Patent Description:
<CIT> ("Methods, Network Nodes, User Equipment, and Computer Program Products for Adaptive Radio Link Monitoring") discloses a method for adaptive radio link monitoring (RLM) which includes a network node obtaining configuration information about a user equipment (UE) receiver configuration associated with a UE, where the UE receiver configuration is implemented by the UE for receiving signals from the network node. The method further includes the network node adapting, based on the obtained configuration information, at least one radio transmission parameter associated with at least one radio transmission parameter associated with at least one downlink (DL) signal used by the UE for performing the RLM. The method also includes the network node transmitting the at least one DL signal with the adapted at least one parameter to perform the RLM.

Some UEs may be considered Internet-of Things (IoT) devices, and/or may be implemented as may be implemented as NB-IoT (narrowband internet of things) devices.

Controller/processor <NUM> of base station <NUM>, controller/processor <NUM> of UE <NUM>, and/or any other component(s) of <FIG> may perform one or more techniques associated with CQI reporting for URLLC, as described in more detail elsewhere herein. For example, controller/processor <NUM> of base station <NUM>, controller/processor <NUM> of UE <NUM>, and/or any other component(s) of <FIG> may perform or direct operations of, for example, process <NUM> of <FIG>, process <NUM> of <FIG>, process <NUM> of <FIG>, process <NUM> of <FIG>, process <NUM> of <FIG>, process <NUM> of <FIG>, and/or other processes as described herein. Memories <NUM> and <NUM> may store data and program codes for base station <NUM> and UE <NUM>, respectively.

In some aspects, UE <NUM> may include means for determining a block error rate (BLER) target for communications associated with the UE; means for determining a resource allocation pattern for transmission of channel state information reference signals (CSI-RS) based at least in part on the BLER target; means for monitoring one or more resources, indicated by the resource allocation pattern, for the CSI-RS; and/or the like. Additionally, or alternatively, UE <NUM> may include means for determining a block error rate (BLER) target for communications associated with the UE; means for determining a number of bits to be used to indicate a channel quality indicator (CQI) index based at least in part on the BLER target; means for transmitting the CQI index using the number of bits; and/or the like. Additionally, or alternatively, UE <NUM> may include means for determining a block error rate (BLER) target for communications associated with the UE; means for determining a reporting timeline, associated with reporting a channel quality indicator (CQI) report, based at least in part on the BLER target; means for transmitting the CQI report according to the reporting timeline; and/or the like. Additionally, or alternatively, UE <NUM> may include means for determining a block error rate (BLER) target for communications associated with the UE; means for determining at least one of a number of bits to be used to indicate a channel quality indicator (CQI) index or a reporting timeline associated with reporting the CQI index based at least in part on the BLER target; means for transmitting the CQI index using at least one of the number of bits or the reporting timeline; and/or the like. In some aspects, such means may include one or more components of UE <NUM> described in connection with <FIG>, such as antenna <NUM>, DEMOD <NUM>, MIMO detector <NUM>, receive processor <NUM>, controller/processor <NUM>, and/or the like.

In some aspects, base station <NUM> may include means for determining a block error rate (BLER) target for communications associated with the base station; means for determining at least one of a transmission power or a resource allocation pattern for transmission of channel state information reference signals (CSI-RS) based at least in part on the BLER target; means for transmitting the CSI-RS using at least one of the transmission power or the resource allocation pattern; and/or the like. Additionally, or alternatively, base station <NUM> may include means for determining a block error rate (BLER) target for communications associated with the base station; means for determining a number of bits to be used to indicate a channel quality indicator (CQI) index based at least in part on the BLER target; means for receiving the CQI index; means for decoding the CQI index based at least in part on the determined number of bits; and/or the like. Additionally, or alternatively, base station <NUM> may include means for determining a block error rate (BLER) target for communications associated with the base station; means for determining a reporting timeline, associated with reporting a channel quality indicator (CQI) report, based at least in part on the BLER target; means for monitoring for the CQI report according to the reporting timeline; and/or the like. In some aspects, such means may include one or more components of base station <NUM> described in connection with <FIG>, such as controller/processor <NUM>, transmit processor <NUM>, TX MIMO processor <NUM>, MOD <NUM>, antenna <NUM>, and/or the like.

<FIG> shows an example frame structure <NUM> for FDD in a telecommunications system (e.g., NR). Each radio frame may have a predetermined duration and may be partitions into a set of Z (Z ≥ <NUM>) subframes (e.g., with indices of <NUM> through Z-<NUM>). Each subframe may include a set of slots (e.g., two slots per subframe are shown in <FIG>). For example, each slot may include seven symbol periods (e.g., as shown in <FIG>), fifteen symbol periods, and/or the like. In a case where the subframe includes two slots, the subframe may include <NUM> symbol periods, where the <NUM> symbol periods in each subframe may be assigned indices of <NUM> through <NUM>-<NUM>. In some aspects, a scheduling unit for the FDD may frame-based, subframe-based, slot-based, symbol-based, and/or the like.

The base station may transmit system information, such as system information blocks (SIBs) on a physical downlink shared channel (PDSCH) in certain subframes. The base station may transmit control information/data on a physical downlink control channel (PDCCH) in C symbol periods of a subframe, where B may be configurable for each subframe. The base station may transmit traffic data and/or other data on the PDSCH in the remaining symbol periods of each subframe.

Other examples are possible and may differ from what was described with regard to <FIG> and <FIG>.

<FIG> shows an example subframe format <NUM> with a normal cyclic prefix. Each resource block may cover a set to of subcarriers (e.g., <NUM> subcarriers) in one slot and may include a number of resource elements. In some aspects, subframe format <NUM> may be used for transmission of SS blocks that carry the PSS, the SSS, the PBCH, and/or the like, as described herein.

An interlace structure may be used for each of the downlink and uplink for FDD in certain telecommunications systems (e.g., NR). For example, Q interlaces with indices of <NUM> through Q - <NUM> may be defined, where Q may be equal to <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, or some other value. Each interlace may include subframes that are spaced apart by Q frames. In particular, interlace q may include subframes q, q + Q, q + 2Q, etc., where q E {<NUM>,.

Each radio frame may include <NUM> subframes with a length of <NUM>. Consequently, each subframe may have a length of <NUM>. Each subframe may indicate a link direction (e.g., DL or UL) for data transmission and the link direction for each subframe may be dynamically switched. Each subframe may include DL/UL data as well as DL/UL control data.

<FIG> is a diagram illustrating an example <NUM> relating to CQI reporting for URLLC, in accordance with various aspects of the present disclosure.

As shown in <FIG>, a base station <NUM> and a UE <NUM> may communicate with one another using different types of communication services, such as enhanced mobile broadband (eMBB), ultra-reliable low latency communications (URLLC), and/or the like. These different types of communication services may be associated with different service requirements, such as different reliability requirements, different latency requirements, and/or the like. For example, a URLLC service may require higher reliability and/or lower latency than an eMBB service. As a result, the URLLC service may target a lower block error rate (BLER) than the eMBB service to achieve higher reliability and lower latency. Furthermore, the URLLC service may have different service levels with different reliability and/or latency requirements, therefore requiring different BLER targets.

BLER is defined as the ratio of the number of erroneous blocks received to the total number of blocks transmitted. An erroneous block is a transport block (TB) for which the cyclic redundancy check fails at the receiver. As the TB size increases, throughput increases, but the likelihood of a block error occurring also increases. To achieve the appropriate balance between throughput and BLER, the TB size may be selected based at least in part on channel quality, such as by using a larger TB size when channel quality is good, and using a smaller TB size when channel quality is poor. To determine channel quality, the base station <NUM> may transmit channel state information reference signals (CSI-RS), and the UE <NUM> may measure the CSI-RS and report a channel quality indicator (CQI) index, representative of channel quality, in a CQI report. The base station <NUM> may use the CQI index to select a modulation and coding scheme (MCS) and/or a coding rate for a downlink communication, which may dictate a TB size of the downlink communication. For example, the base station <NUM> may use a larger TB size when the UE <NUM> reports a higher CQI index (e.g., indicating better channel quality), and may use a smaller TB size when the UE <NUM> reports a lower CQI index (e.g., indicating poorer channel quality).

To determine a CQI index to be reported, the UE <NUM> may use a CQI table, and may report, in a CQI report, the maximum CQI index in the table for which a target BLER can be achieved. However, with multiple possible BLER requirements for different types of services, such as URLLC and eMBB, various factors may need to be considered to provide a reliable and timely CQI report with low overhead. Some techniques and apparatuses described herein assist with providing a CQI report that is highly reliable (e.g., as described in more detail in connection with <FIG>), with low overhead (e.g., as described in more detail in connection with <FIG>), and that is reported according to an appropriate reporting timeline (e.g., as described in more detail in connection with <FIG>).

As shown in <FIG>, and by reference number <NUM>, the base station <NUM> determines a BLER target for communications associated with the base station <NUM> (e.g., for communications between the base station <NUM> and the UE <NUM>), and determines a resource allocation pattern, for transmission of CSI-RS, based at least in part on the BLER target. As used herein, "determining" may mean determining autonomously without being instructed by another device or determining based at least in part on an instruction received from another device. For example, a UE <NUM> may "determine" autonomously without being instructed by a base station <NUM>, or may "determine" based at least in part on an instruction received from the base station <NUM>. In some aspects, the base station <NUM> may determine the BLER target based at least in part on a communication service with the UE <NUM>, which may be negotiated and/or configured during a radio resource control (RRC) configuration procedure. In some aspects, the BLER target may be correspond to a CQI table that maps to the BLER target. For example, different CQI tables (e.g., having different entries) may map to different BLER targets. Thus, the base station <NUM> may indicate a BLER target to the UE <NUM> by explicitly indicating the BLER target or by implicitly indicating the BLER target by indicating a CQI table that maps to the BLER target.

As an example, an eMBB service may be associated with a BLER target of <NUM>-<NUM> (e.g., <NUM>% or fewer erroneous blocks). In some aspects, a URLLC service may be associated with two BLER targets, such as a high BLER target (e.g., <NUM>-<NUM>, with <NUM>% or fewer erroneous blocks) and a low BLER target (e.g., <NUM>-<NUM>, with <NUM>% or fewer erroneous blocks). These URLLC BLER targets (e.g., <NUM>-<NUM> and <NUM>-<NUM>) are provided as examples, and other examples are possible.

As shown by reference number <NUM>, the base station <NUM> may determine that the CSI-RS are to be transmitted with a higher transmission power when the BLER target is lower. Conversely, the base station <NUM> may determine that the CSI-RS are to be transmitted with a lower transmission power when the BLER target is higher. For example, the CSI-RS may be transmitted with a lower transmission power for eMBB communications associated with a higher BLER target (e.g., shown as <NUM>-<NUM>), and may be transmitted with a higher transmission power for URLLC communications associated with a lower BLER target (e.g., shown as <NUM>-<NUM> and <NUM>-<NUM>). Similarly, the CSI-RS may be transmitted with a lower transmission power for high BLER target URLLC communications (e.g., shown as <NUM>-<NUM>), and may be transmitted with a higher transmission power for low BLER target URLLC communications (e.g., shown as <NUM>-<NUM>).

As shown by reference number <NUM>, the base station <NUM> may determine that a larger number of CSI-RS are to be transmitted (e.g., using more CSI-RS resources) when the BLER target is lower. Conversely, the base station <NUM> may determine that a smaller number of CSI-RS are to be transmitted (e.g., using fewer CSI-RS resources) when the BLER target is higher. For example, fewer CSI-RS may be transmitted for eMBB communications associated with a higher BLER target (e.g., shown as <NUM>-<NUM>), and more CSI-RS may be transmitted for URLLC communications associated with a lower BLER target (e.g., shown as <NUM>-<NUM> and <NUM>-<NUM>). Similarly, fewer CSI-RS may be transmitted for high BLER target URLLC communications (e.g., shown as <NUM>-<NUM>), and more CSI-RS may be transmitted for low BLER target URLLC communications (e.g., shown as <NUM>-<NUM>).

In some aspects, the number of CSI-RS to be transmitted is indicated by a resource allocation pattern, which may indicate time resources to be used for CSI-RS transmission, frequency resources to be used for CSI-RS transmission, resource blocks to be used for CSI-RS transmission, and/or the like. In some aspects, the resource allocation pattern may be recurring (e.g., may recur over time, over a set of frequencies, and/or the like). In some aspects, the resource allocation pattern may not recur (e.g., may occur a single time). For example, CSI-RS may be transmitted more frequently (e.g., using more time resources within a time window) for lower BLER targets, and may be transmitted less frequently (e.g., using fewer time resources within the time window) for higher BLER targets. In this case, if the CSI-RS is transmitted periodically, the period may be shorter for lower BLER targets, and may be longer for higher BLER targets. Additionally, or alternatively, CSI-RS may be transmitted on more frequencies (e.g., using more frequency resources within a window) for lower BLER targets, and may be transmitted on fewer frequencies (e.g., using fewer frequency resources within the window) for higher BLER targets.

As the BLER target decreases, the accuracy of the CQI index reported by the UE <NUM> may become increasingly important to ensure that the base station <NUM> selects an appropriate MCS, coding rate, and/or TB size for the channel conditions. When the base station <NUM> transmits CSI-RS using a higher transmission power (e.g., using power boosting), the UE <NUM> may have an increased likelihood of receiving the CSI-RS (e.g., at the cost of additional base station resources being used for transmission). Similarly, when the base station <NUM> transmits more CSI-RS resources (e.g., on more time and/or frequency resources), the UE <NUM> may have an increased likelihood of receiving the CSI-RS, and/or may use a larger number of CSI-RS to perform channel estimation (e.g., at the cost of additional network resources being used for CSI-RS, more base station resources being used to transmit CSI-RS, and more UE resources being used to receive CSI-RS). As a result, the UE <NUM> may obtain a better channel estimate, and may report a CQI index that more accurately represents channel quality. By adjusting the transmission power of CSI-RS and/or the number of transmitted CSI-RS based at least in part on the BLER target, the base station <NUM> may achieve an appropriate balance between resource consumption and accurate channel estimation.

As shown in <FIG>, in some aspects, the base station <NUM> may use a table, stored in memory of the base station <NUM>, to determine the resource allocation pattern and/or the transmission power. For example, the table may indicate a mapping between different BLER targets and corresponding transmission powers and/or corresponding resource allocation patterns.

In some aspects, the base station <NUM> may determine a first resource allocation pattern for CSI-RS (e.g., using the table), and may determine that there are insufficient resources (e.g., time and/or frequency resources) to schedule the CSI-RS using the first resource allocation pattern. In this case, the base station <NUM> may use a second resource allocation pattern (e.g., a fallback resource allocation pattern, a default resource allocation pattern, a second resource allocation pattern indicated in the table, and/or the like) that indicates fewer resources than the first resource allocation pattern. In some aspects, the base station <NUM> may indicate, to the UE <NUM>, that the second resource allocation pattern is being used. In some aspects, the base station <NUM> may transmit the CSI-RS using the second resource allocation pattern and using the transmission power indicated in the table (e.g., using power boosting). In some aspects, the base station <NUM> may not power boost the CSI-RS transmissions if the CSI-RS can be scheduled according to the first resource allocation pattern. Thus, the base station <NUM> may use a resource allocation pattern to improve the accuracy of a reported CQI index, and may use power boosting to improve the accuracy of the reported CQI index if the resource allocation pattern cannot be used. In some aspects, the base station <NUM> may use both the resource allocation pattern and power boosting to improve the accuracy of the reported CQI index.

As shown by reference number <NUM>, the base station <NUM> transmits the CSI-RS using the resource allocation pattern. The base station <NUM> may transmit the CSI-RS on one or more resources indicated in the resource allocation pattern (e.g., time resources, frequency resources, resource blocks, resource elements, and/or the like). In some aspects, the CSI-RS may be a non-zero power (NZP) CSI-RS. Additionally, or alternatively, the CSI-RS may be an interference measurement resource (IMR).

As shown by reference number <NUM>, the UE <NUM> determines a BLER target for communications associated with the UE <NUM> (e.g., for communications between the base station <NUM> and the UE <NUM>), and determines a resource allocation pattern for CSI-RS based at least in part on the BLER target. In some aspects, the UE <NUM> may determine the BLER target based at least in part on a communication service being used by the UE <NUM>, which may be negotiated and/or configured during an RRC configuration procedure. The communication service may include an eMBB service, a URLLC service, and/or the like, as described above. In some aspects, different communication services may be associated with different BLER targets, and/or a communication service (e.g., URLLC) may be associated with multiple BLER targets, as described above. In some aspects, the BLER target may be indicated during an RRC configuration procedure (e.g., via an explicit indication of the BLER target or an indication of a CQI table that maps to the BLER target). Additionally, or alternatively, the resource allocation pattern may be indicated during an RRC configuration procedure.

As shown by reference number <NUM>, the UE <NUM> monitors for the CSI-RS based at least in part on the determined resource allocation pattern. For example, the UE <NUM> may monitor one or more resources, indicated by the resource allocation pattern, for the CSI-RS. As described above, the resource allocation pattern may indicate time resources to be used for CSI-RS, frequency resources to be used for CSI-RS, resource blocks to be used for CSI-RS, and/or the like.

The UE <NUM> may determine the resource allocation pattern in a similar manner as described above in connection with the base station <NUM>. For example, the UE <NUM> may determine that a larger number of resources are to be monitored for CSI-RS when the BLER target is lower. Conversely, the UE <NUM> may determine that a smaller number of resources are to be monitored for CSI-RS when the BLER target is higher. In some aspects, the UE <NUM> may monitor for CSI-RS more frequently (e.g., using more time resources within a time window) for lower BLER targets, and may monitor for CSI-RS less frequently (e.g., using fewer time resources within the time window) for higher BLER targets. Additionally, or alternatively, the UE <NUM> may monitor for CSI-RS on more frequencies (e.g., using more frequency resources within a window) for lower BLER targets, and may monitor for CSI-RS on fewer frequencies (e.g., using fewer frequency resources within the window) for higher BLER targets.

In some aspects, the UE <NUM> may use a table, stored in memory of the UE <NUM>, to determine the resource allocation pattern for CSI-RS. For example, the table may indicate a mapping between different BLER targets and corresponding resource allocation patterns.

As shown by reference number <NUM>, the UE <NUM> may generate the CQI report based at least in part on the BLER target, and/or may transmit the CQI report based at least in part on the BLER target. For example, the UE <NUM> may monitor for CSI-RS based at least in part on the resource allocation pattern determined based at least in part on the BLER target, may perform a channel estimation using the CSI-RS, and may report the channel estimation (e.g., indicative of channel quality) in the CQI report.

In some aspects, the UE <NUM> may indicate channel quality using a CQI index in the CQI report, and may determine a number of bits to be used for the CQI index based at least in part on the BLER target, as described in more detail below in connection with <FIG>. Additionally, or alternatively, the UE <NUM> may determine a reporting timeline, associated with reporting the CQI report, based at least in part on the BLER target, and may transmit the CQI report according to the reporting timeline, as described in more detail below in connection with <FIG>. Similarly, the base station <NUM> may monitor for the CQI report according to the reporting timeline, and/or may decode the CQI index based at least in part on the number of bits, either or both of which may be determined based at least in part on the BLER target.

As the BLER target decreases, the accuracy of the CQI index reported by the UE <NUM> may become increasingly important to ensure that the base station <NUM> selects an appropriate MCS, coding rate, and/or TB size for the channel conditions. When the UE <NUM> receives more CSI-RS, the UE <NUM> may use a larger number of CSI-RS to perform channel estimation (e.g., at the cost of additional network resources being used for CSI-RS, more base station resources being used to transmit CSI-RS, and more UE resources being used to receive CSI-RS). As a result, the UE <NUM> may obtain a better channel estimate, and may report a CQI index that more accurately represents channel quality. By adjusting the number of CSI-RS based at least in part on the BLER target, the base station <NUM> and the UE <NUM> may achieve an appropriate balance between resource consumption and accurate channel estimation.

<FIG> is a diagram illustrating another example <NUM> relating to CQI reporting for URLLC, in accordance with various aspects of the present disclosure.

As shown in <FIG>, a base station <NUM> and a UE <NUM> may communicate with one another using different types of communication services, such as eMBB, URLLC, and/or the like. As described above in connection with <FIG>, different types of communication services may be associated with different BLER targets, and/or a particular type of communication service (e.g., URLLC) may be associated with multiple BLER targets for different scenarios or deployments. In some cases, a low BLER target (e.g., <NUM>-<NUM>, <NUM>-<NUM>, and/or the like) may be achieved only if an initial transmission is received without an error, and may not be achieved if the initial transmission needs to be retransmitted. In some aspects, the BLER target may be correspond to a CQI table that maps to the BLER target. For example, different CQI tables (e.g., having different entries) may map to different BLER targets. Thus, the base station <NUM> may indicate a BLER target to the UE <NUM> by explicitly indicating the BLER target or by implicitly indicating the BLER target by indicating a CQI table that maps to the BLER target.

To increase the likelihood of the initial transmission being received without an error, the base station <NUM> and the UE <NUM> may communicate using a relatively low spectral efficiency (e.g., a smaller TB size, a lower coding rate, a lower data rate, a lower MCS index, and/or the like). As a result, some higher CQI indices that may be reported for higher BLER targets (e.g., <NUM>-<NUM> for eMBB) may rarely, if ever, be used for lower BLER targets. Thus, for lower BLER targets, the UE <NUM> may use fewer bits to report a CQI index because the CQI index may be selected from fewer possible CQI indices as compared to higher BLER targets. In this way, the UE <NUM> may reduce CQI overhead, which may conserve network resources, reduce processing time, reduce latency, and/or improve performance. Additional details are described below.

As shown in <FIG>, and by reference number <NUM>, the UE <NUM> may determine a BLER target for communications associated with the UE <NUM> (e.g., for communications between the base station <NUM> and the UE <NUM>), and may determine a number of bits to be used to indicate a CQI index based at least in part on the BLER target. In some aspects, the UE <NUM> may determine the BLER target based at least in part on a communication service being used by the UE <NUM> (e.g., eMBB, URLLC, and/or the like), which may be indicated in an RRC message. Additionally, or alternatively, the BLER target may be indicated in an RRC message (e.g., via an explicit indication of the BLER target in the RRC message or an indication of a CQI table, in the RRC message, that maps to the BLER target).

As shown by reference number <NUM>, the UE <NUM> may determine that a larger number of bits are to be used for the CQI index when the BLER target is higher. Conversely, the UE <NUM> may determine that a smaller number of bits are to be used for the CQI index when the BLER target is lower. In some aspects, the smaller number of bits may include less than five bits. For example, the number of bits for a BLER target of <NUM>-<NUM> may be five bits, and the number of bits for a BLER target of less than <NUM>-<NUM> may be less than five bits. As another example, the number of bits for a BLER target of less than <NUM>-<NUM> may be four bits, three bits, and/or the like, as shown. These numbers of bits are provided as examples, and other examples are possible. In some aspects, the UE <NUM> may use a table, stored in memory of the UE <NUM>, to determine the number of bits to be used for the CQI index. For example, the table may indicate a mapping between different BLER targets and corresponding numbers of bits for the CQI index.

As shown by reference number <NUM>, the UE <NUM> may transmit, and the base station <NUM> may receive, the CQI index using the determined number of bits. For example, the UE <NUM> may indicate the CQI index, in a CQI report, using the determined number of bits (e.g., three bits, four bits, five bits, and/or the like) for the CQI index. In some aspects, the UE <NUM> may determine the CQI index based at least in part on one or more CSI-RS transmitted by the base station <NUM>, which may be transmitted and/or monitored for according to a resource allocation pattern, which may be determined based at least in part on the BLER target, as described above in connection with <FIG>. Additionally, or alternatively, the UE <NUM> may transmit, and the base station <NUM> may monitor for, the CQI report according to a reporting timeline determined based at least in part on the BLER target, as described below in connection with <FIG>.

As shown by reference number <NUM>, the base station <NUM> may determine a BLER target for communications associated with the base station <NUM> (e.g., for communications between the base station <NUM> and the UE <NUM>), and may determine a number of bits to be used to indicate a CQI index based at least in part on the BLER target. As described above, the BLER target may be determined during an RRC configuration procedure.

As described above, the number of bits may be larger (e.g., five bits and/or the like) for a higher BLER target, and may be smaller (e.g., less than five bits) for a lower BLER target. In some aspects, the base station <NUM> may use a table, stored in memory of the base station <NUM>, to determine the number of bits to be used for the CQI index, in a similar manner as described above.

As shown by reference number <NUM>, the base station <NUM> may decode the received CQI index based at least in part on the determined number of bits. For example, the base station <NUM> may decode a received CQI report using an assumption that the CQI index, included in the CQI report, includes the determined number of bits.

By using fewer bits to indicate a CQI index when the BLER target is low, the UE <NUM> may reduce CQI overhead, conserve network resources, reduce processing time, reduce latency, and/or improve performance. The reduced number of bits may not sacrifice CQI reporting capability because some CQI indices that may be reported for higher BLER targets (e.g., <NUM>-<NUM> for eMBB) may rarely, if ever, be used for lower BLER targets.

As shown in <FIG>, a base station <NUM> and a UE <NUM> may communicate with one another using different types of communication services, such as eMBB, URLLC, and/or the like. As described above in connection with <FIG>, different types of communication services may be associated with different BLER targets, and/or a particular type of communication service (e.g., URLLC) may be associated with multiple BLER targets for different scenarios or deployments. In some aspects, the BLER target may correspond to a CQI table that maps to the BLER target. For example, different CQI tables (e.g., having different entries) may map to different BLER targets.

In some cases, an inaccurate CQI index may have a larger impact on the likelihood of achieving a low BLER target as compared to a high BLER target (e.g., because a high BLER target leaves more room for error). Because of this, the UE <NUM> and the base station <NUM> may benefit from more accurate CQI index reporting for lower BLER targets. To achieve a more accurate CQI index, the UE <NUM> may measure a larger number of CSI-RS to be used to determine the CQI index. For example, a resource allocation pattern for CSI-RS may indicate that more resources are to be used for CSI-RS when the BLER target is lower, as described above in connection with <FIG>. In some aspects, the UE <NUM> may require more time to measure a larger number of CSI-RS and/or to determine the CQI index from a larger number of CSI-RS for a lower BLER target. To allow for this increased time for CQI index determination, the UE <NUM> may use a longer reporting timeline for a CQI report associated with a lower BLER target, as described in more detail below.

As shown in <FIG>, and by reference number <NUM>, the UE <NUM> may determine a BLER target for communications associated with the UE <NUM> (e.g., for communications between the base station <NUM> and the UE <NUM>), and may determine a reporting timeline, associated with reporting a CQI report, based at least in part on the BLER target. In some aspects, the UE <NUM> may determine the BLER target based at least in part on a communication service being used by the UE <NUM> and/or information included in an RRC message, as described elsewhere herein.

As shown by reference number <NUM>, the UE <NUM> may determine that a longer reporting timeline is to be used when the BLER target is lower. Conversely, the UE <NUM> may determine that a shorter reporting timeline is to be used when the BLER target is higher. In some aspects, the reporting timeline may represent a period between transmission of successive (e.g., consecutive) CQI reports (e.g., for reporting periodic CQI). In this case, the period may be longer for a lower BLER target, and/or may be shorter for a higher BLER target. In some aspects, the reporting timeline may represent a time between occurrence of an event that triggers CQI reporting (e.g., a request from the base station <NUM> for reporting of aperiodic CQI) and transmission of the CQI report triggered by the event. In this case, the time may be longer for a lower BLER target, and/or may be shorter for a higher BLER target. In some aspects, the UE <NUM> may use a table, stored in memory of the UE <NUM>, to determine the reporting timeline. For example, the table may indicate a mapping between different BLER targets and corresponding reporting timelines.

As shown by reference number <NUM>, the UE <NUM> may transmit, and the base station <NUM> may receive, the CQI report according to the determined reporting timeline. As described elsewhere herein, the UE <NUM> may indicate a CQI index in the CQI report. In some aspects, the UE <NUM> may determine the CQI index based at least in part on one or more CSI-RS transmitted by the base station <NUM>, which may be transmitted and/or monitored for according to a resource allocation pattern, which may be determined based at least in part on the BLER target, as described above in connection with <FIG>. Additionally, or alternatively, the UE <NUM> may indicate the CQI index using a number of bits determined based at least in part on the BLER target, as described above in connection with <FIG>.

As shown by reference number <NUM>, the base station <NUM> may determine a BLER target for communications associated with the base station <NUM> (e.g., for communications between the base station <NUM> and the UE <NUM>), and may determine a reporting timeline for a CQI report based at least in part on the BLER target. As described above, the BLER target may be determined during an RRC configuration procedure. As also described above, the reporting timeline may be shorter for a higher BLER target, and may be longer for a lower BLER target. In some aspects, the base station <NUM> may use a table, stored in memory of the base station <NUM>, to determine the reporting timeline, in a similar manner as described above.

As shown by reference number <NUM>, the base station <NUM> may monitor for the CQI report according to the determined reporting timeline. For example, the base station <NUM> may monitor a particular transmission time interval (TTI) (e.g., a slot, a subframe, and/or the like) for the CQI report based at least in part on the determined reporting timeline. In this way, the base station <NUM> and the UE <NUM> may permit more time for CQI index determination for a lower BLER target, which may improve the accuracy of the CQI index.

<FIG> is a diagram illustrating an example process <NUM> performed, for example, by a UE, in accordance with various aspects of the present disclosure. Example process <NUM> is an example where a UE (e.g., UE <NUM> and/or the like) performs operations relating to CQI reporting for URLLC.

As shown in <FIG>, in some aspects, process <NUM> may include determining a block error rate (BLER) target for communications associated with the UE (block <NUM>). For example, the UE (e.g., using controller/processor <NUM> and/or the like) may determine a BLER target for communications associated with the UE, as described above in connection with <FIG>.

As further shown in <FIG>, in some aspects, process <NUM> may include determining a resource allocation pattern for transmission of channel state information reference signals (CSI-RS) based at least in part on the BLER target (block <NUM>). For example, the UE (e.g., using controller/processor <NUM> and/or the like) may determine a resource allocation pattern for transmission of CSI-RS based at least in part on the BLER target, as described above in connection with <FIG>.

As further shown in <FIG>, in some aspects, process <NUM> may include monitoring one or more resources, indicated by the resource allocation pattern, for the CSI-RS (block <NUM>). For example, the UE (e.g., using antenna <NUM>, DEMOD <NUM>, MIMO detector <NUM>, receive processor <NUM>, controller/processor <NUM>, and/or the like) may monitor one or more resources, indicated by the resource allocation pattern, for the CSI-RS, as described above in connection with <FIG>.

In a first aspect, the resource allocation pattern indicates more resources for the CSI-RS when the BLER target is lower, or the resource allocation pattern indicates fewer resources for the CSI-RS when the BLER target is higher. In a second aspect alone or in combination with the first aspect, the resource allocation pattern indicates that the CSI-RS are to be transmitted more frequently when the BLER target is lower, or the resource allocation pattern indicates that the CSI-RS are to be transmitted less frequently when the BLER target is higher. In a third aspect alone or in combination with any of the first through second aspects, the resource allocation pattern indicates that the CSI-RS are to be transmitted on a larger number of frequencies when the BLER target is lower, or the resource allocation pattern indicates that the CSI-RS are to be transmitted on a smaller number of frequencies when the BLER target is higher.

In a fourth aspect alone or in combination with any of the first through third aspects, the CSI-RS includes at least one of: a non-zero power (NZP) CSI-RS, an interference measurement resource (IMR), or some combination thereof. In a fifth aspect alone or in combination with any of the first through fourth aspects, the resource allocation pattern is determined based at least in part on a table, stored in memory of the UE, that indicates a mapping between a plurality of BLER targets and a corresponding plurality of resource allocation patterns.

In a sixth aspect alone or in combination with any of the first through fifth aspects, the UE may determine a number of bits to be used to indicate a CQI index based at least in part on the BLER target; and may transmit the CQI index using the number of bits, wherein the CQI index is determined based at least in part on the CSI-RS. In a seventh aspect alone or in combination with any of the first through sixth aspects, the UE may determine a reporting timeline, associated with reporting a CQI report, based at least in part on the BLER target; and may transmit the CQI report according to the reporting timeline, wherein the CQI report is generated based at least in part on the CSI-RS.

<FIG> is a diagram illustrating an example process <NUM> performed, for example, by a base station, in accordance with various aspects of the present disclosure. Example process <NUM> is an example where a base station (e.g., base station <NUM> and/or the like) performs operations relating to CQI reporting for URLLC.

As shown in <FIG>, in some aspects, process <NUM> may include determining a block error rate (BLER) target for communications associated with the base station (block <NUM>). For example, the base station (e.g., using controller/processor <NUM> and/or the like) may determine a BLER target for communications associated with the base station, as described above in connection with <FIG>.

As further shown in <FIG>, in some aspects, process <NUM> may include determining at least one of a transmission power or a resource allocation pattern for transmission of channel state information reference signals (CSI-RS) based at least in part on the BLER target (block <NUM>). For example, the base station (e.g., using controller/processor <NUM> and/or the like) may determine at least one of a transmission power or a resource allocation pattern for transmission of CSI-RS based at least in part on the BLER target, as described above in connection with <FIG>.

As further shown in <FIG>, in some aspects, process <NUM> may include transmitting the CSI-RS using at least one of the transmission power or the resource allocation pattern (block <NUM>). For example, the base station (e.g., using controller/processor <NUM>, transmit processor <NUM>, TX MIMO processor <NUM>, MOD <NUM>, antenna <NUM>, and/or the like) may transmit the CSI-RS using at least one of the transmission power or the resource allocation pattern, as described above in connection with <FIG>.

In a first aspect, the resource allocation pattern indicates more resources for the CSI-RS when the BLER target is lower, or the resource allocation pattern indicates fewer resources for the CSI-RS when the BLER target is higher. In a second aspect alone or in combination with the first aspect, the resource allocation pattern indicates that the CSI-RS are to be transmitted more frequently when the BLER target is lower, or the resource allocation pattern indicates that the CSI-RS are to be transmitted less frequently when the BLER target is higher. In a third aspect alone or in combination with any of the first through second aspects, the resource allocation pattern indicates that the CSI-RS are to be transmitted on a larger number of frequencies when the BLER target is lower, or the resource allocation pattern indicates that the CSI-RS are to be transmitted on a smaller number of frequencies when the BLER target is higher. In a fourth aspect alone or in combination with any of the first through third aspects, the CSI-RS are transmitted with a higher transmission power when the BLER target is lower, or the CSI-RS are transmitted with a lower transmission power when the BLER target is higher.

In a fifth aspect alone or in combination with any of the first through fourth aspects, the CSI-RS includes at least one of: a non-zero power (NZP) CSI-RS, an interference measurement resource (IMR), or some combination thereof. In a sixth aspect alone or in combination with any of the first through fifth aspects, the resource allocation pattern is determined based at least in part on a table, stored in memory of the base station, that indicates a mapping between a plurality of BLER targets and a corresponding plurality of resource allocation patterns.

In a seventh aspect alone or in combination with any of the first through sixth aspects, the base station may determine a number of bits to be used to indicate a CQI index based at least in part on the BLER target; may receive the CQI index based at least in part on transmitting the CSI-RS; and may decode the CQI index based at least in part on the determined number of bits. In an eighth aspect alone or in combination with any of the first through seventh aspects, the base station may determine a reporting timeline, associated with reporting a CQI report, based at least in part on the BLER target; and may monitor for the CQI report according to the reporting timeline, wherein the CQI report is received based at least in part on transmitting the CSI-RS.

As further shown in <FIG>, in some aspects, process <NUM> may include determining a number of bits to be used to indicate a channel quality indicator (CQI) index based at least in part on the BLER target (block <NUM>). For example, the UE (e.g., using controller/processor <NUM> and/or the like) may determine a number of bits to be used to indicate a CQI index based at least in part on the BLER target, as described above in connection with <FIG>.

As further shown in <FIG>, in some aspects, process <NUM> may include transmitting the CQI index using the number of bits (block <NUM>). For example, the UE (e.g., using controller/processor <NUM>, transmit processor <NUM>, TX MIMO processor <NUM>, MOD <NUM>, antenna <NUM>, and/or the like) may transmit the CQI index using the number of bits, as described above in connection with <FIG>.

In a first aspect, the number of bits includes a smaller number of bits when the BLER target is lower, or the number of bits includes a larger number of bits when the BLER target is higher. In a second aspect alone or in combination with the first aspect, the smaller number of bits includes less than five bits. In a third aspect alone or in combination with any of the first through second aspects, the number of bits is determined based at least in part on a table, stored in memory of the UE, that indicates a mapping between a plurality of BLER targets and a corresponding plurality of number of bits to be used to indicate the CQI index.

In a fourth aspect alone or in combination with any of the first through third aspects, the UE may determine a resource allocation pattern for transmission of channel state information reference signals (CSI-RS) based at least in part on the BLER target; and may monitor one or more resources, indicated by the resource allocation pattern, for the CSI-RS, wherein the CQI index is determined based at least in part on the CSI-RS. In a fifth aspect alone or in combination with any of the first through fourth aspects, the UE may determine a reporting timeline, associated with reporting a CQI report, based at least in part on the BLER target; and may transmit the CQI report, including the CQI index, according to the reporting timeline.

As further shown in <FIG>, in some aspects, process <NUM> may include determining a number of bits to be used to indicate a channel quality indicator (CQI) index based at least in part on the BLER target (block <NUM>). For example, the base station (e.g., using controller/processor <NUM> and/or the like) may determine a number of bits to be used to indicate a CQI index based at least in part on the BLER target, as described above in connection with <FIG>.

As further shown in <FIG>, in some aspects, process <NUM> may include receiving the CQI index (block <NUM>). For example, the base station (e.g., using antenna <NUM>, DEMOD <NUM>, MIMO detector <NUM>, receive processor <NUM>, controller/processor <NUM>, and/or the like) may receive the CQI index, as described above in connection with <FIG>.

As further shown in <FIG>, in some aspects, process <NUM> may include decoding the CQI index based at least in part on the determined number of bits (block <NUM>). For example, the base station (e.g., using controller/processor <NUM> and/or the like) may decode the CQI index based at least in part on the determined number of bits, as described above in connection with <FIG>.

In a first aspect, the number of bits includes a smaller number of bits when the BLER target is lower, or the number of bits includes a larger number of bits when the BLER target is higher. In a second aspect alone or in combination with the first aspect, the smaller number of bits includes less than five bits. In a third aspect alone or in combination with any of the first through second aspects, the number of bits is determined based at least in part on a table, stored in memory of the base station, that indicates a mapping between a plurality of BLER targets and a corresponding plurality of number of bits to be used to indicate the CQI index.

In a fourth aspect alone or in combination with any of the first through third aspects, the base station may determine at least one of a transmission power or a resource allocation pattern for transmission of channel state information reference signals (CSI-RS) based at least in part on the BLER target; and may transmit the CSI-RS using at least one of the transmission power or the resource allocation pattern, wherein the CQI index is received based at least in part on transmitting the CSI-RS. In a fifth aspect alone or in combination with any of the first through fourth aspects, the base station may determine a reporting timeline, associated with reporting a CQI report, based at least in part on the BLER target; and may monitor for the CQI report, including the CQI index, according to the reporting timeline.

As further shown in <FIG>, in some aspects, process <NUM> may include determining a reporting timeline, associated with reporting a channel quality indicator (CQI) report, based at least in part on the BLER target (block <NUM>). For example, the UE (e.g., using controller/processor <NUM> and/or the like) may determine a reporting timeline, associated with reporting a CQI report, based at least in part on the BLER target, as described above in connection with <FIG>.

As further shown in <FIG>, in some aspects, process <NUM> may include transmitting the CQI report according to the reporting timeline (block <NUM>). For example, the UE (e.g., using controller/processor <NUM>, transmit processor <NUM>, TX MIMO processor <NUM>, MOD <NUM>, antenna <NUM>, and/or the like) may transmit the CQI report according to the reporting timeline, as described above in connection with <FIG>.

In a first aspect, the reporting timeline is a longer timeline when the BLER target is lower, or the reporting timeline is a shorter timeline when the BLER target is higher. In a second aspect alone or in combination with the first aspect, the reporting timeline is determined based at least in part on a table, stored in memory of the UE, that indicates a mapping between a plurality of BLER targets and a corresponding plurality of reporting timelines.

In a third aspect alone or in combination with any of the first through second aspects, the UE may determine a resource allocation pattern for transmission of channel state information reference signals (CSI-RS) based at least in part on the BLER target; and may monitor one or more resources, indicated by the resource allocation pattern, for the CSI-RS, wherein the CQI report is generated based at least in part on the CSI-RS. In a fourth aspect alone or in combination with any of the first through third aspects, the UE may determine a number of bits to be used to indicate a CQI index based at least in part on the BLER target; and may transmit the CQI index, in the CQI report, using the number of bits.

As further shown in <FIG>, in some aspects, process <NUM> may include determining a reporting timeline, associated with reporting a channel quality indicator (CQI) report, based at least in part on the BLER target (block <NUM>). For example, the base station (e.g., using controller/processor <NUM> and/or the like) may determine a reporting timeline, associated with reporting a CQI report, based at least in part on the BLER target, as described above in connection with <FIG>.

As further shown in <FIG>, in some aspects, process <NUM> may include monitoring for the CQI report according to the reporting timeline (block <NUM>). For example, the base station (e.g., using antenna <NUM>, DEMOD <NUM>, MIMO detector <NUM>, receive processor <NUM>, controller/processor <NUM>, and/or the like) may monitor for the CQI report according to the reporting timeline, as described above in connection with <FIG>.

In a first aspect, the reporting timeline is a longer timeline when the BLER target is lower, or the reporting timeline is a shorter timeline when the BLER target is higher. In a second aspect alone or in combination with the first aspect, the reporting timeline is determined based at least in part on a table, stored in memory of the base station, that indicates a mapping between a plurality of BLER targets and a corresponding plurality of reporting timelines.

In a third aspect alone or in combination with any of the first through second aspects, the base station may determine at least one of a transmission power or a resource allocation pattern for transmission of channel state information reference signals (CSI-RS) based at least in part on the BLER target; and may transmit the CSI-RS using at least one of the transmission power or the resource allocation pattern, wherein the CQI report is received based at least in part on transmitting the CSI-RS. In a fourth aspect alone or in combination with any of the first through third aspects, the base station may determine a number of bits to be used to indicate a CQI index based at least in part on the BLER target; may receive the CQI index in the CQI report; and may decode the CQI index based at least in part on the determined number of bits.

Even though particular combinations of features are recited in the claims and/or disclosed in the specification, these combinations are not intended to limit the disclosure of possible aspects. Although each dependent claim listed below may directly depend on only one claim, the disclosure of possible aspects includes each dependent claim in combination with every other claim in the claim set.

Claim 1:
A method of wireless communication (<NUM>) performed by a user equipment, UE, comprising:
determining (<NUM>) a block error rate, BLER, target for communications associated with the UE;
determining (<NUM>) a resource allocation pattern for transmission of channel state information reference signals, CSI-RS, based at least in part on the BLER target, wherein the resource allocation pattern indicates a number of the CSI-RS to be transmitted; and
monitoring (<NUM>) one or more resources, indicated by the resource allocation pattern, for the CSI-RS.