METHOD, DEVICE AND COMPUTER STORAGE MEDIUM OF COMMUNICATION

Embodiments of the present disclosure relate to methods, devices and computer readable media for communication. A terminal device determines a target cell from a set of cells, the set of cells being configured for uplink control transmissions for HARQ feedbacks for downlink data transmissions received on cells in a cell group, and transmits, on the target cell and to a network device, an uplink control transmission for a HARQ feedback for a downlink data transmission received on one of the cells in the cell group. In this way, a latency for HARQ feedback can be reduced.

TECHNICAL FIELD

Embodiments of the present disclosure generally relate to the field of telecommunication, and in particular, to methods, devices and computer storage media of communication for hybrid automatic repeat request (HARQ) feedback.

BACKGROUND

In new radio (NR) Release 16, for a terminal device configured with carrier aggregation (CA), only an uplink (UL) carrier of a component carrier (CC) is configured to transmit a physical uplink control channel (PUCCH) for HARQ feedback within a cell group, e.g., primary cell.

In NR Release 17, in order to reduce a latency of HARQ feedback for downlink (DL) heavy configurations in unpaired spectrum, PUCCH carrier switching for HARQ feedback is proposed to allow more than one UL carrier with different time division duplexing (TDD) configurations for PUCCH transmission for HARQ feedback. In this case, how to implement the PUCCH carrier switching needs to be studied.

SUMMARY

In general, embodiments of the present disclosure provide methods, devices and computer storage media of communication for HARQ feedback.

In a first aspect, there is provided a method of communication. The method comprises: determining, at a terminal device, a target cell from a set of cells, the set of cells being configured for uplink control transmissions for HARQ feedbacks for downlink data transmissions received on cells in a cell group; and transmitting, on the target cell and to a network device, an uplink control transmission for a HARQ feedback for a downlink data transmission received on one of the cells in the cell group.

In a second aspect, there is provided a method of communication. The method comprises: receiving, at a network device and from a terminal device, an uplink control transmission for a HARQ feedback on a target cell, the HARQ feedback for a downlink data transmission transmitted on one of cells in a cell group, the target cell being determined from a set of cells configured for an uplink control transmission for HARQ feedbacks for downlink data transmissions received on the cells in the cell group.

In a third aspect, there is provided a terminal device. The terminal device comprises a processor configured to perform the method according to the first aspect of the present disclosure.

In a fourth aspect, there is provided a network device. The network device comprises a processor configured to perform the method according to the second aspect of the present disclosure.

In a fifth aspect, there is provided a computer readable medium having instructions stored thereon. The instructions, when executed on at least one processor, cause the at least one processor to perform the method according to the first aspect of the present disclosure.

In a sixth aspect, there is provided a computer readable medium having instructions stored thereon. The instructions, when executed on at least one processor, cause the at least one processor to perform the method according to the second aspect of the present disclosure.

Other features of the present disclosure will become easily comprehensible through the following description.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

As used herein, the term “terminal device” refers to any device having wireless or wired communication capabilities. Examples of the terminal device include, but not limited to, user equipment (UE), personal computers, desktops, mobile phones, cellular phones, smart phones, personal digital assistants (PDAs), portable computers, tablets, wearable devices, internet of things (IoT) devices, Internet of Everything (IoE) devices, machine type communication (MTC) devices, device on vehicle for V2X communication where X means pedestrian, vehicle, or infrastructure/network, or image capture devices such as digital cameras, gaming devices, music storage and playback appliances, or Internet appliances enabling wireless or wired Internet access and browsing and the like. The term “terminal device” can be used interchangeably with a UE, a mobile station, a subscriber station, a mobile terminal, a user terminal or a wireless device. In addition, the term “network device” refers to a device which is capable of providing or hosting a cell or coverage where terminal devices can communicate. Examples of a network device include, but not limited to, a Node B (NodeB or NB), an Evolved NodeB (eNodeB or eNB), a next generation NodeB (gNB), a Transmission Reception Point (TRP), a Remote Radio Unit (RRU), a radio head (RH), a remote radio head (RRH), a low power node such as a femto node, a pico node, and the like.

In one embodiment, the terminal device may be connected with a first network device and a second network device. One of the first network device and the second network device may be a master node and the other one may be a secondary node. The first network device and the second network device may use different radio access technologies (RATs). In one embodiment, the first network device may be a first RAT device and the second network device may be a second RAT device. In one embodiment, the first RAT device is eNB and the second RAT device is gNB. Information related with different RATs may be transmitted to the terminal device from at least one of the first network device or the second network device. In one embodiment, first information may be transmitted to the terminal device from the first network device and second information may be transmitted to the terminal device from the second network device directly or via the first network device. In one embodiment, information related with configuration for the terminal device configured by the second network device may be transmitted from the second network device via the first network device. Information related with reconfiguration for the terminal device configured by the second network device may be transmitted to the terminal device from the second network device directly or via the first network device.

As used herein, the singular forms ‘a’, ‘an’ and ‘the’ are intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. The term ‘includes’ and its variants are to be read as open terms that mean ‘includes, but is not limited to.’ The term ‘based on’ is to be read as ‘at least in part based on.’ The term ‘one embodiment’ and ‘an embodiment’ are to be read as ‘at least one embodiment.’ The term ‘another embodiment’ is to be read as ‘at least one other embodiment.’ The terms ‘first,’ ‘second,’ and the like may refer to different or same objects. Other definitions, explicit and implicit, may be included below.

In some examples, values, procedures, or apparatus are referred to as ‘best,’ ‘lowest,’ ‘highest,’ ‘minimum,’ ‘maximum,’ or the like. It will be appreciated that such descriptions are intended to indicate that a selection among many used functional alternatives can be made, and such selections need not be better, smaller, higher, or otherwise preferable to other selections.

As mentioned above, in NR Release 17, in order to reduce the latency of HARQ feedback for DL heavy configurations in unpaired spectrum, PUCCH carrier switching for HARQ feedback is proposed to allow more than one UL carrier or cell with different TDD configurations for PUCCH transmission for HARQ feedback. However, how to implement the PUCCH carrier switching needs to be studied, for example, how to configure or define PUCCH resource for the one or more switched cells and the association between DL carrier for PDSCH reception and UL carrier for PUCCH transmission, how to indicate to a terminal device when and where to switch PUCCH transmission on another cell or UL carrier for HARQ feedback, or how to operate power control for PUCCH transmission if the more than one UL carrier or cell are configured for PUCCH transmission.

In view of this, embodiments of the present disclosure provide a solution for PUCCH carrier switching. In the solution, for a cell group provided by a network device to a terminal device, a set of cells is configured for PUCCH transmission for HARQ feedback of downlink data transmissions on cells in the cell group. The terminal device can make PUCCH carrier switching among the set of cells as needed. In this way, a latency for HARQ feedback can be reduced.

Embodiments of the present disclosure may be applied to any suitable scenarios. For example, embodiments of the present disclosure may be implemented at ultra reliable low latency communication (URLLC). Alternatively, embodiments of the present disclosure can be implemented in one of the followings: reduced capability NR devices, NR multiple-input and multiple-output (MIMO), NR sidelink enhancements, NR systems with frequency above 52.6 GHz, an extending NR operation up to 71 GHz, narrow band-Internet of Thing (NB-IOT)/enhanced Machine Type Communication (eMTC) over non-terrestrial networks (NTN), NTN, UE power saving enhancements, NR coverage enhancement, NB-IoT and LTE-MTC, Integrated Access and Backhaul (IAB), NR Multicast and Broadcast Services, or enhancements on Multi-Radio Dual-Connectivity.

Principles and implementations of the present disclosure will be described in detail below with reference to the figures.

Example of Communication Network

FIG.1illustrates a schematic diagram of an example communication network100in which some embodiments of the present disclosure can be implemented. As shown inFIG.1, the communication network100may include a terminal device110and a network device120. In some embodiments, the terminal device110may be served by the network device120. It is to be understood that the number of devices inFIG.1is given for the purpose of illustration without suggesting any limitations to the present disclosure. The communication network100may include any suitable number of network devices and/or terminal devices adapted for implementing implementations of the present disclosure.

As shown inFIG.1, the terminal device110may communicate with the network device120via a channel such as a wireless communication channel. The communications in the communication network100may conform to any suitable standards including, but not limited to, Global System for Mobile Communications (GSM), Long Term Evolution (LTE), LTE-Evolution, LTE-Advanced (LTE-A), Wideband Code Division Multiple Access (WCDMA), Code Division Multiple Access (CDMA), GSM EDGE Radio Access Network (GERAN), Machine Type Communication (MTC) and the like. Furthermore, the communications may be performed according to any generation communication protocols either currently known or to be developed in the future. Examples of the communication protocols include, but not limited to, the first generation (1G), the second generation (2G), 2.5G 2.75G, the third generation (3G), the fourth generation (4G), 4.5G the fifth generation (5G) communication protocols.

In some embodiments, the terminal device110may transmit uplink data information to the network device120via an uplink data channel transmission. For example, the uplink data channel transmission may be a physical uplink shared channel (PUSCH) transmission. Of course, any other suitable forms are also feasible.

In some embodiments, the terminal device110may transmit UCI, e.g., HARQ feedback information to the network device120via an uplink control channel transmission. For example, the uplink control channel transmission may be a PUCCH transmission. Of course, any other suitable forms are also feasible.

In some embodiments, the network device120may support a plurality of services have different priorities for the terminal device110, for example, eMBB with a lower priority and URLLC with a higher priority. Accordingly, the terminal device110may perform respective uplink data and/or control channel transmissions for the different services. The uplink control channel transmissions may carry HARQ feedbacks for different services and the HARQ feedbacks may have different priorities corresponding to different services.

In some embodiments, the network device120may provide a plurality of serving cells (not shown herein) for the terminal device110, for example, a primary cell (Pcell), a primary secondary cell (PScell), a secondary cell (Scell), a special cell (sPCell) or the like. Each of the serving cells may correspond to a CC. The terminal device110may perform transmission with the network device120via a CC. Of course, the terminal device110may perform transmission with the network device120via multiple CCs, for example, in case of CA.

In some scenarios, a cell group is provided by the network device120to the terminal device110. According to conventional solutions, only one cell within the cell group is configured with UL carrier for PUCCH transmission for HARQ-ACK of PDSCH receptions on all cells in the cell group.FIG.2Aillustrates a schematic diagram200A illustrating an example scenario for HARQ feedback according to conventional solutions. In this example, a cell group provided by a network device to a terminal device comprises CC #1and CC #2, and CC #1as a Pcell is configured for PUCCH transmission for HARQ feedback for the cell group.

As shown inFIG.2A, DCI201may indicate that a HARQ feedback for PDSCH202is transmitted by PUCCH205on CC #1, for example, with a HARQ-ACK timing value K1=2. DCI203may indicate that a HARQ feedback for PDSCH204is also transmitted by PUCCH205, for example, with a HARQ-ACK timing value K1=1. DCI206may indicate that a HARQ feedback for PDSCH207is transmitted by PUCCH208on CC #1, for example, with a HARQ-ACK timing value K1=4. However, there is an UL slot on CC #2can be used for PUCCH209, which is earlier than the PUCCH208on CC #1. According to conventional solutions, the HARQ feedback for the PDSCH207cannot be scheduled to be transmitted by the PUCCH209as only CC #1is configured for PUCCH transmission for the cell group.

According to embodiments of the present disclosure, PUCCH for HARQ feedback can be transmitted on a cell with early available UL symbols within the cell group.FIG.2Billustrates a schematic diagram200B illustrating an example scenario of a PUCCH carrier switching for HARQ feedback according to embodiments of the present disclosure. In this example, the cell group provided by the network device120to the terminal device110may comprise CC #1and CC #2, and CC #1as a Pcell is configured for HARQ feedback for the cell group. It is to be understood that this is merely an example, and any other suitable numbers of CCs are also feasible.

As shown inFIG.2B, DCI211may indicate that a HARQ feedback for PDSCH212is transmitted by PUCCH215that is early available on CC #1, for example, with a HARQ-ACK timing value K1=2. DCI213may indicate that a HARQ feedback for PDSCH214is also transmitted by PUCCH215that is also early available for PDSCH214, for example, with a HARQ-ACK timing value K1=1. DCI216may indicate that a HARQ feedback for PDSCH217is transmitted by PUCCH218on CC #2that is early available for PDSCH217, for example, with a HARQ-ACK timing value K1=1. In this way, a lower latency of HARQ feedback can be achieved. Its details will be described below with reference toFIG.3.

Example Implementation of HARQ Feedback with Pucch Carrier Switching

FIG.3illustrates a flow chart illustrating a process300of communication for HARQ feedback according to embodiments of the present disclosure. For the purpose of discussion, the process300will be described with reference toFIG.1. The process300may involve the terminal device110and the network device120as illustrated inFIG.1.

As shown inFIG.3, the network device120transmits310, to the terminal device110, a configuration regarding a set of cells for uplink control transmissions (for example, PUCCH transmissions) for HARQ feedbacks for downlink data transmissions (for example, PDSCH transmissions) on cells within a cell group. In some embodiments, the cell group comprises a plurality of cells provided by the network device120to the terminal device110. In some embodiments, the set of cells is selected from the plurality of cells in the cell group. In some embodiments, cells different from the cells in the cell group may be configured in the set of cells.

In some embodiments, the network device120may transmit320an indication indicating a PUCCH carrier switching. In this way, the terminal device110may determine a target cell based on the indication. The target cell is used for a PUCCH transmission for a HARQ feedback for PDSCH transmission on a cell in the cell group. Some example embodiments of the configuration and indication will be described in connection with Embodiments 1 and 2. In following description, a PUCCH cell refers to a cell configured for PUCCH transmission.

In this embodiment, the set of cells may comprise multiple cells associated with the same cell group. This will be described in connection withFIG.4A.FIG.4Aillustrates a schematic diagram400A illustrating an example configuration for PUCCH carriers according to embodiments of the present disclosure. As shown inFIG.4A, a cell group401comprising CC #1, CC #2, CC #3and CC #4is provided for the terminal device110, and a set of cells402comprising CC #1and CC #4is configured for HARQ feedback for the cell group401. It should be noted that the number of cells in the cell group is merely for illustration and is not for limitation.

In some embodiments, the network device120may transmit configurations for respective cells in the set of cells402to the terminal device110. For example, the network device120may separately configure PUCCH-Config parameters for UL carriers in the set of cells402.

In some alternative embodiments, the network device120may transmit, to the terminal device110, a configuration comprising a first portion common for all cells in the set of cells402and second portions dedicated for respective cells in the set of cells402. For example, the network device120may configure some common PUCCH related parameters in a PUCCH-Config parameter for UL carriers in the set of cells402, e.g., PUCCH resource set, PUCCH format configuration, dl-DataToUL-ACK. In addition, the network device120may configure some separate PUCCH related parameters in the PUCCH-Config parameter for UL carriers in the set of cells402, e.g., PUCCH-PowerControl.

In some embodiments, the network device120may transmit an indication indicating a cell in the set of cells as a target cell for PUCCH transmission. In other words, the indication may indicate a PUCCH carrier switching. For example, the network device120may transmit the indication via a RRC signaling or DCI indication. As another example, the network device120may transmit the indication via a media access control control element (MAC CE). Of course, any other suitable ways are also feasible.

In this way, a flexibility of configuration and less radio resource control (RRC) overhead can be obtained.

In this embodiment, the cell group may comprise a first subgroup of cells and a second subgroup of cells, and the set of cells may comprise a first PUCCH cell associated with the first subgroup of cells and a second PUCCH cell associated with the second subgroup of cells. In some embodiments, the network device120may transmit, to the terminal device110, an indication that a third cell within the first subgroup of cells is switched to be associated with the second PUCCH cell. For example, the network device120may transmit the indication via a DCI indication. As another example, the network device120may transmit the indication via a MAC CE. Of course, any other suitable ways are also feasible. In this case, the terminal device110may determine the second PUCCH cell as the target cell for PUCCH transmission for HARQ feedback for a downlink data transmission received from the third cell.

In other words, in this embodiment, the set of cells may comprise multiple PUCCH cells associated with multiple cell groups, and each of the multiple cell groups may be switched among the multiple cells. This will be described in connection withFIG.4B.FIG.4Billustrates a schematic diagram400B illustrating an example configuration for PUCCH carriers according to embodiments of the present disclosure. As shown inFIG.4B, a cell group403comprising CC #1, CC #2and CC #3and a cell group404comprising CC #4, CC #5and CC #6are provided for the terminal device110. In this embodiment, only one PUCCH cell is configured for each of the cell groups403and404. For example, as shown inFIG.4B, CC #1is associated with the cell group403, and CC #4is associated with the cell group404. It should be noted that the number of cells in the cell group and the number of cell groups are merely for illustration and are not for limitation.

In some embodiments, the network device120may transmit configurations for respective cell groups to the terminal device110. For example, the network device120may separately configure PUCCH-Config parameters for respective cell groups.

In some embodiments, the network device120may transmit an indication that a cell (for example, CC #1) within the cell group403is switched to be associated with the CC #4, as shown by a broken line inFIG.4B. In this case, the terminal device110may determine CC #4as the target cell for HARQ feedback for a downlink data transmission received from the CC #1. It should be noted that the number of cells in the cell group and the number of the cell groups are merely for illustration and are not for limitation.

In this way, an impact on 3GPP specification can be reduced but RRC overhead may be increased.

Return toFIG.3, upon receipt of the indication for PUCCH carrier switching, the terminal device110may perform330the PUCCH carrier switching based on the indication. In some embodiments, the terminal device110may determine slot k+N, where k (referenced to Pcell numerology) denotes an index of a slot for the PUCCH transmission for HARQ feedback of the PDSCH transmission comprising the indication, and N denotes a processing time for the HARQ feedback at the network device120. Then the terminal device110may transmit, on the target cell, the PUCCH transmission for the HARQ feedback for the PDSCH transmission started after the slot k+N.

For example, if an UL carrier switched or updated by MAC CE for PUCCH transmission associated to a DL carrier, the terminal device110may apply the new indicated UL carrier for PUCCH transmission starting from the first slot that is after slot k+N. For example, N=3·Nslotframe,μ, where μ denotes a subcarrier spacing configuration (also referred to as an index of a numerology herein), and Nslotframe,μdenotes the number of slots per frame for subcarrier spacing configuration μ.

FIG.5illustrates a schematic diagram500illustrating an example for starting a PUCCH carrier switching according to embodiments of the present disclosure. As shown inFIG.5, a cell group comprises CC #1and CC #2. DCI501may indicate that a HARQ feedback for PDSCH502is transmitted by PUCCH503on CC #1, for example, with a HARQ-ACK timing value K1=2. Assuming that the PDSCH502at slot k−2 comprises a MAC CE indicating a PDCCH carrier switching from CC #1to CC #2.

In this case, the terminal device110may determine slot k+N, and transmit, on CC #2, the PUCCH transmission for the HARQ feedback for the PDSCH transmission started after the slot k+N. For example, DCI504may indicate that a HARQ feedback for PDSCH505is transmitted by PUCCH506on CC #2, for example, with a HARQ-ACK timing value K1=1. It should be noted that this is merely an example, and any other suitable occasions for PUCCH carrier switching are also feasible.

In this way, the communication is reliable and can ensure that the terminal device110and the network device120have same understanding on when or which carrier the terminal device110will use to transmit PUCCH for HARQ feedback, especially for the case that more than two cells or carriers are for PUCCH transmission, so that the network device120does not need to do blind decoding for PDCCH miss detection.

So far, the description is made on determination of the target cell based on indication from the network side. The following description is made on determination of the target cell for PUCCH transmission from the set of cells based on a predefined rule.

With reference toFIG.3, the terminal device110may determine340a reference numerology from numerologies corresponding to the set of cells for PUCCH transmission. Based on the reference numerology and a timing value (also referred to as HARQ-ACK timing value herein) indicated by DCI or configured by RRC, the terminal device110may determine350a reference slot for transmitting the HARQ feedback. Then the terminal device110may determine360the target cell from the set of cells in the reference slot. This will be described in connection with Embodiments 3 to 5.

In this embodiment, the reference numerology is determined from numerologies corresponding to the set of cells. In this way, the reference slot can be determined accordingly. In some embodiments, the terminal device110may determine one of the numerologies associated with the largest subcarrier spacing (SCS) as the reference numerology.FIG.6Aillustrates a schematic diagram600A illustrating an example for determining a reference numerology according to embodiments of the present disclosure.

As shown inFIG.6A, the cell group comprises CC #0, CC #1, CC #2and CC #3with priorities from high to low. For CC #0, μ=1, and SCS=30 KHz, where μ denotes an index of the numerology, also referred to as a subcarrier spacing configuration. For CC #1, and SCS=15 KHz. For CC #2, μ=1, and SCS=30 KHz. For CC #3, μ=2, and SCS=60 KHz. In this case, the numerology of CC #3with the largest SCS may be determined as the reference numerology. For example, DCI601schedules PDSCH602and indicates a HARQ-ACK timing value K1=3. With the reference numerology of CC #3, a HARQ feedback for the PDSCH602will be transmitted in the reference slot603.

In some alternative embodiments, the terminal device110may determine one of the numerologies associated with a reference cell having the highest priority in the set of cells.FIG.6Billustrates a schematic diagram600B illustrating another example for determining a reference numerology according to embodiments of the present disclosure.

As shown inFIG.6B, the cell group comprises CC #0, CC #1, CC #2and CC #3with priorities from high to low. For CC #0, μ=1, and SCS=30 KHz, where μ denotes an index of the numerology. For CC #1, μ=0, and SCS=15 KHz. For CC #2, μ=1, and SCS=30 KHz. For CC #3, μ=2, and SCS=60 KHz. In this case, the numerology of CC #0with the highest priority may be determined as the reference numerology. For example, DCI611schedules PDSCH612and indicates a HARQ-ACK timing value K1=2. With the reference numerology of CC #0, a HARQ feedback for the PDSCH612will be transmitted in the reference slot613.

In some alternative embodiments, the set of cells is configured with the same numerology. In these embodiments, the terminal device110may determine a numerology configured for a cell in the set of cells.FIG.6Cillustrates a schematic diagram600C illustrating another example for determining a reference numerology according to embodiments of the present disclosure.

As shown inFIG.6C, the cell group comprises CC #0and CC #1with priorities from high to low. For CC #0, μ=1, and SCS=30 KHz, where μ denotes an index of the numerology. For CC #1, μ=1, and SCS=30 KHz. In this case, the numerology of CC #0with the highest priority may be determined as the reference numerology. For example, DCI621schedules PDSCH622and indicates a HARQ-ACK timing value K1=2. With the reference numerology of CC #0, a HARQ feedback for the PDSCH622will be transmitted in the reference slot623.

Upon determination of the reference slot, the terminal device110may determine the target cell from the set of cells for PUCCH transmission in the reference slot. In some embodiments, the terminal device110may determine a cell with the highest priority among available cells to transmit PUCCH for HARQ feedback. The available cells may refer to a cell having enough valid symbols (UL symbol or flexible symbol not configured for DL reception) within the reference slot to accommodate the PUCCH resource for HARQ feedback transmission. Some example embodiments for determination of the target cell will be described in connection with Embodiments 4 and 5.

In this embodiment, the reference numerology is associated with a reference cell having the highest priority in the set of cells. One or more cells in the set of cells may have different numerology configuration from the reference cell. In some embodiments, the terminal device110may determine one or more available cells from the set of cells based on TDD configurations of the cells in the set of cells and PUCCH resource allocation.

In some embodiments, if the index (II) of a numerology of a candidate cell in the set of PUCCH cells is larger than the index (II ref) of the reference numerology of the reference cell, the candidate cell has a plurality of slots corresponding to the reference slot. In this case, the terminal device110may determine whether the first slot in the plurality of slots has enough valid symbols to accommodate the uplink control transmission. If the first slot has enough valid symbols to accommodate the uplink control transmission, the terminal device110may determine the candidate cell as an available cell. An example will be described with reference toFIG.7.

FIG.7illustrates a schematic diagram700illustrating an example for determining a target cell for PUCCH transmission for HARQ feedback according to embodiments of the present disclosure. As shown inFIG.7, the cell group comprises CC #0, CC #1and CC #2with priorities from high to low. For CC #0, μ=1, and SCS=30 KHz, where μ denotes an index of the numerology. For CC #1, μ=1, and SCS=30 KHz. For CC #2, μ=2, and SCS=60 KHz. In this example, the numerology of CC #0with the highest priority is determined as the reference numerology. For example, DCI701schedules PDSCH702and indicates a HARQ-ACK timing value K1=2. With the reference numerology of CC #0, a HARQ feedback for the PDSCH702will be transmitted in the reference slot703.

The reference slot703corresponds to a slot704on CC #1, and corresponds to two slots705and706on CC #2. Assuming that the slots703of CC #0and slot704of CC #1are DL slots, the candidate cell CC #0and CC #1are determined as unavailable cells for PUCCH transmission. In some embodiments, if the slot705of CC #2has enough valid symbols to accommodate the PUCCH for PDSCH702, the terminal device110may determine CC #2as an available cell. In some embodiments, as shown by a TDD configuration710for slots705and706, if the slot705is an UL slot having enough valid symbols to accommodate the PUCCH for PDSCH702, the terminal device110may determine that CC #2is available as the target cell. If the slot705is a DL slot, the terminal device110may determine that CC #2as unavailable cell. Of course, the TDD configuration710is merely for illustration, and is not for limitation.

For these embodiments, the modification for 3GPP specification of 38.213 would be as below.

This Clause applies if the UE is configured with a set of cells for PUCCH transmission. With reference to slots for PUCCH transmissions on the cell with highest priority in the set of PUCCH cells, if the UE detects a DCI format scheduling a PDSCH reception ending in slot n or if the UE detects a DCI format indicating a SPS PDSCH release through a PDCCH reception ending in slot n, the UE provides corresponding HARQ-ACK information in a PUCCH transmission within slot n+k on the cell Cu,c, where k is a number of slots and is indicated by the PDSCH-to-HARQ feedback timing indicator field in the DCI format, if present, or provided by dl-DataToUL-ACK, or by dl-DataToUL-ACKForDCIFormat1_2 for DCI format 1_2, Cu, c is determined based on the following pseudo-code.

Cu is the set of cells configured by RRC for PUCCH transmissionSet NcellsULto the number of serving cells in the set CuSet c =0 − index of cell Cu, cwithin the set Cu: in ascending order of the priority of the cellin set Cuwhile c < NcellsULUE determines the one or more slots of the cell Cu, ccorresponding to the slot n+k,If the first slot within the one or slot slots has enough valid symbols forPUCCH transmission on an active UL BWP of the cell Cu,cUE determines a PUCCH transmission for HARQ-ACK within the firstslot on an active UL BWP of the cell Cu,c;break;elsec = c+1;end ifend while

In some alternative embodiments, if an index (μ) of a numerology of a candidate cell in the set of cells is larger than an index (μ_ref) of the reference numerology and the candidate cell has a plurality of slots corresponding to the reference slot, the terminal device110may determine whether there is a slot configured with enough valid symbols to accommodate the uplink control transmission in the plurality of slots. If there is the slot to accommodate the uplink control transmission in the plurality of slots, the terminal device110may determine the candidate cell as an available cell. For example, if the available cell with the plurality of slots having valid symbols for PUCCH transmission is determined as the target cell, the terminal device110may transmit PUCCH on the earliest slot among the plurality of slots.

Still with reference toFIG.7, if any one of the slots705and706has enough valid symbols to accommodate the PUCCH for PDSCH702, the terminal device110may determine CC #2as an available cell. For example, as shown by a TDD configuration720for slots705and706, if any one of the slots705and706is an UL slot having enough valid symbols to accommodate the PUCCH for PDSCH702, the terminal device110may determine that CC #2is available for PUCCH transmission. If the slots705and706are DL slots, the terminal device110may determine that CC #2is not available for PUCCH transmission. Of course, the TDD configuration720is merely for illustration, and is not for limitation.

For these embodiments, the modification for 3GPP specification of 38.213 would be as below.

This Clause applies if the UE is configured with a set of cells for PUCCH transmission. With reference to slots for PUCCH transmissions on the cell with highest priority in the set of PUCCH cells, if the UE detects a DCI format scheduling a PDSCH reception ending in slot n or if the UE detects a DCI format indicating a SPS PDSCH release through a PDCCH reception ending in slot n, the UE provides corresponding HARQ-ACK information in a PUCCH transmission within slot n+k on the cell cu, where k is a number of slots and is indicated by the PDSCH-to-HARQ_feedback timing indicator field in the DCI format, if present, or provided by dl-DataToUL-ACK, or by dl-DataToUL-ACKForDCIFormat1_2 for DCI format 1_2, cuis determined based on the following pseudo-code.

Cu is the set of cells configured by RRC for PUCCH transmissionSet NcellsULto the number of serving cells in the set CuSet c =0 − index of cell Cu, cwithin the set Cu: in ascending order of the priority of the cellin set Cuwhile c < NcellsULIf μ of cell Cu, cis larger than the μ of with highest priority,UE determines the multiple slots of the cell Cu, ccorresponding to the slot n+k,If any slot within the multiple slots does not have enough valid symbols forPUCCH transmission on an active UL BWP of the cell Cu,cc = c + 1elseUE determines a PUCCH transmission for HARQ-ACK within the firstslot having enough valid symbols for PUCCH transmission on an activeUL BWP of the cell Cu,cbreak;end ifelseif the slot of the cell Cu,c corresponding to the slot n+k has enough valid symbolsfor PUCCH transmission on an active UL BWP of the cell Cu,cUE determines the a PUCCH transmission for HARQ-ACK in the slot on anactive UL BWP of the cell Cu,c;break;elsec = c + 1end ifend while

In some embodiments, if an index(μ) of a numerology of the target cell is smaller than an index (μ_ref) of the reference numerology, only part of a slot in the target cell corresponds to the reference slot in the reference cell. In this case, the terminal device110does not expect the PUCCH resource for HARQ feedback for a first downlink data transmission on the target cell overlapping with another PUCCH resource for HARQ feedback for a second downlink data transmission on the reference cell scheduled later than the first downlink data transmission, in other words, the terminal device110may regard this case as an error.

In some alternative embodiments, if μ<μ_ref and only part of a slot in the target cell corresponds to the reference slot in the reference cell, the terminal device110may determine whether a first uplink control transmission on the target cell is overlapped with a second uplink control transmission on the reference cell. If the first uplink control transmission is overlapped with the second uplink control transmission, the terminal device110may cancel the first uplink control transmission. Alternatively, the terminal device110may determine multiplexed HARQ feedback information by multiplexing first HARQ feedback information in the first uplink control transmission with second HARQ feedback information in the second uplink control transmission, and transmit the multiplexed HARQ feedback information on the reference cell. An example will be described below with reference toFIG.8.

FIG.8illustrates a schematic diagram800illustrating an example for transmitting HARQ feedback on a target cell according to embodiments of the present disclosure. As shown inFIG.8, the cell group comprises CC #0and CC #1with priorities from high to low. For CC #0, μ=1, and SCS=30 KHz. For CC #1, μ=0, and SCS=15 KHz. In this example, the numerology of CC #0with the highest priority is determined as the reference numerology. For example, for PDSCH801, assuming that a HARQ-ACK timing value K1=2 is indicated by DCI. With the reference numerology of CC #0, the reference slot is determined as the slot802. As the slot802is a DL slot and is not available for transmission PUCCH for the PDSCH801, the terminal device110may switch the PUCCH carrier for the PDSCH801to CC #1. In this case, PUCCH805for the PDSCH801can be transmitted in UL slot820on CC #1. However, there is a PDSCH803later than the PDSCH801, and HARQ feedback of the PDSCH803is scheduled to be transmitted by PUCCH804in UL slot810on CC #0. The UL slot810corresponds to part of the UL slot820. In this case, PUCCH804and PUCCH805will be overlapped with each other in time domain.

In some embodiments, if the PUCCH805for HARQ feedback for the PDSCH801on the target cell (CC #1) is overlapped with the PUCCH804for HARQ feedback for the PDSCH803on the reference cell (CC #0) scheduled later than the PDSCH801, the terminal device110may determine that an error occurs. In some alternative embodiments, the terminal device110may cancel the PUCCH805. Alternatively, the terminal device110may multiplex HARQ feedback information in the PUCCH805onto the PUCCH804and transmit the PUCCH804on CC #0while cancelling the PUCCH805. It is to be understood that this example is merely for illustration, and is not for limitation.

In this embodiment, the terminal device110may determine the target cell from the set of cells for the uplink control transmission configured with repetitions based on the number of the repetitions. In some embodiments, the terminal device110may determine one or more available cells (also referred to as a set of available cells herein) from the set of cells for the uplink control transmission configured with repetitions based on the number of the repetitions. Then the terminal device110may determine an available cell with highest priority as the target cell for a PUCCH transmission. In some embodiments, the reference numerology is also associated with a reference cell having the highest priority in the set of cells. In some embodiments, the reference numerology is the numerology associated with the largest SCS among SCS configuration of cells in the set of cells.

In some embodiments, the terminal device110may determine, as the target cell, a cell with the highest priority in the set of available cells that accommodates all the repetitions of the uplink control transmission (e.g., PUCCH transmission for the HARQ feedback).FIG.9Aillustrates a schematic diagram900A illustrating an example for determining a target cell for HARQ feedback based on repetitions according to embodiments of the present disclosure. In this example, the number of repetitions for the PUCCH transmission is four.

As shown inFIG.9A, DCI901schedules a HARQ feedback for a PDSCH902with HARQ-ACK timing value K1=2. With the reference numerology of CC #1, the reference slot is determined as slot903. As the slot903is a DL slot and is not available for PUCCH repetition transmission, the terminal device110may determine whether CC #2with the second highest priority is available. In this example, CC #2has continuous UL slots904to907to accommodate all the repetitions of the PUCCH transmission, and thus is determined as the target cell. It is to be understood that this example is merely for illustration, and is not for limitation. In this way, repetitions of PUCCH transmission for HARQ feedback can be ensured.

In some embodiments, the terminal device110may determine, as the target cell, a cell with the highest priority in the set of available cells that accommodates an earlier one of the repetitions of the uplink control transmission (e.g., PUCCH transmission for the HARQ feedback).FIG.9Billustrates a schematic diagram900B illustrating an example for determining a target cell for HARQ feedback based on repetitions according to embodiments of the present disclosure. In this example, the number of repetitions for the PUCCH transmission is four.

As shown inFIG.9B, DCI911schedules a HARQ feedback for a PDSCH912with HARQ-ACK timing value K1=2. With the reference numerology of CC #1, the reference slot is determined as slot913. In the slot913, CC #1and CC #2are configured as DL slot, and CC #3is configured as UL slot. That is, the earliest UL slot914is comprised on CC #3. Thus, the terminal device110may determine CC #3as the target cell, and transmit repetitions for the PUCCH transmission on available slots914and916, while the repetitions are not transmitted on unavailable slots915and917. It is to be understood that this example is merely for illustration, and is not for limitation. In this way, low latency for HARQ feedback can be facilitated.

In some embodiments, the terminal device110may determine, as the target cell, a cell with the highest priority in the set of available cells that accommodates a largest number of the repetitions of the uplink control transmission (e.g., PUCCH transmission for the HARQ feedback) among the number of the repetitions of the uplink control transmission in the set of cells.FIG.9Cillustrates a schematic diagram900C illustrating an example for determining a target cell for HARQ feedback based on repetitions according to embodiments of the present disclosure. In this example, the number of repetitions for the PUCCH transmission is four.

As shown inFIG.9C, DCI921schedules a HARQ feedback for a PDSCH922with HARQ-ACK timing value K1=2. With the reference numerology of CC #1, the reference slot is determined as slot923. With respect to the reference slot, CC #1provides one UL slot924available for repetitions, CC #2provides three UL slots925to927available for repetitions, and CC #3provides two UL slots928and929available for repetitions. Thus, the terminal device110may determine CC #2having the largest number of repetitions as the target cell, and transmit repetitions for the PUCCH transmission on available slots925to927. It is to be understood that this example is merely for illustration, and is not for limitation. In this way, reliability for HARQ feedback can be ensured.

In some embodiments, the terminal device110may determine, as the target cell, a cell with the highest priority in the set of available cells that accommodates at least one of the repetitions of the uplink control transmission (e.g., PUCCH transmission for the HARQ feedback).FIG.9Dillustrates a schematic diagram900D illustrating an example for determining a target cell for HARQ feedback based on repetitions according to embodiments of the present disclosure. In this example, the number of repetitions for the PUCCH transmission is four.

As shown inFIG.9D, DCI931schedules a HARQ feedback for a PDSCH932with HARQ-ACK timing value K1=2. With the reference numerology of CC #1, the reference slot is determined as slot933. With respect to the reference slot, CC #1provides one UL slot934available for repetitions. Thus, the terminal device110may determine CC #1as the target cell. It is to be understood that this example is merely for illustration, and is not for limitation. In this way, a less impact on 3GPP specification can be obtained.

Return toFIG.3again, upon determination of the target cell, the terminal device110may transmit370the PUCCH transmission for HARQ feedback to the network device120with an independent power control or joint power control on the set of cells. In some embodiments, which PUCCH power control scheme is applied for a PUCCH transmission occasion may be configured by a RRC signaling. Of course, the PUCCH power control scheme may also be predefined. Some example embodiments of the PUCCH power control scheme will be described below in connection with Embodiments 6 and 7.

In some embodiments, if a separate power control is configured for the PUCCH transmission on the set of cells, the terminal device110may determine a set of TPC command values received for the PUCCH transmission on the target cell in a time window. In some embodiments, the time window may be determined based on a current PUCCH transmission occasion and a previous PUCCH transmission occasion on the target cell. Then the terminal device110may determine transmission power for the PUCCH transmission on the target cell by accumulating the set of TPC command values received within the time window based on the transmission power of the previous PUCCH transmission occasion. In this way, the PUCCH transmission can be transmitted based on the determined transmission power, and thus reliability of the PUCCH transmission can be ensured. This will be described in detail with reference toFIG.10A.

FIG.10Aillustrates a schematic diagram1000A illustrating an example for determining a set of TPC command values for independent power control according to embodiments of the present disclosure. In this example ofFIG.10A, for the cell group comprising CC #1and CC #2, CC #1as Pcell with a high priority is configured for PUCCH transmission for HARQ feedback. That is, CC #1is the target cell (i.e., PUCCH cell) for PUCCH transmission1007and PUCCH transmission1014, CC #2is the target cell for PUCCH transmission1004and PUCCH transmission1011.

With reference toFIG.10A, PUCCH transmission of a HARQ feedback for PDSCH1002scheduled by DCI1001is switched from unavailable PUCCH occasion1003on CC #1to available PUCCH occasion1004on CC #2based on the DCI1001. A HARQ feedback for PDSCH1006scheduled by DCI1005is transmitted by PUCCH1007on CC #1. PUCCH transmission of a HARQ feedback for PDSCH1009scheduled by DCI1008is switched from unavailable PUCCH occasion1010on CC #1to available PUCCH occasion1011on CC #2based on the DCI1008. A HARQ feedback for PDSCH1013scheduled by DCI1012is transmitted by PUCCH1014on CC #1.

Assuming that the PUCCH1011is the current PUCCH transmission occasion. In this case, the PUCCH cell is switched to CC #2, and the PUCCH1004is the previous PUCCH transmission occasion on the switched PUCCH cell (i.e., CC #2). In this example, the terminal device110may determine a time window (i.e., time window1as shown inFIG.10A) based on an ending of the DCI1008associated with the current PUCCH transmission (i.e., PUCCH1011) and an ending of the DCI1001associated with the previous uplink control transmission (i.e., PUCCH1004). The DCI1001is earlier than the DCI1008.

As another example, assuming that the PUCCH1014is the current PUCCH transmission occasion. In this case, the PUCCH cell is CC #1, and the PUCCH1007is the previous PUCCH transmission occasion on the PUCCH cell (i.e., CC #1). In this example, the terminal device110may determine a time window (i.e., time window2as shown inFIG.10A) based on an ending of the DCI1012associated with the current PUCCH transmission (i.e., PUCCH1014) and an ending of the DCI1005associated with the previous uplink control transmission (i.e., PUCCH1007). The DCI1005is earlier than the DCI1012.

In some embodiments, upon determination of the time window, the terminal device110may incorporate a TPC command value in the DCI for the PUCCH transmission on the target cell within the time window into the set of TPC command values. In some embodiments, the DCI may be DCI specific to the terminal device110(also referred to as UE specific DCI herein), for example, with DCI format 1_0 or 1_1. In some embodiments, the DCI may be DCI common for a UE group (also referred to as group common DCI herein), for example, with DCI format 2_2.

In some embodiments where the DCI is DCI specific to the terminal device110(also referred to as UE specific DCI herein), the terminal device110may incorporate a TPC command value in the UE specific DCI scheduling PUCCH on the target cell into the set of TPC command values. For example, in the time window1ofFIG.10A, DCI1008is UE specific DCI for the PUCCH transmissions1011on switched PUCCH cell CC #2while DCI1012is UE specific DCI for the PUCCH transmissions1014on the CC #1, so that TPC command values in the DCI1008is incorporated in the set of TPC command values for PUCCH1011. As another example, in the time window2ofFIG.10A, DCI1012is UE specific DCI for the PUCCH transmission1014on the PUCCH cell CC #1, so that TPC command value in the DCI1012is incorporated in the set of TPC command values for PUCCH1014.

It can be seen fromFIG.10Athat group common DCI1015is comprised in both the time window1and the time window2. In this case, how to apply a TPC command value in the group common DCI1015needs to be studied. According to embodiments of the present disclosure, solutions for applying a TPC command value on group common DCI are proposed. In some embodiments, the group common DCI may be used for the PUCCH transmission on a cell with the highest priority in the set of cells. For example, in the example ofFIG.10A, DCI1015is group common DCI received on CC #2, and can be used for PUCCH1014on the CC #1with the highest priority. Thus, the TPC command value in the DCI1015is incorporated in the set of TPC command values for PUCCH1014.

In some alternative embodiments, the group common DCI may be used for the PUCCH transmission occasion nearest to the group common DCI. For example, in the example ofFIG.10A, DCI1015is group common DCI received on CC #2, and the PUCCH1011is nearest to the DCI1015. Thus, the TPC command value in the DCI1015is incorporated in the set of TPC command values for the PUCCH1011.

In some alternative embodiments, a mapping relation between the group common DCI and the set of cells for PUCCH transmission may be configured by the network device120to the terminal device110, for example, by a RRC signaling or any other suitable ways. As an example, the group common DCI received on Pcell may be used for PUCCH transmission on Pcell. As another example, the group common DCI received on Scell may be used for PUCCH transmission on the switched Scell. For example, in the example ofFIG.10A, DCI1015is group common DCI received on CC #2. Thus, the TPC command value in the DCI1015is incorporated in the set of TPC command values for the PUCCH1011on CC #2. It is to be understood that this is merely an example, and any other suitable ways are also feasible.

In some alternative embodiments, a TPC command bit field in the group common DCI may be extended to be used for power control of PUCCH transmission on the set of cells. In other words, the group common DCI carriers multiple TPC command values for PUCCH transmissions on multiple cells. For example, if two cells are configured for PUCCH transmission, i.e. a PCell and a SCell, the first 2-bits in the TPC command bit field may be used for PUCCH transmission on Pcell, and the second 2-bits may be used for PUCCH transmission on the switched Scell. For example, in the example ofFIG.10A, DCI1015is group common DCI received on CC #2, and the first 2-bits in TPC command bit field of DCI1015is used for PUCCH transmission on CC #1, and the second 2-bits in TPC command bit field of DCI1015is used for PUCCH transmission on CC #2. Thus, the first 2-bits in TPC command bit field of DCI1015is incorporated in the set of TPC command values for the PUCCH1015, and the second 2-bits in TPC command bit field of DCI1015is incorporated in the set of TPC command values for the PUCCH1011. It is to be understood that this is merely an example, and any other suitable ways are also feasible.

So far, the separate power control is described for the PUCCH transmission for HARQ feedback. Embodiments of the present disclosure also provide a joint power control solution for the PUCCH transmission for HARQ feedback. This will be described in connection with Embodiment 7.

In some embodiments, if a joint power control is configured for the PUCCH transmission on the set of cells, the terminal device110may determine a time window based on an ending of first downlink control information associated with a current uplink control transmission and an ending of second downlink control information associated with a previous uplink control transmission, the previous uplink control transmission being earlier than the current uplink control transmission. In other words, for the time window for TPC command accumulation, it is the time gap between the ending of the PDCCH reception k associated with current PUCCH transmission occasion i and the ending symbol of the PDCCH reception k′ associated with the latest PUCCH transmission occasion i′ earlier than PUCCH transmission occasion i, meanwhile it has to satisfy that the PDCCH reception k′ is earlier than PDCCH reception k. In some embodiments, the PUCCH transmission occasion i and PUCCH transmission occasion i′ correspond to the same cell. In some alternative embodiments, the PUCCH transmission occasion i and PUCCH transmission occasion i′ correspond to different cells.

This will be described in detail with reference toFIG.10B.FIG.10Billustrates a schematic diagram1000B illustrating an example for determining a set of TPC command values for joint power control according to embodiments of the present disclosure. In this example ofFIG.10B, for the cell group comprising CC #1and CC #2, CC #1as Pcell with a high priority is configured for PUCCH transmission for HARQ feedback. That is, CC #1is the target cell.

With reference toFIG.10B, a HARQ feedback for PDSCH1022scheduled by DCI1021is transmitted by PUCCH1023on CC #1. In this example, PUCCH transmission of a HARQ feedback for PDSCH1025scheduled by DCI1024is switched from unavailable PUCCH occasion1026on CC #1to available PUCCH occasion1027on CC #2based on the DCI1024. A HARQ feedback for PDSCH1030scheduled by DCI1029is transmitted by PUCCH1031on CC #1.

In an example, assuming that the PUCCH1031scheduled by DCI1029is the current PUCCH transmission. In this case, the PUCCH1027scheduled by DCI1024is the previous PUCCH transmission within the cell group. Thus, the terminal device110may determine a time window (i.e., time window #2as shown inFIG.10B) based on an ending of the DCI1029associated with the current PUCCH transmission (i.e., PUCCH1031) and an ending of the DCI1024associated with the previous uplink control transmission (i.e., PUCCH1027).

In another example, assuming that the PUCCH1027scheduled by DCI1024is the current PUCCH transmission. In this case, the PUCCH1023scheduled by DCI1021is the previous PUCCH transmission within the cell group. Thus, the terminal device110may determine a time window (i.e., time window #1as shown inFIG.10B) based on an ending of the DCI1024associated with the current PUCCH transmission (i.e., PUCCH1027) and an ending of the DCI1021associated with the previous uplink control transmission (i.e., PUCCH1023).

Upon determination of the time window, the terminal device110may determine a set of TPC command values for the cells in the set of cells in the time window. In this case, all TPC command values in DCI received on the set of cells in the window are accumulated. In some embodiments where the DCI is UE specific DCI, the terminal device110may incorporate a TPC command value in the UE specific DCI into the set of TPC command values. For example, in the example ofFIG.10Afor time window #2, DCI1029is UE specific DCI for the PUCCH transmissions on the target cell, and are incorporated in the set of TPC command values.

In some embodiments where the DCI is group common DCI, the terminal device110may incorporate a TPC command value in the group common DCI into the set of TPC command values. In this embodiment, solutions for applying TPC command on group common DCI as described in Embodiment 6 can also be applied. For example, in the example ofFIG.10Bfor time window #2, DCI1028is group common DCI received on CC #2. Assuming that the group common DCI is predefined or configured to be used for PUCCH transmission on a cell with the highest priority. In this case, a TPC command value in the DCI1028is also incorporated in the set of TPC command values for the time window #2.

Then the terminal device110may determine transmission power for the PUCCH transmission on the target cell by accumulating the set of TPC command values within the time window. In this way, the PUCCH transmission can be transmitted based on the determined transmission power, and thus reliability of the PUCCH transmission can be ensured.

Example Implementation of Methods

Accordingly, embodiments of the present disclosure provide methods of communication implemented at a terminal device and a network device. These methods will be described below with reference toFIGS.11to12.

FIG.11illustrates an example method1100of communication implemented at a terminal device in accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure. For example, the method1100may be performed at the terminal device110as shown inFIG.1. For the purpose of discussion, in the following, the method1100will be described with reference toFIG.1. It is to be understood that the method1100may include additional blocks not shown and/or may omit some blocks as shown, and the scope of the present disclosure is not limited in this regard.

At block1110, the terminal device110determines a target cell from a set of cells, the set of cells being configured for uplink control transmissions for HARQ feedbacks for downlink data transmissions received on cells in a cell group. The cells in the cell group are provided by the network device120to the terminal device110, and serve the terminal device110.

In some embodiments, the terminal device110may receive, from the network device120, configurations for respective cells in the set of cells. In some embodiments, the terminal device110may receive, from the network device120, a configuration comprising a first portion common for all cells in the set of cells and second portions dedicated for respective cells in the set of cells.

In some embodiments, the terminal device110may receive, from the network device120, a MAC CE indicating a cell in the set of cells as the target cell, and determine the target cell based on the MAC CE.

In some embodiments, the cell group may comprise a first subgroup of cells and a second subgroup of cells, and the set of cells may comprise a first cell associated with the first subgroup of cells and a second cell associated with the second subgroup of cells. In these embodiments, the terminal device110may receive, from the network device120, an indication that a third cell within the first subgroup of cells is switched to be associated with the second cell, and determine the second cell as the target cell for HARQ feedback for a downlink data transmission received from the third cell.

In some embodiments, the terminal device110may determine a reference numerology from numerologies corresponding to the set of cells, determine a reference slot based on a timing value for the HARQ feedback and the reference numerology, and determine the target cell from the set of cells in the reference slot.

In some embodiments, the terminal device110may determine, as the reference numerology, one of the numerologies associated with the largest subcarrier spacing. In some embodiments, the terminal device110may determine, as the reference numerology, one of the numerologies associated with a reference cell having the highest priority in the set of cells. In some embodiments, the terminal device110may determine, as the reference numerology, a numerology configured for a cell in the set of cells, the set of cells being configured with the same numerology.

In some embodiments where the reference numerology is associated with a reference cell having the highest priority in the set of cells, if an index of a numerology of a candidate cell in the set of cells is larger than an index of the reference numerology and the candidate cell has a plurality of slots corresponding to the reference slot, the terminal device110may determine whether the first slot in the plurality of slots has enough valid symbols to accommodate the uplink control transmission. If the first slot has enough valid symbols to accommodate the uplink control transmission, the terminal device110may determine the candidate cell as the target cell. Alternatively, the terminal device110may determine whether there is a slot configured with enough valid symbols to accommodate the uplink control transmission in the plurality of slots. If there is the slot to accommodate the uplink control transmission in the plurality of slots, the terminal device110may determine the candidate cell as the target cell.

In some embodiments, the terminal device110may determine the target cell for the uplink control transmission configured with repetitions based on the number of the repetitions. In some embodiments, the terminal device110may determine, as the target cell, a cell with the highest priority in the set of cells that accommodates all the repetitions of the uplink control transmission. In some embodiments, the terminal device110may determine, as the target cell, a cell with the highest priority in the set of cells that accommodates an earlier one of the repetitions of the uplink control transmission. In some embodiments, the terminal device110may determine, as the target cell, a cell with the highest priority in the set of cells that accommodates a largest number of the repetitions of the uplink control transmission among the number of the repetitions of the uplink control transmission in the set of cells. In some embodiments, the terminal device110may determine, as the target cell, a cell with the highest priority in the set of cells that accommodates at least one of the repetitions of the uplink control transmission.

At block1120, the terminal device110transmits, on the target cell and to the network device120, an uplink control transmission for a HARQ feedback for a downlink data transmission received on one of the cells in the cell group.

In some embodiments, the terminal device110may transmit, on the target cell, the uplink control transmission for the HARQ feedback for the downlink data transmission started after slot k+N, where k denotes an index of a slot for the uplink control transmission for HARQ feedback of the downlink data transmission comprising the indication, and N denotes a processing time for the HARQ feedback at the network device120.

In some embodiments where the reference numerology is associated with a reference cell having the highest priority in the set of cells, if an index of a numerology of the target cell is smaller than an index of the reference numerology, the terminal device110may determine whether a first uplink control transmission on the target cell is overlapped with a second uplink control transmission on the reference cell. If the first uplink control transmission is overlapped with the second uplink control transmission, the terminal device110may determine that an error occurs.

In some embodiments, if an index of a numerology of the target cell is smaller than an index of the reference numerology associated with a reference cell having the highest priority in the set of cells, the terminal device110may determine whether a first uplink control transmission on the target cell is overlapped with a second uplink control transmission on the reference cell. If the first uplink control transmission is overlapped with the second uplink control transmission, the terminal device110may cancel the first uplink control transmission. Alternatively, if the first uplink control transmission is overlapped with the second uplink control transmission, the terminal device110may determine multiplexed HARQ feedback information by multiplexing first HARQ feedback information in the first uplink control transmission with second HARQ feedback information in the second uplink control transmission, and transmit the multiplexed HARQ feedback information on the reference cell.

In some embodiments, if separate power control is configured for the uplink control transmission on the set of cells, the terminal device110may determine a set of TPC command values for the uplink control transmission on the target cell in a time window, determine transmission power for the uplink control transmission on the target cell by accumulating the set of TPC command values, and transmit the uplink control transmission with the transmission power.

In some embodiments, if DCI specific to the terminal device110for scheduling the uplink control transmission on the target cell is received within the time window, the terminal device110may incorporate a TPC command value in the DCI specific to the terminal device into the set of TPC command values. In some embodiments, if group common DCI is received within the time window and the target cell has the highest priority in the set of cells, the terminal device110may incorporate a TPC command value in the group common DCI into the set of TPC command values. In some embodiments, if group common DCI is received within the time window and an uplink control transmission nearest to the group common DCI is on the target cell, the terminal device110may incorporate a TPC command value in the group common DCI into the set of TPC command values. In some embodiments, if group common DCI is received within the time window on a cell associated with the target cell, the terminal device110may incorporate a TPC command value in the group common DCI into the set of TPC command values. In some embodiments, if group common DCI is received within the time window, the terminal device110may incorporate a first TPC command value in a first set of bits of the group common DCI into the set of TPC command values, the first set of bits being associated with the target cell.

In some embodiments, if joint power control is configured for the uplink control transmission on the set of cells, the terminal device110may determine the time window based on an ending of first downlink control information associated with a current uplink control transmission and an ending of second downlink control information associated with a previous uplink control transmission, the previous uplink control transmission being earlier than the current uplink control transmission. The terminal device110may determine a set of TPC command values for the cells in the set of cells in the time window, determining transmission power for the uplink control transmission on the target cell by accumulating the set of TPC command values, and transmit the uplink control transmission with the transmission power.

In this way, PUCCH carrier switching can be achieved, and a latency for HARQ feedback can be reduced.

FIG.12illustrates an example method1200of communication implemented at a network device in accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure. For example, the method1200may be performed at the network device120as shown inFIG.1. For the purpose of discussion, in the following, the method1200will be described with reference toFIG.1. It is to be understood that the method1200may include additional blocks not shown and/or may omit some blocks as shown, and the scope of the present disclosure is not limited in this regard.

As shown inFIG.12, at block1210, the network device120receives, from a terminal device, an uplink control transmission for a HARQ feedback on a target cell, the HARQ feedback for a downlink data transmission transmitted on one of cells in a cell group, the target cell being determined from a set of cells configured for an uplink control transmission for HARQ feedbacks for downlink data transmissions received on the cells in the cell group.

In some embodiments, the network device120may transmit configurations for respective cells in the set of cells. In some embodiments, the network device120may transmit a configuration comprising a first portion common for all cells in the set of cells and second portions dedicated for respective cells in the set of cells. In some embodiments, the network device120may transmit, to the terminal device110, a MAC CE indicating a cell in the set of cells as the target cell.

In some embodiments, the cell group may comprise a first subgroup of cells and a second subgroup of cells, and the set of cells may comprise a first cell associated with the first subgroup of cells and a second cell associated with the second subgroup of cells. In these embodiments, the network device120may transmit, to the terminal device110, an indication that a third cell within the first subgroup of cells is switched to be associated with the second cell.

In some embodiments, the network device120may receive, on the target cell, the HARQ feedback for the downlink data transmission started after slot k+N, where k denotes an index of a slot for the uplink control transmission for HARQ feedback of the downlink data transmission comprising the indication, and N denotes a processing time for the HARQ feedback at the network device120.

In some embodiments, the network device120may determine a reference numerology from numerologies corresponding to the set of cells, determine a reference slot based on a timing value for the HARQ feedback and the reference numerology, and determine the target cell from the set of cells in the reference slot.

In some embodiments, the network device120may determine, as the reference numerology, one of the numerologies associated with the largest subcarrier spacing. In some embodiments, the network device120may determine, as the reference numerology, one of the numerologies associated with a reference cell having the highest priority in the set of cells. In some embodiments, the network device120may determine, as the reference numerology, a numerology configured for a cell in the set of cells, the set of cells being configured with the same numerology.

In some embodiments where the reference numerology is associated with a reference cell having the highest priority in the set of cells, if an index of a numerology of a candidate cell in the set of cells is larger than an index of the reference numerology and the candidate cell has a plurality of slots corresponding to the reference slot, the network device120may determine whether the first slot in the plurality of slots has enough valid symbols to accommodate the uplink control transmission. If the first slot has enough valid symbols to accommodate the uplink control transmission, the network device120may determine the candidate cell as the target cell.

Alternatively, the network device120may determine whether there is a slot configured with enough valid symbols to accommodate the uplink control transmission in the plurality of slots. If there is the slot to accommodate the uplink control transmission in the plurality of slots, the network device120may determine the candidate cell as the target cell.

In some embodiments wherein the reference numerology is associated with a reference cell having the highest priority in the set of cells, if an index of a numerology of the target cell is smaller than an index of the reference numerology, the network device120may determine whether a first uplink control transmission on the target cell is overlapped with a second uplink control transmission on the reference cell. If the first uplink control transmission is overlapped with the second uplink control transmission, the network device120may determine that an error occurs.

In some embodiments, the network device120may determine the target cell for the uplink control transmission configured with repetitions based on the number of the repetitions. In some embodiments, the network device120may determine, as the target cell, a cell with the highest priority in the set of cells that accommodates all the repetitions of the uplink control transmission. In some embodiments, the network device120may determine, as the target cell, a cell with the highest priority in the set of cells that accommodates an earlier one of the repetitions of the uplink control transmission. In some embodiments, the network device120may determine, as the target cell, a cell with the highest priority in the set of cells that accommodates a largest number of the repetitions of the uplink control transmission among the number of the repetitions of the uplink control transmission in the set of cells. In some embodiments, the network device120may determine, as the target cell, a cell with the highest priority in the set of cells that accommodates at least one of the repetitions of the uplink control transmission.

In some embodiments, the network device120may receive the uplink control transmission for the HARQ feedback transmitted with a transmission power, the transmission power being determined for the uplink control transmission on the target cell by accumulating a set of TPC command values, the set of TPC command values being determined for the uplink control transmission on the target cell in a time window in accordance with a determination that separate power control is configured for the uplink control transmission on the set of cells.

In some embodiments, the network device120may transmit, within the time window, DCI specific to the terminal device for scheduling the uplink control transmission on the target cell. In some embodiments, the network device120may transmit group common DCI, the group common DCI being used for a cell with the highest priority in the set of cells. In some embodiments, the network device120may transmit group common DCI, the group common DCI being used for an uplink control transmission nearest to the group common DCI. In some embodiments, the network device120may transmit a mapping between group common DCI and the cells in the set of cells. In some embodiments, the network device120may transmit group common DCI comprising a first TPC command value in a first set of bits and a second TPC command value in a second set of bits, the first set of bits and the second set of bits being associated with different cells in the set of cells.

In some embodiments, the network device120may receive the uplink control transmission for the HARQ feedback transmitted with a transmission power, the transmission power being determined for the uplink control transmission on the target cell by accumulating a set of TPC command values, the set of TPC command values being determined for the cells in the set of cells in a time window, the time window being determined based on an ending of first downlink control information associated with a current uplink control transmission and an ending of second downlink control information associated with a previous uplink control transmission, the previous uplink control transmission being earlier than the current uplink control transmission.

In this way, PUCCH carrier switching can be supported, and a reduced latency for HARQ feedback can be enabled.

Example Implementation of Device

FIG.13is a simplified block diagram of a device1300that is suitable for implementing embodiments of the present disclosure. The device1300can be considered as a further example implementation of the terminal device110or the network device120as shown inFIG.1. Accordingly, the device1300can be implemented at or as at least a part of the terminal device110or the network device120.

As shown, the device1300includes a processor1310, a memory1320coupled to the processor1310, a suitable transmitter (TX) and receiver (RX)1340coupled to the processor1310, and a communication interface coupled to the TX/RX1340. The memory1310stores at least a part of a program1330. The TX/RX1340is for bidirectional communications. The TX/RX1340has at least one antenna to facilitate communication, though in practice an Access Node mentioned in this application may have several ones. The communication interface may represent any interface that is necessary for communication with other network elements, such as X2/Xn interface for bidirectional communications between eNBs/gNBs, S1/NG interface for communication between a Mobility Management Entity (MME)/Access and Mobility Management Function (AMF)/SGW/UPF and the eNB/gNB, Un interface for communication between the eNB/gNB and a relay node (RN), or Uu interface for communication between the eNB/gNB and a terminal device.

The program1330is assumed to include program instructions that, when executed by the associated processor1310, enable the device1300to operate in accordance with the embodiments of the present disclosure, as discussed herein with reference toFIGS.3to12. The embodiments herein may be implemented by computer software executable by the processor1310of the device1300, or by hardware, or by a combination of software and hardware. The processor1310may be configured to implement various embodiments of the present disclosure. Furthermore, a combination of the processor1310and memory1320may form processing means1350adapted to implement various embodiments of the present disclosure.

The memory1320may be of any type suitable to the local technical network and may be implemented using any suitable data storage technology, such as a non-transitory computer readable storage medium, semiconductor based memory devices, magnetic memory devices and systems, optical memory devices and systems, fixed memory and removable memory, as non-limiting examples. While only one memory1320is shown in the device1300, there may be several physically distinct memory modules in the device1300. The processor1310may be of any type suitable to the local technical network, and may include one or more of general purpose computers, special purpose computers, microprocessors, digital signal processors (DSPs) and processors based on multicore processor architecture, as non-limiting examples. The device1300may have multiple processors, such as an application specific integrated circuit chip that is slaved in time to a clock which synchronizes the main processor.

In some embodiments, a terminal device comprises circuitry configured to: determine a target cell from a set of cells, the set of cells being configured for uplink control transmissions for HARQ feedbacks for downlink data transmissions received on cells in a cell group; and transmit, on the target cell and to a network device, an uplink control transmission for a HARQ feedback for a downlink data transmission received on one of the cells in the cell group.

In some embodiments, the circuitry is further configured to at least one of the following: receive, from the network device, configurations for respective cells in the set of cells; or receive, from the network device, a configuration comprising a first portion common for all cells in the set of cells and second portions dedicated for respective cells in the set of cells.

In some embodiments, the cell group comprises a first subgroup of cells and a second subgroup of cells, and the set of cells comprises a first cell associated with the first subgroup of cells and a second cell associated with the second subgroup of cells. In these embodiments, the circuitry is configured to determine the target cell by receiving, from the network device, an indication that a third cell within the first subgroup of cells is switched to be associated with the second cell; and determining the second cell as the target cell for HARQ feedback for a downlink data transmission received from the third cell.

In some embodiments, the circuitry is configured to determine the target cell by receiving, from the network device, a MAC CE indicating a cell in the set of cells as the target cell; and determining the target cell based on the MAC CE.

In some embodiments, the circuitry is configured to transmit the uplink control transmission by transmitting, on the target cell, the uplink control transmission for the HARQ feedback for the downlink data transmission started after slot k+N, where k denotes an index of a slot for the uplink control transmission for HARQ feedback of the downlink data transmission comprising the indication, and N denotes a processing time for the HARQ feedback at the network device.

In some embodiments, the circuitry is configured to determine the target cell by determining a reference numerology from numerologies corresponding to the set of cells; determining a reference slot based on a timing value for the HARQ feedback and the reference numerology; and determining the target cell from the set of cells in the reference slot.

In some embodiments, the circuitry is configured to determine the reference numerology by at least one of the following: determining, as the reference numerology, one of the numerologies associated with the largest subcarrier spacing; determining, as the reference numerology, one of the numerologies associated with a reference cell having the highest priority in the set of cells; or determining, as the reference numerology, a numerology configured for a cell in the set of cells, the set of cells being configured with the same numerology.

In some embodiments where the reference numerology is associated with a reference cell having the highest priority in the set of cells, the circuitry may be configured to determine the target cell from the set of cells by in accordance with a determination that an index of a numerology of a candidate cell in the set of cells is larger than an index of the reference numerology and the candidate cell has a plurality of slots corresponding to the reference slot, determining whether the first slot in the plurality of slots has enough valid symbols to accommodate the uplink control transmission; and in accordance with a determination that the first slot has enough valid symbols to accommodate the uplink control transmission, determining the candidate cell as the target cell.

In some embodiments where the reference numerology is associated with a reference cell having the highest priority in the set of cells, the circuitry may be configured to determine the target cell from the set of cells by in accordance with a determination that an index of a numerology of a candidate cell in the set of cells is larger than an index of the reference numerology and the candidate cell has a plurality of slots corresponding to the reference slot, determining whether there is a slot configured with enough valid symbols to accommodate the uplink control transmission in the plurality of slots; and in accordance with a determination that there is the slot to accommodate the uplink control transmission in the plurality of slots, determining the candidate cell as the target cell.

In some embodiments, the circuitry may be further configured to: in accordance with a determination that an index of a numerology of the target cell is smaller than an index of the reference numerology, determine whether a first uplink control transmission on the target cell is overlapped with a second uplink control transmission on the reference cell; and if the first uplink control transmission is overlapped with the second uplink control transmission, determine that an error occurs, the reference numerology being associated with a reference cell having the highest priority in the set of cells.

In some embodiments, the circuitry may be further configured to: in accordance with a determination that an index of a numerology of the target cell is smaller than an index of the reference numerology associated with a reference cell having the highest priority in the set of cells, determine whether a first uplink control transmission on the target cell is overlapped with a second uplink control transmission on the reference cell; and in accordance with a determination that the first uplink control transmission is overlapped with the second uplink control transmission, cancel the first uplink control transmission.

In some embodiments, the circuitry may be further configured to: in accordance with a determination that an index of a numerology of the target cell is smaller than an index of the reference numerology, the reference numerology being associated with a reference cell having the highest priority in the set of cells, determine whether a first uplink control transmission on the target cell is overlapped with a second uplink control transmission on the reference cell; in accordance with a determination that the first uplink control transmission is overlapped with the second uplink control transmission, determine multiplexed HARQ feedback information by multiplexing first HARQ feedback information in the first uplink control transmission with second HARQ feedback information in the second uplink control transmission; and transmit the multiplexed HARQ feedback information on the reference cell.

In some embodiments, the circuitry may be configured to determine the target cell from the set of cells by determining the target cell for the uplink control transmission configured with repetitions based on the number of the repetitions.

In some embodiments, the circuitry may be configured to determine the target cell based on the number of the repetitions by at least one of the following: determining, as the target cell, a cell with the highest priority in the set of cells that accommodates all the repetitions of the uplink control transmission; determining, as the target cell, a cell with the highest priority in the set of cells that accommodates an earlier one of the repetitions of the uplink control transmission; determining, as the target cell, a cell with the highest priority in the set of cells that accommodates a largest number of the repetitions of the uplink control transmission among the number of the repetitions of the uplink control transmission in the set of cells; or determining, as the target cell, a cell with the highest priority in the set of cells that accommodates at least one of the repetitions of the uplink control transmission.

In some embodiments, the circuitry may be configured to transmit the uplink control transmission by in accordance with a determination that separate power control is configured for the uplink control transmission on the set of cells, determining a set of TPC command values for the uplink control transmission on the target cell in a time window; determining transmission power for the uplink control transmission on the target cell by accumulating the set of TPC command values; and transmitting the uplink control transmission with the transmission power.

In some embodiments, the circuitry may be configured to determine the set of TPC command values by at least one of the following: in accordance with a determination that DCI specific to the terminal device for scheduling the uplink control transmission on the target cell is received within the time window, incorporating a TPC command value in the DCI specific to the terminal device into the set of TPC command values; in accordance with a determination that group common DCI is received within the time window and the target cell has the highest priority in the set of cells, incorporating a TPC command value in the group common DCI into the set of TPC command values; in accordance with a determination that group common DCI is received within the time window and an uplink control transmission nearest to the group common DCI is on the target cell, incorporating a TPC command value in the group common DCI into the set of TPC command values; in accordance with a determination that group common DCI is received within the time window on a cell associated with the target cell, incorporating a TPC command value in the group common DCI into the set of TPC command values; or in accordance with a determination that group common DCI is received within the time window, incorporating a first TPC command value in a first set of bits of the group common DCI into the set of TPC command values, the first set of bits being associated with the target cell.

In some embodiments, the circuitry may be configured to transmit the uplink control transmission by: in accordance with a determination that joint power control is configured for the uplink control transmission on the set of cells, determining the time window based on an ending of first downlink control information associated with a current uplink control transmission and an ending of second downlink control information associated with a previous uplink control transmission, the previous uplink control transmission being earlier than the current uplink control transmission; determining a set of TPC command values for the cells in the set of cells in the time window; determining transmission power for the uplink control transmission on the target cell by accumulating the set of TPC command values; and transmitting the uplink control transmission with the transmission power.

In some embodiments, a network device comprises circuitry configured to: receive, at a network device and from a terminal device, an uplink control transmission for a HARQ feedback on a target cell, the HARQ feedback for a downlink data transmission transmitted on one of cells in a cell group, the target cell being determined from a set of cells configured for an uplink control transmission for HARQ feedbacks for downlink data transmissions received on the cells in the cell group.

In some embodiments, the circuitry may be further configured to at least one of the following: transmit configurations for respective cells in the set of cells; or transmit a configuration comprising a first portion common for all cells in the set of cells and second portions dedicated for respective cells in the set of cells. In some embodiments, the circuitry may be further configured to transmit, to the terminal device, a MAC CE indicating a cell in the set of cells as the target cell.

In some embodiments, the cell group comprises a first subgroup of cells and a second subgroup of cells, and the set of cells comprises a first cell associated with the first subgroup of cells and a second cell associated with the second subgroup of cells. In these embodiments, the circuitry may be further configured to transmit, to the terminal device, an indication that a third cell within the first subgroup of cells is switched to be associated with the second cell.

In some embodiments, the circuitry may be further configured to receive the uplink control transmission by receiving, on the target cell, the uplink control transmission for the HARQ feedback for the downlink data transmission started after slot k+N, where k denotes an index of a slot for the uplink control transmission for HARQ feedback of the downlink data transmission comprising the indication, and N denotes a processing time for the HARQ feedback at the network device.

In some embodiments, the circuitry may be configured to determine the target cell by: determining a reference numerology from numerologies corresponding to the set of cells; determining a reference slot based on a timing value for the HARQ feedback and the reference numerology; and determining the target cell from the set of cells in the reference slot.

In some embodiments, the circuitry may be configured to determine the reference numerology by at least one of the following: determining, as the reference numerology, one of the numerologies associated with the largest subcarrier spacing; determining, as the reference numerology, one of the numerologies associated with a reference cell having the highest priority in the set of cells; or determining, as the reference numerology, a numerology configured for a cell in the set of cells, the set of cells being configured with the same numerology.

In some embodiments where the reference numerology is associated with a reference cell having the highest priority in the set of cells, the circuitry may be configured to determine the target cell from the set of cells by: in accordance with a determination that an index of a numerology of a candidate cell in the set of cells is larger than an index of the reference numerology and the candidate cell has a plurality of slots corresponding to the reference slot, determining whether the first slot in the plurality of slots has enough valid symbols to accommodate the uplink control transmission; and in accordance with a determination that the first slot has enough valid symbols to accommodate the uplink control transmission, determining the candidate cell as the target cell.

In some embodiments where the reference numerology is associated with a reference cell having the highest priority in the set of cells, the circuitry may be configured to determine the target cell from the set of cells by: in accordance with a determination that a candidate cell in the set of cells has a plurality of slots corresponding to the reference slot, determining whether there is a slot configured with enough valid symbols to accommodate the uplink control transmission in the plurality of slots; and in accordance with a determination that there is the slot to accommodate the uplink control transmission in the plurality of slots, determining the candidate cell as the target cell.

In some embodiments, the circuitry may be further configured to: in accordance with a determination that an index of a numerology of the target cell is smaller than an index of the reference numerology associated with a reference cell having the highest priority in the set of cells, determine whether a first uplink control transmission on the target cell is overlapped with a second uplink control transmission on the reference cell; and if the first uplink control transmission is overlapped with the second uplink control transmission, determine that an error occurs.

In some embodiments, the circuitry may be configured to determine the target cell from the set of cells by determining the target cell for the uplink control transmission configured with repetitions based on the number of the repetitions. In some embodiments, the circuitry may be configured to determine the target cell based on the number of the repetitions by at least one of the following: determining, as the target cell, a cell with the highest priority in the set of cells that accommodates all the repetitions of the uplink control transmission; determining, as the target cell, a cell with the highest priority in the set of cells that accommodates an earlier one of the repetitions of the uplink control transmission; determining, as the target cell, a cell with the highest priority in the set of cells that accommodates a largest number of the repetitions of the uplink control transmission among the number of the repetitions of the uplink control transmission in the set of cells; or determining, as the target cell, a cell with the highest priority in the set of cells that accommodates at least one of the repetitions of the uplink control transmission.

In some embodiments, the circuitry may be configured to receive the uplink control transmission by receiving the uplink control transmission for the HARQ feedback transmitted with a transmission power, the transmission power being determined for the uplink control transmission on the target cell by accumulating a set of transmission power control (TPC) command values, the set of TPC command values being determined for the uplink control transmission on the target cell in a time window in accordance with a determination that separate power control is configured for the uplink control transmission on the set of cells.

In some embodiments, the circuitry may be further configured to at least one of the following: transmit, within the time window, DCI specific to the terminal device for scheduling the uplink control transmission on the target cell; transmit group common DCI, the group common DCI being used for a cell with the highest priority in the set of cells; transmit group common DCI, the group common DCI being used for an uplink control transmission nearest to the group common DCI; transmit a mapping between group common DCI and the cells in the set of cells; or transmit group common DCI comprising a first TPC command value in a first set of bits and a second TPC command value in a second set of bits, the first set of bits and the second set of bits being associated with different cells in the set of cells.

In some embodiments, the circuitry may be configured to receive the uplink control transmission by: receiving the uplink control transmission for the HARQ feedback transmitted with a transmission power, the transmission power being determined for the uplink control transmission on the target cell by accumulating a set of TPC command values, the set of TPC command values being determined for the cells in the set of cells in a time window, the time window being determined based on an ending of first downlink control information associated with a current uplink control transmission and an ending of second downlink control information associated with a previous uplink control transmission, the previous uplink control transmission being earlier than the current uplink control transmission.

The term “circuitry” used herein may refer to hardware circuits and/or combinations of hardware circuits and software. For example, the circuitry may be a combination of analog and/or digital hardware circuits with software/firmware. As a further example, the circuitry may be any portions of hardware processors with software including digital signal processor(s), software, and memory(ies) that work together to cause an apparatus, such as a terminal device or a network device, to perform various functions. In a still further example, the circuitry may be hardware circuits and or processors, such as a microprocessor or a portion of a microprocessor, that requires software/firmware for operation, but the software may not be present when it is not needed for operation. As used herein, the term circuitry also covers an implementation of merely a hardware circuit or processor(s) or a portion of a hardware circuit or processor(s) and its (or their) accompanying software and/or firmware.