Patent Description:
<CIT> relates to control signaling in wireless communication and more specifically still to uplink control signaling.

The detailed description is related to a new low cost mode and coding scheme for wireless communication, such as fifth generation wireless new radio (<NUM> NR) systems. The low cost mode may be enabled for low power and low cost communications and uses non-coherent encoding and decoding to generate a new non-coherent waveform for wireless communication. Conventionally, wireless networks, such as <NUM> and <NUM> NR, utilize coherent encoding and decoding schemes (e.g., non-differential coding schemes) to provide robust protection against interference and errors. Additionally, reference signals are employed to further increase reliability. For example, channel state information (CSI), demodulation reference signals (DMRS), and tracking reference signal (TRS) pilot signals may be used during the encoding and/or decoding process. As an illustrative, non-limiting illustration, a CSI reference signal (CSI-RS) may be used by a network entity (e.g., base station) to generate a coherent transmission, and the network entity transmits the CSI-RS to a user equipment (UE). The UE may estimate channel characteristics based on the CSI-RS and report the channel characteristics to the network entity. However, such coherent encoding and decoding schemes utilize significant power and processing resources, as compared to the disclosed non-coherent coding schemes. Additionally, such coherent encoding and decoding schemes are susceptible to the Doppler effect. Thus, conventional signals may degrade and/or not adapt well to mobile devices, as the movement of the mobile device will cause Doppler spread which may impact decoding.

The described techniques relate to improved methods, systems, devices, and apparatuses that support non-coherent encoding and decoding for network devices. For example, non-coherent encoding and decoding may be used as an alternative mode and waveform for reduced power operation and/or reduced processing operation. As an example, in <NUM> NR, a non-coherent operating mode or modes may enable reduced power operation, concurrent operations (e.g., wireless communication and other processing), and/or high mobility operations. Non-coherent encoding and decoding may include or correspond to differential encoding and decoding. In some implementations, non-coherent encoding and decoding is performed independent of CSI. Additionally, or alternatively, non-coherent encoding and decoding includes encoding data for a particular symbol based one or more adjacent symbols. To illustrate, a symbol may be multiplied by a conjugate of an adjacent symbol to encode data in a particular implementation. Such non-coherent encoding and decoding may enable enhanced operation and flexibility in wireless communication, such as <NUM> NR. Accordingly, such techniques may increase device performance, reduce device cost, and increase reliability of data sessions and voice calls.

This disclosure relates generally to providing or participating in communication as between two or more wireless devices in one or more wireless communications systems, also referred to as wireless communications networks. In various embodiments, the techniques and apparatus may be used for wireless communication networks such as code division multiple access (CDMA) networks, time division multiple access (TDMA) networks, frequency division multiple access (FDMA) networks, orthogonal FDMA (OFDMA) networks, single-carrier FDMA (SC-FDMA) networks, LTE networks, GSM networks, <NUM>th Generation (<NUM>) or new radio (NR) networks (sometimes referred to as "<NUM> NR" networks/systems/devices), as well as other communications networks. As described herein, the terms "networks" and "systems" may be used interchangeably.

A TDMA network may, for example implement a radio technology such as GSM. 3GPP defines standards for the GSM EDGE (enhanced data rates for GSM evolution) radio access network (RAN), also denoted as GERAN. GERAN is the radio component of GSM/EDGE, together with the network that joins the base stations (for example, the Ater and Abis interfaces) and the base station controllers (A interfaces, etc.). The radio access network represents a component of a GSM network, through which phone calls and packet data are routed from and to the public switched telephone network (PSTN) and Internet to and from subscriber handsets, also known as user terminals or user equipments (UEs). A mobile phone operator's network may comprise one or more GERANs, which may be coupled with Universal Terrestrial Radio Access Networks (UTRANs) in the case of a UMTS/GSM network. An operator network may also include one or more LTE networks, and/or one or more other networks. The various different network types may use different radio access technologies (RATs) and radio access networks (RANs).

An OFDMA network may implement a radio technology such as evolved UTRA (E-UTRA), Institute of Electrical and Electronic Engineers (IEEE) <NUM>, IEEE <NUM>, IEEE <NUM>, flash-OFDM and the like.

<NUM> networks contemplate diverse deployments, diverse spectrum, and diverse services and devices that may be implemented using an OFDM-based unified, air interface. To achieve these goals, further enhancements to LTE and LTE-A are considered in addition to development of the new radio technology for <NUM> NR networks. The <NUM> NR will be capable of scaling to provide coverage (<NUM>) to a massive Internet of things (IoTs) with an ultra-high density (e.g., ~<NUM> nodes/km<NUM>), ultra-low complexity (e.g., ~<NUM> of bits/sec), ultra-low energy (e.g., ~<NUM>+ years of battery life), and deep coverage with the capability to reach challenging locations; (<NUM>) including mission-critical control with strong security to safeguard sensitive personal, financial, or classified information, ultra-high reliability (e.g., ~<NUM>% reliability), ultra-low latency (e.g., ~ <NUM>), and users with wide ranges of mobility or lack thereof; and (<NUM>) with enhanced mobile broadband including extreme high capacity (e.g., ~ <NUM> Tbps/km<NUM>), extreme data rates (e.g., multi-Gbps rate, <NUM>+ Mbps user experienced rates), and deep awareness with advanced discovery and optimizations.

<NUM> NR devices, networks, and systems may be implemented to use optimized OFDM-based waveform features. These features may include scalable numerology and transmission time intervals (TTIs); a common, flexible framework to efficiently multiplex services and features with a dynamic, low-latency time division duplex (TDD)/frequency division duplex (FDD) design; and advanced wireless technologies, such as massive multiple input, multiple output (MIMO), robust millimeter wave (mmWave) transmissions, advanced channel coding, and device-centric mobility. Scalability of the numerology in <NUM> NR, with scaling of subcarrier spacing, may efficiently address operating diverse services across diverse spectrum and diverse deployments. For example, in various outdoor and macro coverage deployments of less than <NUM> FDD/TDD implementations, subcarrier spacing may occur with <NUM>, for example over <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, and the like bandwidth. For other various outdoor and small cell coverage deployments of TDD greater than <NUM>, subcarrier spacing may occur with <NUM> over <NUM>/<NUM> bandwidth. For other various indoor wideband implementations, using a TDD over the unlicensed portion of the <NUM> band, the subcarrier spacing may occur with <NUM> over a <NUM> bandwidth. Finally, for various deployments transmitting with mmWave components at a TDD of <NUM>, subcarrier spacing may occur with <NUM> over a <NUM> bandwidth.

The scalable numerology of <NUM> NR facilitates scalable transmission time interval (TTI) for diverse latency and quality of service (QoS) requirements.

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

Moreover, it should be understood that, in operation, wireless communication networks adapted according to the concepts herein may operate with any combination of licensed or unlicensed spectrum depending on loading and availability. Accordingly, it will be apparent to one of skill in the art that the systems, apparatus and methods described herein may be applied to other communications systems and applications than the particular examples provided.

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

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

Wireless network <NUM> illustrated in <FIG> includes a number of base stations <NUM> and other network entities. A base station may be a station that communicates with the UEs and may also be referred to as an evolved node B (eNB), a next generation eNB (gNB), an access point, and the like. Each base station <NUM> may provide communication coverage for a particular geographic area. In 3GPP, the term "cell" can refer to this particular geographic coverage area of a base station and/or a base station subsystem serving the coverage area, depending on the context in which the term is used. In implementations of wireless network <NUM> herein, base stations <NUM> may be associated with a same operator or different operators (e.g., wireless network <NUM> may comprise a plurality of operator wireless networks), and may provide wireless communications using one or more of the same frequencies (e.g., one or more frequency bands in licensed spectrum, unlicensed spectrum, or a combination thereof) as a neighboring cell. In some examples, an individual base station <NUM> or UE <NUM> may be operated by more than one network operating entity. In other examples, each base station <NUM> and UE <NUM> may be operated by a single network operating entity.

A base station may provide communication coverage for a macro cell or a small cell, such as a pico cell or a femto cell, and/or other types of cell. A base station for a macro cell may be referred to as a macro base station. A base station for a small cell may be referred to as a small cell base station, a pico base station, a femto base station or a home base station. In the example shown in <FIG>, base stations 105d and 105e are regular macro base stations, while base stations 105a-105c are macro base stations enabled with one of <NUM> dimension (3D), full dimension (FD), or massive MIMO. Base stations 105a-105c take advantage of their higher dimension MIMO capabilities to exploit 3D beamforming in both elevation and azimuth beamforming to increase coverage and capacity. Base station 105f is a small cell base station which may be a home node or portable access point. A base station may support one or multiple (e.g., two, three, four, and the like) cells.

Wireless network <NUM> may support synchronous or asynchronous operation. In some scenarios, networks may be enabled or configured to handle dynamic switching between synchronous or asynchronous operations.

UEs <NUM> are dispersed throughout the wireless network <NUM>, and each UE may be stationary or mobile. It should be appreciated that, although a mobile apparatus is commonly referred to as user equipment (UE) in standards and specifications promulgated by the 3rd Generation Partnership Project (3GPP), such apparatus may also be referred to by those skilled in the art as a mobile station (MS), a subscriber station, a mobile unit, a subscriber unit, a wireless unit, a remote unit, a mobile device, a wireless device, a wireless communications device, a remote device, a mobile subscriber station, an access terminal (AT), a mobile terminal, a wireless terminal, a remote terminal, a handset, a terminal, a user agent, a mobile client, a client, or some other suitable terminology. Within the present document, a "mobile" apparatus or UE need not necessarily have a capability to move, and may be stationary. Some non-limiting examples of a mobile apparatus, such as may comprise embodiments of one or more of UEs <NUM>, include a mobile, a cellular (cell) phone, a smart phone, a session initiation protocol (SIP) phone, a wireless local loop (WLL) station, a laptop, a personal computer (PC), a notebook, a netbook, a smart book, a tablet, and a personal digital assistant (PDA). A mobile apparatus may additionally be an "Internet of things" (IoT) or "Internet of everything" (IoE) device such as an automotive or other transportation vehicle, a satellite radio, a global positioning system (GPS) device, a logistics controller, a drone, a multi-copter, a quad-copter, a smart energy or security device, a solar panel or solar array, municipal lighting, water, or other infrastructure; industrial automation and enterprise devices; consumer and wearable devices, such as eyewear, a wearable camera, a smart watch, a health or fitness tracker, a mammal implantable device, gesture tracking device, medical device, a digital audio player (e.g., MP3 player), a camera, a game console, etc.; and digital home or smart home devices such as a home audio, video, and multimedia device, an appliance, a sensor, a vending machine, intelligent lighting, a home security system, a smart meter, etc. In one aspect, a UE may be a device that includes a Universal Integrated Circuit Card (UICC). In another aspect, a UE may be a device that does not include a UICC. In some aspects, UEs that do not include UICCs may also be referred to as IoE devices. UEs 115a-115d of the embodiment illustrated in <FIG> are examples of mobile smart phone-type devices accessing wireless network <NUM> A UE may also be a machine specifically configured for connected communication, including machine type communication (MTC), enhanced MTC (eMTC), narrowband IoT (NB-IoT) and the like. UEs 115e-<NUM> illustrated in <FIG> are examples of various machines configured for communication that access wireless network <NUM>.

A mobile apparatus, such as UEs <NUM>, may be able to communicate with any type of the base stations, whether macro base stations, pico base stations, femto base stations, relays, and the like. In <FIG>, a lightning bolt (e.g., communication link) indicates wireless transmissions between a UE and a serving base station, which is a base station designated to serve the UE on the downlink and/or uplink, or desired transmission between base stations, and backhaul transmissions between base stations. Backhaul communication between base stations of wireless network <NUM> may occur using wired and/or wireless communication links.

In operation at wireless network <NUM>, base stations 105a-105c serve UEs 115a and 115b using 3D beamforming and coordinated spatial techniques, such as coordinated multipoint (CoMP) or multi-connectivity. Macro base station 105d performs backhaul communications with base stations 105a-105c, as well as small cell, base station 105f. Macro base station 105d also transmits multicast services which are subscribed to and received by UEs 115c and 115d.

Wireless network <NUM> of embodiments supports mission critical communications with ultra-reliable and redundant links for mission critical devices, such UE 115e, which is a drone. Redundant communication links with UE 115e include from macro base stations 105d and 105e, as well as small cell base station 105f. Other machine type devices, such as UE 115f (thermometer), UE <NUM> (smart meter), and UE <NUM> (wearable device) may communicate through wireless network <NUM> either directly with base stations, such as small cell base station 105f, and macro base station 105e, or in multi-hop configurations by communicating with another user device which relays its information to the network, such as UE 115f communicating temperature measurement information to the smart meter, UE <NUM>, which is then reported to the network through small cell base station 105f. Wireless network <NUM> may also provide additional network efficiency through dynamic, low-latency TDD/FDD communications, such as in a vehicle-to-vehicle (V2V) mesh network between UEs 115i-<NUM> communicating with macro base station 105e.

<FIG> shows a block diagram of a design of a base station <NUM> and a UE <NUM>, which may be any of the base stations and one of the UEs in <FIG>. For a restricted association scenario (as mentioned above), base station <NUM> may be small cell base station 105f in <FIG>, and UE <NUM> may be UE 115c or 115D operating in a service area of base station 105f, which in order to access small cell base station 105f, would be included in a list of accessible UEs for small cell base station 105f. Base station <NUM> may also be a base station of some other type. As shown in <FIG>, base station <NUM> may be equipped with antennas 234a through 234t, and UE <NUM> may be equipped with antennas 252a through 252r for facilitating wireless communications.

At the base station <NUM>, a transmit processor <NUM> may receive data from a data source <NUM> and control information from a controller/processor <NUM>. The control information may be for the physical broadcast channel (PBCH), physical control format indicator channel (PCFICH), physical hybrid-ARQ (automatic repeat request) indicator channel (PHICH), physical downlink control channel (PDCCH), enhanced physical downlink control channel (EPDCCH), MTC physical downlink control channel (MPDCCH), etc. The data may be for the PDSCH, etc. The transmit processor <NUM> may process (e.g., encode and symbol map) the data and control information to obtain data symbols and control symbols, respectively. The transmit processor <NUM> may also generate reference symbols, e.g., for the primary synchronization signal (PSS) and secondary synchronization signal (SSS), and cell-specific reference signal. Transmit (TX) multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO) processor <NUM> may perform spatial processing (e.g., precoding) on the data symbols, the control symbols, and/or the reference symbols, if applicable, and may provide output symbol streams to modulators (MODs) 232a through 232t. Each modulator <NUM> may additionally or alternatively process (e.g., convert to analog, amplify, filter, and upconvert) the output sample stream to obtain a downlink signal. Downlink signals from modulators 232a through 232t may be transmitted via the antennas 234a through 234t, respectively.

At the UE <NUM>, the antennas 252a through 252r may receive the downlink signals from the base station <NUM> and may provide received signals to the demodulators (DEMODs) 254a through 254r, respectively. MIMO detector <NUM> may obtain received symbols from demodulators 254a through 254r, perform MIMO detection on the received symbols if applicable, and provide detected symbols. Receive processor <NUM> may process (e.g., demodulate, deinterleave, and decode) the detected symbols, provide decoded data for the UE <NUM> to a data sink <NUM>, and provide decoded control information to a controller/processor <NUM>.

On the uplink, at the UE <NUM>, a transmit processor <NUM> may receive and process data (e.g., for the physical uplink shared channel (PUSCH)) from a data source <NUM> and control information (e.g., for the physical uplink control channel (PUCCH)) from the controller/processor <NUM>. Transmit processor <NUM> may also generate reference symbols for a reference signal. The symbols from the transmit processor <NUM> may be precoded by TX MIMO processor <NUM> if applicable, further processed by the modulators 254a through 254r (e.g., for SC-FDM, etc.), and transmitted to the base station <NUM>. At base station <NUM>, the uplink signals from UE <NUM> may be received by antennas <NUM>, processed by demodulators <NUM>, detected by MIMO detector <NUM> if applicable, and further processed by receive processor <NUM> to obtain decoded data and control information sent by UE <NUM>. Processor <NUM> may provide the decoded data to data sink <NUM> and the decoded control information to controller/processor <NUM>.

Controllers/processors <NUM> and <NUM> may direct the operation at base station <NUM> and UE <NUM>, respectively. Controller/processor <NUM> and/or other processors and modules at base station <NUM> and/or controller/processor <NUM> and/or other processors and modules at UE <NUM> may perform or direct the execution of various processes for the techniques described herein, such as to perform or direct the execution illustrated in <FIG>, and/or other processes for the techniques described herein. Memories <NUM> and <NUM> may store data and program codes for base station <NUM> and UE <NUM>, respectively. Scheduler <NUM> may schedule UEs for data transmission on the downlink and/or uplink.

In some cases, UE <NUM> and base station <NUM> may operate in a shared radio frequency spectrum band, which may include licensed or unlicensed (e.g., contention-based) frequency spectrum. In an unlicensed frequency portion of the shared radio frequency spectrum band, UEs <NUM> or base stations <NUM> may traditionally perform a medium-sensing procedure to contend for access to the frequency spectrum. For example, UE <NUM> or base station <NUM> may perform a listen before talk (LBT) procedure such as a clear channel assessment (CCA) prior to communicating in order to determine whether the shared channel is available. A CCA may include an energy detection procedure to determine whether there are any other active transmissions. For example, a device may infer that a change in a received signal strength indicator (RSSI) of a power meter indicates that a channel is occupied. Specifically, signal power that is concentrated in a certain bandwidth and exceeds a predetermined noise floor may indicate another wireless transmitter. A CCA also may include detection of specific sequences that indicate use of the channel. For example, another device may transmit a specific preamble prior to transmitting a data sequence. In some cases, an LBT procedure may include a wireless node adjusting its own backoff window based on the amount of energy detected on a channel and/or the acknowledge/negative-acknowledge (ACK/NACK) feedback for its own transmitted packets as a proxy for collisions.

Conventional encoding and decoding for <NUM>, including NR, utilizes coherent decoding. Conventional coherent encoding and decoding, such as coherent phase shift keying (CPSK), requires a complicated demodulator, because the demodulator extracts a reference wave from a received signal and keeps track of it, i.e., compares each sample to it.

Phase-shift keying (PSK) is a digital modulation process which conveys data by changing (modulating) the phase of a constant frequency reference signal (the carrier wave). The modulation is accomplished by varying the sine and cosine inputs at a precise time. It is widely used for wireless LANs, radio-frequency identification (RFID) and Bluetooth communication. Any digital modulation scheme uses a finite number of distinct signals to represent digital data. PSK uses a finite number of phases, each assigned a unique pattern of binary digits. Usually, each phase encodes an equal number of bits. Each pattern of bits forms the symbol that is represented by the particular phase. The demodulator, which is designed specifically for the symbol-set used by the modulator, determines the phase of the received signal and maps it back to the symbol it represents, thus recovering the original data. This requires the receiver to be able to compare the phase of the received signal to a reference signal - such a system is termed coherent (and specifically to as CPSK).

Alternatively, in non-coherent encoding and decoding a difference between two successive symbols may be used. For example, in differential phase-shift keying (DPSK), a phase shift of each symbol sent can be measured with respect to a phase of a previous symbol sent. The symbols are encoded in a difference in phase between successive samples. DPSK can be significantly simpler to implement than ordinary coherent PSK, as it is a 'non-coherent' scheme, i.e. there is no need for the demodulator to keep track of a reference wave.

Conventionally, the trade-off for reduced power and processing between coherent and non-coherent coding was increased demodulation errors for coherent. However, it has been found that demodulation errors in non-coherent encoding decrease as the signal speed increases, from the increase in frequency of the signal. Thus, for <NUM> NR where the signal speed is higher, non-coherent encoding produces better performance and its congenitally known drawback begins to drop off or alleviate. To illustrate, non-coherent encoding and decoding produces less demodulation errors for high-speed waves. For example, a block error rate (BLER) for non-coherent coding is less than a BLER for coherent coding at signal speeds of <NUM> kilometers an hour (kmh).

Systems and methods described herein are directed to non-coherent encoding and decoding for network devices. For example, non-coherent encoding and decoding may be used as an alternative mode for reduced power operation and/or reduced processing operation. As an example, in <NUM> NR, non-coherent operating modes may enable reduced power operation, concurrent operations (e.g., wireless communication and other processing), and/or high mobility operations. Non-coherent encoding and decoding may include or correspond to differential encoding and decoding. In some implementations, non-coherent encoding and decoding is performed independent of CSI. Additionally, or alternatively, non-coherent encoding and decoding includes encoding data for a particular symbol based one or more adjacent symbols. To illustrate, a symbol may be multiplied by a conjugate of an adjacent symbol to encode data in a particular implementation. Non-coherent encoding and decoding can be performed on a waveform, e.g., an orthogonal frequency-division multiplexing (OFDM) waveform. Such non-coherent encoding and decoding may enable enhanced operation and flexibility in wireless communication, such as <NUM> NR. Accordingly, such systems and methods may increase device performance, reduce device cost, and increase reliability of data sessions and voice calls.

<FIG> illustrates an example of a wireless communications system <NUM> that supports non-coherent transmissions, non-coherent encoding and decoding, in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure. In some examples, wireless communications system <NUM> may implement aspects of wireless communication system <NUM>. For example, wireless communications system <NUM> may include UE <NUM> and network entity <NUM>. Non-coherent transmissions may enable improved network performance and non-coherent encoding and decoding may enable improved device performance. For example, non-coherent transmissions may enable fewer dropped calls and increased reliability, and non-coherent encoding may enable power savings and reduced costs.

Network entity <NUM> and UE <NUM> may be configured to communicate via frequency bands, such as FR1 having a frequency of <NUM> to <NUM> or FR2 having a frequency of <NUM> to <NUM> for mm-Wave. It is noted that sub-carrier spacing (SCS) may be equal to <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, or <NUM> for some data channels. Network entity <NUM> and UE <NUM> may be configured to communicate via one or more component carriers (CCs), such as representative first CC <NUM>, second CC <NUM>, third CC <NUM>, and fourth CC <NUM>. Although four CCs are shown, this is for illustration only, more or fewer than four CCs may be used. One or more CCs may be used to communicate control channel transmissions, data channel transmissions, and/or sidelink channel transmissions.

For example, control channel transmissions <NUM> and data channel transmissions <NUM> may be transmitted between UE <NUM> and network entity <NUM>. Such transmissions may include a Physical Downlink Control Channel (PDCCH), a Physical Downlink Shared Channel (PDSCH), a Physical Uplink Control Channel (PUCCH), or a Physical Uplink Shared Channel (PUSCH). Optionally, sidelink channel transmissions <NUM> may be transmitted between UE <NUM> and network entity <NUM> or between UE <NUM> and another network device (e.g., another UE). Such sidelink channel transmissions may include a Physical Sidelink Control Channel (PSCCH), a Physical Sidelink Shared Channel (PSSCH), or a Physical Sidelink Feedback Channel (PSFCH). The above transmissions may be scheduled by aperiodic grants and/or periodic grants.

Each periodic grant may have a corresponding configuration, such as configuration parameters/settings. The periodic grant configuration may include configured grant (CG) configurations and settings. Additionally, or alternatively, one or more periodic grants (e.g., CGs thereof) may have or be assigned to a CC ID, such as intended CC ID.

Each CC may have a corresponding configuration, such as configuration parameters/settings. The configuration may include bandwidth, bandwidth part, hybrid automatic repeat request (HARQ) process, transmission configuration indicator (TCI) state, reference signal (RS), control channel resources, data channel resources, or a combination thereof. Additionally, or alternatively, one or more CCs may have or be assigned to a Cell ID, a Bandwidth Part (BWP) ID, or both. The Cell ID may include a unique cell ID for the CC, a virtual Cell ID, or a particular Cell ID of a particular CC of the plurality of CCs. Additionally, or alternatively, one or more CCs may have or be assigned to a HARQ ID. Each CC may also have corresponding management functionalities, such as, beam management, BWP switching functionality, or both. In some implementations, two or more CCs are quasi co-located, such that the CCs have the same beam and/or same symbol.

In some implementations, control information may be communicated via network entity <NUM> and UE <NUM>. For example, the control information may be communicated suing MAC-CE transmissions, radio resource control (RRC) transmissions, DCI, transmissions, another transmission, or a combination thereof.

UE <NUM> includes processor <NUM>, memory <NUM>, transmitter <NUM>, receiver <NUM>, encoder, <NUM>, decoder <NUM>, non-coherent encoder <NUM>, non-coherent decoder <NUM>, and antennas 252a-r. Processor <NUM> may be configured to execute instructions stored at memory <NUM> to perform the operations described herein. In some implementations, processor <NUM> includes or corresponds to controller/processor <NUM>, and memory <NUM> includes or corresponds to memory <NUM>. Memory <NUM> may also be configured to store data <NUM>, non-coherently encoded data <NUM>, non-coherent coding settings data <NUM>, thresholds <NUM>, or a combination thereof, as further described herein.

The data <NUM> includes or corresponds to data unencoded data or decoded data. The non-coherently encoded data <NUM> includes or corresponds to data that has been non-coherently encoded, such as differentially encoded and/or encoded independent of CSI. The non-coherent coding settings data <NUM> may include or correspond to data associated with encoding and/or decoding data. For example, non-coherent coding settings data <NUM> may include or indicate a non-coherent coding mode, a non-coherent coding parameter, a non-coherent coding algorithm, etc. To illustrate, the non-coherent coding mode may indicate a single layer mode, multiple layer mode, M-ary phase shift-keying (MPSK), amplitude and phase shift-keying (APSK), transmission only, reception only, both transmission and reception, etc. The non-coherent coding parameter may indicate a number of layers or a level of MPSK/APSK, such as <NUM> or <NUM>. As another illustration, the non-coherent coding algorithm may specify which algorithm to use. Such settings may be pre-set and/or RRC configurable. The thresholds <NUM> may include or correspond to thresholds for determining when to perform non-coherent coding, which non-coherent coding mode to select, what non-coherent coding parameter to use, etc..

Transmitter <NUM> is configured to transmit data to one or more other devices, and receiver <NUM> is configured to receive data from one or more other devices. For example, transmitter <NUM> may transmit data, and receiver <NUM> may receive data, via a network, such as a wired network, a wireless network, or a combination thereof. For example, UE <NUM> may be configured to transmit and/or receive data via a direct device-to-device connection, a local area network (LAN), a wide area network (WAN), a modem-to-modem connection, the Internet, intranet, extranet, cable transmission system, cellular communication network, any combination of the above, or any other communications network now known or later developed within which permits two or more electronic devices to communicate. In some implementations, transmitter <NUM> and receiver <NUM> may be replaced with a transceiver. Additionally, or alternatively, transmitter <NUM>, receiver, <NUM>, or both may include or correspond to one or more components of UE <NUM> described with reference to <FIG>.

Encoder <NUM> and decoder <NUM> may be configured to encode and decode data for transmissions, such as coherently encode and decode data. Non-coherent encoder <NUM> may be configured to non-coherently encode data for transmissions. For example, the non-coherent encoder <NUM> is configured to differentially encode data independent of CSI to generate encoded data for a transmission. The non-coherent encoder <NUM> may perform one or more operations described with reference to <FIG>. Non-coherent decoder <NUM> may be configured to non-coherently decode data from transmissions. For example, non-coherent decoder <NUM> is configured to non-coherently decode data from transmissions.

Network entity <NUM> includes processor <NUM>, memory <NUM>, transmitter <NUM>, receiver <NUM>, encoder <NUM>, decoder <NUM>, non-coherent encoder <NUM>, non-coherent decoder <NUM>, and antennas 234a-t. Processor <NUM> may be configured to execute instructions stores at memory <NUM> to perform the operations described herein. In some implementations, processor <NUM> includes or corresponds to controller/processor <NUM>, and memory <NUM> includes or corresponds to memory <NUM>. Memory <NUM> may be configured to store data <NUM>, non-coherent encoded data <NUM>, non-coherent coding settings data <NUM>, thresholds <NUM>, or a combination thereof, similar to the UE <NUM> and as further described herein.

Transmitter <NUM> is configured to transmit data to one or more other devices, and receiver <NUM> is configured to receive data from one or more other devices. For example, transmitter <NUM> may transmit data, and receiver <NUM> may receive data, via a network, such as a wired network, a wireless network, or a combination thereof. For example, network entity <NUM> may be configured to transmit and/or receive data via a direct device-to-device connection, a local area network (LAN), a wide area network (WAN), a modem-to-modem connection, the Internet, intranet, extranet, cable transmission system, cellular communication network, any combination of the above, or any other communications network now known or later developed within which permits two or more electronic devices to communicate. In some implementations, transmitter <NUM> and receiver <NUM> may be replaced with a transceiver. Additionally, or alternatively, transmitter <NUM>, receiver, <NUM>, or both may include or correspond to one or more components of network entity <NUM> described with reference to <FIG>. Encoder <NUM>, decoder <NUM>, non-coherent encoder <NUM>, and non-coherent decoder <NUM> may include the same functionality as described with reference to encoder <NUM>, decoder <NUM>, non-coherent encoder <NUM>, and non-coherent decoder <NUM>, respectively.

During operation of wireless communications system <NUM>, network entity <NUM> may determine that UE <NUM> has non-coherent coding capability. For example, UE <NUM> may transmit a message <NUM> that includes a non-coherent coding indicator <NUM>. Indicator <NUM> may indicate non-coherent coding capability or a particular type of non-coherent coding, such as <NUM>-MPSK. In some implementations, network entity <NUM> sends control information to indicate to UE <NUM> that non-coherent coding is to be used. For example, in some implementations, message <NUM> (or another message, such as configuration transmission <NUM>) is transmitted by the network entity <NUM>. The configuration transmission <NUM> may include or indicate to use non-coherent coding or to adjust or implement a setting of non-coherent coding, such as a particular mode of non-coherent coding.

During operation, devices of wireless communications system <NUM>, transmit control, data, and/or sidelink channel transmissions to other devices of wireless communications system <NUM>. For example, UE <NUM> and a base station (e.g., <NUM>) may transmit control and data information on control and data channels. One or more of the transmissions may include quality indicators, such as control channel quality indicators and/or data channel quality indicators. The quality indicators may be monitored by UE <NUM> and/or stored.

In some implementations, UE <NUM> and network entity <NUM> initiate a data session, such as a voice call. The data session may be setup using control and/or data channel transmissions. During setup of the data session or upon joining the network, non-coherent coding information may be transmitted or determined. For example, the network entity <NUM> may transmit information indicating a particular non-coherent coding mode, and/or may transmit information indicating a particular non-coherent coding setting or parameter used by the network entity <NUM>. As another example, the non-coherent coding may be determined based on channel quality data, device mobility, transmission frequency, battery level, etc., or a combination thereof.

After the UE <NUM> or network entity <NUM> determine to use non-coherent coding, one or more devices may begin to perform non-coherent coding operations to encode and/or decode data. For example, the UE <NUM> may map a first resource element to a stored value. Additionally, or alternatively, the UE <NUM> may multiply two adjacent symbols for a particular resource element to generate a product, and may map the particular resource element to the product of the multiplication of the two adjacent symbols. In one implementation, a particular symbol is multiplied by a conjugate of an adjacent symbol. Additional coding details are described with reference to <FIG> and <FIG>.

UE <NUM> and network entity <NUM> may continue to perform non-coherent coding operations until the end of the data session, a particular condition is satisfied, or until a change in a channel parameter or a UE parameter is determined, such as a change in channel quality data, device mobility, transmission frequency, device mobility, device battery level, etc., or a combination thereof.

Thus, <FIG> describes non-coherent encoding and decoding operations. When non-coherent encoding is performed on a waveform, e.g., an OFDM waveform, the non-coherently encoded waveform may be referred to as a non-coherent waveform. Using non-coherent waveforms to transmit data may enable improved device and network performance. Using non-coherent waveforms to transmit data enables a network to reduce overhead and latency and improve reliability.

<FIG> illustrates an example of a non-coherent encoder that supports non-coherent encoding in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure. In some examples, non-coherent encoder may implement aspects of wireless communication system <NUM> or <NUM>. For example, non-coherent encoder (e.g., Non-Coherent Encoder <NUM>, <NUM>) may be included in UE <NUM> and/or network entity <NUM>. Non-coherent encoding and using non-coherent waveforms to transmit data may enable fewer dropped calls and increased reliability.

<FIG> illustrates a particular encoding flow for multi-level coding (MLC) or multilayer coding. In single level coding, set partitioning may not be utilized. Additionally, a channel coder (encoder) may not be used and/or may not code multiple bits streams into multiple separate channels Bits of data may be directly mapped to a symbol. Additionally, <FIG> illustrates an encoding flow for M-PSK (e.g., M-PSK mapping). In other implementations, other type of differential on or non-differential coding schemes may be used for bit to symbol mapping. For example, other phase shift keying coding may be used, such as A-PSK, to map bits to a symbol.

Performing the non-coherent encoding operation may include multiplying two adjacent symbols (e.g., adjacent in time, frequency, or both) for a particular resource element to generate a product, and mapping the particular resource element to the product of the multiplication of the two adjacent symbols. Additionally, or alternatively, performing the non-coherent encoding operation may include mapping a first resource element to a stored value. For example, first bits (e.g., top center bits, <NUM>) may be mapped to a set or configurable value (e.g., <NUM> or <NUM>).

The non-coherent encoding operation includes performing, at <NUM>, set partitioning of information bits of the first data to generate multiple bit streams (e.g., Ck,<NUM> and Ck,<NUM>). For example, a plurality of bits corresponding to data and/or a transmission may be divided or split into segment of N number of bits based on encoding parameters (e.g., settings). The segments may correspond to separate bits streams (e.g., Ck,<NUM> and Ck,<NUM>) that are to be non-coherently encoded.

The non-coherent encoding operation also includes performing, at <NUM>, channel coding on each bit stream of the multiple bit streams (e.g., separately) to generate channel coded bits (e.g., Sk,<NUM> and Sk,<NUM>). For example, channel encoding is performed on each bit stream (e.g., Ck,<NUM> and Ck,<NUM>) to generate corresponding channel coded bits (e.g., Sk,<NUM> and Sk,<NUM>).

The non-coherent encoding operation includes performing, at <NUM>, bits to symbol mapping on the channel coded bits to generate symbols (e.g., Sk). For example, phase shift keying symbol mapping is performed on the sets of channel coded bits (e.g., Sk,<NUM> and Sk,<NUM>) to generate a corresponding symbol (e.g., Sk). To illustrate, multiple sets of channel coded bits (e.g., Sk,<NUM> and Sk,<NUM>) may be mapped to one symbol (e.g., Sk).

The non-coherent encoding operation also includes performing, at <NUM>, differential encoding on the symbols to generate differentially encoded symbols (e.g., Xk). For example, a symbol may be differentially encoded to generate a corresponding differentially encoded symbol. Differential encoding may include multiplying two adjacent symbols to generate a differentially encoded symbol (Xk = Sk * Xk-<NUM>), as illustrated in <FIG>. As an illustrative, non-limiting example, channel bits of a resource element (RE) are (<NUM>,<NUM>,<NUM>). Then the symbol <NUM> (e.g., Sk) will be selected for the channel bits and the resource element. The symbol <NUM> (which is represented by the particular phase, frequency and/or amplitude of a point on a constellation map, such as in <FIG>) is then multiplied by a conjugate (e.g., symbol/signal conjugate) of an adjacent symbol (e.g., a symbol for an adjacent or next RE / set of bits) to generate a corresponding differentially encoded symbol (e.g., Xk). To illustrate, the symbol <NUM> and a conjugate of an adjacent symbol (e.g., symbol <NUM>) are multiplied to produce an encoded symbol. The conjugate of an adjacent symbol may be determined by an exponential of a conjugate of phase difference or shift (delta phase or phase <NUM> - phase <NUM>) between adjacent symbols, exp(i*(phase1-phase2)). To illustrate, s1*conj(s2) = e(i*(phase1-phase2)). The differential encoding operation may be performed in the frequency domain, the time domain, or both. The claimed embodiment corresponding to differential encoding in the frequency domain is illustrated in <FIG>, and a detailed example of differential encoding in the time domain is illustrated in <FIG>.

The non-coherent encoding operation further includes performing, at <NUM>, inverse fast Fourier transform (inverse FFT or IFFT) and cyclic prefix (CP) operations (e.g., orthogonal frequency-division multiplexing (OFDM)) on the differentially encoded symbols to generate OFDM symbols. For example, inverse FFT operations calculations may be applied to each encoded symbol to generate a corresponding OFDM symbol. After the inverse FFT operations have been performed, cyclic prefixes may be inserted between OFDM symbols (e.g., before a corresponding OFDM symbol) to generate a transmission.

In some implementations, performing the non-coherent encoding operation includes utilizing resource elements (REs) allocated for demodulation reference signal (DMRS) as data conveying REs to increase a coding gain. Additionally or alternatively, performing the non-coherent encoding operation includes performing the non-coherent encoding operation independent of a demodulation reference signal (DMRS). In addition, performing the non-coherent encoding operation may further include repurposing unused REs for data.

In some implementations, performing the non-coherent encoding operation includes performing the non-coherent encoding operation independent of channel estimation, channel equalization, or both. For example, with respect to channel estimation, encoding may be performed without the aid of reference signals, such as DMRS, TRS, etc. As another example, with respect to channel equalization, distortion caused by or from signal transmission through a channel may not be accounted for during encoding.

<FIG> illustrate examples of <NUM>-PSK signal constellations. In <FIG>, a first example of a signal constellation is illustrated. In <FIG> a second example of a signal constellation is illustrated. <FIG> illustrate examples of bit mapping to <NUM>-PSK modulation. Each signal constellation maps a series of bits (e.g., <NUM>) to a particular amplitude and phase of a symbol (e.g., tone). Although constant amplitude constellation are illustrated in <FIG>, in other implementations non-constant amplitude constellations may be used, such as A-PSK constellations.

<FIG> illustrates an example of non-coherent, frequency domain encoding in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure. The non-coherent, frequency domain encoding of <FIG> illustrates a particular example, 403A, of the non-coherent encoding <NUM> illustrated in <FIG>.

In <FIG>, a single set of REs are shown for a single OFDM symbol, OFDM symbol n. As an illustrative example, five REs (aka symbols) are shown. Greater than five or fewer than five REs may be used in other implementations. For a first RE (X<NUM>), the differential encoding equation of Xk = Sk * Xk-<NUM> from <NUM> of <FIG> produces S<NUM> as the differently encoded first symbol. For the second through fifth REs (X<NUM>-X<NUM>), differential encoding in the frequency domain produces X<NUM>S<NUM>, X<NUM>S<NUM>, X<NUM>S<NUM>, and X<NUM>S<NUM>, respectively.

<FIG> illustrates an example of non-coherent, time domain encoding in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure. The non-coherent, time domain encoding of <FIG> illustrates a particular example, 403B, of the non-coherent encoding <NUM> illustrated in <FIG>.

In <FIG>, two adjacent sets of REs are shown for adjacent OFDM symbols, first REs for a first OFDM symbol (symbol n) and second REs for a second OFDM symbol (symbol n+<NUM>). As an illustrative example, five REs (aka symbols) are shown for each OFDM symbol. Greater than five or fewer than five REs may be used in other implementations. For a first RE (Xn,<NUM>) of the first OFDM symbol, the differential encoding equation of Xk = Sk * Xk-<NUM> from <NUM> of <FIG> produces Sn,<NUM> as the differently encoded first symbol. For the second through fifth REs (X<NUM>-X<NUM>), differential encoding in the time domain produces Sn,<NUM>, Sn,<NUM>, Sn,<NUM>, and Sn,<NUM>, respectively.

For a first RE (Xn+<NUM>,<NUM>) of the second set of REs and for the second OFDM symbol, the differential encoding equation of Xk = Sk * Xk-<NUM> from <FIG> produces Xn,<NUM>Sn+<NUM>,<NUM> as the differently encoded first symbol. For the second through fifth REs (Xn+<NUM>,<NUM>-Xn+<NUM>,<NUM>), differential encoding in the time domain produces Xn,<NUM>Sn+<NUM>,<NUM>, Xn,<NUM>Sn+<NUM>,<NUM>, Xn,<NUM>Sn+<NUM>,<NUM>, and Xn,<NUM>Sn+<NUM>,<NUM>, respectively. Accordingly, the frequency domain encoding of <FIG> encodes data in phase difference between two consecutive resource elements (REs) of a same OFDM symbol, while the time domain encoding of <FIG> encodes data in phase difference between two consecutive resource elements (REs) belonging to two adjacent OFDM symbols.

<FIG> illustrates an example of a non-coherent decoder that supports non-coherent decoding in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure. In some examples, non-coherent decoder may implement aspects of wireless communication system <NUM> or <NUM>. For example, the non-coherent decoder (e.g., Non-Coherent Decoder <NUM>, <NUM>) may be included in UE <NUM> and/or network entity <NUM>. Non-coherent decoding and transmissions using non-coherent waveforms may enable fewer dropped calls and increased reliability.

<FIG> illustrates a particular decoding flow for multi-level coding (MLC) or multilayer coding. In single level coding, a single channel decoder may be used. Additional channel decoders may be used in other implementations, such as <NUM> channel decoders for <NUM> level coding. Additionally, <FIG> illustrates a decoding flow for M-PSK. In other implementations, other type of differential on or non-differential coding schemes may be used. For example, other phase shift keying coding may be used, such as A-PSK.

The non-coherent decoding operation includes removing, at <NUM>, a cyclic prefix from OFDM symbols and performing FFT operations to generate differentially encoded symbols. For example, each encoded OFDM symbol of a plurality of encoded OFDM symbols are processed by a FFT algorithm to generate differentially encoded symbols (Xk) after corresponding cyclic prefixes are removed. Each OFDM symbol (Xk) may be processed to generate a corresponding differentially encoded symbol of the differentially encoded symbols.

The non-coherent decoding operation also includes performing, at <NUM>, differential decoding on the differentially encoded symbols to generate channel encoded bits. For example, each differentially encoded symbol is differentially decoded to generate a corresponding set of encoded bits for a particular channel, that is to generate a corresponding set of channel encoded bits (Sk,<NUM>). To illustrate, the differential decoding may include multiplying a particular differentially encoded symbol (Xk) by a conjugate of a neighbor (adjacent symbol) of the particular differentially encoded symbol, such as conj(Xk-<NUM>) or conj(Xk+<NUM>), to generate a corresponding set of channel encoded bits (Sk,<NUM>). The non-coherent decoding operation is performed in or for the frequency domain as in the claimed embodiment, or may be performed in or for the time domain, or both, and analogous to the frequency domain and the time domain encoding illustrated in <FIG>.

An OFDM symbol may include, indicate, or correspond to a plurality of resource elements (REs). A resource element may be one subcarrier by one symbol period (e.g., symbol). As an illustrative, non-limiting example, an OFDM symbol may have or represent <NUM> REs. Each RE may be mapped to one or more OFDM symbols. In a <NUM> symbol mapping mode, a particular RE is mapped to a corresponding OFDM symbol A RE may be indicated by a RE number (i) and may be denoted by xi. A constellation s for mapping REs to symbols includes elements Sj where j = <NUM> to M. So, each RE can transmit any of the possible M symbols. The symbols sj may be described as sj = aj + i*b. In some implementations, the conjugate multiplication of two adjacent REs is mapped to a symbol. To illustrate, x<NUM> = s<NUM>*conj(s<NUM>), xj = sj*conj(sj-<NUM>). Prior to performing conjugate multiplication based mapping, a particular or first RE may be mapped or set to a reference value. For example, the reference value may have a value from -<NUM> and <NUM>, e.g. -<NUM> ≥ x0 ≤ <NUM>.

The non-coherent decoding operation includes performing, at <NUM>, least significant bit (LSB) channel decoding on the channel encoded bits to generate partially decoded bits. To illustrate, a portion (e.g., one or more bits) of a particular set of channel encoded bits (Sk,<NUM>) may be decoded or mapped to generate corresponding partially decoded bits (e.g., Ck,<NUM> and Sk,<NUM>). For example, if the channel encoded bits have two bits, a last or right most bit may be decoded. As another example, if the channel encoded bits have four bits, a last or right most two bits may be decoded.

The non-coherent decoding operation further includes performing, at <NUM>, most significant bit (MSB) channel decoding on the partially decoded bits to generate decoded bits (e.g., Ck,<NUM>). To illustrate, a portion (e.g., one or more bits) of the partially decoded bits (e.g., Ck,<NUM> and Sk,<NUM>) may be decoded or mapped to generate decoded bits (e.g., Ck,<NUM>). For example, if the partially decoded bits have two bits, a first or left most bit may be decoded. As another example, if the partially decoded bits have four bits, a first or left most two bits may be decoded.

In some implementations, such as MPSK decoding operations, performing the non-coherent decoding operation includes multiplying a resource element with a conjugate of an adjacent (e.g., next or consecutive) resource element to decode the RE. In other implementations, such as A-PSK decoding operations, performing the non-coherent decoding operation includes dividing a resource element by a conjugate of an adjacent resource element to decode the RE. Although multiple layer encoding and decoding are illustrated in <FIG> and <FIG>, in other implementations, the encoding and/or decoding may include a single layer, i.e., single layer encoding/decoding.

<FIG> is a block diagram illustrating example blocks executed by a wireless communication device configured according to an aspect of the present disclosure. The example blocks will also be described with respect to UE <NUM> as illustrated in <FIG>. However, another wireless communication device, such as network entity (e.g., base station <NUM>), may execute such blocks in other implementations. Referring to <FIG> is a block diagram illustrating UE <NUM> configured according to one aspect of the present disclosure. UE <NUM> includes the structure, hardware, and components as illustrated for UE <NUM> of <FIG>. For example, UE <NUM> includes controller/processor <NUM>, which operates to execute logic or computer instructions stored in memory <NUM>, as well as controlling the components of UE <NUM> that provide the features and functionality of UE <NUM>. UE <NUM>, under control of controller/processor <NUM>, transmits and receives signals via wireless radios 800a-r and antennas 252a-r. Wireless radios 800a-r includes various components and hardware, as illustrated in <FIG> for UE <NUM>, including modulator/demodulators 254a-r, MIMO detector <NUM>, receive processor <NUM>, transmit processor <NUM>, and TX MIMO processor <NUM>. As illustrated in the example of <FIG>, memory <NUM> stores Non-Coherent logic <NUM>, mmWave logic <NUM>, Coherent logic <NUM>, Settings <NUM>, Thresholds <NUM>, and Buffer <NUM>.

At block 600A, a mobile communication device, such as a UE, performs a non-coherent encoding operation on first data to generate a first transmission. For example, the UE <NUM> performs a non-coherent encoding operation as described in <FIG> or <FIG>. The non-coherent encoding operation may be performed independent of channel state information (CSI). In some implementations, the first data is encoded in phase difference between two consecutive resource elements (REs) in a frequency domain. For example, a first RE and a second RE, a second RE and a third RE, etc., of a single OFDM symbol are encoded, as described with reference to <FIG> and <FIG>. In other implementations, the first data is encoded in phase difference between two consecutive resource elements (REs) in a time domain belonging to two adjacent OFDM symbols. For example, first REs (e.g., consecutive or adjacent in time) from two different OFDM symbol are encoded, as described with reference to <FIG> and <FIG>. Additionally, the first transmission may correspond to a millimeter wave transmission in some implementations.

The UE <NUM> may execute, under control of controller/processor <NUM>, Non-Coherent logic <NUM>, stored in memory <NUM>. The execution environment of Non-Coherent logic <NUM> provides the functionality for UE <NUM> to define and perform the non-coherent encoding and decoding procedures. Additionally, the UE <NUM> may execute one or more of mmWave logic <NUM> and or coherent logic <NUM>. The execution environment of Non-Coherent logic <NUM> (and optionally mmWave logic <NUM>) defines the different non-coherent encoding and decoding processes, such as determining to perform non-coherent encoding/decoding, performing the non-coherent encoding/decoding, adjusting non-coherent encoding/decoding settings, or a combination thereof. To illustrate, UE <NUM> may determine to operate in a particular non-coherent encoding/decoding mode based on a configuration message.

At block 601A, the UE <NUM> transmits the first transmission that is non-coherently encoded. For example, the UE <NUM> sends a transmission, such as <NUM>-<NUM>, via wireless radios 800a-r and antennas 252a-r, and the transmission was non-coherently encoded, such as generated independent of channel state information. The transmission, such as a waveform thereof, may be referred to as a non-coherent transmissions or non-coherent waveform. Additionally, such non-coherent transmissions and waveforms are often referred to as differential transmissions or waveforms. The transmission may include multiple slots or may be one of multiple transmissions for a set of contiguous slots of a window or frame. In some implementations, each slot is allocated to or for downlink transmissions. In other implementations, the slots include uplink and downlink slots. Additionally, or alternatively, every N number of slots includes a downlink centric slot. A downlink centric slot may include control information, data information (e.g., user data information), acknowledgment information, or a combination thereof.

In some implementations, performing the non-coherent encoding operation includes performing the non-coherent encoding operation independent of a DMRS hardware buffer, a symbol hardware buffer, or both. To illustrate, as the symbols are differentially encoded and the data is encoded in phase difference between adjacent or consecutive symbols, a reference signal buffer may not be utilized during encoding (or decoding). Performing the non-coherent encoding operation enables phase noise reduction for low to mid-rate modulation and coding scheme (MCS), such a single layer mode modulation modes.

The wireless communication device (e.g., UE <NUM> or gNB <NUM>) may execute additional blocks (or the wireless communication device may be configured further perform additional operations) in other implementations. For example, the wireless communication device may perform one or more operations described above. As another example, the wireless communication device may perform one or more aspects as described below.

In a first aspect, the first data is encoded in phase difference between two consecutive resource elements (REs) in a frequency domain.

In a second aspect, alone or in combination with the first aspect, the first data is encoded in phase difference between two consecutive resource elements (REs) in a time domain belonging to two adjacent OFDM symbols.

In a third aspect, alone or in combination with one or more of the above aspects, the performing the non-coherent encoding operation comprises encoding based on a phase shift keying based modulation scheme or an amplitude and phase shift keying based modulation scheme.

In a fourth aspect, alone or in combination with one or more of the above aspects, the performing the non-coherent encoding operation comprises encoding based on an amplitude difference modulation scheme.

In a fifth aspect, alone or in combination with one or more of the above aspects, the wireless communication device operates according to a slot format, and wherein each slot is allocated to downlink transmissions.

In a sixth aspect, alone or in combination with one or more of the above aspects, the wireless communication device operates according to a slot format, and wherein every N number of slots includes a downlink centric slot.

In a seventh aspect, alone or in combination with one or more of the above aspects, performing the non-coherent encoding operation comprises performing the non-coherent encoding operation independent of tracking reference signal (TRS) pilots.

In an eighth aspect, alone or in combination with one or more of the above aspects, performing the non-coherent encoding operation comprises utilizing resource elements (REs) allocated for demodulation reference signal (DMRS) as data conveying REs for higher coding gain.

In a ninth aspect, alone or in combination with one or more of the above aspects, performing the non-coherent encoding operation includes: multiplying two adjacent symbols for a particular resource element to generate a product; and mapping the particular resource element to the product of the multiplication of the two adjacent symbols.

In a tenth aspect, alone or in combination with one or more of the above aspects, performing the non-coherent encoding operation includes: mapping a first resource element to a stored value.

In an eleventh aspect, alone or in combination with one or more of the above aspects, performing the non-coherent encoding operation includes: performing set partitioning of information bits of the first data to generate multiple bit streams; performing channel coding on each bits stream of the multiple bit streams to generate corresponding channel coded bits; performing bits to symbol mapping on each channel coded bits to generate corresponding symbols; performing differential encoding on each symbol to generate differentially encoded symbols; and performing inverse fast Fourier transform (IFFT) and cyclic prefix (CP) operations on the differentially encoded symbols to generate OFDM symbols.

In a twelfth aspect, alone or in combination with one or more of the above aspects, each fast Fourier transform (FFT) symbol is encoded independent of other FFT symbols.

In a thirteenth aspect, alone or in combination with one or more of the above aspects, each fast Fourier transform (FFT) symbol is encoded based on an adjacent FFT symbol.

In a fourteenth aspect, alone or in combination with one or more of the above aspects, performing the non-coherent encoding operation comprises repurposing unused resource elements for data.

In a fifteenth aspect, alone or in combination with one or more of the above aspects, performing the non-coherent encoding operation comprises performing the non-coherent encoding operation independent of channel estimation.

In a sixteenth aspect, alone or in combination with one or more of the above aspects, performing the non-coherent encoding operation comprises performing the non-coherent encoding operation independent of channel equalization.

In a seventeenth aspect, alone or in combination with one or more of the above aspects, performing the non-coherent encoding operation comprises performing the non-coherent encoding operation independent of a demodulation reference signal (DMRS).

In an eighteenth aspect, alone or in combination with one or more of the above aspects, performing the non-coherent encoding operation comprises performing the non-coherent encoding operation independent of a DMRS hardware buffer, a symbol hardware buffer, or both.

In a nineteenth aspect, alone or in combination with one or more of the above aspects, performing the non-coherent encoding operation enables phase noise reduction for low to mid-rate modulation and coding scheme (MCS).

In a twentieth aspect, alone or in combination with one or more of the above aspects, the wireless communication device is a user equipment or a network entity.

In a twenty-first aspect, alone or in combination with one or more of the above aspects, the user equipment is a reduced capability user equipment with a single receive antenna.

In a twenty-second aspect, alone or in combination with one or more of the above aspects, performing the non-coherent encoding operation comprises performing the non-coherent encoding operation independent of spatial multiplexing.

<FIG> is a block diagram illustrating example blocks executed by a UE configured according to an aspect of the present disclosure. The example blocks will also be described with respect to UE <NUM> as illustrated in <FIG>. However, another wireless communication device, such as network entity (e.g., base station <NUM>), may execute such blocks in other implementations.

At block 600B, a mobile communication device, such as a UE, performs a non-coherent encoding operation on first data to generate a first transmission using a non-coherent differential modulation encoding scheme in a frequency domain for adjacent subcarriers in an orthogonal frequency-division multiplexing (OFDM) waveform. For example, the UE <NUM> performs a non-coherent encoding operation as described in <FIG> or <FIG>. The non-coherent encoding operation may be performed independent of channel state information (CSI) using a non-coherent differential modulation encoding scheme in the frequency domain for adjacent subcarriers in an orthogonal frequency-division multiplexing (OFDM) waveform. In some implementations, the first data is encoded in phase difference between two consecutive resource elements (REs) in a frequency domain.

At block 601B, the UE <NUM> transmits the first transmission that is non-coherently encoded. For example, the UE <NUM> sends a transmission, such as <NUM>-<NUM>, via wireless radios 800a-r and antennas 252a-r, and the transmission was non-coherently encoded, such as generated independent of channel state information. The transmission, such as a waveform thereof, may be referred to as a non-coherent transmissions or non-coherent waveform. Additionally, such non-coherent transmissions and waveforms are often referred to as differential transmissions or waveforms. The transmission may include multiple slots or may be one of multiple transmissions for a set of contiguous slots of a window or frame. In some implementations, each slot is allocated to or for downlink transmissions. In other implementations, the slots include uplink and downlink slots. Additionally, or alternatively, every N number of slots includes a downlink centric slot. A downlink centric slot may include control information, data information (e.g., user data information), acknowledgment information, or a combination thereof.

The wireless communication device may execute additional blocks (or the wireless communication device may be configured further perform additional operations) in other implementations. For example, the wireless communication device may perform one or more operations described above. To illustrate, the wireless communication device may perform one or more aspects as described with reference to <FIG>.

At block 600C, a mobile communication device, such as a UE, performs a non-coherent encoding operation on first data to generate a first transmission using a non-coherent differential modulation encoding scheme between orthogonal frequency-division multiplexing (OFDM) symbols. For example, the UE <NUM> performs a non-coherent encoding operation as described in <FIG> or <FIG>. The non-coherent encoding operation may be performed independent of channel state information (CSI) using a non-coherent differential modulation encoding scheme between orthogonal frequency-division multiplexing (OFDM) symbols. In some implementations, the first data is encoded in phase difference between two consecutive resource elements (REs) in a time domain belonging to two adjacent OFDM symbols.

At block 601C, the UE <NUM> transmits the first transmission that is non-coherently encoded. For example, the UE <NUM> sends a transmission, such as <NUM>-<NUM>, via wireless radios 800a-r and antennas 252a-r, and the transmission was non-coherently encoded, such as generated independent of channel state information. The transmission, such as a waveform thereof, may be referred to as a non-coherent transmissions or non-coherent waveform. Additionally, such non-coherent transmissions and waveforms are often referred to as differential transmissions or waveforms. The transmission may include multiple slots or may be one of multiple transmissions for a set of contiguous slots of a window or frame. In some implementations, each slot is allocated to or for downlink transmissions. In other implementations, the slots include uplink and downlink slots. Additionally, or alternatively, every N number of slots includes a downlink centric slot. A downlink centric slot may include control information, data information (e.g., user data information), acknowledgment information, or a combination thereof.

<FIG> is a block diagram illustrating example blocks executed by a wireless communication device configured according to an aspect of the present disclosure. The example blocks will also be described with respect to a network entity, such as gNB <NUM> as illustrated in <FIG>. However, another wireless communication device, such as UE <NUM>, may execute such blocks in other implementations.

Referring to <FIG> is a block diagram illustrating a base station <NUM> configured according to one aspect of the present disclosure. Base station <NUM> includes the structure, hardware, and components as illustrated for base station <NUM> of <FIG>. For example, base station <NUM> includes controller/processor <NUM>, which operates to execute logic or computer instructions stored in memory <NUM>, as well as controlling the components of base station <NUM> that provide the features and functionality of base station <NUM>. Base station <NUM>, under control of controller/processor <NUM>, transmits and receives signals via wireless radios 900a-t and antennas 234a-t. Wireless radios 900a-t includes various components and hardware, as illustrated in <FIG> for base station <NUM>, including modulator/demodulators 232a-t, MIMO detector <NUM>, receive processor <NUM>, transmit processor <NUM>, and TX MIMO processor <NUM>. As illustrated in the example of <FIG>, memory <NUM> stores Non-Coherent logic <NUM>, mmWave logic <NUM>, Coherent logic <NUM>, Settings <NUM>, Thresholds <NUM>, and Buffer <NUM>.

At block 700A, a wireless communication device, such as a gNB <NUM>, receives a first transmission that is non-coherently encoded. For example, the gNB <NUM> receives a transmission, as in <FIG>, that was non-coherently encoded.

At block 701A, the gNB <NUM> performs a non-coherent decoding operation on the first transmission to decode the first transmission. For example, the gNB <NUM> performs a non-coherent decoding operation as described in <FIG> or <FIG>. The non-coherent decoding operation may be performed independent of channel state information (CSI).

The wireless communication device (e.g., gNB <NUM> or UE <NUM>) may execute additional blocks (or the wireless communication device may be configured further perform additional operations) in other implementations. For example, the wireless communication device may perform one or more operations described above. As another example, the wireless communication device may perform one or more aspects as described below.

In a first aspect, performing the non-coherent decoding operation includes: removing a cyclic prefix from OFDM symbols and performing fast Fourier transform (FFT) operations to generate differentially encoded symbols; differential decoding the differentially encoded symbols to generate channel encoded bits; performing least significant bit (LSB) channel decoding on the channel encoded bits to generate partially decoded bits; and performing most significant bit (MSB) channel decoding on the partially decoded bits to generate decoded bits.

In a second aspect, alone or in combination with the first aspect, performing the non-coherent decoding operation includes: removing a cyclic prefix from OFDM symbols and performing fast Fourier transform (FFT) operations to generate differentially encoded symbols; differential decoding the differentially encoded symbols to generate channel encoded bits; and performing a single channel decoding on the channel encoded bits to generate decoded bits.

In a third aspect, alone or in combination with one or more of the above aspects, the first transmission corresponds to a millimeter wave transmission.

In a fourth aspect, alone or in combination with one or more of the above aspects, performing the non-coherent decoding operation includes: multiplying a resource element with a conjugate of an adjacent resource element.

In a fifth aspect, alone or in combination with one or more of the above aspects, performing the non-coherent decoding operation includes: dividing a resource element by an adjacent resource element.

In a sixth aspect, alone or in combination with one or more of the above aspects, the wireless communication device is a user equipment or a network entity.

In a seventh aspect, alone or in combination with one or more of the above aspects, the first data is decoded in phase difference between two consecutive resource elements (REs) in a frequency domain.

In an eighth aspect, alone or in combination with one or more of the above aspects, the first data is decoded in phase difference between two consecutive resource elements (REs) in a time domain belonging to two adjacent OFDM symbols.

In a ninth aspect, alone or in combination with one or more of the above aspects, the performing the non-coherent decoding operation comprises decoding based on a phase shift keying based modulation scheme or an amplitude and phase shift keying based modulation scheme.

In a tenth aspect, alone or in combination with one or more of the above aspects, the performing the non-coherent decoding operation comprises decoding based on an amplitude difference modulation scheme.

At block 700B, a wireless communication device, such as a gNB <NUM>, receives a first transmission that is non-coherently encoded. For example, the gNB <NUM> receives a transmission, as in <FIG>, that was non-coherently encoded.

At block 701B, the gNB <NUM> performs a non-coherent decoding operation on the first transmission to decode the first transmission using a non-coherent differential modulation decoding scheme in a frequency domain for adjacent subcarriers in an orthogonal frequency-division multiplexing (OFDM) waveform. For example, the gNB <NUM> performs a non-coherent decoding operation as described in <FIG> or <FIG>. The non-coherent decoding operation may be performed independent of channel state information (CSI) using a non-coherent differential modulation decoding scheme in the frequency domain for adjacent subcarriers in an orthogonal frequency-division multiplexing (OFDM) waveform.

At block 700C, a wireless communication device, such as a gNB <NUM>, receives a first transmission that is non-coherently encoded. For example, the gNB <NUM> receives a transmission, as in <FIG>, that was non-coherently encoded.

At block 701C, the gNB <NUM> performs a non-coherent decoding operation on the first transmission to decode the first transmission using a non-coherent differential modulation decoding scheme between orthogonal frequency-division multiplexing (OFDM) symbols. For example, the gNB <NUM> performs a non-coherent decoding operation as described in <FIG> or <FIG>. The non-coherent decoding operation may be performed independent of channel state information (CSI) using a non-coherent differential modulation decoding scheme between orthogonal frequency-division multiplexing (OFDM) symbols.

Accordingly, a wireless communication device, such as a UE or a base station, may non-coherently encode and decode information for wireless communication. By utilizing non-coherently encoded communications, improved transmission and reception can be achieved. For example, wireless communication devices may use less power to transmit and receive such communications and/or use less power to encode and decode information to be transmitted. Additionally, such non-coherently encoded communications may reduce costs and may increase device mobility. For example, the processing for non-coherent encoding is more simplified as compared to coherent encoding. Thus, the processing power costs are reduced, and device costs may be reduced. To illustrate, battery size and processing power/ a processing chain may be reduced. As an illustrative example, the device may not utilize a hardware based buffer and/or may utilize a two symbol buffer. As another example, non-coherently encoded transmissions are more resistant to the Doppler effect (e.g., frequency changes based on device movement). Additionally, the usage of both demodulation reference signal (DMRS) and TRS pilot signals may be redundant; transmission overhead may be reduced. To illustrate, TRS pilots may be not used and DMRS may be used in more limited ways, such as for coding gain and in repurposed or vacant REs instead of in dedicated DMRS REs. Consequently, latency and overhead may be reduced and throughput and reliability may be increased.

The functional blocks and modules described herein (e.g., the functional blocks and modules in <FIG>) may comprise processors, electronics devices, hardware devices, electronics components, logical circuits, memories, software codes, firmware codes, etc., or any combination thereof. In addition, features discussed herein relating to non-coherent coding may be implemented via specialized processor circuitry, via executable instructions, and/or combinations thereof.

Those of skill would further appreciate that the various illustrative logical blocks, modules, circuits, and algorithm steps (e.g., the logical blocks in <FIG>) described in connection with the disclosure herein may be implemented as electronic hardware, computer software, or combinations of both.

A software module may reside in random access memory (RAM), read-only memory (ROM), electronically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM), registers, a hard disk, a removable disk, a compact disc read-only memory (CD-ROM), or any other form of storage medium known in the art.

Disk and disc, as used herein, includes compact disc (CD), laser disc, optical disc, digital versatile disc (DVD), hard disk, solid state disk, and blu-ray disc where disks usually reproduce data magnetically, while discs reproduce data optically with lasers.

Claim 1:
A method of wireless communication comprising:
performing (600B), by a wireless communication device, a non-coherent encoding operation on first data to generate a first transmission, wherein the non-coherent encoding operation encodes data independent of channel state information, CSI, using a non-coherent differential modulation encoding scheme in a frequency domain for adjacent subcarriers in an orthogonal frequency-division multiplexing, OFDM, waveform, wherein performing the non-coherent encoding operation is characterized by:
performing set partitioning of information bits of the first data to generate multiple bit streams;
performing channel coding on each bit stream of the multiple bit streams to generate corresponding sets of channel coded bits;
performing bits to symbol mapping on the corresponding sets of channel coded bits to generate corresponding symbols, wherein the corresponding sets of channel coded bits are mapped to one symbol;
performing differential encoding on each symbol to generate differentially encoded symbols; and
performing inverse fast Fourier transform, IFFT, and cyclic prefix, CP, operations on the differentially encoded symbols to generate OFDM symbols; and
transmitting (601B), by the wireless communication device, the first transmission,
wherein the first transmission is non-coherently encoded.