi-persistent scheduling occasions of the set of semi-persistent scheduling occasions based on the semi-persistent scheduling configuration, where the two or more feedback timings are associated with a same uplink resource for transmitting block feedback to the base station. The operations of2110may be performed according to the methods described herein. In some examples, aspects of the operations of2110may be performed by a block feedback manager as described with reference toFIGS.11through14.

At2115, the base station may provide a minimum feedback timing value and a maximum feedback timing value, and where semi-persistent scheduling occasions within the minimum and the maximum feedback timing values are reported in an earliest uplink resource that is available for block feedback. The operations of2115may be performed according to the methods described herein. In some examples, aspects of the operations of2115may be performed by a block feedback manager as described with reference toFIGS.11through14. In some cases, a set of different minimum and maximum feedback timing values are configured in RRC signaling and an activation DCI indicates which minimum and maximum feedback timing values are to be used. In some cases, the set of different minimum and maximum feedback timing values are provided with the semi-persistent scheduling configuration. In other cases, the set of different minimum and maximum feedback timing values are provided separately from the semi-persistent scheduling configuration (e.g., in separate RRC signaling or in a separate DCI).

At2120, the base station may receive, from the UE, a block feedback in the uplink resource that indicates feedback for each of the two or more semi-persistent scheduling occasions. The operations of2120may be performed according to the methods described herein. In some examples, aspects of the operations of2120may be performed by a HARQ manager as described with reference toFIGS.11through14.

Aspect 1: A method for wireless communication at a UE, comprising: receiving, from a base station, a semi-persistent scheduling configuration for a set of semi-persistent scheduling occasions that are scheduled for downlink communications from the base station to the UE; determining feedback for one or more semi-persistent scheduling occasions of the set of semi-persistent scheduling occasions based at least in part on two or more feedback timings for transmission of feedback associated with the one or more semi-persistent scheduling occasions, wherein the two or more feedback timings are associated with a same uplink resource for transmitting block feedback to the base station; and transmitting a block feedback in the uplink resource that indicates the feedback for the one or more semi-persistent scheduling occasions.

Aspect 2: The method of aspect 1, wherein the receiving further comprises: receiving a separate feedback timing for each semi-persistent scheduling occasion within a feedback window associated with the uplink resource.

Aspect 3: The method of any of aspects 1 through 2, wherein a plurality of different feedback timings are configured in RRC signaling.

Aspect 4: The method of aspect 3, further comprising: receiving an activation DCI communication from the base station that activates the semi-persistent scheduling configuration and indicates which of the plurality of different feedback timings are to be used for each semi-persistent scheduling occasion within a feedback window that includes two or more semi-persistent scheduling occasions.

Aspect 5: The method of aspect 4, further comprising: receiving, from the base station, periodic updates to the feedback timings for two or more semi-persistent scheduling occasions within the feedback window.

Aspect 6: The method of any of aspects 1 through 2, further comprising: receiving a DCI communication from the base station that indicates the uplink resource and that indicates the two or more feedback timings for two or more semi-persistent scheduling occasions that are to be reported in the uplink resource.

Aspect 7: The method of any of aspects 1 through 6, wherein the block feedback indicates feedback only for semi-persistent scheduling occasions that have negative-acknowledgment feedback.

Aspect 8: The method of aspect 1, wherein the receiving further comprises: receiving a minimum feedback timing value and a maximum feedback timing value from the two or more feedback timings, and wherein semi-persistent scheduling occasions within the minimum and the maximum feedback timing values are reported in an earliest uplink resource that is available for block feedback.

Aspect 9: The method of aspect 8, wherein the minimum feedback timing value and the maximum feedback timing value are received in radio resource control signaling, and the block feedback is transmitted for semi-persistent scheduling occasions within the minimum feedback timing value and the maximum feedback timing value of the earliest uplink resource.

Aspect 10: The method of any of aspects 8 through 9, wherein the earliest uplink resource is a configured block feedback resource for a group of semi-persistent scheduling occasions or uplink resources associated with a different feedback communication of a dynamically configured uplink resource.

Aspect 11: The method of any of aspects 8 through 10, wherein a plurality of minimum feedback timing values and maximum feedback timing values are configured at the UE and a downlink control information communication from the base station activates one of the plurality of minimum feedback timing values and maximum feedback timing values.

Aspect 12: The method of any of aspects 8 through 11, further comprising: receiving, from the base station, a downlink control information communication that provides an uplink grant associated with the uplink resource when a set of configured uplink resources are unavailable before the maximum feedback timing value of an earliest semi-persistent scheduling occasion that has unreported feedback.

Aspect 13: The method of any of aspects 1 through 12, wherein the block feedback has a fixed payload size based on a number of semi-persistent scheduling occasions with feedback reported in the block feedback, or has a variable payload size based on a number of negative acknowledgments to be reported in the block feedback.

Aspect 14: A method for wireless communication at a base station, comprising: transmitting, to a UE, a semi-persistent scheduling configuration for a set of semi-persistent scheduling occasions that are scheduled for downlink communications from the base station to the UE; and receiving, from the UE, a block feedback in an uplink resource that indicates feedback for two or more semi-persistent scheduling occasions of the set of semi-persistent scheduling occasions, wherein the two or more semi-persistent scheduling occasions are based at least in part on two or more feedback timings for reception of feedback associated with one or more semi-persistent scheduling occasions, and wherein the two or more feedback timings are associated with the uplink resource for the block feedback.

Aspect 15: The method of aspect 14, wherein the transmitting further comprises: providing a separate feedback timing for each semi-persistent scheduling occasion within a feedback window associated with the uplink resource.

Aspect 16: The method of any of aspects 14 through 15, wherein a plurality of different feedback timings are configured in RRC signaling.

Aspect 17: The method of aspect 16, further comprising: transmitting an activation DCI communication to the UE that activates the semi-persistent scheduling configuration and indicates which of the plurality of different feedback timings are to be used for each semi-persistent scheduling occasion within a feedback window that includes two or more semi-persistent scheduling occasions.

Aspect 18: The method of any of aspects 14 through 15, further comprising: transmitting a DCI communication to the UE that indicates the uplink resource and that indicates the two or more feedback timings for two or more semi-persistent scheduling occasions that are to be reported in the uplink resource.

Aspect 19: The method of aspect 14, wherein the transmitting further comprises: providing a minimum feedback timing value and a maximum feedback timing value, and wherein semi-persistent scheduling occasions within the minimum and the maximum feedback timing values are reported in an earliest uplink resource that is available for block feedback.

Aspect 20: The method of aspect 19, wherein the minimum feedback timing value and the maximum feedback timing value are configured in radio resource control signaling, and the block feedback is transmitted for semi-persistent scheduling occasions within the minimum feedback timing value and the maximum feedback timing value of the earliest uplink resource.

Aspect 21: The method of any of aspects 19 through 20, wherein the earliest uplink resource is a configured block feedback resource for a group of semi-persistent scheduling occasions or uplink resources associated with a different feedback communication of a dynamically configured uplink resource.

Aspect 22: The method of any of aspects 19 through 21, wherein a plurality of minimum feedback timing values and maximum feedback timing values are configured at the UE and a downlink control information communication to the UE activates one of the plurality of minimum feedback timing values and maximum feedback timing values.

Aspect 23: The method of any of aspects 14 through 22, wherein the block feedback has a fixed payload size based on a number of semi-persistent scheduling occasions with feedback reported in the block feedback, or has a variable payload size based on a number of negative acknowledgments to be reported in the block feedback.

Aspect 28: An apparatus for wireless communication at a base station, comprising at least one means for performing a method of any of aspects 14 through 23.