Patent ID: 12238044

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The Scell activation procedure in NR (e.g., as described in wireless communication standards such as, for example, in section 4.3 of 3GPP TS 38.213 f40) may be incorrect and may be improved for e.g., one or more of the following cases:Case 1: when activation command medium access control (MAC) control element (CE) for Scell1 is sent in a physical downlink shared channel (PDSCH) (e.g., on Scell2), and the PDSCH has different numerology than a PUCCH transmission (e.g., on Pcell).Case 2: when a Scell deactivation timer expires.

For case 1, according to a procedure k=k1+3·Nslotsubframe,μ+1 which is counted in slots of PUCCH numerology (e.g., 15 kHz). However, if activation command is sent in SCell2 PDSCH in slot n with different numerology (e.g., 30 kHz) then the term ‘slot n+k’ may not have e.g., an accurate meaning (since n and k are defined with different numerologies in this case). Thus, this may lead to a difficult requirement on the wireless device side that may start an activation procedure (such as CSI reporting) even before the acknowledgement (ACK) feedback for the PDSCH is transmitted on the uplink.

For case 2, k1 and μ may not have an e.g., accurate meaning as there is no deactivation command associated with this case. Thus, the current procedure for SCell deactivation based on the timer may be undefined, and hence the wireless device may not be able to deactivate properly, which may lead to incorrect understanding of the deactivation time between the network/network node and wireless device, which may then lead to an unusual deactivation based on the timer, leading to increased wireless device power consumption as well as network overhead.

Some embodiments of the present disclosure may provide for one or more of:

1. A scaling factor 2μPDSCH−μis used for k, to normalize the numerology between k and n, so that the term n+k is correctly defined regardless of the numerology of PDSCH containing activation command (μPDSCH) and the numerology of the corresponding PUCCH transmission (μ).

2. For the case where Scell deactivation timer expires, k may be set to a value that is independent of a value determined from a dynamically scheduled PDSCH. For example, k can be set to a value defined in number of slots, with a reference slot duration defined based on a reference numerology associated with a reference channel/signal of a reference serving cell.

Some embodiments of the instant disclosure may solve at least a portion of the problems with existing systems by providing one or more of:

1. a process of determining the time offset for applying the actions related to Scell activation command reception, such as for the case when different sub-carrier spacing (SCS) values are used for transmission of activation command (e.g., in PDCCH or PDSCH with SCS1) and reception of HARQ-ACK corresponding to the activation command (e.g., in PUCCH with SCS2). With a clear and unambiguous activation procedure/process, both network/network node and wireless device can have correct knowledge of the activation command (i.e., when the activation command can be applied) in case of multiple numerologies, and thus the activation procedure may work optimally, improving overall system performance.

2. a process for determining the time offset that may be required for applying deactivation related actions depending on whether the deactivation is performed using an explicit deactivation command (in which the time offset is based on one or more parameters related to the deactivation command) or expiry/expiration of an Scell deactivation timer (in which case time offset is a fixed value). With a clear and unambiguous deactivation procedure/process, both network/network node and wireless device can have correct knowledge of when deactivation based on a timer can be applied, and thus the deactivation procedure may work optimally with low overhead, improving overall system performance.

Before describing in detail example embodiments, it is noted that the embodiments reside primarily in combinations of apparatus components and processing steps related to serving cell activation and/or deactivation such as when different numerologies are configured. Accordingly, components have been represented where appropriate by conventional symbols in the drawings, showing only those specific details that are pertinent to understanding the embodiments so as not to obscure the disclosure with details that will be readily apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art having the benefit of the description herein. Like numbers refer to like elements throughout the description.

As used herein, relational terms, such as “first” and “second,” “top” and “bottom,” and the like, may be used solely to distinguish one entity or element from another entity or element without necessarily requiring or implying any physical or logical relationship or order between such entities or elements. The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting of the concepts described herein. As used herein, the singular forms “a”, “an” and “the” are intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. It will be further understood that the terms “comprises,” “comprising,” “includes” and/or “including” when used herein, specify the presence of stated features, integers, steps, operations, elements, and/or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, operations, elements, components, and/or groups thereof.

In embodiments described herein, the joining term, “in communication with” and the like, may be used to indicate electrical or data communication, which may be accomplished by physical contact, induction, electromagnetic radiation, radio signaling, infrared signaling or optical signaling, for example One having ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that multiple components may interoperate and modifications and variations are possible of achieving the electrical and data communication.

In some embodiments described herein, the term “coupled,” “connected,” and the like, may be used herein to indicate a connection, although not necessarily directly, and may include wired and/or wireless connections.

The term “network node” used herein can be any kind of network node comprised in a radio network which may further comprise any of base station (BS), radio base station, base transceiver station (BTS), base station controller (BSC), radio network controller (RNC), g Node B (gNB), evolved Node B (eNB or eNodeB), Node B, multi-standard radio (MSR) radio node such as MSR BS, multi-cell/multicast coordination entity (MCE), integrated access and backhaul (IAB) node, relay node, donor node controlling relay, radio access point (AP), transmission points, transmission nodes, Remote Radio Unit (RRU) Remote Radio Head (RRH), a core network node (e.g., mobile management entity (MME), self-organizing network (SON) node, a coordinating node, positioning node, MDT node, etc.), an external node (e.g., 3rd party node, a node external to the current network), nodes in distributed antenna system (DAS), a spectrum access system (SAS) node, an element management system (EMS), etc. The network node may also comprise test equipment. The term “radio node” used herein may be used to also denote a wireless device or a radio network node.

In some embodiments, the non-limiting terms wireless device or a user equipment (UE) are used interchangeably. The wireless device herein can be any type of wireless device capable of communicating with a network node or another wireless device over radio signals, such as wireless device. The wireless device may also be a radio communication device, target device, device to device (D2D) wireless device, machine type wireless device or wireless device capable of machine to machine communication (M2M), low-cost and/or low-complexity wireless device, a sensor equipped with wireless device, Tablet, mobile terminals, smart phone, laptop embedded equipped (LEE), laptop mounted equipment (LME), USB dongles, Customer Premises Equipment (CPE), an Internet of Things (IoT) device, or a Narrowband IoT (NB-IOT) device, etc.

Also, in some embodiments the generic term “radio network node” is used. It can be any kind of a radio network node which may comprise any of base station, radio base station, base transceiver station, base station controller, network controller, RNC, evolved Node B (eNB), Node B, gNB, Multi-cell/multicast Coordination Entity (MCE), IAB node, relay node, access point, radio access point, Remote Radio Unit (RRU) Remote Radio Head (RRH).

Note that although terminology from one particular wireless system, such as, for example, 3GPP LTE and/or New Radio (NR), may be used in this disclosure, this should not be seen as limiting the scope of the disclosure to only the aforementioned system. Other wireless systems, including without limitation Wide Band Code Division Multiple Access (WCDMA), Worldwide Interoperability for Microwave Access (WiMax), Ultra Mobile Broadband (UMB) and Global System for Mobile Communications (GSM), may also benefit from exploiting the ideas covered within this disclosure.

In some embodiments, the terms “numerology” and “subcarrier spacing” are used interchangeably.

An indication generally may explicitly and/or implicitly indicate the information it represents and/or indicates. Implicit indication may for example be based on position and/or resource used for transmission. Explicit indication may for example be based on a parametrization with one or more parameters, and/or one or more index or indices, and/or one or more bit patterns representing the information.

A cell may be generally a communication cell, e.g., of a cellular or mobile communication network, provided by a node. A serving cell may be a cell on or via which a network node (the node providing or associated to the cell, e.g., base station, gNB, IAB node, or eNodeB) transmits and/or may transmit data (which may be data other than broadcast data) to a user equipment, in particular control and/or user or payload data, and/or via or on which a user equipment transmits and/or may transmit data to the node; a serving cell may be a cell for or on which the user equipment is configured and/or to which it is synchronized and/or has performed an access procedure, e.g., a random access procedure, and/or in relation to which it is in a RRC_connected or RRC_idle state, e.g., in case the node and/or user equipment and/or network follow the LTE-standard. One or more carriers (e.g., uplink and/or downlink carrier/s and/or a carrier for both uplink and downlink) may be associated to a cell.

Transmitting in downlink may pertain to transmission from the network or network node to the terminal. Transmitting in uplink may pertain to transmission from the terminal to the network or network node. Transmitting in sidelink may pertain to (direct) transmission from one terminal to another. Uplink, downlink and sidelink (e.g., sidelink transmission and reception) may be considered communication directions. In some variants, uplink and downlink may also be used to described wireless communication between network nodes, e.g. for wireless backhaul and/or relay communication and/or (wireless) network communication for example between base stations or similar network nodes, in particular communication terminating at such. It may be considered that backhaul and/or relay communication and/or network communication is implemented as a form of sidelink or uplink communication or similar thereto.

Note further, that functions described herein as being performed by a wireless device or a network node may be distributed over a plurality of wireless devices and/or network nodes. In other words, it is contemplated that the functions of the network node and wireless device described herein are not limited to performance by a single physical device and, in fact, can be distributed among several physical devices.

Unless otherwise defined, all terms (including technical and scientific terms) used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this disclosure belongs. It will be further understood that terms used herein should be interpreted as having a meaning that is consistent with their meaning in the context of this specification and the relevant art and will not be interpreted in an idealized or overly formal sense unless expressly so defined herein.

Embodiments provide serving cell activation and/or deactivation such as when different numerologies are configured. Referring again to the drawing figures, in which like elements are referred to by like reference numerals, there is shown inFIG.3a schematic diagram of a communication system10, according to an embodiment, such as a 3GPP-type cellular network that may support standards such as LTE and/or NR (5G), which comprises an access network12, such as a radio access network, and a core network14. The access network12comprises a plurality of network nodes16a,16b,16c(referred to collectively as network nodes16), such as NBs, eNBs, gNBs or other types of wireless access points, each defining a corresponding coverage area18a,18b,18c(referred to collectively as coverage areas18). Each network node16a,16b,16cis connectable to the core network14over a wired or wireless connection20. A first wireless device22alocated in coverage area18ais configured to wirelessly connect to, or be paged by, the corresponding network node16a. A second wireless device22bin coverage area18bis wirelessly connectable to the corresponding network node16b. While a plurality of wireless devices22a,22b(collectively referred to as wireless devices22) are illustrated in this example, the disclosed embodiments are equally applicable to a situation where a sole wireless device is in the coverage area or where a sole wireless device is connecting to the corresponding network node16. Note that although only two wireless devices22and three network nodes16are shown for convenience, the communication system may include many more wireless devices22and network nodes16.

Also, it is contemplated that a wireless device22can be in simultaneous communication and/or configured to separately communicate with more than one network node16and more than one type of network node16. For example, a wireless device22can have dual connectivity with a network node16that supports LTE and the same or a different network node16that supports NR. As an example, wireless device22can be in communication with an eNB for LTE/E-UTRAN and a gNB for NR/NG-RAN.

The communication system10may itself be connected to a host computer24, which may be embodied in the hardware and/or software of a standalone server, a cloud-implemented server, a distributed server or as processing resources in a server farm. The host computer24may be under the ownership or control of a service provider, or may be operated by the service provider or on behalf of the service provider. The connections26,28between the communication system10and the host computer24may extend directly from the core network14to the host computer24or may extend via an optional intermediate network30. The intermediate network30may be one of, or a combination of more than one of, a public, private or hosted network. The intermediate network30, if any, may be a backbone network or the Internet. In some embodiments, the intermediate network30may comprise two or more sub-networks (not shown).

The communication system ofFIG.3as a whole enables connectivity between one of the connected wireless devices22a,22band the host computer24. The connectivity may be described as an over-the-top (OTT) connection. The host computer24and the connected wireless devices22a,22bare configured to communicate data and/or signaling via the OTT connection, using the access network12, the core network14, any intermediate network30and possible further infrastructure (not shown) as intermediaries. The OTT connection may be transparent in the sense that at least some of the participating communication devices through which the OTT connection passes are unaware of routing of uplink and downlink communications. For example, a network node16may not or need not be informed about the past routing of an incoming downlink communication with data originating from a host computer24to be forwarded (e.g., handed over) to a connected wireless device22a. Similarly, the network node16need not be aware of the future routing of an outgoing uplink communication originating from the wireless device22atowards the host computer24.

A network node16is configured to include a determination unit32which is configured to cause the network node16to send a command for activation or deactivation of a first serving cell in a first physical channel; and receive a corresponding Hybrid Automatic Repeat reQuest, HARQ, acknowledgment, ACK, in a second physical channel, a subcarrier spacing configuration of the first physical channel being different from a subcarrier spacing of the second physical channel and the command for activation or deactivation of the first serving cell initiating a procedure related to the first serving cell, the procedure based at least in part on a time offset, k, the time offset, k, based at least in part on a reference physical channel.

In some embodiments, network node16is configured to include a determination unit32which is configured to cause the network node16to determine to initiate a deactivation procedure related to a secondary serving cell, the deactivation procedure related to the secondary serving cell being based at least in part on two different time offsets for applying serving cell deactivation actions, a first time offset being used if the secondary serving cell is deactivated using an explicit deactivation command and a second time offset being used if the secondary serving cell is deactivated upon expiration of a deactivation timer for the secondary serving cell.

A wireless device22is configured to include an action unit34which is configured to cause the wireless device22to receive a command for activation or deactivation of a first serving cell in a first physical channel; send a corresponding Hybrid Automatic Repeat reQuest, HARQ, acknowledgment, ACK, in a second physical channel, a subcarrier spacing configuration of the first physical channel being different from a subcarrier spacing of the second physical channel; and perform a procedure related to the first serving cell based at least in part on a time offset, k, the time offset, k, being based at least in part on a reference physical channel.

In some embodiments, wireless device22is configured to include an action unit34which is configured to cause the wireless device22to determine to perform a deactivation procedure related to a secondary serving cell, the deactivation procedure related to the secondary serving cell being based at least in part on two different time offsets for applying serving cell deactivation actions, a first time offset being used if the secondary serving cell is deactivated using an explicit deactivation command and a second time offset being used if the secondary serving cell is deactivated upon expiration of a deactivation timer for the secondary serving cell.

Example implementations, in accordance with an embodiment, of the wireless device22, network node16and host computer24discussed in the preceding paragraphs will now be described with reference toFIG.4. In a communication system10, a host computer24comprises hardware (HW)38including a communication interface40configured to set up and maintain a wired or wireless connection with an interface of a different communication device of the communication system10. The host computer24further comprises processing circuitry42, which may have storage and/or processing capabilities. The processing circuitry42may include a processor44and memory46. In particular, in addition to or instead of a processor, such as a central processing unit, and memory, the processing circuitry42may comprise integrated circuitry for processing and/or control, e.g., one or more processors and/or processor cores and/or FPGAs (Field Programmable Gate Array) and/or ASICs (Application Specific Integrated Circuitry) adapted to execute instructions. The processor44may be configured to access (e.g., write to and/or read from) memory46, which may comprise any kind of volatile and/or nonvolatile memory, e.g., cache and/or buffer memory and/or RAM (Random Access Memory) and/or ROM (Read-Only Memory) and/or optical memory and/or EPROM (Erasable Programmable Read-Only Memory).

Processing circuitry42may be configured to control any of the methods and/or processes described herein and/or to cause such methods, and/or processes to be performed, e.g., by host computer24. Processor44corresponds to one or more processors44for performing host computer24functions described herein. The host computer24includes memory46that is configured to store data, programmatic software code and/or other information described herein. In some embodiments, the software48and/or the host application50may include instructions that, when executed by the processor44and/or processing circuitry42, causes the processor44and/or processing circuitry42to perform the processes described herein with respect to host computer24. The instructions may be software associated with the host computer24.

The software48may be executable by the processing circuitry42. The software48includes a host application50. The host application50may be operable to provide a service to a remote user, such as a wireless device22connecting via an OTT connection52terminating at the wireless device22and the host computer24. In providing the service to the remote user, the host application50may provide user data which is transmitted using the OTT connection52. The “user data” may be data and information described herein as implementing the described functionality. In one embodiment, the host computer24may be configured for providing control and functionality to a service provider and may be operated by the service provider or on behalf of the service provider. The processing circuitry42of the host computer24may enable the host computer24to observe, monitor, control, transmit to and/or receive from the network node16and or the wireless device22. The processing circuitry42of the host computer24may include an information unit54configured to enable the service provider to one or more of process, forward, relay, determine, transmit, receive, store, indicate, etc., information related to serving cell activation and/or deactivation such as when different numerologies are configured.

The communication system10further includes a network node16provided in a communication system10and including hardware58enabling it to communicate with the host computer24and with the wireless device22. The hardware58may include a communication interface60for setting up and maintaining a wired or wireless connection with an interface of a different communication device of the communication system10, as well as a radio interface62for setting up and maintaining at least a wireless connection64with a wireless device22located in a coverage area18served by the network node16. The radio interface62may be formed as or may include, for example, one or more RF transmitters, one or more RF receivers, and/or one or more RF transceivers. The communication interface60may be configured to facilitate a connection66to the host computer24. The connection66may be direct or it may pass through a core network14of the communication system10and/or through one or more intermediate networks30outside the communication system10.

In the embodiment shown, the hardware58of the network node16further includes processing circuitry68. The processing circuitry68may include a processor70and a memory72. In particular, in addition to or instead of a processor, such as a central processing unit, and memory, the processing circuitry68may comprise integrated circuitry for processing and/or control, e.g., one or more processors and/or processor cores and/or FPGAs (Field Programmable Gate Array) and/or ASICs (Application Specific Integrated Circuitry) adapted to execute instructions. The processor70may be configured to access (e.g., write to and/or read from) the memory72, which may comprise any kind of volatile and/or nonvolatile memory, e.g., cache and/or buffer memory and/or RAM (Random Access Memory) and/or ROM (Read-Only Memory) and/or optical memory and/or EPROM (Erasable Programmable Read-Only Memory).

Thus, the network node16further has software74stored internally in, for example, memory72, or stored in external memory (e.g., database, storage array, network storage device, etc.) accessible by the network node16via an external connection. The software74may be executable by the processing circuitry68. The processing circuitry68may be configured to control any of the methods and/or processes described herein and/or to cause such methods, and/or processes to be performed, e.g., by network node16. Processor70corresponds to one or more processors70for performing network node16functions described herein. The memory72is configured to store data, programmatic software code and/or other information described herein. In some embodiments, the software74may include instructions that, when executed by the processor70and/or processing circuitry68, causes the processor70and/or processing circuitry68to perform the processes described herein with respect to network node16. For example, processing circuitry68of the network node16may include determination unit32configured to perform one or more network node16functions (i.e., serving cell functions) as described herein such as with respect to serving cell activation and/or deactivation such as when different numerologies are configured.

The communication system10further includes the wireless device22already referred to. The wireless device22may have hardware80that may include a radio interface82configured to set up and maintain a wireless connection64with a network node16serving a coverage area18in which the wireless device22is currently located. The radio interface82may be formed as or may include, for example, one or more RF transmitters, one or more RF receivers, and/or one or more RF transceivers.

The hardware80of the wireless device22further includes processing circuitry84. The processing circuitry84may include a processor86and memory88. In particular, in addition to or instead of a processor, such as a central processing unit, and memory, the processing circuitry84may comprise integrated circuitry for processing and/or control, e.g., one or more processors and/or processor cores and/or FPGAs (Field Programmable Gate Array) and/or ASICs (Application Specific Integrated Circuitry) adapted to execute instructions. The processor86may be configured to access (e.g., write to and/or read from) memory88, which may comprise any kind of volatile and/or nonvolatile memory, e.g., cache and/or buffer memory and/or RAM (Random Access Memory) and/or ROM (Read-Only Memory) and/or optical memory and/or EPROM (Erasable Programmable Read-Only Memory).

Thus, the wireless device22may further comprise software90, which is stored in, for example, memory88at the wireless device22, or stored in external memory (e.g., database, storage array, network storage device, etc.) accessible by the wireless device22. The software90may be executable by the processing circuitry84. The software90may include a client application92. The client application92may be operable to provide a service to a human or non-human user via the wireless device22, with the support of the host computer24. In the host computer24, an executing host application50may communicate with the executing client application92via the OTT connection52terminating at the wireless device22and the host computer24. In providing the service to the user, the client application92may receive request data from the host application50and provide user data in response to the request data. The OTT connection52may transfer both the request data and the user data. The client application92may interact with the user to generate the user data that it provides.

The processing circuitry84may be configured to control any of the methods and/or processes described herein and/or to cause such methods, and/or processes to be performed, e.g., by wireless device22. The processor86corresponds to one or more processors86for performing wireless device22functions described herein. The wireless device22includes memory88that is configured to store data, programmatic software code and/or other information described herein. In some embodiments, the software90and/or the client application92may include instructions that, when executed by the processor86and/or processing circuitry84, causes the processor86and/or processing circuitry84to perform the processes described herein with respect to wireless device22. For example, the processing circuitry84of the wireless device22may include an action unit34configured to perform one or more wireless device22function as described herein such as with respect to serving cell activation and/or deactivation such as when different numerologies are configured.

In some embodiments, the inner workings of the network node16, wireless device22, and host computer24may be as shown inFIG.4and independently, the surrounding network topology may be that ofFIG.3.

InFIG.4, the OTT connection52has been drawn abstractly to illustrate the communication between the host computer24and the wireless device22via the network node16, without explicit reference to any intermediary devices and the precise routing of messages via these devices. Network infrastructure may determine the routing, which it may be configured to hide from the wireless device22or from the service provider operating the host computer24, or both. While the OTT connection52is active, the network infrastructure may further take decisions by which it dynamically changes the routing (e.g., on the basis of load balancing consideration or reconfiguration of the network).

The wireless connection64between the wireless device22and the network node16is in accordance with the teachings of the embodiments described throughout this disclosure. One or more of the various embodiments improve the performance of OTT services provided to the wireless device22using the OTT connection52, in which the wireless connection64may form the last segment. More precisely, the teachings of some of these embodiments may improve the data rate, latency, and/or power consumption and thereby provide benefits such as reduced user waiting time, relaxed restriction on file size, better responsiveness, extended battery lifetime, etc.

In some embodiments, a measurement procedure may be provided for the purpose of monitoring data rate, latency and other factors on which the one or more embodiments improve. There may further be an optional network functionality for reconfiguring the OTT connection52between the host computer24and wireless device22, in response to variations in the measurement results. The measurement procedure and/or the network functionality for reconfiguring the OTT connection52may be implemented in the software48of the host computer24or in the software90of the wireless device22, or both. In embodiments, sensors (not shown) may be deployed in or in association with communication devices through which the OTT connection52passes; the sensors may participate in the measurement procedure by supplying values of the monitored quantities exemplified above, or supplying values of other physical quantities from which software48,90may compute or estimate the monitored quantities. The reconfiguring of the OTT connection52may include message format, retransmission settings, preferred routing etc.; the reconfiguring need not affect the network node16, and it may be unknown or imperceptible to the network node16. Some such procedures and functionalities may be known and practiced in the art. In certain embodiments, measurements may involve proprietary wireless device signaling facilitating the host computer's24measurements of throughput, propagation times, latency and the like. In some embodiments, the measurements may be implemented in that the software48,90causes messages to be transmitted, in particular empty or ‘dummy’ messages, using the OTT connection52while it monitors propagation times, errors etc.

Thus, in some embodiments, the host computer24includes processing circuitry42configured to provide user data and a communication interface40that is configured to forward the user data to a cellular network for transmission to the wireless device22. In some embodiments, the cellular network also includes the network node16with a radio interface62. In some embodiments, the network node16is configured to, and/or the network node's16processing circuitry68is configured to perform the functions and/or methods described herein for preparing/initiating/maintaining/supporting/ending a transmission to the wireless device22, and/or preparing/terminating/maintaining/supporting/ending in receipt of a transmission from the wireless device22.

In some embodiments, the host computer24includes processing circuitry42and a communication interface40that is configured to a communication interface40configured to receive user data originating from a transmission from a wireless device22to a network node16. In some embodiments, the wireless device22is configured to, and/or comprises a radio interface82and/or processing circuitry84configured to perform the functions and/or methods described herein for preparing/initiating/maintaining/supporting/ending a transmission to the network node16, and/or preparing/terminating/maintaining/supporting/ending in receipt of a transmission from the network node16.

AlthoughFIGS.3and4show various “units” such as determination unit32, and action unit34as being within a respective processor, it is contemplated that these units may be implemented such that a portion of the unit is stored in a corresponding memory within the processing circuitry. In other words, the units may be implemented in hardware or in a combination of hardware and software within the processing circuitry.

FIG.5is a flowchart illustrating an example method implemented in a communication system, such as, for example, the communication system ofFIGS.3and4, in accordance with one embodiment. The communication system may include a host computer24, a network node16and a wireless device22, which may be those described with reference toFIG.4. In a first step of the method, the host computer24provides user data (Block S100). In an optional substep of the first step, the host computer24provides the user data by executing a host application, such as, for example, the host application50(Block S102). In a second step, the host computer24initiates a transmission carrying the user data to the wireless device22(Block S104). In an optional third step, the network node16transmits to the wireless device22the user data which was carried in the transmission that the host computer24initiated, in accordance with the teachings of the embodiments described throughout this disclosure (Block S106). In an optional fourth step, the wireless device22executes a client application, such as, for example, the client application92, associated with the host application50executed by the host computer24(Block S108).

FIG.6is a flowchart illustrating an example method implemented in a communication system, such as, for example, the communication system ofFIG.3, in accordance with one embodiment. The communication system may include a host computer24, a network node16and a wireless device22, which may be those described with reference toFIGS.3and4. In a first step of the method, the host computer24provides user data (Block S110). In an optional substep (not shown) the host computer24provides the user data by executing a host application, such as, for example, the host application50. In a second step, the host computer24initiates a transmission carrying the user data to the wireless device22(Block S112). The transmission may pass via the network node16, in accordance with the teachings of the embodiments described throughout this disclosure. In an optional third step, the wireless device22receives the user data carried in the transmission (Block S114).

FIG.7is a flowchart illustrating an example method implemented in a communication system, such as, for example, the communication system ofFIG.3, in accordance with one embodiment. The communication system may include a host computer24, a network node16and a wireless device22, which may be those described with reference toFIGS.3and4. In an optional first step of the method, the wireless device22receives input data provided by the host computer24(Block S116). In an optional substep of the first step, the wireless device22executes the client application92, which provides the user data in reaction to the received input data provided by the host computer24(Block S118). Additionally or alternatively, in an optional second step, the wireless device22provides user data (Block S120). In an optional substep of the second step, the wireless device provides the user data by executing a client application, such as, for example, client application92(Block S122). In providing the user data, the executed client application92may further consider user input received from the user. Regardless of the specific manner in which the user data was provided, the wireless device22may initiate, in an optional third substep, transmission of the user data to the host computer24(Block S124). In a fourth step of the method, the host computer24receives the user data transmitted from the wireless device22, in accordance with the teachings of the embodiments described throughout this disclosure (Block S126).

FIG.8is a flowchart illustrating an example method implemented in a communication system, such as, for example, the communication system ofFIG.3, in accordance with one embodiment. The communication system may include a host computer24, a network node16and a wireless device22, which may be those described with reference toFIGS.3and4. In an optional first step of the method, in accordance with the teachings of the embodiments described throughout this disclosure, the network node16receives user data from the wireless device22(Block S128). In an optional second step, the network node16initiates transmission of the received user data to the host computer24(Block S130). In a third step, the host computer24receives the user data carried in the transmission initiated by the network node16(Block S132).

FIG.9is a flowchart of an example process in a network node16according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. One or more Blocks and/or functions performed by network node16may be performed by one or more elements of network node16such as by determination unit32in processing circuitry68, processor70, communication interface60, radio interface62, etc. In some embodiments, the method includes optionally, determining (Block S134), such as by determination unit32, processing circuitry68, processor70, communication interface60and/or radio interface62, an activation or a deactivation of a first serving cell associated with a first physical channel. The method includes receiving (Block S136), such as by determination unit32, processing circuitry68, processor70, communication interface60and/or radio interface62, a corresponding Hybrid Automatic Repeat reQuest, HARQ, acknowledgment, ACK, in a second physical channel, a subcarrier spacing configuration of the first physical channel being different from a subcarrier spacing of the second physical channel, and the activation or the deactivation of the first serving cell initiating a procedure related to the first serving cell, the procedure based at least in part on a time offset, k, the time offset, k, based at least in part on a reference physical channel.

In some embodiments, determining includes sending, such as by determination unit32, processing circuitry68, processor70, communication interface60and/or radio interface62, a command for the activation or the deactivation of the first serving cell in the first physical channel. In some embodiments, the reference physical channel is the second physical channel, and the time offset, k, is based at least in part on the subcarrier spacing configuration of the reference physical channel. In some embodiments, the first physical channel is a physical downlink shared channel, PDSCH, and the second physical channel is a physical uplink control channel, PUCCH, and the time offset, k, is determined based at least in part on both the subcarrier spacing configuration of the PDSCH and the subcarrier spacing configuration of the PUCCH. In some embodiments, the time offset, k, is applied after the wireless device22receives the command for the activation and the time offset, k, includes a number of slots for a PUCCH transmission after reception of the PDSCH.

In some embodiments, the procedure related to the first serving cell includes at least channel state information, CSI, reporting for the first serving cell in response to the command for activation of the first serving cell. In some embodiments, the method further includes configuring, such as by determination unit32, processing circuitry68, processor70, communication interface60and/or radio interface62, the wireless device22with carrier aggregation; and the command for the activation or the deactivation is a medium access control, MAC, command element, CE. In some embodiments, sending the command for the activation or the deactivation of the first serving cell further includes sending, such as by determination unit32, processing circuitry68, processor70, communication interface60and/or radio interface62, the command in a second serving cell different from the first serving cell. In some embodiments, the procedure related to the first serving cell comprises a deactivation procedure and the deactivation procedure includes the wireless device stopping at least one of channel state information, CSI, reporting, physical downlink control channel, PDCCH, monitoring and sounding reference signal, SRS, transmission on the first serving cell in response to the command for deactivation of the first serving cell. In some embodiments, the procedure related to the first serving cell comprises an activation procedure and the activation procedure includes starting at least one of channel state information, CSI, reporting, physical downlink control channel, PDCCH, monitoring and sounding reference signal, SRS, transmission on the first serving cell in response to receiving the command for activation of the first serving cell.

In some embodiments, the procedure related to the first serving cell comprises a deactivation procedure related to the first serving cell, the deactivation procedure related to the first serving cell being based at least in part on two different time offsets for applying serving cell deactivation actions, a first time offset being used if the first serving cell is deactivated using an explicit deactivation command and a second time offset being used if the first serving cell is deactivated upon expiration of a deactivation timer for the first serving cell, the first serving cell being a secondary serving cell. In some embodiments, the first time offset is based at least in part on a subcarrier spacing configuration of the second physical channel; and the second time offset is based at least in part on information related to a physical channel of a scheduling cell of the first serving cell for which the deactivation timer expires.

In some embodiments, the method includes sending, such as via determination unit32, processing circuitry68, processor70, communication interface60and/or radio interface62, a command for activation or deactivation of a first serving cell in a first physical channel. The method includes receiving, such as via determination unit32, processing circuitry68, processor70, communication interface60and/or radio interface62, a corresponding Hybrid Automatic Repeat reQuest, HARQ, acknowledgment, ACK, in a second physical channel, a subcarrier spacing configuration of the first physical channel being different from a subcarrier spacing of the second physical channel, and the command for activation or deactivation of the first serving cell initiating a procedure related to the first serving cell, the procedure based at least in part on a time offset, k, the time offset, k, based at least in part on a reference physical channel.

In some embodiments, the reference physical channel is the second physical channel, and the time offset, k, is based at least in part on the subcarrier spacing configuration of the reference physical channel. In some embodiments, the first physical channel is a physical downlink shared channel, PDSCH, and the second physical channel is a physical uplink control channel, PUCCH, and the time offset, k, is determined based at least in part on both the subcarrier spacing configuration of the PDSCH and the subcarrier spacing configuration of the PUCCH. In some embodiments, the time offset, k, is applied after the wireless device receives the command for activation and the time offset, k, includes a number of slots for a PUCCH transmission after reception of the PDSCH.

In some embodiments, the procedure related to the first serving cell includes at least channel state information, CSI, reporting for the first serving cell in response to the command for activation of the first serving cell. In some embodiments, the method further includes configuring, such as via determination unit32, processing circuitry68, processor70, communication interface60and/or radio interface62, the wireless device22with carrier aggregation; and the command for activation or deactivation is a medium access control, MAC, command element, CE. In some embodiments, sending the command for activation or deactivation of the first serving cell further includes sending, such as via determination unit32, processing circuitry68, processor70, communication interface60and/or radio interface62, the command in a second serving cell different from the first serving cell.

In some embodiments, the procedure related to the first serving cell comprises a deactivation procedure and the deactivation procedure includes the wireless device stopping at least one of channel state information, CSI, reporting, physical downlink control channel, PDCCH, monitoring and sounding reference signal, SRS, transmission on the first serving cell in response to the command for deactivation of the first serving cell. In some embodiments, the procedure related to the first serving cell comprises an activation procedure and the activation procedure includes starting at least one of channel state information, CSI, reporting, physical downlink control channel, PDCCH, monitoring and sounding reference signal, SRS, transmission on the first serving cell in response to receiving the command for activation of the first serving cell.

In one or more embodiments, network node16such as via one or more of processing circuitry68, processor70, determination unit32communication interface60and radio interface62is configured to determine to one of activate and deactivate a serving cell of the wireless device, where the one of activation and deactivation is based at least in part on a plurality of numerologies. In one or more embodiments, network node16such as via one or more of processing circuitry68, processor70, determination unit32communication interface60and radio interface62is configured to optionally indicate the one of activation and deactivation of the serving cell to cause the wireless device22to perform one of an activation and deactivation based procedure associated with the serving cell.

According to one or more embodiments, the activation procedure associate with the serving cell is based at least in part on a slot n+k where k is a time offset and n is a slot number, and the plurality of numerologies include a first numerology of a physical downlink shared channel (PDSCH) containing an activation command and a second numerology of corresponding physical uplink control channel (PUCCH) transmission. According to one or more embodiments, the deactivation procedure associated with the serving cell is based at least in part on two different time offsets for applying serving cell deactivation related actions where a first time offset being used if the serving cell is deactivated using an explicit deactivation command and a second time offset being used if the serving cell is deactivated upon expiration of deactivation timer for the serving cell.FIG.10is a flowchart of another example process in a network node16according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. One or more Blocks and/or functions performed by network node16may be performed by one or more elements of network node16such as by determination unit32in processing circuitry68, processor70, communication interface60, radio interface62, etc. In some embodiments, the method includes determining (Block S138), such as via determination unit32, processing circuitry68, processor70, communication interface60and/or radio interface62, to initiate a deactivation procedure related to a secondary serving cell, the deactivation procedure related to the secondary serving cell being based at least in part on two different time offsets for applying serving cell deactivation actions, a first time offset being used if the secondary serving cell is deactivated using an explicit deactivation command and a second time offset being used if the secondary serving cell is deactivated upon expiration of a deactivation timer for the secondary serving cell.

In some embodiments, the first time offset is based at least in part on information related to the explicit deactivation command. In some embodiments, the method further includes sending, such as via determination unit32, processing circuitry68, processor70, communication interface60and/or radio interface62, the explicit deactivation command of the secondary serving cell in a first physical channel; receiving, such as via determination unit32, processing circuitry68, processor70, communication interface60and/or radio interface62, a corresponding Hybrid Automatic Repeat reQuest, HARQ, acknowledgment, ACK, in a second physical channel, a subcarrier spacing configuration of the first physical channel being different from a subcarrier spacing of the second physical channel; and initiating, such as via determination unit32, processing circuitry68, processor70, communication interface60and/or radio interface62, the deactivation procedure related to the secondary serving cell, the deactivation procedure being based at least in part on the first time offset, k, the first time offset, k, being based at least in part on a reference physical channel.

In some embodiments, the reference physical channel is the second physical channel and the time offset is based at least in part on the subcarrier spacing configuration of the reference physical channel. In some embodiments, the second time offset is based at least in part on information related to a physical channel of a scheduling cell of the secondary serving cell for which the deactivation timer expires. In some embodiments, the deactivation procedure includes the wireless device stopping at least one of channel state information, CSI, reporting, physical downlink control channel, PDCCH, monitoring and sounding reference signal, SRS, transmission on the secondary serving cell.

FIG.11is a flowchart of an example process in a wireless device22according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. One or more Blocks and/or functions performed by wireless device22may be performed by one or more elements of wireless device22such as by action unit34in processing circuitry84, processor86, radio interface82, etc. The method includes determining (Block S140), such as by action unit34, processing circuitry84, processor86and/or radio interface82, an activation or a deactivation of a first serving cell associated with a first physical channel. The method includes sending (Block S142), such as by action unit34, processing circuitry84, processor86and/or radio interface82, a corresponding Hybrid Automatic Repeat reQuest, HARQ, acknowledgment, ACK, in a second physical channel, a subcarrier spacing configuration of the first physical channel being different from a subcarrier spacing of the second physical channel. The method includes performing (Block S144), such as by action unit34, processing circuitry84, processor86and/or radio interface82, a procedure related to the first serving cell based at least in part on a time offset, k, the time offset, k, being based at least in part on a reference physical channel.

In some embodiments, the determining comprises receiving a command from a network node for the activation or the deactivation of the first serving cell in the first physical channel. In some embodiments, the reference physical channel is the second physical channel, and the time offset, k, is based at least in part on the subcarrier spacing configuration of the reference physical channel. In some embodiments, the first physical channel is a physical downlink shared channel, PDSCH, and the second physical channel is a physical uplink control channel, PUCCH, and the time offset, k, is determined based at least in part on both the subcarrier spacing configuration of the PDSCH and the subcarrier spacing configuration of the PUCCH. In some embodiments, the time offset, k, is applied after receiving the command for the activation and the time offset, k, includes a number of slots for a PUCCH transmission after reception of the PDSCH.

In some embodiments, performing the procedure related to the first serving cell includes performing, such as by action unit34, processing circuitry84, processor86and/or radio interface82, at least channel state information, CSI, reporting for the first serving cell in response to receiving the command for the activation of the first serving cell. In some embodiments, the wireless device22is configured with carrier aggregation and the command for the activation or the deactivation is a medium access control, MAC, command element, CE. In some embodiments, receiving the command for the activation or the deactivation of the first serving cell further includes receiving, such as by action unit34, processing circuitry84, processor86and/or radio interface82, the command in a second serving cell different from the first serving cell.

In some embodiments, the procedure related to the first serving cell comprises a deactivation procedure and the deactivation procedure includes stopping, such as by action unit34, processing circuitry84, processor86and/or radio interface82, at least one of channel state information, CSI, reporting, physical downlink control channel, PDCCH, monitoring and sounding reference signal, SRS, transmission on the first serving cell in response to receiving the command for deactivation of the first serving cell. In some embodiments, the procedure related to the first serving cell comprises an activation procedure and the activation procedure includes starting, such as by action unit34, processing circuitry84, processor86and/or radio interface82, at least one of channel state information, CSI, reporting, physical downlink control channel, PDCCH, monitoring and sounding reference signal, SRS, transmission on the first serving cell in response to receiving the command for activation of the first serving cell.

In some embodiments, the determining the deactivation includes a deactivation procedure related to the first serving cell, the deactivation procedure related to the first serving cell being based at least in part on two different time offsets for applying serving cell deactivation actions, a first time offset being used, such as by action unit34, processing circuitry84, processor86and/or radio interface82, if the first serving cell is deactivated using an explicit deactivation command and a second time offset being used, such as by action unit34, processing circuitry84, processor86and/or radio interface82, if the first serving cell is deactivated upon expiration of a deactivation timer for the first serving cell, the first serving cell being a secondary serving cell. In some embodiments, one or more of: the first time offset is based at least in part on a subcarrier spacing configuration of the second physical channel; and the second time offset is based at least in part on information related to a physical channel of a scheduling cell of the first serving cell for which the deactivation timer expires.

In some embodiments, the method includes receiving, such as via action unit34, processing circuitry84, processor86and/or radio interface82, a command for activation or deactivation of a first serving cell in a first physical channel. The method includes sending, such as via action unit34, processing circuitry84, processor86and/or radio interface82, a corresponding Hybrid Automatic Repeat reQuest, HARQ, acknowledgment, ACK, in a second physical channel, a subcarrier spacing configuration of the first physical channel being different from a subcarrier spacing of the second physical channel. The method includes performing, such as via action unit34, processing circuitry84, processor86and/or radio interface82, a procedure related to the first serving cell based at least in part on a time offset, k, the time offset, k, being based at least in part on a reference physical channel.

In some embodiments, the reference physical channel is the second physical channel, and the time offset, k, is based at least in part on the subcarrier spacing configuration of the reference physical channel. In some embodiments, the first physical channel is a physical downlink shared channel, PDSCH, and the second physical channel is a physical uplink control channel, PUCCH, and the time offset, k, is determined based at least in part on both the subcarrier spacing configuration of the PDSCH and the subcarrier spacing configuration of the PUCCH. In some embodiments, the time offset, k, is applied after receiving the command for activation and the time offset, k, includes a number of slots for a PUCCH transmission after reception of the PDSCH. In some embodiments, performing the procedure related to the first serving cell includes performing, such as via action unit34, processing circuitry84, processor86and/or radio interface82, at least channel state information, CSI, reporting for the first serving cell in response to receiving the command for activation of the first serving cell.

In some embodiments, the wireless device22is configured with carrier aggregation and the command for activation or deactivation is a medium access control, MAC, command element, CE. In some embodiments, receiving the command for activation or deactivation of the first serving cell further includes receiving, such as via action unit34, processing circuitry84, processor86and/or radio interface82, the command in a second serving cell different from the first serving cell. In some embodiments, the procedure related to the first serving cell comprises a deactivation procedure and the deactivation procedure includes stopping at least one of channel state information, CSI, reporting, physical downlink control channel, PDCCH, monitoring and sounding reference signal, SRS, transmission on the first serving cell in response to receiving the command for deactivation of the first serving cell. In some embodiments, the procedure related to the first serving cell comprises an activation procedure and the activation procedure includes starting at least one of channel state information, CSI, reporting, physical downlink control channel, PDCCH, monitoring and sounding reference signal, SRS, transmission on the first serving cell in response to receiving the command for activation of the first serving cell.

In one or more embodiments, wireless device such as via one or more of processing circuitry84, processor86, action unit34and radio interface82is configured to determine to perform one of an activation and deactivation based procedure associated with a serving cell where the one of activation and deactivation being based at least in part on a plurality of numerologies.

According to one or more embodiments, the activation procedure associated with the serving cell is based at least in part on a slot n+k where k is a time offset and n is a slot number, and the plurality of numerologies include a first numerology of a physical downlink shared channel (PDSCH) containing an activation command and a second numerology of corresponding physical uplink control channel (PUCCH) transmission. According to one or more embodiments, the deactivation procedure associated with the serving cell is based at least in part on two different time offsets for applying serving cell deactivation related actions where a first time offset being used if the serving cell is deactivated using an explicit deactivation command and a second time offset being used if the serving cell is deactivated upon expiration of deactivation timer for the serving cell.

FIG.12is a flowchart of an example process in a wireless device22according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. One or more Blocks and/or functions performed by wireless device22may be performed by one or more elements of wireless device22such as by action unit34in processing circuitry84, processor86, radio interface82, etc. In some embodiments, the method includes determining (Block S146), such as via action unit34, processing circuitry84, processor86and/or radio interface82, to perform a deactivation procedure related to a secondary serving cell, the deactivation procedure related to the secondary serving cell being based at least in part on two different time offsets for applying serving cell deactivation actions, a first time offset being used if the secondary serving cell is deactivated using an explicit deactivation command and a second time offset being used if the secondary serving cell is deactivated upon expiration of a deactivation timer for the secondary serving cell.

In some embodiments, the first time offset is based at least in part on information related to the explicit deactivation command. In some embodiments, the method further includes receiving, such as via action unit34, processing circuitry84, processor86and/or radio interface82, the explicit deactivation command of the secondary serving cell in a first physical channel; sending, such as via action unit34, processing circuitry84, processor86and/or radio interface82, a corresponding Hybrid Automatic Repeat reQuest, HARQ, acknowledgment, ACK, in a second physical channel, a subcarrier spacing configuration of the first physical channel being different from a subcarrier spacing of the second physical channel; and performing, such as via action unit34, processing circuitry84, processor86and/or radio interface82, the deactivation procedure related to the secondary serving cell based at least in part on the first time offset, k, the first time offset, k, being based at least in part on a reference physical channel.

In some embodiments, the reference physical channel is the second physical channel and the time offset is based at least in part on the subcarrier spacing configuration of the reference physical channel. In some embodiments, the second time offset is based at least in part on information related to a physical channel of a scheduling cell of the secondary serving cell for which the deactivation timer expires. In some embodiments, the deactivation procedure includes stopping at least one of channel state information, CSI, reporting, physical downlink control channel, PDCCH, and sounding reference signal, SRS, transmission on the secondary serving cell.

Having described the general process flow of arrangements of the disclosure and having provided examples of hardware and software arrangements for implementing the processes and functions of the disclosure, the sections below provide details and examples of arrangements for serving cell activation and/or deactivation such as when different numerologies are configured and/or a deactivation timer is used, which may be implemented by one or more of network node16and wireless device22.

Some embodiments provide for serving cell activation and/or deactivation such as when different numerologies are configured and/or a deactivation timer is used.

For example, the existing procedure related to Scell activation timing from some wireless communication standards such as, for example, in 3GPP TS 38.214 f50, sec 4.3 is as follows:

When a wireless device22receives an activation command (as described in some wireless communication standards such as, for example, in 3GPP TS 38.321) in a PDSCH for a secondary cell in slot n, the wireless device22applies the corresponding actions in, as described in some wireless communication standards such as, for example, in 3GPP TS 38.321, no later than the minimum required time period defined in some wireless communication standards such as, for example, in 3GPP TS 38.133 and no earlier than slot n+k, except for the following:the actions related to CSI reporting on a serving cell that is active in slot n+k;the actions related to the sCellDeactivationTimer associated with the secondary cell as described in some wireless communication standards such as, for example, in 3GPP TS 38.321, that the wireless device22applies in slot n+k;the actions related to CSI reporting on a serving cell which is not active in slot n+k that the wireless device22applies in the earliest slot after n+k in which the serving cell is active.

The value of k is k1+3·Nslotsubframe,μ+1 where k is a number of slots for a PUCCH transmission with HARQ-ACK information for the PDSCH reception and is indicated by the PDSCH-to-HARQ-timing-indicator field in the downlink control information (DCI) format scheduling the PDSCH reception, as described in some wireless communication standards such as, for example, in Subclause 9.2.3, and Nslotsubframe,μis a number of slots per subframe for the SCS configuration μ of the PUCCH transmission.

If a wireless device22receives a deactivation command, as described in some wireless communication standards such as, for example, in 3GPP TS 38.321, for a secondary cell or the sCellDeactivationTimer associated with the secondary cell expires in slot n, the wireless device22applies the corresponding actions in 3GPP TS 38.321 no later than the minimum required time period defined in 3GPP TS 38.133, except for the actions related to CSI reporting on a serving cell which is active which the wireless device22applies in slot n+k.

The above procedure related to Scell activation timing suffers from at least one of the problems described herein.

Some embodiments of the instant disclosure may solve at least a portion of the problems described herein by providing one or more processes and/or configurations for Scell activation and/or deactivation as described herein. In one or more embodiments described herein, the deactivation and/or activation command is determined by the network node16such as via processing circuitry68and/or determination unit32, and indicated, i.e., provided, to the wireless device22. As used herein, the terms “action” and “procedure” may be used interchangeably.

Some embodiments related to Scell activation are described below.

In one embodiment, the wireless device22is configured for carrier aggregation (CA). The wireless device22is configured with one or more secondary serving cells (Scells) in addition to its Primary serving cell (Pcell). The wireless device22receives, via radio interface82, an activation command for activation of a first serving cell (e.g. SCell1) of the one or more Scells. The activation command is received in slot n of a second serving cell (e.g., Pcell/PScell/PUCCH-Scell or another SCell say Scell2) using a first physical channel (e.g., PDSCH or PDCCH). The wireless device22transmits, via radio interface82, HARQ-ACK in response to receiving the activation command using a second physical channel (e.g., PUCCH or PUSCH). The wireless device22starts and/or initiates, via processing circuitry84and/or action unit34, CSI reporting for Scell1 from slot n+k where k is determined based on sub-carrier spacing configuration of the first physical channel (SCS1) and sub-carrier spacing configuration of the second physical channel (SCS2). The wireless device22may start performing, via processing circuitry84and/or action unit34, other activation related actions (e.g., PDCCH monitoring for Rein, SRS/PUCCH transmission on Scell1) starting from slot n+k.

In one example related to the above embodiment, the first and second physical channels can be on the same serving cell (e.g., Pcell, PScell, PUCCH-Scell), i.e., served by the same network node16. In another example, the first physical channel can be on different serving cells (e.g., first physical channel PDSCH received on Scell2 and second physical channel PUCCH transmitted on Pcell).

In one example, the activation command is received in slot n where the first physical channel is PDSCH and second physical channel is PUCCH and the time offset k is given by:
k=(k1+3·Nslotsubframe,μ+1)·2μPDSCH−μ,
where k1is a number of slots for PUCCH transmission with HARQ-ACK information for the PDSCH reception and is indicated by the PDSCH-to-HARQ-timing-indicator field in a DCI format scheduling the PDSCH reception (e.g., as described in existing wireless communications standards such as, for example, in Subclause 9.2.3 of 3GPP TS 38.213) and Nslotsubframe,μis a number of slots per subframe for the SCS configuration μ of the PUCCH transmission and μPDSCHis the SCS configuration of the PDSCH transmission.

In response to receiving the activation command, the wireless device22applies, via processing circuitry84and/or action unit34, a corresponding first set of actions such as those action(s) described in wireless communication standards such as, for example, in 3GPP TS 38.321 no later than a minimum required time period (e.g. as described in wireless communication standards such as, for example, in 3GPP TS 38.133) and no earlier than slot n+k and:applies/performs, via processing circuitry84and/or action unit34, the actions related to CSI reporting (e.g., report CSI using a payload size that includes bits) on a serving cell that is active in slot n+k;applies/performs, via processing circuitry84and/or action unit34, the actions related to the sCellDeactivationTimer (e.g., starting the sCellDeactivationTimer) associated with first serving cell (e.g., Scell1) in slot n+k;

The time offset k can be approximated to an integer number. In one example, the time offset k is given by k=Ceil((k1+3·Nslotsubframe,k=μ+1)·2μPDSCH−μ). In another example, the time offset k is given by k=floor((k1+3·Nslotsubframe,μ+1)·2μPDSCH−μ. In yet another example, the time offset k is given by k=round ((k1+3·Nslotsubframe,μ+1)·2μPDSCH−μ).

In another example, the activation command is received in slot n where the first physical channel is PDSCH and second physical channel is PUCCH and the time offset k is given by:
k=(k1+A·Nslotsubframe,μ+B)·2μPDSCH−μ,
where k1is a number of slots for PUCCH transmission with HARQ-ACK information for the PDSCH reception and is indicated by the PDSCH-to-HARQ-timing-indicator field in a DCI format scheduling the PDSCH reception (e.g., as described existing wireless communication standards such as, for example, in Subclause 9.2.3 of 3GPP TS 38.213) and Nslotsubframe,μis a number of slots per subframe for the SCS configuration μ of the PUCCH transmission and μPDSCHis the SCS configuration of the PDSCH transmission. “A” can be a predefined number/quantity, e.g., can be predefined as a value of 3 or 4, and B can be predefined number/quantity, such as 0 or 1.

In response to receiving the activation command, the wireless device22applies, via processing circuitry84and/or action unit34, the corresponding a first set of actions (e.g., action(s) described in wireless communication standards such as, for example, in 3GPP TS 38.321] no later than a minimum required time period (e.g., minimum required time period described in wireless communication standards such as, for example, in 3GPP TS 38.133) and no earlier than slot n+k and:applies/performs, via processing circuitry84and/or action unit34, the actions related to CSI reporting (e.g., report CSI using a payload size that includes bits) on a serving cell that is active in slot n+k;applies/performs, via processing circuitry84and/or action unit34, the actions related to the sCellDeactivationTimer (e.g., starting the sCellDeactivationTimer) associated with first serving cell (e.g., Scell1) in slot n+k;

The time offset k can be approximated to an integer number. In one example, the time offset k is given by k=Ceil((k1+A·Nslotsubframe,μ+B)·2μPDSCH−μ). In another example, the time offset k is given by k=floor((k1+A·Nslotsubframe,μ+B)·2μPDSCH−μ). In yet another example, the time offset k is given by k=round((k1+A·Nslotsubframe,μ+B)·2μPDSCH−μ).

In an example, the first physical channel is PDSCH, and the second physical channel is PUCCH or a PUSCH, and the time offset k is based on one or more of the following: a number of slots for second physical transmission with HARQ-ACK information for the first physical channel reception as indicated by a timing-indicator field in a DCI format scheduling the first physical channel reception, a number of slots per subframe for a SCS configuration of a reference physical channel, a scaling factor that is determined based on a numerology of the first physical channel and a numerology of the second physical channel. In a further example, the reference physical channel is the first physical channel. In another example, the reference physical channel is a second physical channel.

In another example, the first physical channel is PDCCH, and the second physical channel is PUCCH or a PUSCH, and the time offset k is based on one or more of the following: a number of slots for second physical transmission with HARQ-ACK information for the first physical channel reception as indicated by a timing-indicator field in a DCI format decoded in the first physical channel reception, a number of slots per subframe for a reference SCS configuration of a reference physical channel, a scaling factor that is determined based on a numerology of the first physical channel and a numerology of the second physical channel. In a further example, the reference physical channel is the first physical channel. In another example, the reference physical channel is a second physical channel.

Some embodiments related to Scell deactivation are described below.

In one embodiment, the wireless device22is configured for carrier aggregation (CA). The wireless device22is configured with one or more secondary serving cells (Scells) in addition to its Primary serving cell (Pcell). When wireless device22receives a deactivation command of a first serving cell (e.g., SCell1) in slot n of a second serving cell using a first physical channel (e.g., PDSCH or PDCCH) and the wireless device22transmits HARQ-ACK in response to receiving, via radio interface82, the deactivation command using a second physical channel (e.g., PUCCH or PUSCH), the wireless device22applies, via processing circuitry84and/or action unit34, an action related to CSI reporting for Scell1 from slot n+k, where k is a time offset given by m1 where m1 is a first value, and when the sCell Deactivation Timer associated with the secondary cell expires in slot n, the wireless device22applies, via processing circuitry84and/or action unit34, an action related to CSI reporting for Scell1 from slot n+k, where k is a time offset given by m2 where m2 is a second value. The first and second values are distinct. The wireless device22may start performing, via processing circuitry84and/or action unit34, other deactivation related actions (e.g., stop PDCCH monitoring for Scell1, stop SRS/PUCCH transmission on Scell1) starting from slot n+m1 when the wireless device22receives, via radio interface82, a deactivation command and starting from slot n+m2 when the sCell Deactivation Timer expires. The first value (m1) can be determined based at least in part on sub-carrier spacing configuration of the first physical channel (SCS1) and a sub-carrier spacing configuration of a second physical channel (SCS2). In one or more embodiments described herein, Scell deactivation may not deactivate the Scell, itself, as the Scell remains active to serve one or more other wireless devices22. In one or more embodiments described herein, Scell activation may not activate the Scell, itself, as the Scell may be serving other wireless devices22and/or be ready to serve the other wireless devices22.

In one example related to the above embodiment, the first and second physical channels can be on the same serving cell (e.g., Pcell, PScell, PUCCH-Scell). In another example, the first physical channel can be on different serving cells (e.g., first physical channel PDSCH received on Scell2 and second physical channel PUCCH transmitted on Pcell).

Some examples for time offset k for the case of deactivation command reception are described next.

In an example, the deactivation command is received in slot n where the first physical channel is PDSCH and second physical channel is PUCCH and the time offset k is given by k=m1=((k1+3·Nslotsubframe,μ+1)·2μPDSCH−μwhere k1is a number of slots for PUCCH transmission with HARQ-ACK information for the PDSCH reception and is indicated by the PDSCH-to-HARQ-timing-indicator field in a DCI format scheduling the PDSCH reception (e.g., as described in wireless communication standards such as, for example, in Subclause 9.2.3 of 3GPP TS 38.213) and Nslotsubframe,μis a number of slots per subframe for the SCS configuration μ of the PUCCH transmission and μPDSCHis the SCS configuration of the PDSCH transmission.

The time offset k (or m1) can be approximated to an integer number. In one example, the time offset k is given by k=Ceil((k1+3·Nslotsubframe,k=μ+1)·2μPDSCH−μ. In another example, the time offset k is given by k=floor((k1+3·Nslotsubframe,μ+1)·2μPDSCH−μ. In yet another example, the time offset k is given by k=round((k1+3·Nslotsubframe,μ+1)·2μPDSCH−μ.

In an example, the deactivation command is received in slot n and first physical channel is PDSCH and second physical channel is PUCCH and the time offset k is given by k=m1=(k1+3·Nslotsubframe,μ+1)·2μPDSCH−μwhere k1is a number of slots for PUCCH transmission with HARQ-ACK information for the PDSCH reception and is indicated by the PDSCH-to-HARQ-timing-indicator field in a DCI format scheduling the PDSCH reception (e.g., as described in wireless communication standards such as, for example, Subclause 9.2.3 of 3GPP TS 38.213) and Nslotsubframe,μis a number of slots per subframe for the SCS configuration μ of the PUCCH transmission and μPDSCHis the SCS configuration of the PDSCH transmission. “A” can be predefined, e.g., can be preconfigured with values such as 3 or 4, and “B” can be a predefined number such as 0 or 1, for example.

The time offset k (or m1) can be approximated to an integer number. In one example, the time offset k is given by k=Ceil((k1+A·Nslotsubframe,μ+B)·2μPDSCH−μ). In another example, the time offset k is given by k=floor((k1+A·Nslotsubframe,μ+B)·2μPDSCH−μ. In yet another example, the time offset k is given by k=round ((k1+A·Nslotsubframe,μ+B)·2μPDSCH−μ).

In an example, the first physical channel is PDSCH, and the second physical channel is PUCCH or a PUSCH, and the time offset k is based on one or more of the following: a number of slots for second physical transmission with HARQ-ACK information for the first physical channel reception as indicated by a timing-indicator field in a DCI format scheduling the first physical channel reception, a number of slots per subframe for a SCS configuration of a reference physical channel, a scaling factor that is determined based at least in part on a numerology of the first physical channel and a numerology of the second physical channel. In a further example, the reference physical channel is the first physical channel. In another example, the reference physical channel is a second physical channel.

In an example, the first physical channel is a PDCCH, and the second physical channel is PUCCH or a PUSCH, and the time offset k is based on one or more of the following: a number of slots for second physical transmission with HARQ-ACK information for the first physical channel reception as indicated by a timing-indicator field in a DCI format decoded in the first physical channel reception, a number of slots per subframe for a reference SCS configuration of a reference physical channel, a scaling factor that is determined based at least in part on a numerology of the first physical channel and a numerology of the second physical channel. In a further example, the reference physical channel is the first physical channel. In another example, the reference physical channel is a second physical channel.

Some examples for time offset k for the case of deactivation timer expiration are described next.

In an example, when the deactivation timer expires in slot n, the time offset k can be m2=(A·Nslotsubframe,μPxSCH+B), where Nslotsubframe,μPxSCHis a number of slots per subframe for the SCS configuration μPxSCHof a PxCCH. The PxCCH can be the PDCCH of the scheduling cell for the secondary cell. “A” can be predefined, e.g., can take values 3 or 4, and “B” can be predefined number, such as 0 or 1. In one or more embodiments, the wireless device22, via processing circuitry84and/or action unit34, can provide the deactivation timer.

The time offset k (or m2) can be approximated to an integer number. In one example, the time offset k is given by k=Ceil((k1+A·Nslotsubframe,μ+B)·2μPDSCH−μ). In another example, the time offset k is given by k=floor((k1+A·Nslotsubframe,μ+B)·2μPDSCH−μ). In yet another example, the time offset k is given by k=round ((k1+A·Nslotsubframe,μ+B)·2μPDSCH−μ).

An example of a process for deactivation can be described below.

If a wireless device22receives, via radio interface82, a deactivation command (e.g., as described in wireless communication standards such as, for example, in 3GPP TS 38.321) for a secondary cell in slot n, the wireless device22applies, via processing circuitry84and/or action unit34, one or more of corresponding actions (e.g., action described in wireless communication standards such as, for example, 3GPP TS 38.321) no later than the minimum required time period defined in wireless communication standards such as, for example, 3GPP TS 38.133, except for the actions related to CSI reporting on a serving cell which is active which the wireless device22applies in slot n+k.

If the sCellDeactivationTimer associated with the secondary cell expires in slot n, the wireless device22applies, via processing circuitry84and/or action unit34, the corresponding actions (e.g., action described in wireless communication standards such as, for example, 3GPP TS 38.321) no later than the minimum required time period defined in wireless communication standards such as, for example, in 3GPP TS 38.133, except for the actions related to CSI reporting on a serving cell which is active in which the wireless device22applies, via processing circuitry84and/or action unit34, in slot n+k where k=4·Nslotsubframe,μPDCCHand μPDCCHis the SCS configuration of the PDCCH of the scheduling cell for the secondary cell.

An example description of improved/modified procedure describing Scell activation timing considering the above discussion is shown below:

Modified Procedure:

<begin, e.g., of TP for subclause 4.3 of 3GPP TS 38.213 f50>

Timing for Secondary Cell Activation/Deactivation

When a wireless device22receives an activation command (e.g., command as described in wireless communication standards such as, for example, in 3GPP TS 38.321) in a PDSCH for a secondary cell in slot n, the wireless device22applies the corresponding actions (e.g., action as described in wireless communication standards such as, for example, 3GPP TS 38.321) no later than the minimum required time period defined in wireless communication standards such as, for example, in 3GPP TS 38.133 and no earlier than slot n+k, except for the following:the actions related to CSI reporting on a serving cell that is active in slot n+k;the actions related to the sCellDeactivationTimer associated with the secondary cell as described wireless communication standards such as, for example, 3GPP TS 38.321 that the wireless device22applies in slot n+k;the actions related to CSI reporting on a serving cell which is not active in slot n+k that the wireless device22applies in the earliest slot after n+k in which the serving cell is active.

The value of k is ┌(k1+3·Nslotsubframe,μ+1)·2μPDSCHμ┐ where k1is a number of slots for a PUCCH transmission with HARQ-ACK information for the PDSCH reception and is indicated by the PDSCH-to-HARQ-timing-indicator field in the DCI format scheduling the PDSCH reception as described in wireless communication standards such as, for example, Subclause 9.2.3 and Nslotsubframe,μis a number of slots per subframe for the SCS configuration μ of the PUCCH transmission and μPDSCHis the SCS configuration of the PDSCH.

If a wireless device22receives a deactivation command (e.g., command as described in wireless communication standards such as, for example, in 3GPP TS 38.321) for a secondary cell in slot n, the wireless device22applies the corresponding actions (e.g., action described in wireless communication standards such as, for example, 3GPP TS 38.321) no later than the minimum required time period defined wireless communication standards such as, for example, 3GPP TS 38.133), except for the actions related to CSI reporting on a serving cell which is active in which the wireless device22applies in slot n+k.

If the sCellDeactivationTimer associated with the secondary cell expires in slot n, the wireless device22applies the corresponding actions described in wireless communication standards such as, for example, 3GPP TS 38.321 no later than the minimum required time period defined in wireless communication standards such as, for example, 3GPP TS 38.133, except for the actions related to CSI reporting on a serving cell which is active which the wireless device22applies in slot n+k where k=4·Nslotsubframe,μPDCCHμand μPDCCHis the SCS configuration of the PDCCH of the scheduling cell for the secondary cell.

<end of TP>, i.e., of modified procedure.

Therefore, the instant disclosure provides several advantages over existing systems as described herein. For CA, upon reception of a Scell activation command (e.g., in slot n), determining a time offset (k) after which certain activation related activation related actions are performed, where the time offset is determined based on SCS configuration (SCS1) of the physical channel (e.g. PDSCH) on which the activation command is received and the SCS configuration (SCS2) of the physical channel on which a HARQ-ACK response to the activation command is sent (e.g. PUCCH).

In a more specific example, a scaling factor 2μPDSCH−μis used for determining time offset (k), to normalize the impact of different numerology between SCS1 (corresponding to μPDSCH) and SCS2 (corresponding to μ). This allows term n+k to be correctly and/or more accurately be defined regardless of numerology of PDSCH containing activation command (μPDSCH) and numerology of corresponding PUCCH transmission (μ).

For CA, using two different time offsets for applying Scell deactivation related actions where first a time offset is used if Scell is deactivated using an explicit deactivation command and a second time offset is used if the Scell is deactivated upon expiration of deactivation timer for the Scell.

In a more specific example, the first time offset is based on information related to deactivation command (e.g., PDSCH to HARQ-ACK delay, SCS configurations of the PDSCH carrying the deactivation command and corresponding HARQ-ACK) while the second time offset is based on information related to PDCCH of the scheduling cell of the Scell for which the Scell deactivation timer expires.

In some embodiments, which may be performed by network node16and/or wireless device22, if the sCellDeactivationTimer associated with the secondary cell expires in slot n, the wireless device22applies the corresponding actions in [3GPP TS 38.321] no later than the minimum requirement defined in [TS 38.133], except for the actions related to CSI reporting on a serving cell which is active which the wireless device22applies in, for example, slot n+k where e.g., k=4·Nslotsubframe,μPDCCHμand μPDCCHis the subcarrier spacing (SCS) configuration of the PDCCH of the scheduling cell for the secondary cell.

Some examples may include one or more of the following:

Example A1. A network node configured to communicate with a wireless device, the network node configured to, and/or comprising a radio interface and/or comprising processing circuitry configured to:

determine to one of activate and deactivate a serving cell of the wireless device, the one of activation and deactivation being based at least in part on a plurality of numerologies; and

optionally indicate the one of activation and deactivation of the serving cell to cause the wireless device to perform one of an activation and deactivation based procedure associated with the serving cell.

Example A2. The network node of Example A1, wherein the activation procedure associated with the serving cell is based at least in part on a slot n+k, k being a time offset and n being a slot number; and

the plurality of numerologies including a first numerology of a physical downlink shared channel (PDSCH) containing an activation command and a second numerology of corresponding physical uplink control channel (PUCCH) transmission.

Example A3. The network node of Example A1, wherein the deactivation procedure associated with the serving cell is based at least in part on two different time offsets for applying serving cell deactivation related actions, a first time offset being used if the serving cell is deactivated using an explicit deactivation command and a second time offset being used if the serving cell is deactivated upon expiration of deactivation timer for the serving cell.

Example B1. A method implemented in a network node, the method comprising:

determining to one of activate and deactivate a serving cell of the wireless device, the one of activation and deactivation being based at least in part on a plurality of numerologies; and

optionally indicating the one of activation and deactivation of the serving cell to cause the wireless device to perform one of an activation and deactivation based procedure associated with the serving cell.

Example B2. The method of Example B1, wherein the activation procedure associated with the serving cell is based at least in part on a slot n+k, k being a time offset and n being a slot number; and

the plurality of numerologies including a first numerology of a physical downlink shared channel (PDSCH) containing an activation command and a second numerology of corresponding physical uplink control channel (PUCCH) transmission.

Example B3. The method of Example B1, wherein the deactivation procedure associated with the serving cell is based at least in part on two different time offsets for applying serving cell deactivation related actions, a first time offset being used if the serving cell is deactivated using an explicit deactivation command and a second time offset being used if the serving cell is deactivated upon expiration of deactivation timer for the serving cell.

Example C1. A wireless device configured to communicate with a network node, the wireless device configured to, and/or comprising a radio interface and/or processing circuitry configured to:

determine to perform one of an activation and deactivation based procedure associated with a serving cell, the one of activation and deactivation being based at least in part on a plurality of numerologies.

Example C2. The wireless device of Example C1, wherein the activation procedure associated with the serving cell is based at least in part on a slot n+k, k being a time offset and n being a slot number; and

the plurality of numerologies including a first numerology of a physical downlink shared channel (PDSCH) containing an activation command and a second numerology of corresponding physical uplink control channel (PUCCH) transmission.

Example C3. The wireless device of Example C1, wherein the deactivation procedure associated with the serving cell is based at least in part on two different time offsets for applying serving cell deactivation related actions, a first time offset being used if the serving cell is deactivated using an explicit deactivation command and a second time offset being used if the serving cell is deactivated upon expiration of deactivation timer for the serving cell.

Example D1. A method implemented in a wireless device, the method comprising determining to perform one of an activation and deactivation based procedure associated with a serving cell, the one of activation and deactivation being based at least in part on a plurality of numerologies.

Example D2. The method of Example D1, wherein the activation procedure associated with the serving cell is based at least in part on a slot n+k, k being a time offset and n being a slot number; and

the plurality of numerologies including a first numerology of a physical downlink shared channel (PDSCH) containing an activation command and a second numerology of corresponding physical uplink control channel (PUCCH) transmission.

Example D3. The method of Example D1, wherein deactivation procedure associated with the serving cell is based at least in part on two different time offsets for applying serving cell deactivation related actions, a first time offset being used if the serving cell is deactivated using an explicit deactivation command and a second time offset being used if the serving cell is deactivated upon expiration of deactivation timer for the serving cell.

As will be appreciated by one of skill in the art, the concepts described herein may be embodied as a method, data processing system, computer program product and/or computer storage media storing an executable computer program. Accordingly, the concepts described herein may take the form of an entirely hardware embodiment, an entirely software embodiment or an embodiment combining software and hardware aspects all generally referred to herein as a “circuit” or “module.” Any process, step, action and/or functionality described herein may be performed by, and/or associated to, a corresponding module, which may be implemented in software and/or firmware and/or hardware. Furthermore, the disclosure may take the form of a computer program product on a tangible computer usable storage medium having computer program code embodied in the medium that can be executed by a computer. Any suitable tangible computer readable medium may be utilized including hard disks, CD-ROMs, electronic storage devices, optical storage devices, or magnetic storage devices.

Some embodiments are described herein with reference to flowchart illustrations and/or block diagrams of methods, systems and computer program products. It will be understood that each block of the flowchart illustrations and/or block diagrams, and combinations of blocks in the flowchart illustrations and/or block diagrams, can be implemented by computer program instructions. These computer program instructions may be provided to a processor of a general purpose computer (to thereby create a special purpose computer), special purpose computer, or other programmable data processing apparatus to produce a machine, such that the instructions, which execute via the processor of the computer or other programmable data processing apparatus, create means for implementing the functions/acts specified in the flowchart and/or block diagram block or blocks.

These computer program instructions may also be stored in a computer readable memory or storage medium that can direct a computer or other programmable data processing apparatus to function in a particular manner, such that the instructions stored in the computer readable memory produce an article of manufacture including instruction means which implement the function/act specified in the flowchart and/or block diagram block or blocks.

The computer program instructions may also be loaded onto a computer or other programmable data processing apparatus to cause a series of operational steps to be performed on the computer or other programmable apparatus to produce a computer implemented process such that the instructions which execute on the computer or other programmable apparatus provide steps for implementing the functions/acts specified in the flowchart and/or block diagram block or blocks.

It is to be understood that the functions/acts noted in the blocks may occur out of the order noted in the operational illustrations. For example, two blocks shown in succession may in fact be executed substantially concurrently or the blocks may sometimes be executed in the reverse order, depending upon the functionality/acts involved. Although some of the diagrams include arrows on communication paths to show a primary direction of communication, it is to be understood that communication may occur in the opposite direction to the depicted arrows.

Computer program code for carrying out operations of the concepts described herein may be written in an object oriented programming language such as Java® or C++. However, the computer program code for carrying out operations of the disclosure may also be written in conventional procedural programming languages, such as the “C” programming language. The program code may execute entirely on the user's computer, partly on the user's computer, as a stand-alone software package, partly on the user's computer and partly on a remote computer or entirely on the remote computer. In the latter scenario, the remote computer may be connected to the user's computer through a local area network (LAN) or a wide area network (WAN), or the connection may be made to an external computer (for example, through the Internet using an Internet Service Provider).

Many different embodiments have been disclosed herein, in connection with the above description and the drawings. It will be understood that it would be unduly repetitious and obfuscating to literally describe and illustrate every combination and subcombination of these embodiments. Accordingly, all embodiments can be combined in any way and/or combination, and the present specification, including the drawings, shall be construed to constitute a complete written description of all combinations and subcombinations of the embodiments described herein, and of the manner and process of making and using them, and shall support claims to any such combination or subcombination.

Abbreviations that may be used in the preceding description include:

CCComponent carrierCSIChannel State InformationeMBBenhanced Mobile BroadBandLTELong Term EvolutionNRNext RadioPDCCHPhysical Downlink Control ChannelPUCCHPhysical Uplink Control ChannelPDSCHPhysical Downlink Shared ChannelPUSCHPhysical Uplink Shared ChannelSCSSubcarrier spacingScellSecondary cellUEUser Equipment

It will be appreciated by persons skilled in the art that the embodiments described herein are not limited to what has been particularly shown and described herein above. In addition, unless mention was made above to the contrary, it should be noted that all of the accompanying drawings are not to scale. A variety of modifications and variations are possible in light of the above teachings without departing from the scope of the following claims.