Patent ID: 12250695

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

In some wireless communications systems, a base station may use multiple transport blocks (TBs) to transmit downlink signals to a user equipment (UE). For example, the base station may transmit one or more downlink control information (DCI) messages scheduling multiple TBs for the UE to receive. In some cases, the UE may be expected to transmit acknowledgment (ACK) feedback to the base station to indicate whether the TBs are successfully received and decoded (e.g., the base station may attempt to retransmit any TBs not successfully received/decoded by the UE). Rather than transmitting individual ACK feedback messages for each received TB, the UE may bundle one or more TBs into separate groups, where the UE transmits an individual bundled ACK feedback message for each group of TBs. Conventionally, a UE may bundle the ACK feedback for the TBs based on delaying respective ACK feedback for different TBs such that the ACK feedback aligns for multiple TBs, and the UE may transmit a single ACK feedback for the multiple TBs based on these respective delay fields for each TB. However, when multiple TBs are scheduled by a single DCI, the processing and signaling needed to use the delay fields may be inefficient and expensive (e.g., delay fields need to be indicated and configured for each scheduled TB).

As described herein, a UE may identify a bundling configuration for grouping multiple TBs scheduled by a single DCI into separate groups of TBs (e.g., TB bundles) such that separate ACK feedback messages are transmitted by the UE for each group of TBs. In some cases, the UE may determine the bundling configuration based on radio resource control (RRC) signaling from the base station, DCI signaling from the base station, relationships/equations/tables defined for the UE, or a combination thereof. Additionally, the UE may determine resource locations and timelines (e.g., instances in time) for transmitting the separate ACK feedback messages (e.g., bundled ACK feedback). For example, the resource locations and timelines for the ACK feedback messages may be determined based on RRC/DCI parameters signaled by the base station, interleaving parameters, processing and decoding gaps, numbers of downlink and uplink channel repetitions (e.g., for the TBs and ACK feedback messages, respectively), scheduling delay fields, the bundling configuration, and additional parameters.

Aspects of the disclosure are initially described in the context of a wireless communications system. Additionally, aspects of the disclosure are illustrated through an additional wireless communications system, a bundling configuration timeline, examples of ACK feedback timelines (e.g., with and without interleaving), and a process flow. Aspects of the disclosure are further illustrated by and described with reference to apparatus diagrams, system diagrams, and flowcharts that relate to bundling and timeline determination for multiple TBs scheduled by a single DCI message.

FIG.1illustrates an example of a wireless communications system100that supports bundling and timeline determination for multiple TBs scheduled by a single DCI message in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure. The wireless communications system100includes base stations105, UEs115, and a core network130. In some examples, the wireless communications system100may be a Long Term Evolution (LTE) network, an LTE-Advanced (LTE-A) network, an LTE-A Pro network, or a New Radio (NR) network. In some cases, wireless communications system100may support enhanced broadband communications, ultra-reliable (e.g., mission critical) communications, low latency communications, or communications with low-cost and low-complexity devices.

Base stations105may wirelessly communicate with UEs115via one or more base station antennas. Base stations105described herein may include or may be referred to by those skilled in the art as a base transceiver station, a radio base station, an access point, a radio transceiver, a NodeB, an eNodeB (eNB), a next-generation NodeB or giga-NodeB (either of which may be referred to as a gNB), a Home NodeB, a Home eNodeB, or some other suitable terminology. Wireless communications system100may include base stations105of different types (e.g., macro or small cell base stations). The UEs115described herein may be able to communicate with various types of base stations105and network equipment including macro eNBs, small cell eNBs, gNBs, relay base stations, and the like.

Each base station105may be associated with a particular geographic coverage area110in which communications with various UEs115is supported. Each base station105may provide communication coverage for a respective geographic coverage area110via communication links125, and communication links125between a base station105and a UE115may utilize one or more carriers. Communication links125shown in wireless communications system100may include uplink transmissions from a UE115to a base station105, or downlink transmissions from a base station105to a UE115. Downlink transmissions may also be called forward link transmissions while uplink transmissions may also be called reverse link transmissions.

The geographic coverage area110for a base station105may be divided into sectors making up a portion of the geographic coverage area110, and each sector may be associated with a cell. For example, each base station105may provide communication coverage for a macro cell, a small cell, a hot spot, or other types of cells, or various combinations thereof. In some examples, a base station105may be movable and therefore provide communication coverage for a moving geographic coverage area110. In some examples, different geographic coverage areas110associated with different technologies may overlap, and overlapping geographic coverage areas110associated with different technologies may be supported by the same base station105or by different base stations105. The wireless communications system100may include, for example, a heterogeneous LTE/LTE-A/LTE-A Pro or NR network in which different types of base stations105provide coverage for various geographic coverage areas110.

The term “cell” refers to a logical communication entity used for communication with a base station105(e.g., over a carrier), and may be associated with an identifier (ID) for distinguishing neighboring cells (e.g., a physical cell ID (PCID), a virtual cell ID (VCID)) operating via the same or a different carrier. In some examples, a carrier may support multiple cells, and different cells may be configured according to different protocol types (e.g., machine-type communication (MTC), narrowband Internet-of-Things (NB-IoT), enhanced mobile broadband (eMBB), or others) that may provide access for different types of devices. In some cases, the term “cell” may refer to a portion of a geographic coverage area110(e.g., a sector) over which the logical entity operates.

UEs115may be dispersed throughout the wireless communications system100, and each UE115may be stationary or mobile. A UE115may also be referred to as a mobile device, a wireless device, a remote device, a handheld device, or a subscriber device, or some other suitable terminology, where the “device” may also be referred to as a unit, a station, a terminal, or a client. A UE115may be a personal electronic device such as a cellular phone, a personal digital assistant (PDA), a tablet computer, a laptop computer, or a personal computer. In some examples, a UE115may also refer to a wireless local loop (WLL) station, an Internet of Things (IoT) device, an Internet of Everything (IoE) device, or an MTC device, or the like, which may be implemented in various articles such as appliances, vehicles, meters, or the like.

Some UEs115, such as MTC or IoT devices, may be low cost or low complexity devices, and may provide for automated communication between machines (e.g., via Machine-to-Machine (M2M) communication). M2M communication or MTC may refer to data communication technologies that allow devices to communicate with one another or a base station105without human intervention. In some examples, M2M communication or MTC may include communications from devices that integrate sensors or meters to measure or capture information and relay that information to a central server or application program that can make use of the information or present the information to humans interacting with the program or application. Some UEs115may be designed to collect information or enable automated behavior of machines. Examples of applications for MTC devices include smart metering, inventory monitoring, water level monitoring, equipment monitoring, healthcare monitoring, wildlife monitoring, weather and geological event monitoring, fleet management and tracking, remote security sensing, physical access control, and transaction-based business charging.

Some UEs115may be configured to employ operating modes that reduce power consumption, such as half-duplex communications (e.g., a mode that supports one-way communication via transmission or reception, but not transmission and reception simultaneously). In some examples half-duplex communications may be performed at a reduced peak rate. Other power conservation techniques for UEs115include entering a power saving “deep sleep” mode when not engaging in active communications, or operating over a limited bandwidth (e.g., according to narrowband communications). In some cases, UEs115may be designed to support critical functions (e.g., mission critical functions), and a wireless communications system100may be configured to provide ultra-reliable communications for these functions.

In some cases, a UE115may also be able to communicate directly with other UEs115(e.g., using a peer-to-peer (P2P) or device-to-device (D2D) protocol). One or more of a group of UEs115utilizing D2D communications may be within the geographic coverage area110of a base station105. Other UEs115in such a group may be outside the geographic coverage area110of a base station105or be otherwise unable to receive transmissions from a base station105. In some cases, groups of UEs115communicating via D2D communications may utilize a one-to-many (1:M) system in which each UE115transmits to every other UE115in the group. In some cases, a base station105facilitates the scheduling of resources for D2D communications. In other cases, D2D communications are carried out between UEs115without the involvement of a base station105.

Base stations105may communicate with the core network130and with one another. For example, base stations105may interface with the core network130through backhaul links132(e.g., via an S1, N2, N3, or other interface). Base stations105may communicate with one another over backhaul links134(e.g., via an X2, Xn, or other interface) either directly (e.g., directly between base stations105) or indirectly (e.g., via core network130).

The core network130may provide user authentication, access authorization, tracking, Internet Protocol (IP) connectivity, and other access, routing, or mobility functions. The core network130may be an evolved packet core (EPC), which may include at least one mobility management entity (MME), at least one serving gateway (S-GW), and at least one Packet Data Network (PDN) gateway (P-GW). The MME may manage non-access stratum (e.g., control plane) functions such as mobility, authentication, and bearer management for UEs115served by base stations105associated with the EPC. User IP packets may be transferred through the S-GW, which itself may be connected to the P-GW. The P-GW may provide IP address allocation as well as other functions. The P-GW may be connected to the network operators IP services. The operators IP services may include access to the Internet, Intranet(s), an IP Multimedia Subsystem (IMS), or a Packet-Switched (PS) Streaming Service.

At least some of the network devices, such as a base station105, may include subcomponents such as an access network entity, which may be an example of an access node controller (ANC). Each access network entity may communicate with UEs115through a number of other access network transmission entities, which may be referred to as a radio head, a smart radio head, or a transmission/reception point (TRP). In some configurations, various functions of each access network entity or base station105may be distributed across various network devices (e.g., radio heads and access network controllers) or consolidated into a single network device (e.g., a base station105).

Wireless communications system100may operate using one or more frequency bands, typically in the range of 300 megahertz (MHz) to 300 gigahertz (GHz). Generally, the region from 300 MHz to 3 GHz is known as the ultra-high frequency (UHF) region or decimeter band, since the wavelengths range from approximately one decimeter to one meter in length. UHF waves may be blocked or redirected by buildings and environmental features. However, the waves may penetrate structures sufficiently for a macro cell to provide service to UEs115located indoors. Transmission of UHF waves may be associated with smaller antennas and shorter range (e.g., less than 100 km) compared to transmission using the smaller frequencies and longer waves of the high frequency (HF) or very high frequency (VHF) portion of the spectrum below 300 MHz.

Wireless communications system100may also operate in a super high frequency (SHF) region using frequency bands from 3 GHz to 30 GHz, also known as the centimeter band. The SHF region includes bands such as the 5 GHz industrial, scientific, and medical (ISM) bands, which may be used opportunistically by devices that may be capable of tolerating interference from other users.

Wireless communications system100may also operate in an extremely high frequency (EHF) region of the spectrum (e.g., from 30 GHz to 300 GHz), also known as the millimeter band. In some examples, wireless communications system100may support millimeter wave (mmW) communications between UEs115and base stations105, and EHF antennas of the respective devices may be even smaller and more closely spaced than UHF antennas. In some cases, this may facilitate use of antenna arrays within a UE115. However, the propagation of EHF transmissions may be subject to even greater atmospheric attenuation and shorter range than SHF or UHF transmissions. Techniques disclosed herein may be employed across transmissions that use one or more different frequency regions, and designated use of bands across these frequency regions may differ by country or regulating body.

In some cases, wireless communications system100may utilize both licensed and unlicensed radio frequency spectrum bands. For example, wireless communications system100may employ License Assisted Access (LAA), LTE-Unlicensed (LTE-U) radio access technology, or NR technology in an unlicensed band such as the 5 GHz ISM band. When operating in unlicensed radio frequency spectrum bands, wireless devices such as base stations105and UEs115may employ listen-before-talk (LBT) procedures to ensure a frequency channel is clear before transmitting data. In some cases, operations in unlicensed bands may be based on a carrier aggregation configuration in conjunction with component carriers operating in a licensed band (e.g., LAA). Operations in unlicensed spectrum may include downlink transmissions, uplink transmissions, peer-to-peer transmissions, or a combination of these. Duplexing in unlicensed spectrum may be based on frequency division duplexing (FDD), time division duplexing (TDD), or a combination of both.

In some examples, base station105or UE115may be equipped with multiple antennas, which may be used to employ techniques such as transmit diversity, receive diversity, multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO) communications, or beamforming. For example, wireless communications system100may use a transmission scheme between a transmitting device (e.g., a base station105) and a receiving device (e.g., a UE115), where the transmitting device is equipped with multiple antennas and the receiving device is equipped with one or more antennas. MIMO communications may employ multipath signal propagation to increase the spectral efficiency by transmitting or receiving multiple signals via different spatial layers, which may be referred to as spatial multiplexing. The multiple signals may, for example, be transmitted by the transmitting device via different antennas or different combinations of antennas. Likewise, the multiple signals may be received by the receiving device via different antennas or different combinations of antennas. Each of the multiple signals may be referred to as a separate spatial stream and may carry bits associated with the same data stream (e.g., the same codeword) or different data streams. Different spatial layers may be associated with different antenna ports used for channel measurement and reporting. MIMO techniques include single-user MIMO (SU-MIMO) where multiple spatial layers are transmitted to the same receiving device, and multiple-user MIMO (MU-MIMO) where multiple spatial layers are transmitted to multiple devices.

Beamforming, which may also be referred to as spatial filtering, directional transmission, or directional reception, is a signal processing technique that may be used at a transmitting device or a receiving device (e.g., a base station105or a UE115) to shape or steer an antenna beam (e.g., a transmit beam or receive beam) along a spatial path between the transmitting device and the receiving device. Beamforming may be achieved by combining the signals communicated via antenna elements of an antenna array such that signals propagating at particular orientations with respect to an antenna array experience constructive interference while others experience destructive interference. The adjustment of signals communicated via the antenna elements may include a transmitting device or a receiving device applying certain amplitude and phase offsets to signals carried via each of the antenna elements associated with the device. The adjustments associated with each of the antenna elements may be defined by a beamforming weight set associated with a particular orientation (e.g., with respect to the antenna array of the transmitting device or receiving device, or with respect to some other orientation).

In one example, a base station105may use multiple antennas or antenna arrays to conduct beamforming operations for directional communications with a UE115. For instance, some signals (e.g. synchronization signals, reference signals, beam selection signals, or other control signals) may be transmitted by a base station105multiple times in different directions, which may include a signal being transmitted according to different beamforming weight sets associated with different directions of transmission. Transmissions in different beam directions may be used to identify (e.g., by the base station105or a receiving device, such as a UE115) a beam direction for subsequent transmission and/or reception by the base station105.

Some signals, such as data signals associated with a particular receiving device, may be transmitted by a base station105in a single beam direction (e.g., a direction associated with the receiving device, such as a UE115). In some examples, the beam direction associated with transmissions along a single beam direction may be determined based at least in in part on a signal that was transmitted in different beam directions. For example, a UE115may receive one or more of the signals transmitted by the base station105in different directions, and the UE115may report to the base station105an indication of the signal it received with a highest signal quality, or an otherwise acceptable signal quality. Although these techniques are described with reference to signals transmitted in one or more directions by a base station105, a UE115may employ similar techniques for transmitting signals multiple times in different directions (e.g., for identifying a beam direction for subsequent transmission or reception by the UE115), or transmitting a signal in a single direction (e.g., for transmitting data to a receiving device).

A receiving device (e.g., a UE115, which may be an example of a mmW receiving device) may try multiple receive beams when receiving various signals from the base station105, such as synchronization signals, reference signals, beam selection signals, or other control signals. For example, a receiving device may try multiple receive directions by receiving via different antenna subarrays, by processing received signals according to different antenna subarrays, by receiving according to different receive beamforming weight sets applied to signals received at a plurality of antenna elements of an antenna array, or by processing received signals according to different receive beamforming weight sets applied to signals received at a plurality of antenna elements of an antenna array, any of which may be referred to as “listening” according to different receive beams or receive directions. In some examples a receiving device may use a single receive beam to receive along a single beam direction (e.g., when receiving a data signal). The single receive beam may be aligned in a beam direction determined based at least in part on listening according to different receive beam directions (e.g., a beam direction determined to have a highest signal strength, highest signal-to-noise ratio, or otherwise acceptable signal quality based at least in part on listening according to multiple beam directions).

In some cases, the antennas of a base station105or UE115may be located within one or more antenna arrays, which may support MIMO operations, or transmit or receive beamforming. For example, one or more base station antennas or antenna arrays may be co-located at an antenna assembly, such as an antenna tower. In some cases, antennas or antenna arrays associated with a base station105may be located in diverse geographic locations. A base station105may have an antenna array with a number of rows and columns of antenna ports that the base station105may use to support beamforming of communications with a UE115. Likewise, a UE115may have one or more antenna arrays that may support various MIMO or beamforming operations.

In some cases, wireless communications system100may be a packet-based network that operate according to a layered protocol stack. In the user plane, communications at the bearer or Packet Data Convergence Protocol (PDCP) layer may be IP-based. A Radio Link Control (RLC) layer may perform packet segmentation and reassembly to communicate over logical channels. A Medium Access Control (MAC) layer may perform priority handling and multiplexing of logical channels into transport channels. The MAC layer may also use hybrid automatic repeat request (HARQ) to provide retransmission at the MAC layer to improve link efficiency. In the control plane, the RRC protocol layer may provide establishment, configuration, and maintenance of an RRC connection between a UE115and a base station105or core network130supporting radio bearers for user plane data. At the Physical layer, transport channels may be mapped to physical channels.

In some cases, UEs115and base stations105may support retransmissions of data to increase the likelihood that data is received successfully. HARQ feedback is one technique of increasing the likelihood that data is received correctly over a communication link125. HARQ may include a combination of error detection (e.g., using a cyclic redundancy check (CRC)), forward error correction (FEC), and retransmission (e.g., automatic repeat request (ARQ)). HARQ may improve throughput at the MAC layer in poor radio conditions (e.g., signal-to-noise conditions). In some cases, a wireless device may support same-slot HARQ feedback, where the device may provide HARQ feedback in a specific slot for data received in a previous symbol in the slot. In other cases, the device may provide HARQ feedback in a subsequent slot, or according to some other time interval.

Time intervals in LTE or NR may be expressed in multiples of a basic time unit, which may, for example, refer to a sampling period of Ts= 1/30,720,000 seconds. Time intervals of a communications resource may be organized according to radio frames each having a duration of 10 milliseconds (ms), where the frame period may be expressed as Tf=307,200 Ts. The radio frames may be identified by a system frame number (SFN) ranging from 0 to 1023. Each frame may include 10 subframes numbered from 0 to 9, and each subframe may have a duration of 1 ms. A subframe may be further divided into 2 slots each having a duration of 0.5 ms, and each slot may contain 6 or 7 modulation symbol periods (e.g., depending on the length of the cyclic prefix prepended to each symbol period). Excluding the cyclic prefix, each symbol period may contain 2048 sampling periods. In some cases, a subframe may be the smallest scheduling unit of the wireless communications system100and may be referred to as a transmission time interval (TTI). In other cases, a smallest scheduling unit of the wireless communications system100may be shorter than a subframe or may be dynamically selected (e.g., in bursts of shortened TTIs (sTTIs) or in selected component carriers using sTTIs).

In some wireless communications systems, a slot may further be divided into multiple mini-slots containing one or more symbols. In some instances, a symbol of a mini-slot or a mini-slot may be the smallest unit of scheduling. Each symbol may vary in duration depending on the subcarrier spacing or frequency band of operation, for example. Further, some wireless communications systems may implement slot aggregation in which multiple slots or mini-slots are aggregated together and used for communication between a UE115and a base station105.

The term “carrier” refers to a set of radio frequency spectrum resources having a defined physical layer structure for supporting communications over a communication link125. For example, a carrier of a communication link125may include a portion of a radio frequency spectrum band that is operated according to physical layer channels for a given radio access technology. Each physical layer channel may carry user data, control information, or other signaling. A carrier may be associated with a pre-defined frequency channel (e.g., an evolved universal mobile telecommunication system terrestrial radio access (E-UTRA) absolute radio frequency channel number (EARFCN)) and may be positioned according to a channel raster for discovery by UEs115. Carriers may be downlink or uplink (e.g., in an FDD mode), or be configured to carry downlink and uplink communications (e.g., in a TDD mode). In some examples, signal waveforms transmitted over a carrier may be made up of multiple sub-carriers (e.g., using multi-carrier modulation (MCM) techniques such as orthogonal frequency division multiplexing (OFDM) or discrete Fourier transform spread OFDM (DFT-S-OFDM)).

The organizational structure of the carriers may be different for different radio access technologies (e.g., LTE, LTE-A, LTE-A Pro, NR). For example, communications over a carrier may be organized according to TTIs or slots, each of which may include user data as well as control information or signaling to support decoding the user data. A carrier may also include dedicated acquisition signaling (e.g., synchronization signals or system information, etc.) and control signaling that coordinates operation for the carrier. In some examples (e.g., in a carrier aggregation configuration), a carrier may also have acquisition signaling or control signaling that coordinates operations for other carriers.

Physical channels may be multiplexed on a carrier according to various techniques. A physical control channel and a physical data channel may be multiplexed on a downlink carrier, for example, using time division multiplexing (TDM) techniques, frequency division multiplexing (FDM) techniques, or hybrid TDM-FDM techniques. In some examples, control information transmitted in a physical control channel may be distributed between different control regions in a cascaded manner (e.g., between a common control region or common search space and one or more UE-specific control regions or UE-specific search spaces).

A carrier may be associated with a particular bandwidth of the radio frequency spectrum, and in some examples the carrier bandwidth may be referred to as a “system bandwidth” of the carrier or the wireless communications system100. For example, the carrier bandwidth may be one of a number of predetermined bandwidths for carriers of a particular radio access technology (e.g., 1.4, 3, 5, 10, 15, 20, 40, or 80 MHz). In some examples, each served UE115may be configured for operating over portions or all of the carrier bandwidth. In other examples, some UEs115may be configured for operation using a narrowband protocol type that is associated with a predefined portion or range (e.g., set of subcarriers or RBs) within a carrier (e.g., “in-band” deployment of a narrowband protocol type).

In a system employing MCM techniques, a resource element may consist of one symbol period (e.g., a duration of one modulation symbol) and one subcarrier, where the symbol period and subcarrier spacing are inversely related. The number of bits carried by each resource element may depend on the modulation scheme (e.g., the order of the modulation scheme). Thus, the more resource elements that a UE115receives and the higher the order of the modulation scheme, the higher the data rate may be for the UE115. In MIMO systems, a wireless communications resource may refer to a combination of a radio frequency spectrum resource, a time resource, and a spatial resource (e.g., spatial layers), and the use of multiple spatial layers may further increase the data rate for communications with a UE115.

Devices of the wireless communications system100(e.g., base stations105or UEs115) may have a hardware configuration that supports communications over a particular carrier bandwidth or may be configurable to support communications over one of a set of carrier bandwidths. In some examples, the wireless communications system100may include base stations105and/or UEs115that support simultaneous communications via carriers associated with more than one different carrier bandwidth.

Wireless communications system100may support communication with a UE115on multiple cells or carriers, a feature which may be referred to as carrier aggregation or multi-carrier operation. A UE115may be configured with multiple downlink component carriers and one or more uplink component carriers according to a carrier aggregation configuration. Carrier aggregation may be used with both FDD and TDD component carriers.

In some cases, wireless communications system100may utilize enhanced component carriers (eCCs). An eCC may be characterized by one or more features including wider carrier or frequency channel bandwidth, shorter symbol duration, shorter TTI duration, or modified control channel configuration. In some cases, an eCC may be associated with a carrier aggregation configuration or a dual connectivity configuration (e.g., when multiple serving cells have a suboptimal or non-ideal backhaul link). An eCC may also be configured for use in unlicensed spectrum or shared spectrum (e.g., where more than one operator is allowed to use the spectrum). An eCC characterized by wide carrier bandwidth may include one or more segments that may be utilized by UEs115that are not capable of monitoring the whole carrier bandwidth or are otherwise configured to use a limited carrier bandwidth (e.g., to conserve power).

In some cases, an eCC may utilize a different symbol duration than other component carriers, which may include use of a reduced symbol duration as compared with symbol durations of the other component carriers. A shorter symbol duration may be associated with increased spacing between adjacent subcarriers. A device, such as a UE115or base station105, utilizing eCCs may transmit wideband signals (e.g., according to frequency channel or carrier bandwidths of 20, 40, 60, 80 MHz, etc.) at reduced symbol durations (e.g., 16.67 microseconds). A TTI in eCC may consist of one or multiple symbol periods. In some cases, the TTI duration (that is, the number of symbol periods in a TTI) may be variable.

Wireless communications system100may be an NR system that may utilize any combination of licensed, shared, and unlicensed spectrum bands, among others. The flexibility of eCC symbol duration and subcarrier spacing may allow for the use of eCC across multiple spectrums. In some examples, NR shared spectrum may increase spectrum utilization and spectral efficiency, specifically through dynamic vertical (e.g., across the frequency domain) and horizontal (e.g., across the time domain) sharing of resources.

In some wireless communications systems, multiple TBs may be scheduled by a single DCI. Additionally, based on the multiple TBs transmitted (e.g., in the single DCI, in a multi-TB physical downlink shared channel (PDSCH)), HARQ ACK bundling may be used for the TBs to reduce uplink signaling overhead (e.g., over a physical uplink control channel (PUCCH)). In conventional systems (e.g., legacy enhanced machine-type communications (eMTC)), the HARQ ACK bundling may include which processes (e.g., TBs) to bundle and where to transmit a bundled ACK in a transmission timeline for the bundled processes. Additionally, the HARQ ACK bundling may be specified for each TB in a respective unique DCI via a delay field in the DCI (e.g., a “delay to ACK transmission” field).

For example, a base station105may transmit eight (8) TBs sequentially with a single repetition for each TB. Accordingly, for a bundle size of two (2) TBs per bundle (e.g., group of TBs) and assuming one (1) PUCCH repetition for each ACK bundle, a bundling configuration and delay field indication would result in a first bundle (e.g., bundle 1) that includes the first TB (e.g., TB1) with a signaled delay of eight (8) slots and the second TB (e.g., TB2) with a signaled delay of seven (7) slots, a second bundle (e.g., bundle 2) that includes the third TB (e.g., TB3) with a signaled delay of seven (7) slots and the fourth TB (e.g., TB4) with a signaled delay of six (6) slots, a third bundle (e.g., bundle 3) that includes the fifth TB (e.g., TB5) with a signaled delay of six (6) slots and the sixth TB (e.g., TB6) with a signaled delay of five (5) slots, and a fourth bundle (e.g., bundle 4) that includes the seventh TB (e.g., TB7) with a signaled delay of five (5) slots and the eight TB (e.g., TB8) with a signaled delay of four (4) slots. As described, each TB in a corresponding TB bundle may correspond to a same ACK feedback transmission based on the signaled delays since a previously occurring TB has a delay one slot longer than the next occurring TB. For example, the first TB includes a delay of eight (8) slots before the UE115transmits an ACK for the first TB, and the second TB that occurs one slot later than the first TB has a delay of one slot less than the first TB (e.g., seven (7) slots) before the UE115transmits an ACK for the second TB, resulting in both ACKs being transmitted together in an ACK bundle. Additionally, although the delays between receiving the TBs and transmitting the ACKs are described in slots above, the bundling configuration may include different length TTIs for the delays.

A bundling configuration like the one described above may include an “n+4” subframe delay constraint from the transmission of a (bundle of) TB(s) to the corresponding ACK transmission (e.g., on a PUCCH) and any guard subframe requirements (e.g., guard periods for transitioning between reception and transmission or for between subframes). Accordingly, if the delay fields mentioned in the DCI satisfy these subframe delay constraints and guard subframe requirements, the bundling configuration may be acceptable. While the use of the delay fields enables bundling of TBs for transmitting fewer ACK feedback messages, the delay fields may become expensive with respect to signaling and processing resources when extended to multiple TBs scheduled by one DCI. That is, a delay field may need to be configured and signaled for every TB scheduled within the one DCI, resulting in higher signaling overhead. Additionally, interleaving TB repetitions across TBs may further increase complexity and signaling when trying to bundle TBs for transmitting fewer ACK feedback messages. For example, the UE may not be able to bundle a same TB that is transmitted more than once in an interleaving pattern with subsequent instances of that same TB using the simple delay fields.

Wireless communications system100may support efficient techniques for a UE115to bundle TBs scheduled by a single DCI together into multiple TB groups consisting of one or more TBs such that bundled ACK feedback messages can be transmitted for each TB group to a base station105that transmitted the TBs. In some cases, the UE115may identify a bundling configuration for bundling the TBs into the multiple TB groups, where the bundling configuration is identified based on RRC signaling received from the base station105, DCI signaling received from the base station105, relationships or equations or tables defined for the UE115, or a combination thereof. Additionally, techniques are described that enable the UE115to determine resource locations and timelines (e.g., instances in time) for transmitting the bundled ACK feedback messages.

FIG.2illustrates an example of a wireless communications system200that supports bundling and timeline determination for multiple TBs scheduled by a single DCI message in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure. In some examples, wireless communications system200may implement aspects of wireless communications system100. Wireless communications system200may include a base station105-aand a UE115-a, which may be examples of a corresponding base station105and a UE115, respectively, as described with reference toFIG.1. As described herein, base station105-amay transmit a DCI205(e.g., single DCI) to UE115-a, where DCI205schedules multiple TBs210to be subsequently transmitted to UE115-a. Accordingly, UE115-amay identify a bundling configuration215to form multiple TB groups220that enable UE115-ato transmit bundled ACK feedback225, where different ACKs230within bundled ACK feedback225correspond to respective TB groups220. For example, UE115-amay transmit a first ACK230-afor a first TB group220-a, a second ACK230-ba second TB group220-b, and a third ACK230-cfor a third TB group220-c.

Bundling configuration215may include a way of splitting a group of N TBs210into bundles (e.g., TB groups220) of certain sizes, such that the sum of the bundle sizes add up to N. For example, for N=8 (e.g., eight (8) TBs210scheduled by DCI205), possible bundling configurations215may include a first TB group220of three (3) TBs210, a second TB group220of three (3) TBs210, and a third TB group220of two (2) TBs210(e.g., a (3,3,2) bundling configuration). Additionally or alternatively, bundling configuration215may include two (2) TB groups220of four TBs210each (e.g., a (4,4) bundling configuration), or four (4) TB groups220of two (2) TBs210each (e.g., a (2,2,2,2) bundling configuration), or an “unbundled” bundling configuration215that includes eight (8) TB groups220of one (1) TB210each (e.g., a (1,1,1,1,1,1,1,1) bundling configuration). In some cases, the bundling configuration215may also indicate that an order of the TBs210for the TB bundling or TB grouping follows an order of when the TBs210are transmitted to or received by UE115-a. For example, as shown for N=8 and a bundling configuration of (3,3,2), a first TB210-a(e.g., TB1), a second TB210-b(e.g., TB2), a third TB210-c(e.g., TB3) may be included in a first TB group220-a(e.g., a first bundle); a fourth TB210-d(e.g., TB4), a fifth TB210-e(e.g., TB5), and a sixth TB210-f(e.g., TB6) may be included in a second TB group220-b(e.g., a second bundle); and a seventh TB210-g(e.g., TB7) and an eighth TB210-h(e.g., TB8) may be included in a third TB group220-c(e.g., a third bundle).

Additionally, base station105-amay indicate a parameter NMax, where NMaxdenotes a maximum number of TBs210that can be scheduled by a single DCI205. In some cases, NMaxmay be configured to UE115-a(e.g., specified to UE115-a), be RRC configured (e.g., signaled to UE115-avia RRC signaling, pre-configured, etc.), or a combination thereof. For a configured or specified NMax, an actual number of TBs210scheduled by a DCI205may range from one (1) through NMax. Accordingly, the actual number of TBs210scheduled by DCI205may be denoted as Nsched.

In some cases, UE115-amay determine (e.g., identify) bundling configuration215based in part on NMaxand Nsched. Bundling configuration215may represent a HARQ-ACK bundling configuration that represents how to bundle HARQ-ACK feedback (e.g., bundled ACK feedback225) from a set of scheduled TBs210(e.g., Nsched). As described herein, UE115-amay interpret (e.g., identify, determine, etc.) bundling configuration215based on some combination of RRC signaling, DCI signaling, and a relationship (e.g., equation, table, etc.) specified to UE115-a.

For example, base station105-amay transmit one or more RRC signals (e.g., prior to transmitting the DCI205) to assist UE115-ain identifying bundling configuration215(e.g., the RRC signals are part of pre-configuration signaling to UE115-a). In some cases, the RRC signaling may configure a single bundling parameter (B) (e.g., a first option), which may be interpreted as a largest possible bundling size that any bundling configuration may have (e.g., a maximum number of TBs210that can be bundled into a TB group220). In some cases, UE115-amay determine an exact bundling configuration from B, as well as other parameters in the DCI signaling, relationships, equations, or a combination thereof. For example, for an NMax=8 (e.g., maximum of eight (8) TBs210can be scheduled by DCI205) and a B=4 (e.g., B represents an RRC configured bundling parameter), UE115-amay bundle the TBs210based on Nschedwhile taking B into consideration as well. In some cases, for Nsched≤4, no HARQ ACK bundling may be configured. Additionally or alternatively, for Nsched>4, the bundling configurations may be determined by relationships/equations specified for UE115-a. In some cases, for Nsched=8 and B=3, bundling configuration215may be interpreted as (3,3,2) where the TBs210scheduled by DCI205are bundled in the order with which the TBs210are transmitted or received as described above. Accordingly, the number of TB groups220with the maximum number of TBs of three (3) (e.g., number of (B=3)'s) may be determined by dividing Nschedby B. In this example, two (2) TB groups220may include the maximum number of three (3) TBs, and a third TB group220may include the two (2) leftover TBs (e.g., Nsched/B=8/3=2 with a remainder of 2).

Additionally or alternatively, the RRC signaling (e.g., transmitted and received prior to the DCI205) may configure multiple bundling parameters (B's) (e.g., a second option), each B corresponding to each Nsched. In some cases, the RRC signaling may configure one or more bundling parameter(s) (B's) and corresponding thresholds (T's) on Nsched(e.g., a third option). Accordingly, any value of Nschedabove T may indicate a bundling configuration215for which the B would apply. For example, the RRC signaling may configure (B, T)=(4,4) for if a number of PUCCH repetitions is greater than one (1) (e.g., the ACKs230are transmitted multiple times for each TB group220). Alternatively, the RRC signaling may configure (B, T)=(3,5) for when a number of PUCCH repetitions is equal to one (1). Accordingly, as an example, if Nsched=6 and the number of PUCCH repetitions equals one (1), UE115-amay limit the number of TBs210per TB group220to three (3) TBs210(e.g., B=3 if Nsched>T, and Nsched=6 which is greater than T=5).

Additionally or alternatively, the RRC signaling (e.g., transmitted and received prior to the DCI205) may configure bundling configurations215explicitly for relevant scenarios (e.g., a fourth option). For example, for each value of Nsched, a bundling configuration215may be explicitly signaled by RRC. In some cases, the RRC signaling may configure a set of possible bundling configurations215, and a DCI signal (e.g., DCI205or a different DCI) may indicate which from among these possible bundling configurations215that UE115-ais to use (e.g., a fifth option). Accordingly, joint encoding of a HARQ ID (e.g., to capture or indicate the Nsched) and the possible bundling configurations215may be employed to compress the DCI signal since smaller values of Nschedmay have fewer bundling configurations215feasible compared to higher values of Nsched. Additionally or alternatively, the RRC signaling may configure a number of PUCCH resources (P) that UE115-amay use to transmit the bundled ACK feedback225for all TBs210(e.g., a sixth option). In some cases, P may be a per Nschedconfiguration (e.g., P is based on Nsched, such that each Nschedmay correspond to a respective P value).

In addition to the RRC signaling, base station105-amay transmit one or more DCI messages (e.g., after the RRC signaling) to assist UE115-awith identifying a bundling configuration215. For example, the value of Nschedmay be determined from a HARQ ID bitmap field or another related field related to a HARQ ID signaled in the DCI (e.g., DCI205or a separate DCI). Additionally or alternatively, base station105-amay indicate a (single) HARQ ACK delay (D) in the DCI to be used in part by UE115-ato determine the timeline of bundling configuration215. For example, for some wireless systems (e.g., NB-IoT), where NMax=2, the delay field, D, may exist in the DCI. Additionally, this delay field, D, may also be relevant for different wireless systems (e.g., eMTC) with NMaxconfigured to two (2). Additionally or alternatively, when multiple bundling configurations215are possible, the DCI may signal an exact bundling configuration215from among the possible choices (e.g., similar to the process described in the fifth option for the RRC signaling). In some cases, the HARQ ID (e.g., indicating Nsched) may be jointly encoded with the signaled/indicated bundling configuration215to save DCI bits (e.g., larger HARQ bitmap weights, and thus larger Nschedvalues, may have more bundling configurations possible).

Additionally, UE115-amay use one or more relationships or equations specified to UE115-awhen identifying a bundling configuration215in addition to the RRC signaling and DCI signaling. For example, additionally or independently of the RRC and DCI parameters described above, UE115-amay determine an exact bundling configuration215by means of relationships (e.g., equations, tables, etc.) defined for determining bundling configurations215for UE115-a. For example, these relationship may be based on the RRC and DCI parameters described above (e.g., NMax, Nsched, B, T, P, D), a bundling enable or disable signal sent in RRC/DCI, whether interleaving (in time) across TB repetition is enabled or disabled, a granularity (e.g., a minimum number of subframes taken together) for inter-TB interleaving, an exact interleaving pattern employed, a number of PUCCH repetitions configured for transmission of each ACK (bundle), or a combination thereof. Once UE115-aidentifies a bundling configuration215for forming TB groups220from the multiple scheduled TBs210, UE115-amay then determine resources to transmit the bundled ACK feedback225(e.g., and corresponding ACKs230).

FIG.3illustrates an example of a bundling configuration timeline300that supports bundling and timeline determination for multiple TBs scheduled by a single DCI message in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure. In some examples, bundling configuration timeline300may implement aspects of wireless communications systems100and200. Bundling configuration timeline300may include techniques for a UE115to identify a bundling configuration as described with reference toFIG.2(e.g., based on RRC signaling; DCI signaling; relationships, tables, and equations specified to the UE115; etc.). For example, the UE115may receive a physical downlink control channel (PDCCH)305(e.g., carrying a DCI) from a base station105that schedules multiple TBs310, and the UE115may then group the TBs310into separate TB groups320based on the bundling configuration. Subsequently, the UE115may then transmit respective ACKs315(e.g., bundled ACK feedback) for each of the TB groups.

As shown, PDCCH305may schedule four (4) TBs310, where the TBs310have a repetition of two (2) (e.g., a PDSCH repetition equal to two (2) such that each TB310is transmitted by the base station105twice). The bundling configuration identified by the UE115may include a first TB group320-athat includes a first TB310-a(e.g., TB1) and a second TB310-b(e.g., TB2) and a second TB group320-bthat includes a third TB310-c(e.g., TB3) and a fourth TB310-d(e.g., TB4). Additionally, both repetitions of each TB310may be included in the same TB group320. After determining the TB groups320, the UE115may then transmit a first ACK315-acorresponding to first TB group320-aand a second ACK315-bcorresponding to second TB group320-b. However, the UE115may first determine the resources (e.g., resource locations, timelines, instances in time, etc.) to transmit the ACKs315.

In order to determine the resource for ACKs315, the UE115may take into consideration multiple constraints. For example, the ACKs315may need a gap325(e.g., three (3) ms) to decode a PDSCH (e.g., the multiple TBs310). That is, gap325may exist between a PDSCH and an acknowledgement containing the HARQ-ACK for the PDSCH to enable the UE115to fully decode the PDSCH. Accordingly, gap325may exist between a last received TB310(e.g., the second transmission of fourth TB310-d) and first ACK315-a. Additionally, another constraint may include that the HARQ-ACK cannot overlap in time. For example, to transmit a given PUCCH carrying HARQ-ACK, the previous PUCCH may need to be finished (e.g., for all repetitions if the PUCCH contains multiple repetitions). As shown, the UE115may finish transmitting first ACK315-abefore transmitting second ACK315-b. Additionally, further constraints with respect to the transmitted PDSCH (e.g., complete set of PDSCH, all scheduled TBs310, etc.) may be taken into consideration. For example, for a half-duplex UE115(e.g., using half duplex FDD (HD-FDD)), a gap of one (1) ms between the end of the PDSCH transmissions and the beginning of the HARQ-ACK transmissions may exist (e.g., to allow the half-duplex UE115to switch from a reception mode to a transmission mode). This gap for the half-duplex UE115may be included as part of gap325or in addition to gap325. Alternatively, for TDD and a full duplex FDD (FD-FDD), simultaneous HARQ-ACK transmission and PDSCH reception may occur such that no gap is needed in between the end of the PDSCH reception and the HARQ-ACK transmission. In some cases, the PDSCH reception and HARQ-ACK transmission may be assumed to be consecutive rather than simultaneous even for TDD and FD-FDD scenarios.

As shown in the example ofFIG.3, first ACK315-amay be transmitted in a TTI i, and second ACK315-bmay be transmitted in a TTI j. Accordingly, TTIs i and j may be located at resource locations and instances in times based on the constraints described above. For example, TTI i may be located at a TTI greater than or equal to the last occurring TB310for first TB group320-a(e.g., second repetition of second TB310-bat TTI N+7) plus four (4) ms for the PDSCH processing constraint (e.g., i≥(N+7)+4). Similarly, TTI j may be located at a TTI greater than or equal to the last occurring TB310for second TB group320-b(e.g., second repetition of fourth TB310-dat TTI N+9) plus four (4) ms for the PDSCH processing constraint (e.g., j≥(N+9)+4). Additionally, for the constraint that no two ACKs315can overlap, TTI j may have a further constraint such that TTI j occurs greater than or equal to TTI i plus a number of repetitions (e.g., PUCCH repetitions) for the ACKs315(e.g., j≥i+R, where R represents the number of repetitions for PUCCH). Additionally, for the last constraint described above (e.g., further constraints with respect to the transmitted PDSCH), if the UE115is a half-duplex UE115operating in FDD (e.g., HD-FDD), the TTIs may be defined such that TTI j is greater than (e.g., comes after) TTI i and that TTI i is greater than the last TTI carrying a TB310(e.g., TTI N+9) plus one (1) ms to allow the half-duplex UE115to retune from a last subframe (e.g., j>i>(N+9)+1). The TTIs described with respect toFIG.3may span different lengths (e.g., subframes, slots, etc.).

In some cases, the satisfaction of the constraints described above may depend on the RRC/DCI parameters described above with reference toFIG.2(e.g., NMax, Nsched, B, T, P, D), a bundling enable or disable signal sent in RRC or DCI, the bundling configuration and bundling sizes determined, whether interleaving (e.g., in time) across TB repetition is enabled or disabled, a granularity (e.g., minimum number of subframes taken together) for inter-TB interleaving, an exact interleaving pattern employed, a number of PDSCH repetitions configured for multiple TB transmission (e.g., number of repetitions for the TBs310), a number of PUCCH repetitions configured for transmission of each ACK315(bundle), or a combination thereof.

FIGS.4A,4B, and4Cillustrate examples of ACK feedback timelines400,401, and402, respectively, that support bundling and timeline determination for multiple TBs scheduled by a single DCI message in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure. In some examples, ACK feedback timelines400,401, and402may implement aspects of wireless communications systems100and200. A UE115may use ACK feedback timeline400,401, or402for transmitting one or more ACKs415for groups of TBs arranged based on a bundling configuration. For example, the UE115may receive a DCI405that schedules multiple TBs410to be received at the UE115. After receiving the TBs410and bundling them based on the bundling configuration, the UE115may then transmit respective ACKs415for the groups of TBs410. As shown, DCI405may schedule a first TB410-aand a second TB410-b, where first TB410-aconstitutes a first TB group and second TB410-bconstitutes a second TB group based on the bundling configuration. The UE115may then transmit a first ACK415-afor first TB410-aand a second ACK415-bfor second TB410-b. In some cases, ACK feedback timeline400,401, and402may include a NMax=2, indicating that a maximum of two (2) TBs410can be scheduled by DCI405.

For some wireless systems (e.g., NB-IoT), in case of non-interleaved transmissions (e.g., no repetitions of TBs410for the TBs410to alternate in time) and for a case of individual feedback of two (2) TBs, a continuous uplink feedback may start after the end of a n+k′0−1 downlink subframe for FDD, where n is an ending subframe of a last scheduled TB (e.g., second TB410-b) and k′0is down-selected from the following two choices: a same value as for a one TB410case; or a value that depends on the length of the last TB410and the ACK/NACK resources.

ACK feedback timeline400,401, and402may represent possible timelines that the UE115can use for two (2) TBs scheduled by a single DCI405. Accordingly, the UE115may determine the starting location of the ACKs415based on different parameters. For example, without TB interleaving and for a bundling configuration (1,1) as shown, the UE115may transmit first ACK415-astarting after the end of the n+k′0−1 downlink subframe for FDD as described above. However, the UE115may select the value of k′0for determining the starting subframe of consecutive HARQ-ACK transmissions (e.g., first ACK415-aand second ACK415-b) from different options than described above. For example, the UE115may select k′0from a set of candidate values {k0, k0−X, k0−Y}; or from a set of candidate values {1, 2, . . . , k0}. For the above options, the UE115may determine k0by the HARQ-ACK scheduling delay field in DCI, Y may denote a number of subframes for HARQ-ACK transmission as configured by RRC (e.g., length of the ACKs415), and X may represent a number of PDSCH transmission subframes based on a repetition number field and a resource assignment field in DCI (e.g., length of a TB410).

In some cases, the UE115may base the down-selection of k0on the following two constraints: (n+k′0)>(n−X+T) and (n+k′0+Y)>(n+T), where T is a minimum time interval between the end of PDSCH and the start of the corresponding HARQ-ACK transmission. For example, T may represent the time between the end of first TB410-aand the start of first ACK415-a, as well as the time between the end of second TB410-band the start of second ACK415-b. In some cases, T may either have a fixed value (e.g., eight (8) ms) or may be equal to a HARQ-ACK scheduling delay (k0). If more than one candidate value meets the timing constraints, then the UE115may select a minimum value from the more than one candidate values for k′0.

As shown in ACK feedback timeline400,401, and402, TTI n may represent a last TTI of second TB410-b(e.g., TB2) and TTI n−X may represent a last subframe of first TB410-a(e.g., TB1). ACK feedback timeline400may represent a k′0down selected to be k0, such that first ACK415-ais transmitted at TTI n+k0and second ACK415-bis transmitted at TTI n+k0+Y. Additionally or alternatively, ACK feedback timeline401may represent a k′0down selected to be k0−Y, such that first ACK415-ais transmitted at TTI n+k0−Y and second ACK415-bis transmitted at TTI n+k0. Additionally or alternatively, ACK feedback timeline402may represent a k′0down selected to be k0−X, such that first ACK415-ais transmitted at TTI n+k0−X and second ACK415-bis transmitted at TTI n+k0−X+Y. The TTIs described with respect toFIGS.4A,4B, and4Cmay span different lengths (e.g., subframes, slots, etc.).

FIG.5illustrates an example of a interleaving ACK feedback timeline500that supports bundling and timeline determination for multiple TBs scheduled by a single DCI message in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure. In some examples, interleaving ACK feedback timeline500may implement aspects of wireless communications systems100and200. A UE115may use interleaving ACK feedback timeline500for transmitting one or more ACKs515for groups of TBs arranged based on a bundling configuration. For example, the UE115may receive a DCI505that schedules multiple TBs510to be received at the UE115. After receiving the TBs510and bundling them based on the bundling configuration, the UE115may then transmit respective ACKs515for the groups of TBs510. As shown, DCI505may schedule two repetitions of a first TB510-aand two repetitions of a second TB510-b, where the first repetition and the second repetition of TB510-aconstitute a first TB group and the first repetition and the second repetition of second TB510-bconstitute a second TB group based on the bundling configuration. The UE115may then transmit a first ACK515-afor first TB510-aand a second ACK515-bfor second TB510-b. In some cases, interleaving ACK feedback timeline500may include a NMax=2, indicating that a maximum of two (2) TBs510(e.g., two (2) TB groups) can be scheduled by DCI505.

As shown, the repetitions of each TB510may be arranged based on an interleaving pattern, where the first TB510-aand the second TB510-balternate in time. In some cases, the UE115may use interleaving ACK feedback timeline500for situations where NMax=2 and for different wireless systems (e.g., NB-IoT, eMTC, etc.). Additionally, the UE115may use interleaving ACK feedback timeline500for scenarios with interleaving and for a bundling configuration (1,1) as shown. Similar to the ACK feedback timelines400,401, and402as described above with reference toFIG.4, first ACK515-amay be transmitted starting after the end of the n+k′0−1 downlink subframe for FDD, where the value of k′0may be selected from a set of candidate values {k0, k0−X, k0−Y} or from a set of candidate values {1, 2, . . . , k0}. However, X may represent a different parameter. For example, with interleaving enabled, X may represent a “granularity of interleaving.” That is, X may represent a number of repetitions of PDSCH that is used as the base unit of inter-TB interleaving.

All other parameter definitions and constraints as described above for ACK feedback timelines400,401, and402remain valid. For example, as shown, interleaving ACK feedback timeline500may represent a k′0down selected to be k0, such that first ACK515-ais transmitted at TTI n+k0and second ACK515-bis transmitted at TTI n+k0+Y. Additionally, although not shown, k′0may be down selected to be k0−X or k0−Y, with first ACK515-aand second ACK515-btransmitted at corresponding TTIs. The TTIs described with respect toFIG.5may span different lengths (e.g., subframes, slots, etc.).

In some cases, the UE115may determine a PUCCH resource location for a certain bundle of TBs (e.g., for a given timeline) based on one or more parameters including the RRC and DCI parameters described above with reference toFIG.2(e.g., NMax, Nsched, B, T, P, D), a bundling enable or disable signal sent in RRC or DCI, whether interleaving (e.g., in time) across TB repetition is enabled or disabled, a granularity (e.g., minimum number of subframes taken together) for inter-TB interleaving, an exact interleaving pattern employed, a number of PUCCH repetitions configured for transmission of each ACK (bundle), or a combination thereof. Additionally or alternatively, the PUCCH resource location for transmitting ACKs515may be determined by a parameter

n⁢(1,p~0)PUCCH.
To distinguish PUCCH resources for UEs115configured with multi-TB scheduling with a single DCI,

n⁢(1,p~0)PUCCH
for these UEs115may have a dependence on (e.g., as an additive offset corresponding to) any of the parameters mentioned above.

FIG.6illustrates an example of a process flow600that supports bundling and timeline determination for multiple TBs scheduled by a single DCI message in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure. In some examples, process flow600may implement aspects of wireless communications systems100and200. Process flow600may include a base station105-band a UE115-b, which may be examples of a corresponding base station105and a UE115, respectively, as described with reference toFIGS.1-5.

In the following description of the process flow600, the operations between UE115-band base station105-bmay be transmitted in a different order than the order shown, or the operations performed by base station105-band UE115-bmay be performed in different orders or at different times. Certain operations may also be left out of the process flow600, or other operations may be added to the process flow600. It is to be understood that while base station105-band UE115-bare shown performing a number of the operations of process flow600, any wireless device may perform the operations shown.

At605, UE115-bmay receive a DCI message scheduling UE115-bto receive a set of TBs.

At610, base station105-bmay transmit, to UE115-b, a bundling indication to enable UE115-bto group individual ones of the set of TBs into groups and for UE115-bto transmit bundled ACK feedback for each of the groups of TBs.

At615, UE115-bmay identify a bundling configuration for grouping individual ones of the set of TBs into groups and for reporting bundled ACK feedback for each of the groups of TBs. For example, a number of TBs in each group of TBs may be less than the total number of TBs in the set of TBs, and the sum of the TBs from each group of TBs may be equal to the total number of TBs in the set of TBs. In some cases, UE115-bmay receive a bundling indication via RRC signaling (e.g., pre-configured, signaled before the DCI message received at605, etc.), a DCI indication, or a combination thereof (e.g., received at610). For example, UE115-bmay identify the bundling configuration based on receiving a bundling parameter (e.g., B) indicating a maximum size of a TB group for the groups of TBs; receiving multiple bundling parameters (e.g., B's) indicating maximum sizes of TB groups for different numbers of scheduled TBs (e.g., Nsched); receiving multiple bundling parameters indicating maximum sizes of TB groups for different numbers of scheduled TBs and threshold values (e.g., T) on the number of scheduled TBs to determine which bundling parameter to use, the threshold values based on a number of uplink channel repetitions for transmitting the bundled ACK feedback; receiving an explicit indication of the bundling configuration; receiving a set of possible bundling configurations and DCI signals that correspond to at least one possible bundling configuration; receiving an indication of a number of uplink channel resources (e.g., P) that can be used for transmitting the bundled ACK feedback (e.g., the number of uplink channel resources may be based on the number of TBs scheduled); or a combination thereof (e.g., RRC signaling).

Additionally or alternatively, UE115-bmay identify the bundling configuration based on determining a number of scheduled TBs based on a bitmap field, HARQ identification (e.g., HARQ ID) parameter, or a combination thereof, that is included in a DCI indication; receiving an ACK delay value; receiving, in a DCI indication, an explicit indication of the bundling configuration from a set of possible bundling configurations, where the explicit indication of the bundling configuration is jointly encoded with one or more IDs associated with a HARQ bitmap to provide valid, non-redundant combinations of HARQ bitmaps and bundling configurations; or a combination thereof (e.g., DCI signaling).

In some cases, UE115-bmay identify the bundling configuration based on determining a bundling indication based on a bundling relationship defined for UE115-b. For example, the bundling relationship may include a relationship between a maximum number of TBs that can be scheduled by a single DCI message (e.g., NMax), a number of scheduled TBs (e g Nsched), a bundling parameter indicating a maximum size of a TB group for the groups of TBs (e.g., B), a threshold value on the number of scheduled TBs to determine which bundling parameter to use (e.g., T), a number of uplink channel resources that can be used for transmitting the ACK feedback (e.g., P), an ACK delay value (e.g., D), a bundling enable signal, a bundling disable signal, whether interleaving of TB repetitions is enabled, a granularity for inter-TB interleaving, an interleaving pattern used, a number of uplink channel repetitions configured for the ACK feedback, or a combination thereof.

At620, UE115-bmay determine resource locations and instances in time for transmitting the bundled ACK feedback for each of the groups of TBs. In some cases, UE115-bmay determine the resource locations and instances in time based on a satisfaction of one or more resource and time constraints, where the one or more resource and time constraints include a minimum gap for decoding a downlink channel between receipt of the downlink channel and transmission of the bundled ACK feedback, that the bundled ACK feedback for each TB does not overlap in time, a half-duplex capability of UE115-b, a full duplex capability of UE115-b, or a combination thereof. Additionally, the satisfaction of the one or more resource and time constraints may be based on a maximum number of TBs that can be scheduled by a single DCI message (e.g., NMax), a number of scheduled TBs (e.g., Nsched), a bundling parameter indicating a maximum size of a TB group for the groups of TBs (e.g., B), a threshold value on the number of scheduled TBs to determine which bundling parameter to use (e.g., T), a number of uplink channel resources that can be used for transmitting the ACK feedback (e.g., P), an ACK delay value (e.g., D), a bundling enable signal, a bundling disable signal, the identified bundling configuration, whether interleaving of TB repetitions is enabled, a granularity for inter-TB interleaving, an interleaving pattern used, a number of uplink channel repetitions configured for the ACK feedback, or a combination thereof. In some cases, the one or more time constraints may include at least a first constraint type and a second constraint type, and the instances in time may be determined based on a simultaneous satisfaction of the first constraint type and the second constraint type.

At625, UE115-bmay determine a starting location of the resource locations and the instances in time for transmitting the bundled ACK feedback based on an ACK scheduling delay field received in the DCI message, a number of subframes for the bundled ACK feedback, a number of downlink transmission subframes based on a repetition number field and resource assignment field, a minimum time interval between an end of the set of TBs and a start of the bundled ACK feedback, or a combination thereof. In some cases, the minimum time interval between the end of the set of TBs and the start of the bundled ACK feedback may be fixed, equal to ACK scheduling delay field, or a combination thereof. Additionally or alternatively, UE115-bmay determine the starting location of the resource locations and the instances in time for transmitting the bundled ACK feedback based on an ACK scheduling delay field received in the DCI message, a number of subframes for the bundled ACK feedback, a granularity of interleaving indicating a number of repetitions of a downlink channel used as a base unit for inter-TB interleaving, a minimum time interval between an end of the set of TBs and a start of the bundled ACK feedback, or a combination thereof.

In some cases, UE115-bmay determine a first starting location for transmitting a first bundled ACK feedback for a first group of TBs of the set of TBs, where the first starting location is based on a first constraint type. For example, the first constraint type may include a first minimum time interval between an end of the first group of TBs and a start of the first bundled ACK feedback, a second minimum interval between an end of a last TB of the set of TBs and the start of the first bundled ACK feedback, or a combination thereof. Additionally, UE115-bmay determine a second starting location for transmitting one or more additional bundled ACK feedbacks for remaining groups of TBs after the first group of TBs, where the second starting location is based on a second constraint type. For example, the second constraint type may include a third minimum time interval between an end of a corresponding group of TBs from the remaining groups of TBs and a start of one of the additional bundled ACK feedbacks for the corresponding group of TBs, a fourth minimum time interval between an end of a previous bundled ACK feedback and the start of one of the additional bundled ACK feedbacks, the number of downlink transmission subframes based on the repetition number field and resource assignment field, or a combination thereof.

At630, UE115-bmay receive the set of TBs.

At635, UE115-bmay transmit the bundled ACK feedback for each of the groups of TBs based on the determined resource locations and instances in time.

FIG.7shows a block diagram700of a device705that supports bundling and timeline determination for multiple TBs scheduled by a single DCI message in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure. The device705may be an example of aspects of a UE115as described herein. The device705may include a receiver710, a UE communications manager715, and a transmitter720. The device705may also include a processor. Each of these components may be in communication with one another (e.g., via one or more buses).

The receiver710may receive information such as packets, user data, or control information associated with various information channels (e.g., control channels, data channels, and information related to bundling and timeline determination for multiple TBs scheduled by a single DCI message, etc.). Information may be passed on to other components of the device705. The receiver710may be an example of aspects of the transceiver1020described with reference toFIG.10. The receiver710may utilize a single antenna or a set of antennas.

The UE communications manager715may receive a DCI message scheduling the UE to receive a set of TBs. In some cases, the UE communications manager715may identify a bundling configuration for grouping individual ones of the set of TBs into groups and for reporting bundled ACK feedback for each of the groups of TBs. Additionally, the UE communications manager715may determine resource locations and instances in time for transmitting the bundled ACK feedback for each of the groups of TBs. Accordingly, the UE communications manager715may receive the set of TBs. Subsequently, the UE communications manager715may transmit the bundled ACK feedback for each of the groups of TBs based on the determined resource locations and instances in time. The UE communications manager715may be an example of aspects of the UE communications manager1010described herein.

The UE communications manager715, or its sub-components, may be implemented in hardware, code (e.g., software or firmware) executed by a processor, or any combination thereof. If implemented in code executed by a processor, the functions of the UE communications manager715, or its sub-components may be executed by a general-purpose processor, a digital signal processor (DSP), an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a field-programmable gate array (FPGA) or other programmable logic device, discrete gate or transistor logic, discrete hardware components, or any combination thereof designed to perform the functions described in the present disclosure.

The UE communications manager715, or its sub-components, may be physically located at various positions, including being distributed such that portions of functions are implemented at different physical locations by one or more physical components. In some examples, the UE communications manager715, or its sub-components, may be a separate and distinct component in accordance with various aspects of the present disclosure. In some examples, the UE communications manager715, or its sub-components, may be combined with one or more other hardware components, including but not limited to an input/output (I/O) component, a transceiver, a network server, another computing device, one or more other components described in the present disclosure, or a combination thereof in accordance with various aspects of the present disclosure.

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

FIG.8shows a block diagram800of a device805that supports bundling and timeline determination for multiple TBs scheduled by a single DCI message in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure. The device805may be an example of aspects of a device705, or a UE115as described herein. The device805may include a receiver810, a UE communications manager815, and a transmitter845. The device805may also include a processor. Each of these components may be in communication with one another (e.g., via one or more buses).

The receiver810may receive information such as packets, user data, or control information associated with various information channels (e.g., control channels, data channels, and information related to bundling and timeline determination for multiple TBs scheduled by a single DCI message, etc.). Information may be passed on to other components of the device805. The receiver810may be an example of aspects of the transceiver1020described with reference toFIG.10. The receiver810may utilize a single antenna or a set of antennas.

The UE communications manager815may be an example of aspects of the UE communications manager715as described herein. The UE communications manager815may include a TB scheduling DCI component820, a bundling configuration identifier825, an ACK transmission locator830, a TB receiver835, and a bundled ACK feedback component840. The UE communications manager815may be an example of aspects of the UE communications manager1010described herein.

The TB scheduling DCI component820may receive a DCI message scheduling the UE to receive a set of TBs.

The bundling configuration identifier825may identify a bundling configuration for grouping individual ones of the set of TBs into groups and for reporting bundled ACK feedback for each of the groups of TBs.

The ACK transmission locator830may determine resource locations and instances in time for transmitting the bundled ACK feedback for each of the groups of TBs.

The TB receiver835may receive the set of TBs.

The bundled ACK feedback component840may transmit the bundled ACK feedback for each of the groups of TBs based on the determined resource locations and instances in time.

The transmitter845may transmit signals generated by other components of the device805. In some examples, the transmitter845may be collocated with a receiver810in a transceiver module. For example, the transmitter845may be an example of aspects of the transceiver1020described with reference toFIG.10. The transmitter845may utilize a single antenna or a set of antennas.

FIG.9shows a block diagram900of a UE communications manager905that supports bundling and timeline determination for multiple TBs scheduled by a single DCI message in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure. The UE communications manager905may be an example of aspects of a UE communications manager715, a UE communications manager815, or a UE communications manager1010described herein. The UE communications manager905may include a TB scheduling DCI component910, a bundling configuration identifier915, an ACK transmission locator920, a TB receiver925, a bundled ACK feedback component930, a RRC signaling component935, a DCI signaling component940, a bundling relationship component945, and an ACK starting location component950. Each of these modules may communicate, directly or indirectly, with one another (e.g., via one or more buses).

The TB scheduling DCI component910may receive a DCI message scheduling the UE to receive a set of TBs.

The bundling configuration identifier915may identify a bundling configuration for grouping individual ones of the set of TBs into groups and for reporting bundled ACK feedback for each of the groups of TBs. In some examples, the bundling configuration identifier915may receive a bundling indication via RRC signaling, a DCI indication, or a combination thereof. Additionally, a number of TBs in each group of TBs may be less than the total number of TBs in the set of TBs, and the sum of the TBs from each group of TBs may be equal to the total number of TBs in the set of TBs.

The ACK transmission locator920may determine resource locations and instances in time for transmitting the bundled ACK feedback for each of the groups of TBs. In some examples, the ACK transmission locator920may determine the resource locations and instances in time based on satisfaction of one or more resource and time constraints, where the one or more resource and time constraints include a minimum gap for decoding a downlink channel between receipt of the downlink channel and transmission of the bundled ACK feedback, that the bundled ACK feedback for each TB does not overlap in time, a half-duplex capability of the UE, a full duplex capability of the UE, or a combination thereof. Additionally, the one or more time constraints may include at least a first constraint type and a second constraint type, and the instances in time may be determined based on a simultaneous satisfaction of the first constraint type and the second constraint type.

In some examples, the satisfaction of the one or more resource and time constraints may be based on a maximum number of TBs that can be scheduled by a single DCI message, a number of scheduled TBs, a bundling parameter indicating a maximum size of a TB group for the groups of TBs, a threshold value on the number of scheduled TBs to determine which bundling parameter to use, a number of uplink channel resources that can be used for transmitting the ACK feedback, an ACK delay value, or a combination thereof. Additionally or alternatively, the satisfaction of the one or more resource and time constraints may be based on a bundling enable signal, a bundling disable signal, the identified bundling configuration, or a combination thereof. In some cases, the satisfaction of the one or more resource and time constraints may be based on whether interleaving of TB repetition is enabled, a granularity for inter-TB interleaving, an interleaving pattern used, a number of uplink channel repetitions configured for the ACK feedback, or a combination thereof.

The TB receiver925may receive the set of TBs.

The bundled ACK feedback component930may transmit the bundled ACK feedback for each of the groups of TBs based on the determined resource locations and instances in time.

The RRC signaling component935may receive a bundling parameter indicating a maximum size of a TB group for the groups of TBs; may receive multiple bundling parameters indicating maximum sizes of TB groups for different numbers of scheduled TBs; may receive multiple bundling parameters indicating maximum sizes of TB groups for different numbers of scheduled TBs and threshold values on the number of scheduled TBs to determine which bundling parameter to use, the threshold values based on a number of uplink channel repetitions for transmitting the bundled ACK feedback; may receive an explicit indication of the bundling configuration; may receive a set of possible bundling configurations and DCI signals that correspond to at least one possible bundling configuration; may receive an indication of a number of uplink channel resources that can be used for transmitting the bundled ACK feedback; or a combination thereof. In some cases, the number of uplink channel resources may be based on the number of TBs scheduled.

The DCI signaling component940may determine a number of scheduled TBs based on a bitmap field, HARQ identification parameter, or a combination thereof, that is included in a DCI indication; may receive an ACK delay value; may receive, in a DCI indication, an explicit indication of the bundling configuration from a set of possible bundling configurations. In some cases, the explicit indication of the bundling configuration may be jointly encoded with one or more IDs associated with a HARQ bitmap to provide valid, non-redundant combinations of HARQ bitmaps and bundling configurations.

The bundling relationship component945may determine a bundling indication based on a bundling relationship defined for the UE. In some cases, the bundling relationship may include a relationship between a maximum number of TBs that can be scheduled by a single DCI message, a number of scheduled TBs, a bundling parameter indicating a maximum size of a TB group for the groups of TBs, a threshold value on the number of scheduled TBs to determine which bundling parameter to use, a number of uplink channel resources that can be used for transmitting the ACK feedback, an ACK delay value, a bundling enable signal, a bundling disable signal, whether interleaving of TB repetitions is enabled, a granularity for inter-TB interleaving, an interleaving pattern used, a number of uplink channel repetitions configured for the ACK feedback, or a combination thereof.

The ACK starting location component950may determine a starting location of the resource locations and the instances in time for transmitting the bundled ACK feedback based on an ACK scheduling delay field received in the DCI message, a number of subframes for the bundled ACK feedback, a number of downlink transmission subframes based on a repetition number field and resource assignment field, a minimum time interval between an end of the set of TBs and a start of the bundled ACK feedback, or a combination thereof. Additionally or alternatively, the ACK starting location component950may determine a starting location of the resource locations and the instances in time for transmitting the bundled ACK feedback based on an ACK scheduling delay field received in the DCI message, a number of subframes for the bundled ACK feedback, a granularity of interleaving indicating a number of repetitions of a downlink channel used as a base unit for inter-TB interleaving, a minimum time interval between an end of the set of TBs and a start of the bundled ACK feedback, or a combination thereof. In some cases, the minimum time interval between the end of the set of TBs and the start of the bundled ACK feedback may be fixed, equal to ACK scheduling delay field, or a combination thereof.

In some examples, the ACK starting location component950may determine a first starting location for transmitting a first bundled ACK feedback for a first group of TBs of the set of TBs, where the first starting location is based on a first constraint type, and may determine a second starting location for transmitting one or more additional bundled ACK feedbacks for remaining groups of TBs after the first group of TBs, where the second starting location is based on a second constraint type. For example, the first constraint type may include a first minimum time interval between an end of the first group of TBs and a start of the first bundled ACK feedback, a second minimum interval between an end of a last TB of the set of TBs and the start of the first bundled ACK feedback, or a combination thereof. Additionally, the second constraint type may include a third minimum time interval between an end of a corresponding group of TBs from the remaining groups of TBs and a start of one of the additional bundled ACK feedbacks for the corresponding group of TBs, a fourth minimum time interval between an end of a previous bundled ACK feedback and the start of one of the additional bundled ACK feedbacks, the number of downlink transmission subframes based on the repetition number field and resource assignment field, or a combination thereof.

FIG.10shows a diagram of a system1000including a device1005that supports bundling and timeline determination for multiple TBs scheduled by a single DCI message in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure. The device1005may be an example of or include the components of device705, device805, or a UE115as described herein. The device1005may include components for bi-directional voice and data communications including components for transmitting and receiving communications, including a UE communications manager1010, an I/O controller1015, a transceiver1020, an antenna1025, memory1030, and a processor1040. These components may be in electronic communication via one or more buses (e.g., bus1045).

The UE communications manager1010may receive a DCI message scheduling the UE to receive a set of TBs. In some cases, the UE communications manager1010may identify a bundling configuration for grouping individual ones of the set of TBs into groups and for reporting bundled ACK feedback for each of the groups of TBs. Additionally, the UE communications manager1010may determine resource locations and instances in time for transmitting the bundled ACK feedback for each of the groups of TBs. Accordingly, the UE communications manager1010may receive the set of TBs. Subsequently, the UE communications manager1010may transmit the bundled ACK feedback for each of the groups of TBs based on the determined resource locations and instances in time.

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

The transceiver1020may communicate bi-directionally, via one or more antennas, wired, or wireless links as described above. For example, the transceiver1020may represent a wireless transceiver and may communicate bi-directionally with another wireless transceiver. The transceiver1020may also include a modem to modulate the packets and provide the modulated packets to the antennas for transmission, and to demodulate packets received from the antennas.

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

The memory1030may include random-access memory (RAM) and read-only memory (ROM). The memory1030may store computer-readable, computer-executable code1035including instructions that, when executed, cause the processor to perform various functions described herein. In some cases, the memory1030may contain, among other things, a basic I/O system (BIOS) which may control basic hardware or software operation such as the interaction with peripheral components or devices.

The processor1040may include an intelligent hardware device, (e.g., a general-purpose processor, a DSP, a central processing unit (CPU), a microcontroller, an ASIC, an FPGA, a programmable logic device, a discrete gate or transistor logic component, a discrete hardware component, or any combination thereof). In some cases, the processor1040may be configured to operate a memory array using a memory controller. In other cases, a memory controller may be integrated into the processor1040. The processor1040may be configured to execute computer-readable instructions stored in a memory (e.g., the memory1030) to cause the device1005to perform various functions (e.g., functions or tasks supporting bundling and timeline determination for multiple TBs scheduled by a single DCI message).

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

FIG.11shows a block diagram1100of a device1105that supports bundling and timeline determination for multiple TBs scheduled by a single DCI message in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure. The device1105may be an example of aspects of a base station105as described herein. The device1105may include a receiver1110, a base station communications manager1115, and a transmitter1120. The device1105may also include a processor. Each of these components may be in communication with one another (e.g., via one or more buses).

The receiver1110may receive information such as packets, user data, or control information associated with various information channels (e.g., control channels, data channels, and information related to bundling and timeline determination for multiple TBs scheduled by a single DCI message, etc.). Information may be passed on to other components of the device1105. The receiver1110may be an example of aspects of the transceiver1420described with reference toFIG.14. The receiver1110may utilize a single antenna or a set of antennas.

The base station communications manager1115may transmit, to a UE, a DCI message scheduling the UE to receive a set of TBs. Additionally, the base station communications manager1115may transmit, to the UE, a bundling indication to enable the UE to group individual ones of the set of TBs into groups and for the UE to transmit bundled ACK feedback for each of the groups of TBs. In some cases, the base station communications manager1115may transmit, to the UE, the set of TBs. Subsequently, the base station communications manager1115may receive, from the UE, the bundled ACK feedback for each of the groups of TBs. The base station communications manager1115may be an example of aspects of the base station communications manager1410described herein.

The base station communications manager1115, or its sub-components, may be implemented in hardware, code (e.g., software or firmware) executed by a processor, or any combination thereof. If implemented in code executed by a processor, the functions of the base station communications manager1115, or its sub-components may be executed by a general-purpose processor, a DSP, an ASIC, an FPGA or other programmable logic device, discrete gate or transistor logic, discrete hardware components, or any combination thereof designed to perform the functions described in the present disclosure.

The base station communications manager1115, or its sub-components, may be physically located at various positions, including being distributed such that portions of functions are implemented at different physical locations by one or more physical components. In some examples, the base station communications manager1115, or its sub-components, may be a separate and distinct component in accordance with various aspects of the present disclosure. In some examples, the base station communications manager1115, or its sub-components, may be combined with one or more other hardware components, including but not limited to an I/O component, a transceiver, a network server, another computing device, one or more other components described in the present disclosure, or a combination thereof in accordance with various aspects of the present disclosure.

The transmitter1120may transmit signals generated by other components of the device1105. In some examples, the transmitter1120may be collocated with a receiver1110in a transceiver module. For example, the transmitter1120may be an example of aspects of the transceiver1420described with reference toFIG.14. The transmitter1120may utilize a single antenna or a set of antennas.

FIG.12shows a block diagram1200of a device1205that supports bundling and timeline determination for multiple TBs scheduled by a single DCI message in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure. The device1205may be an example of aspects of a device1105, or a base station105as described herein. The device1205may include a receiver1210, a base station communications manager1215, and a transmitter1240. The device1205may also include a processor. Each of these components may be in communication with one another (e.g., via one or more buses).

The receiver1210may receive information such as packets, user data, or control information associated with various information channels (e.g., control channels, data channels, and information related to bundling and timeline determination for multiple TBs scheduled by a single DCI message, etc.). Information may be passed on to other components of the device1205. The receiver1210may be an example of aspects of the transceiver1420described with reference toFIG.14. The receiver1210may utilize a single antenna or a set of antennas.

The base station communications manager1215may be an example of aspects of the base station communications manager1115as described herein. The base station communications manager1215may include a scheduling DCI transmitter1220, a bundling indicator1225, a TB transmitter1230, and a bundled ACK component1235. The base station communications manager1215may be an example of aspects of the base station communications manager1410described herein.

The scheduling DCI transmitter1220may transmit, to a UE, a DCI message scheduling the UE to receive a set of TBs.

The bundling indicator1225may transmit, to the UE, a bundling indication to enable the UE to group individual ones of the set of TBs into groups and for the UE to transmit bundled ACK feedback for each of the groups of TBs.

The TB transmitter1230may transmit, to the UE, the set of TBs.

The bundled ACK component1235may receive, from the UE, the bundled ACK feedback for each of the groups of TBs.

The transmitter1240may transmit signals generated by other components of the device1205. In some examples, the transmitter1240may be collocated with a receiver1210in a transceiver module. For example, the transmitter1240may be an example of aspects of the transceiver1420described with reference toFIG.14. The transmitter1240may utilize a single antenna or a set of antennas.

FIG.13shows a block diagram1300of a base station communications manager1305that supports bundling and timeline determination for multiple TBs scheduled by a single DCI message in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure. The base station communications manager1305may be an example of aspects of a base station communications manager1115, a base station communications manager1215, or a base station communications manager1410described herein. The base station communications manager1305may include a scheduling DCI transmitter1310, a bundling indicator1315, a TB transmitter1320, a bundled ACK component1325, a RRC bundling indicator1330, and a DCI bundling indicator1335. Each of these modules may communicate, directly or indirectly, with one another (e.g., via one or more buses).

The scheduling DCI transmitter1310may transmit, to a UE, a DCI message scheduling the UE to receive a set of TBs.

The bundling indicator1315may transmit, to the UE, a bundling indication to enable the UE to group individual ones of the set of TBs into groups and for the UE to transmit bundled ACK feedback for each of the groups of TBs. In some cases, the bundling indication may be transmitted via RRC signaling, a DCI indication, or a combination thereof. Additionally, a number of TBs in each TB group may be less than the total number of TBs in the set of TBs, and the sum of the TBs from each TB group may be equal to the total number of TBs in the set of TBs.

The TB transmitter1320may transmit, to the UE, the set of TBs.

The bundled ACK component1325may receive, from the UE, the bundled ACK feedback for each of the groups of TBs. In some cases, the bundled ACK feedback may be received at resource locations based on resource and time constraints including a gap for the UE to decode a downlink channel between the UE receiving the downlink channel and the UE transmitting the bundled ACK feedback, the ACK feedback for each TB not overlapping in time, a half-duplex capability of the UE, a full duplex capability of the UE, or a combination thereof. Additionally or alternatively, the bundled ACK feedback may be received at a starting location based on an ACK scheduling delay field transmitted in the DCI message, a number of subframes for the bundled ACK feedback, a number of downlink transmission subframes based on a repetition number field and resource assignment field, a minimum time interval between an end of the set of TBs and a start of the bundled ACK feedback, or a combination thereof. In some cases, the bundled ACK feedback may be received at a starting location based on an ACK scheduling delay field transmitted in the DCI message, a number of subframes for the bundled ACK feedback, a granularity of interleaving indicating a number of repetitions of a downlink channel used as a base unit for inter-TB interleaving, a minimum time interval between an end of the set of TBs and a start of the bundled ACK feedback, or a combination thereof.

Additionally or alternatively, the bundled ACK feedback may be received at resource locations based on a maximum number of TBs that can be scheduled by a single DCI message, a number of scheduled TBs, a bundling parameter indicating a maximum size of a TB group for the groups of TBs, a threshold value on the number of scheduled TBs to determine which bundling parameter to use, a number of uplink channel resources that can be used for transmitting the bundled ACK feedback, an ACK delay value, or a combination thereof. In some cases, the bundled ACK feedback may be received at resource locations based on a bundling enable signal or a bundling disable signal. Additionally, the bundled ACK feedback may be received at resource locations based on whether interleaving of TB repetition is enabled, a granularity for inter-TB interleaving, an interleaving pattern used, a number of uplink channel repetitions configured for the bundled ACK feedback, or a combination thereof.

The RRC bundling indicator1330may transmit a bundling parameter indicating a maximum size of a TB group for the groups of TBs; may transmit multiple bundling parameters indicating maximum sizes of TB groups for different numbers of scheduled TBs; may transmit multiple bundling parameters indicating maximum sizes of TB groups for different numbers of scheduled TBs and threshold values on the number of scheduled TBs to determine which bundling parameter to use, the threshold values based on a number of uplink channel repetitions for the UE to transmit the bundled ACK feedback; may transmit an explicit indication of a bundling configuration; may transmit a set of possible bundling configurations and DCI signals that correspond to at least one possible bundling configuration; may transmit an indication of a number of uplink channel resources that can be used for the UE to transmit the bundled ACK feedback; or a combination thereof. In some cases, the number of uplink channel resources may be based on the number of TBs scheduled.

The DCI bundling indicator1335may transmit an indication of a number of scheduled TBs based on a bitmap field, a HARQ identification parameter, or a combination thereof, that is included in a DCI indication; may transmit an ACK delay value; may transmit, in a DCI indication, an explicit indication of the bundling configuration from a set of possible bundling configurations. In some cases, the explicit indication of the bundling configuration may be jointly encoded with one or more IDs associated with a HARQ bitmap to provide valid, non-redundant combinations of HARQ bitmaps and bundling configurations.

FIG.14shows a diagram of a system1400including a device1405that supports bundling and timeline determination for multiple TBs scheduled by a single DCI message in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure. The device1405may be an example of or include the components of device1105, device1205, or a base station105as described herein. The device1405may include components for bi-directional voice and data communications including components for transmitting and receiving communications, including a base station communications manager1410, a network communications manager1415, a transceiver1420, an antenna1425, memory1430, a processor1440, and an inter-station communications manager1445. These components may be in electronic communication via one or more buses (e.g., bus1450).

The base station communications manager1410may transmit, to a UE, a DCI message scheduling the UE to receive a set of TBs. Additionally, the base station communications manager1410may transmit, to the UE, a bundling indication to enable the UE to group individual ones of the set of TBs into groups and for the UE to transmit bundled ACK feedback for each of the groups of TBs. In some cases, the base station communications manager1410may transmit, to the UE, the set of TBs. Subsequently, the base station communications manager1410may receive, from the UE, the bundled ACK feedback for each of the groups of TBs.

The network communications manager1415may manage communications with the core network (e.g., via one or more wired backhaul links). For example, the network communications manager1415may manage the transfer of data communications for client devices, such as one or more UEs115.

The transceiver1420may communicate bi-directionally, via one or more antennas, wired, or wireless links as described above. For example, the transceiver1420may represent a wireless transceiver and may communicate bi-directionally with another wireless transceiver. The transceiver1420may also include a modem to modulate the packets and provide the modulated packets to the antennas for transmission, and to demodulate packets received from the antennas.

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

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

The processor1440may include an intelligent hardware device, (e.g., a general-purpose processor, a DSP, a CPU, a microcontroller, an ASIC, an FPGA, a programmable logic device, a discrete gate or transistor logic component, a discrete hardware component, or any combination thereof). In some cases, the processor1440may be configured to operate a memory array using a memory controller. In some cases, a memory controller may be integrated into processor1440. The processor1440may be configured to execute computer-readable instructions stored in a memory (e.g., the memory1430) to cause the device1405to perform various functions (e.g., functions or tasks supporting bundling and timeline determination for multiple TBs scheduled by a single DCI message).

The inter-station communications manager1445may manage communications with other base station105and may include a controller or scheduler for controlling communications with UEs115in cooperation with other base stations105. For example, the inter-station communications manager1445may coordinate scheduling for transmissions to UEs115for various interference mitigation techniques such as beamforming or joint transmission. In some examples, the inter-station communications manager1445may provide an X2 interface within an LTE/LTE-A wireless communication network technology to provide communication between base stations105.

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

FIG.15shows a flowchart illustrating a method1500that supports bundling and timeline determination for multiple TBs scheduled by a single DCI message in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure. The operations of method1500may be implemented by a UE115or its components as described herein. For example, the operations of method1500may be performed by a UE communications manager as described with reference toFIGS.7through10. In some examples, a UE may execute a set of instructions to control the functional elements of the UE to perform the functions described below. Additionally or alternatively, a UE may perform aspects of the functions described below using special-purpose hardware.

At1505, the UE may receive a DCI message scheduling the UE to receive a set of TBs. The operations of1505may be performed according to the methods described herein. In some examples, aspects of the operations of1505may be performed by a TB scheduling DCI component as described with reference toFIGS.7through10.

At1510, the UE may identify a bundling configuration for grouping individual ones of the set of TBs into groups and for reporting bundled ACK feedback for each of the groups of TBs. The operations of1510may be performed according to the methods described herein. In some examples, aspects of the operations of1510may be performed by a bundling configuration identifier as described with reference toFIGS.7through10.

At1515, the UE may determine resource locations and instances in time for transmitting the bundled ACK feedback for each of the groups of TBs. The operations of1515may be performed according to the methods described herein. In some examples, aspects of the operations of1515may be performed by an ACK transmission locator as described with reference toFIGS.7through10.

At1520, the UE may receive the set of TBs. The operations of1520may be performed according to the methods described herein. In some examples, aspects of the operations of1520may be performed by a TB receiver as described with reference toFIGS.7through10.

At1525, the UE may transmit the bundled ACK feedback for each of the groups of TBs based on the determined resource locations and instances in time. The operations of1525may be performed according to the methods described herein. In some examples, aspects of the operations of1525may be performed by a bundled ACK feedback component as described with reference toFIGS.7through10.

FIG.16shows a flowchart illustrating a method1600that supports bundling and timeline determination for multiple TBs scheduled by a single DCI message in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure. The operations of method1600may be implemented by a UE115or its components as described herein. For example, the operations of method1600may be performed by a UE communications manager as described with reference toFIGS.7through10. In some examples, a UE may execute a set of instructions to control the functional elements of the UE to perform the functions described below. Additionally or alternatively, a UE may perform aspects of the functions described below using special-purpose hardware.

At1605, the UE may receive a DCI message scheduling the UE to receive a set of TBs. The operations of1605may be performed according to the methods described herein. In some examples, aspects of the operations of1605may be performed by a TB scheduling DCI component as described with reference toFIGS.7through10.

At1610, the UE may identify a bundling configuration for grouping individual ones of the set of TBs into groups and for reporting bundled ACK feedback for each of the groups of TBs. The operations of1610may be performed according to the methods described herein. In some examples, aspects of the operations of1610may be performed by a bundling configuration identifier as described with reference toFIGS.7through10.

At1615, the UE may determine a bundling indication based on a bundling relationship defined for the UE. The operations of1615may be performed according to the methods described herein. In some examples, aspects of the operations of1615may be performed by a bundling relationship component as described with reference toFIGS.7through10.

At1620, the UE may determine resource locations and instances in time for transmitting the bundled ACK feedback for each of the groups of TBs. The operations of1620may be performed according to the methods described herein. In some examples, aspects of the operations of1620may be performed by an ACK transmission locator as described with reference toFIGS.7through10.

At1625, the UE may receive the set of TBs. The operations of1625may be performed according to the methods described herein. In some examples, aspects of the operations of1625may be performed by a TB receiver as described with reference toFIGS.7through10.

At1630, the UE may transmit the bundled ACK feedback for each of the groups of TBs based on the determined resource locations and instances in time. The operations of1630may be performed according to the methods described herein. In some examples, aspects of the operations of1630may be performed by a bundled ACK feedback component as described with reference toFIGS.7through10.

FIG.17shows a flowchart illustrating a method1700that supports bundling and timeline determination for multiple TBs scheduled by a single DCI message in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure. The operations of method1700may be implemented by a UE115or its components as described herein. For example, the operations of method1700may be performed by a UE communications manager as described with reference toFIGS.7through10. In some examples, a UE may execute a set of instructions to control the functional elements of the UE to perform the functions described below. Additionally or alternatively, a UE may perform aspects of the functions described below using special-purpose hardware.

At1705, the UE may receive a DCI message scheduling the UE to receive a set of TBs. The operations of1705may be performed according to the methods described herein. In some examples, aspects of the operations of1705may be performed by a TB scheduling DCI component as described with reference toFIGS.7through10.

At1710, the UE may identify a bundling configuration for grouping individual ones of the set of TBs into groups and for reporting bundled ACK feedback for each of the groups of TBs. The operations of1710may be performed according to the methods described herein. In some examples, aspects of the operations of1710may be performed by a bundling configuration identifier as described with reference toFIGS.7through10.

At1715, the UE may receive a bundling indication via RRC signaling, a DCI indication, or a combination thereof. The operations of1715may be performed according to the methods described herein. In some examples, aspects of the operations of1715may be performed by a bundling configuration identifier as described with reference toFIGS.7through10.

At1720, the UE may determine resource locations and instances in time for transmitting the bundled ACK feedback for each of the groups of TBs. The operations of1720may be performed according to the methods described herein. In some examples, aspects of the operations of1720may be performed by an ACK transmission locator as described with reference toFIGS.7through10.

At1725, the UE may receive the set of TBs. The operations of1725may be performed according to the methods described herein. In some examples, aspects of the operations of1725may be performed by a TB receiver as described with reference toFIGS.7through10.

At1730, the UE may transmit the bundled ACK feedback for each of the groups of TBs based on the determined resource locations and instances in time. The operations of1730may be performed according to the methods described herein. In some examples, aspects of the operations of1730may be performed by a bundled ACK feedback component as described with reference toFIGS.7through10.

FIG.18shows a flowchart illustrating a method1800that supports bundling and timeline determination for multiple TBs scheduled by a single DCI message in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure. The operations of method1800may be implemented by a base station105or its components as described herein. For example, the operations of method1800may be performed by a base station communications manager as described with reference toFIGS.11through14. In some examples, a base station may execute a set of instructions to control the functional elements of the base station to perform the functions described below. Additionally or alternatively, a base station may perform aspects of the functions described below using special-purpose hardware.

At1805, the base station may transmit, to a UE, a DCI message scheduling the UE to receive a set of TBs. The operations of1805may be performed according to the methods described herein. In some examples, aspects of the operations of1805may be performed by a scheduling DCI transmitter as described with reference toFIGS.11through14.

At1810, the base station may transmit, to the UE, a bundling indication to enable the UE to group individual ones of the set of TBs into groups and for the UE to transmit bundled ACK feedback for each of the groups of TBs. The operations of1810may be performed according to the methods described herein. In some examples, aspects of the operations of1810may be performed by a bundling indicator as described with reference toFIGS.11through14.

At1815, the base station may transmit, to the UE, the set of TBs. The operations of1815may be performed according to the methods described herein. In some examples, aspects of the operations of1815may be performed by a TB transmitter as described with reference toFIGS.11through14.

At1820, the base station may receive, from the UE, the bundled ACK feedback for each of the groups of TBs. The operations of1820may be performed according to the methods described herein. In some examples, aspects of the operations of1820may be performed by a bundled ACK component as described with reference toFIGS.11through14.

It should be noted that the methods described herein describe possible implementations, and that the operations and the steps may be rearranged or otherwise modified and that other implementations are possible. Further, aspects from two or more of the methods may be combined.

Techniques described herein may be used for various wireless communications systems such as code division multiple access (CDMA), time division multiple access (TDMA), frequency division multiple access (FDMA), orthogonal frequency division multiple access (OFDMA), single carrier frequency division multiple access (SC-FDMA), and other systems. A CDMA system may implement a radio technology such as CDMA2000, Universal Terrestrial Radio Access (UTRA), etc. CDMA2000 covers IS-2000, IS-95, and IS-856 standards. IS-2000 Releases may be commonly referred to as CDMA2000 1×, 1×, etc. IS-856 (TIA-856) is commonly referred to as CDMA2000 1×EV-DO, High Rate Packet Data (HRPD), etc. UTRA includes Wideband CDMA (WCDMA) and other variants of CDMA. A TDMA system may implement a radio technology such as Global System for Mobile Communications (GSM).

An OFDMA system may implement a radio technology such as Ultra Mobile Broadband (UMB), Evolved UTRA (E-UTRA), Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) 802.11 (Wi-Fi), IEEE 802.16 (WiMAX), IEEE 802.20, Flash-OFDM, etc. UTRA and E-UTRA are part of Universal Mobile Telecommunications System (UMTS). LTE, LTE-A, and LTE-A Pro are releases of UMTS that use E-UTRA. UTRA, E-UTRA, UMTS, LTE, LTE-A, LTE-A Pro, NR, and GSM are described in documents from the organization named “3rd Generation Partnership Project” (3GPP). CDMA2000 and UMB are described in documents from an organization named “3rd Generation Partnership Project 2” (3GPP2). The techniques described herein may be used for the systems and radio technologies mentioned herein as well as other systems and radio technologies. While aspects of an LTE, LTE-A, LTE-A Pro, or NR system may be described for purposes of example, and LTE, LTE-A, LTE-A Pro, or NR terminology may be used in much of the description, the techniques described herein are applicable beyond LTE, LTE-A, LTE-A Pro, or NR applications.

A macro cell generally covers a relatively large geographic area (e.g., several kilometers in radius) and may allow unrestricted access by UEs with service subscriptions with the network provider. A small cell may be associated with a lower-powered base station, as compared with a macro cell, and a small cell may operate in the same or different (e.g., licensed, unlicensed, etc.) frequency bands as macro cells. Small cells may include pico cells, femto cells, and micro cells according to various examples. A pico cell, for example, may cover a small geographic area and may allow unrestricted access by UEs with service subscriptions with the network provider. A femto cell may also cover a small geographic area (e.g., a home) and may provide restricted access by UEs having an association with the femto cell (e.g., UEs in a closed subscriber group (CSG), UEs for users in the home, and the like). An eNB for a macro cell may be referred to as a macro eNB. An eNB for a small cell may be referred to as a small cell eNB, a pico eNB, a femto eNB, or a home eNB. An eNB may support one or multiple (e.g., two, three, four, and the like) cells, and may also support communications using one or multiple component carriers.

The wireless communications systems described herein may support synchronous or asynchronous operation. For synchronous operation, the base stations may have similar frame timing, and transmissions from different base stations may be approximately aligned in time. For asynchronous operation, the base stations may have different frame timing, and transmissions from different base stations may not be aligned in time. The techniques described herein may be used for either synchronous or asynchronous operations.

Information and signals described herein may be represented using any of a variety of different technologies and techniques. For example, data, instructions, commands, information, signals, bits, symbols, and chips that may be referenced throughout the description may be represented by voltages, currents, electromagnetic waves, magnetic fields or particles, optical fields or particles, or any combination thereof.

The various illustrative blocks and modules described in connection with the disclosure herein may be implemented or performed with a general-purpose processor, a DSP, an ASIC, an FPGA, or other programmable logic device, discrete gate or transistor logic, discrete hardware components, or any combination thereof designed to perform the functions described herein. A general-purpose processor may be a microprocessor, but in the alternative, the processor may be any conventional processor, controller, microcontroller, or state machine. A processor may also be implemented as a combination of computing devices (e.g., a combination of a DSP and a microprocessor, multiple microprocessors, one or more microprocessors in conjunction with a DSP core, or any other such configuration).

The functions described herein may be implemented in hardware, software executed by a processor, firmware, or any combination thereof. If implemented in software executed by a processor, the functions may be stored on or transmitted over as one or more instructions or code on a computer-readable medium. Other examples and implementations are within the scope of the disclosure and appended claims. For example, due to the nature of software, functions described herein can be implemented using software executed by a processor, hardware, firmware, hardwiring, or combinations of any of these. Features implementing functions may also be physically located at various positions, including being distributed such that portions of functions are implemented at different physical locations.

Computer-readable media includes both non-transitory computer storage media and communication media including any medium that facilitates transfer of a computer program from one place to another. A non-transitory storage medium may be any available medium that can be accessed by a general purpose or special purpose computer. By way of example, and not limitation, non-transitory computer-readable media may include RAM, ROM, electrically erasable programmable ROM (EEPROM), flash memory, compact disk (CD) ROM or other optical disk storage, magnetic disk storage or other magnetic storage devices, or any other non-transitory medium that can be used to carry or store desired program code means in the form of instructions or data structures and that can be accessed by a general-purpose or special-purpose computer, or a general-purpose or special-purpose processor. Also, any connection is properly termed a computer-readable medium. For example, if the software is transmitted from a website, server, or other remote source using a coaxial cable, fiber optic cable, twisted pair, digital subscriber line (DSL), or wireless technologies such as infrared, radio, and microwave, then the coaxial cable, fiber optic cable, twisted pair, DSL, or wireless technologies such as infrared, radio, and microwave are included in the definition of medium. Disk and disc, as used herein, include CD, laser disc, optical disc, digital versatile disc (DVD), floppy disk and Blu-ray disc where disks usually reproduce data magnetically, while discs reproduce data optically with lasers. Combinations of the above are also included within the scope of computer-readable media.

As used herein, including in the claims, “or” as used in a list of items (e.g., a list of items prefaced by a phrase such as “at least one of” or “one or more of”) indicates an inclusive list such that, for example, a list of at least one of A, B, or C means A or B or C or AB or AC or BC or ABC (i.e., A and B and C). Also, as used herein, the phrase “based on” shall not be construed as a reference to a closed set of conditions. For example, an exemplary step that is described as “based on condition A” may be based on both a condition A and a condition B without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. In other words, as used herein, the phrase “based on” shall be construed in the same manner as the phrase “based at least in part on.”

In the appended figures, similar components or features may have the same reference label. Further, various components of the same type may be distinguished by following the reference label by a dash and a second label that distinguishes among the similar components. If just the first reference label is used in the specification, the description is applicable to any one of the similar components having the same first reference label irrespective of the second reference label, or other subsequent reference label.

The description set forth herein, in connection with the appended drawings, describes example configurations and does not represent all the examples that may be implemented or that are within the scope of the claims. The term “exemplary” used herein means “serving as an example, instance, or illustration,” and not “preferred” or “advantageous over other examples.” The detailed description includes specific details for the purpose of providing an understanding of the described techniques. These techniques, however, may be practiced without these specific details. In some instances, well-known structures and devices are shown in block diagram form in order to avoid obscuring the concepts of the described examples.

The description herein is provided to enable a person having ordinary skill in the art to make or use the disclosure. Various modifications to the disclosure will be apparent to a person having ordinary skill in the art, and the generic principles defined herein may be applied to other variations without departing from the scope of the disclosure. Thus, the disclosure is not limited to the examples and designs described herein but is to be accorded the broadest scope consistent with the principles and novel features disclosed herein.