U.S. patent application number 17/214711 was filed with the patent office on 2021-07-15 for adaptations of dual connectivity operation to ue capability.
The applicant listed for this patent is Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.. Invention is credited to Ying Li, Boon Loong Ng, Aris Papasakellariou.
Application Number | 20210219245 17/214711 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 1000005482172 |
Filed Date | 2021-07-15 |
United States Patent
Application |
20210219245 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Papasakellariou; Aris ; et
al. |
July 15, 2021 |
ADAPTATIONS OF DUAL CONNECTIVITY OPERATION TO UE CAPABILITY
Abstract
A user equipment (UE) is configured by a Master enhanced NodeB
(MeNB) for operation with dual connectivity to a Secondary eNB
(SeNB) to transmit acknowledgement information when the UE is power
limited and for a respective eNB to determine a UE power
limitation. The UE, the MeNB, and the SeNB adjust operation
according to a partitioning of a UE capability between the MeNB and
the SeNB. The UE capability can be a transmission power, a soft
buffer size, a reception or a transmission of a number of data
transport block bits, or a number of decoding operations.
Inventors: |
Papasakellariou; Aris;
(Houston, TX) ; Ng; Boon Loong; (Plano, TX)
; Li; Ying; (Richardson, TX) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd. |
Suwon-si |
|
KR |
|
|
Family ID: |
1000005482172 |
Appl. No.: |
17/214711 |
Filed: |
March 26, 2021 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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16246237 |
Jan 11, 2019 |
10966165 |
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17214711 |
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15495680 |
Apr 24, 2017 |
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16246237 |
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14595827 |
Jan 13, 2015 |
9635621 |
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15495680 |
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61928900 |
Jan 17, 2014 |
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61930837 |
Jan 23, 2014 |
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61996671 |
May 14, 2014 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
H04W 52/34 20130101;
H04W 28/18 20130101; H04W 52/325 20130101; H04W 52/48 20130101;
H04W 52/16 20130101; H04L 5/001 20130101; H04W 88/02 20130101; H04L
5/0048 20130101; H04L 5/0007 20130101; H04W 52/146 20130101; Y02D
30/70 20200801; H04W 72/0446 20130101; H04W 76/15 20180201; H04L
27/2636 20130101; H04W 52/244 20130101; H04L 5/0051 20130101; H04W
74/0833 20130101; H04W 52/0212 20130101; H04L 1/1861 20130101; H04L
1/1812 20130101; H04L 5/0055 20130101; H04W 88/08 20130101; H04W
52/367 20130101; H04W 72/1263 20130101; H04W 72/1289 20130101; H04L
1/1845 20130101; H04W 52/281 20130101 |
International
Class: |
H04W 52/34 20060101
H04W052/34; H04W 76/15 20060101 H04W076/15; H04W 52/36 20060101
H04W052/36; H04W 52/24 20060101 H04W052/24; H04W 52/28 20060101
H04W052/28; H04W 52/32 20060101 H04W052/32; H04W 52/48 20060101
H04W052/48; H04W 28/18 20060101 H04W028/18; H04W 72/04 20060101
H04W072/04; H04W 72/12 20060101 H04W072/12; H04L 1/18 20060101
H04L001/18; H04L 5/00 20060101 H04L005/00; H04W 52/02 20060101
H04W052/02; H04W 52/14 20060101 H04W052/14; H04W 74/08 20060101
H04W074/08 |
Claims
1. A method, comprising: receiving, by a master node from a
secondary node, a request for a first number of physical downlink
control channel (PDCCH) candidates; and transmitting, from the
master node to the secondary node, an assignment for a second
number of PDCCH candidates.
2. The method of claim 1, wherein: the PDCCH candidates are for
scheduling a user equipment (UE) on the secondary node, and the UE
operates in dual connectivity with the master node and the
secondary node.
3. The method of claim 1, further comprising: transmitting, from
the master node to the secondary node, a configuration for a
discontinuous reception (DRX) cycle.
4. The method of claim 1, further comprising: receiving, by the
master node from the secondary node, a configuration for a
discontinuous reception (DRX) cycle.
5. The method of claim 1, wherein: a first discontinuous reception
(DRX) cycle is configured by the master node to a user equipment
(UE), a second DRX cycle is configured by the secondary node to the
UE, and the UE operates in dual connectivity with the master node
and the secondary node.
6. The method of claim 1, further comprising: receiving, by a
master node from a secondary node, a request for a first power; and
transmitting, from the master node to the secondary node, an
assignment for a second power.
7. The method of claim 1, further comprising: transmitting, from
the master node to the secondary node, a configuration for
measurement gaps.
8. The method of claim 7, wherein: the measurement gaps are
configured to a user equipment (UE) on the master node, and the UE
operates in dual connectivity with the master node and the
secondary node.
9. A network node, comprising: a receiver configured to receive a
request for a first number of physical downlink control channel
(PDCCH) candidates; and a transmitter configured to transmit an
assignment for a second number of PDCCH candidates.
10. The network node of claim 9, wherein: the network node is a
master node, and the master node communicates with a secondary
node.
11. The network node claim 10, wherein: the transmitter is further
configured to transmit a configuration for a discontinuous
reception (DRX) cycle.
12. The network node claim 10, wherein: the receiver is further
configured to receive a configuration for a discontinuous reception
(DRX) cycle.
13. The network node claim 10, wherein: the receiver is further
configured to receive a request for a first power, and the
transmitter is further configured to transmit an assignment for a
second power.
14. The network node claim 10, wherein: the transmitter is further
configured to transmit a configuration for measurement gaps.
15. A network node, comprising: a transmitter configured to
transmit a request for a first number of physical downlink control
channel (PDCCH) candidates; and a receiver configured to receive an
assignment for a second number of PDCCH candidates.
16. The network node of claim 15, wherein: the network node is a
secondary node, and the secondary node communicates with a master
node.
17. The network node claim 15, wherein: the receiver is further
configured to receive a configuration for a discontinuous reception
(DRX) cycle.
18. The network node claim 15, wherein: the transmitter is further
configured to transmit a configuration for a discontinuous
reception (DRX) cycle.
19. The network node claim 15, wherein: the transmitter is further
configured to transmit a request for a first power, and the
receiver is further configured to receive an assignment for a
second power.
20. The network node claim 15, wherein: the receiver is further
configured to receive a configuration for measurement gaps.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION AND CLAIM OF PRIORITY
[0001] The present application is a continuation of U.S.
Non-Provisional patent application Ser. No. 16/246,237 filed Jan.
11, 2019 and entitled "Adaptations of Dual Connectivity Operation
to UE Capability," which is a continuation of U.S. Non-Provisional
patent application Ser. No. 15/495,680 filed Apr. 24, 2017 and
entitled "Adaptations of Dual Connectivity Operation to UE
Capability," abandoned, which is a continuation of U.S.
Non-Provisional patent application Ser. No. 14/595,827 filed Jan.
13, 2015 and entitled "Adaptations of Dual Connectivity Operation
to UE Capability," now U.S. Pat. No. 9,635,621, and claims priority
to U.S. Provisional patent Application No. 61/928,900 filed Jan.
17, 2014 and entitled "Power Limited Operation in Dual
Connectivity," U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/930,837
filed Jan. 23, 2014 and entitled "Adaptation of a UE Capability for
Operation with Dual Connectivity," and U.S. Provisional Patent
Application No. 61/996,671 filed May 14, 2014 and entitled
"Partitioning UE Capabilities for Dual Connectivity." The contents
of the above-identified patent documents are incorporated herein by
reference.
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0002] The present application relates generally to wireless
communications and, more specifically, to downlink or uplink
transmissions in dual connectivity operation.
BACKGROUND
[0003] Wireless communication has been one of the most successful
innovations in modern history. Recently, the number of subscribers
to wireless communication services exceeded five billion and
continues to grow quickly. The demand of wireless data traffic is
rapidly increasing due to the growing popularity among consumers
and businesses of smart phones and other mobile data devices, such
as tablets, "note pad" computers, net books, eBook readers, and
machine type of devices. In order to meet the high growth in mobile
data traffic and support new applications and deployments,
improvements in radio interface efficiency and coverage is of
paramount importance.
SUMMARY
[0004] This disclosure provides methods and apparatus to support
transmissions from a User Equipment (UE) in dual connectivity
operation.
[0005] In a first embodiment, a method is provided. The method
includes generating, by a User Equipment (UE), first
acknowledgement information in response to a reception of one or
more first data transport blocks. The method additionally includes
determining, by the UE, a first power for transmitting a first
physical uplink shared channel (PUSCH) in a subframe (SF) in a
first cell from a first cell group according to a respective power
control formula, a first power for transmitting a first physical
uplink control channel (PUCCH) in the SF in a primary cell of the
first cell group according to a respective power control formula,
and a first available power for transmitting in the SF in the first
cell group. The method also includes comparing, by the UE, the
first power for transmitting the first PUSCH and the first
available power or the first power for transmitting the PUCCH and
the first available power. The method further includes
transmitting, by the UE, the first acknowledgement information
either in the first PUSCH if the first power for transmitting the
first PUSCH is smaller than or equal to the first available power,
or in the first PUCCH if the first power for transmitting the first
PUSCH is larger than the first available power and the first power
for transmitting the first PUCCH is smaller than or equal to the
first available power.
[0006] In a second embodiment, a method is provided. The method
includes receiving, by a first base station, signaling informing of
parameters for communication between a User Equipment (UE) and a
second base station. The method additionally includes determining,
by the first base station, a first subframe (SF) set and a second
SF set for the second base station based on the signaling. The
method also includes scheduling, by the first base station, a
transmission of one or more data transport blocks to the UE or a
transmission of one or more data transport blocks from the UE in a
SF according to whether the SF overlaps with one or more SFs from
the first SF set or with one or more SFs from the second SF
set.
[0007] In a third embodiment, a method is provided. The method
includes receiving, by a User Equipment (UE), data transport blocks
from a first base station and from a second base station and
signaling informing of an adaptation of parameters for
communication with the second base station. The method additionally
includes, adjusting, by the UE, a partitioning of the UE soft
buffer for receptions of data transport blocks from the first base
station and for receptions of data transport blocks from the second
base station according to the adaptation of the parameters.
[0008] In a fourth embodiment, a User Equipment (UE) is provided.
The UE includes a receiver, a processor, a comparator, and a
transmitter. The receiver is configured to receive first data
transport blocks and generate respective first acknowledgement
information. The processor is configured to compute a first power
for transmitting a first physical uplink shared channel (PUSCH) in
a subframe (SF) in a first cell from a first cell group according
to a respective power control formula, a first power for
transmitting a first physical uplink control channel (PUCCH) in the
SF in a primary cell of the first cell group according to a
respective power control formula, and a first available power for
transmitting in the SF in the first cell group. The comparator is
configured to determine if the first power for transmitting the
first PUSCH is smaller than or equal to the first available power,
or if the first power for transmitting the first PUCCH is smaller
than or equal to the first available power. The transmitter is
configured to transmit the first acknowledgement information in the
first PUSCH if the first power for transmitting the first PUSCH is
smaller than or equal to the first available power, or in the first
PUCCH if the first power for transmitting the first PUSCH is larger
than the first available power and the first power for transmitting
the first PUCCH is smaller than or equal to the first available
power.
[0009] In a fifth embodiment, a base station is provided. The base
station includes a receiver, a processor, and a scheduler. The
receiver is configured to receive signaling informing of parameters
for communication between a User Equipment (UE) and a second base
station. The processor is configured to determine a first SF set
and a second SF set for the second base station based on the
signaling. The scheduler is configured to schedule a transmission
of one or more data transport blocks to the UE or a transmission of
one or more data transport blocks from the UE in a SF according to
whether the SF overlaps with one or more SFs from the first SF set
or with one or more SFs from the second SF set.
[0010] In a sixth embodiment, a User Equipment (UE) is provided.
The UE includes a receiver and a processor. The receiver is
configured to receive data transport blocks from a first base
station and from a second base station and signaling informing of
an adaptation of parameters for communication with the second base
station. The processor is configured to adjust a partitioning of a
soft buffer for receptions of data transport blocks from the first
base station and for receptions of data transport blocks from the
second base station according to the adaptation of the
parameters.
[0011] Before undertaking the DETAILED DESCRIPTION below, it may be
advantageous to set forth definitions of certain words and phrases
used throughout this patent document. The term "couple" and its
derivatives refer to any direct or indirect communication between
two or more elements, whether or not those elements are in physical
contact with one another. The terms "transmit," "receive," and
"communicate," as well as derivatives thereof, encompass both
direct and indirect communication. The terms "include" and
"comprise," as well as derivatives thereof, mean inclusion without
limitation. The term "or" is inclusive, meaning and/or. The phrase
"associated with," as well as derivatives thereof, means to
include, be included within, interconnect with, contain, be
contained within, connect to or with, couple to or with, be
communicable with, cooperate with, interleave, juxtapose, be
proximate to, be bound to or with, have, have a property of, have a
relationship to or with, or the like. The term "controller" means
any device, system or part thereof that controls at least one
operation. Such a controller may be implemented in hardware or a
combination of hardware and software and/or firmware. The
functionality associated with any particular controller may be
centralized or distributed, whether locally or remotely. The phrase
"at least one of," when used with a list of items, means that
different combinations of one or more of the listed items may be
used, and only one item in the list may be needed. For example, "at
least one of: A, B, and C" includes any of the following
combinations: A, B, C, A and B, A and C, B and C, and A and B and
C.
[0012] Moreover, various functions described below can be
implemented or supported by one or more computer programs, each of
which is formed from computer readable program code and embodied in
a computer readable medium. The terms "application" and "program"
refer to one or more computer programs, software components, sets
of instructions, procedures, functions, objects, classes,
instances, related data, or a portion thereof adapted for
implementation in a suitable computer readable program code. The
phrase "computer readable program code" includes any type of
computer code, including source code, object code, and executable
code. The phrase "computer readable medium" includes any type of
medium capable of being accessed by a computer, such as read only
memory (ROM), random access memory (RAM), a hard disk drive, a
compact disc (CD), a digital video disc (DVD), or any other type of
memory. A "non-transitory" computer readable medium excludes wired,
wireless, optical, or other communication links that transport
transitory electrical or other signals. A non-transitory computer
readable medium includes media where data can be permanently stored
and media where data can be stored and later overwritten, such as a
rewritable optical disc or an erasable memory device.
[0013] Definitions for other certain words and phrases are provided
throughout this disclosure. Those of ordinary skill in the art
should understand that in many if not most instances such
definitions apply to prior as well as future uses of such defined
words and phrases.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0014] For a more complete understanding of the present disclosure
and its advantages, reference is now made to the following
description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in
which like reference numerals represent like parts:
[0015] FIG. 1 illustrates an example wireless communication network
according to this disclosure;
[0016] FIG. 2 illustrates an example user equipment (UE) according
to this disclosure;
[0017] FIG. 3 illustrates an example enhanced NodeB (eNB) according
to this disclosure;
[0018] FIG. 4 illustrates an example UL SF structure for PUSCH
transmission according to this disclosure;
[0019] FIG. 5 illustrates an example PUSCH transmitter according to
this disclosure;
[0020] FIG. 6 illustrates an example PUSCH receiver according to
this disclosure;
[0021] FIG. 7 illustrates an example transmitter for HARQ-ACK
signaling in a PUCCH according to this disclosure;
[0022] FIG. 8 illustrates an example receiver for HARQ-ACK
signaling in a PUCCH according to this disclosure;
[0023] FIG. 9 illustrates an example communication system using
dual connectivity according to this disclosure;
[0024] FIG. 10 illustrates a process for a UE to transmit first
HARQ-ACK information to a first eNB and transmit second HARQ-ACK
information in a PUSCH or in a second PUCCH to a second eNB
according to this disclosure;
[0025] FIG. 11 illustrates a method for an eNB to determine whether
a received PUSCH was transmitted with reduced power depending on a
measured received power and an expected received power in one or
more PUSCH SF symbols according to this disclosure;
[0026] FIG. 12 illustrates a method for an eNB to determine whether
a received PUSCH was transmitted with reduced power depending on
power measurements for a DMRS reception according to a first CS and
OCC value and according to a second CS and OCC value according to
this disclosure;
[0027] FIG. 13 illustrates a method for a UE to transmit a
predetermined codeword that replaces actual HARQ-ACK information in
a PUSCH when the UE transmits the PUSCH with a reduced power
compared to a nominal power according to this disclosure;
[0028] FIG. 14 illustrates a process for a UE configured with DC to
determine a number of PDCCH candidates to decode in a UE-DSS of a
MeNB and in a UE-DSS of a SeNB according to this disclosure;
[0029] FIG. 15 illustrates a PDCCH decoding process for a UE
according to a SF type according to this disclosure;
[0030] FIG. 16 illustrates a process for a UE to relay information
to a MeNB for a cell-specific or UE-specific adaptation of a
configuration in one or more cells of a SeNB according to this
disclosure;
[0031] FIG. 17 illustrates a process for a UE to inform a MeNB of
an adaptation of a cell-specific configuration in one or more cells
of a SeNB according to this disclosure;
[0032] FIG. 18 illustrates a scheduling of a PUSCH transmission
from a UE by a first eNB in a SF depending on knowledge by the
first eNB of a communication direction in the SF in a cell of a
second eNB according to this disclosure;
[0033] FIG. 19 illustrates an adjustment of a processing capability
per active cell for a UE depending on a variation of a number of
active cells in an eNB according to this disclosure;
[0034] FIG. 20 illustrates a procedure for a MeNB scheduler to
determine a number of DL-SCH TB bits for a UE to receive or a
number of UL-SCH bits for a UE to transmit in cells of the MeNB
based on a nominal UL/DL configuration or based on a DL-reference
configuration if the UE is configured in a TDD cell of a SeNB for
operation with an adapted UL/DL configuration according to this
disclosure;
[0035] FIG. 21 illustrates a procedure for a MeNB scheduler to
determine a number of DL-SCH TB bits to transmit to a UE in cells
of the MeNB based on a first SF set and on a second SF set
configured for CSI measurement to the UE in a SeNB according to
this disclosure;
[0036] FIG. 22 illustrates a procedure for a MeNB, a SeNB, and a UE
to decide the UE soft buffer partitioning between the MeNB and the
SeNB according to this disclosure; and
[0037] FIG. 23 illustrates a method for a MeNB to allocate to a UE
and to a SeNB a first minimum available power and a second minimum
available power for transmissions to SeNB in a first SF set and in
a second SF set, respectively, according to this disclosure.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0038] FIGS. 1 through 23, discussed below, and the various
embodiments used to describe the principles of the present
disclosure in this patent document are by way of illustration only
and should not be construed in any way to limit the scope of the
disclosure. Those skilled in the art will understand that the
principles of the present disclosure may be implemented in any
suitably arranged wireless communication system.
[0039] The following documents and standards descriptions are
hereby incorporated into the present disclosure as if fully set
forth herein: 3GPP TS 36.211 v11.2.0, "E-UTRA, Physical channels
and modulation" (REF 1); 3GPP TS 36.212 v11.2.0, "E-UTRA,
Multiplexing and Channel coding" (REF 2); 3GPP TS 36.213 v11.2.0,
"E-UTRA, Physical Layer Procedures" (REF 3); 3GPP TS 36.321
v11.2.0, "E-UTRA, Medium Access Control (MAC) protocol
specification" (REF 4); 3GPP TS 36.331 v11.2.0, "E-UTRA, Radio
Resource Control (RRC) Protocol Specification" (REF 5); 3GPP TS
36.214 v 11.2.0, "Evolved Universal Terrestrial Radio Access
(E-UTRA); Physical Layer Measurements" (REF 6), 3GPP TS 36.306 v
11.2.0, "Evolved Universal Terrestrial Radio Access (E-UTRA); User
Equipment (UE) Radio Access Capabilities" (REF 7), 3GPP TS 36.304 v
11.2.0, "Evolved Universal Terrestrial Radio Access (E-UTRA); User
Equipment (UE) procedures in idle mode" (REF 8), and US Patent
Publication 2014/0192738, filed on Jan. 8, 2014 and entitled
"UPLINK CONTROL INFORMATION TRANSMISSIONS/RECEPTIONS IN WIRELESS
NETWORKS" (REF 9).
[0040] One or more embodiments of the present disclosure relate to
downlink and uplink transmissions in dual connectivity operation. A
wireless communication network includes a DownLink (DL) that
conveys signals from transmission points, such as base stations or
enhanced NodeBs (eNBs), to UEs. The wireless communication network
also includes an UpLink (UL) that conveys signals from UEs to
reception points, such as eNBs.
[0041] FIG. 1 illustrates an example wireless network 100 according
to this disclosure. The embodiment of the wireless network 100
shown in FIG. 1 is for illustration only. Other embodiments of the
wireless network 100 could be used without departing from the scope
of this disclosure.
[0042] As shown in FIG. 1, the wireless network 100 includes an eNB
101, an eNB 102, and an eNB 103. The eNB 101 communicates with the
eNB 102 and the eNB 103. The eNB 101 also communicates with at
least one Internet Protocol (IP) network 130, such as the Internet,
a proprietary IP network, or other data network.
[0043] Depending on the network type, other well-known terms may be
used instead of "eNodeB" or "eNB," such as "base station" or
"access point." For the sake of convenience, the terms "eNodeB" and
"eNB" are used in this patent document to refer to network
infrastructure components that provide wireless access to remote
terminals. Also, depending on the network type, other well-known
terms may be used instead of "user equipment" or "UE," such as
"mobile station," "subscriber station," "remote terminal,"
"wireless terminal," or "user device." A UE, may be fixed or mobile
and may be a cellular phone, a personal computer device, and the
like. For the sake of convenience, the terms "user equipment" and
"UE" are used in this patent document to refer to remote wireless
equipment that wirelessly accesses an eNB, whether the UE is a
mobile device (such as a mobile telephone or smart-phone) or is
normally considered a stationary device (such as a desktop computer
or vending machine).
[0044] The eNB 102 provides wireless broadband access to the
network 130 for a first plurality of UEs within a coverage area 120
of the eNB 102. The first plurality of UEs includes a UE 111, which
may be located in a small business (SB); a UE 112, which may be
located in an enterprise (E); a UE 113, which may be located in a
WiFi hotspot (HS); a UE 115, which may be located in a first
residence (R); a UE 116, which may be located in a second residence
(R); and a UE 116, which may be a mobile device (M) like a cell
phone, a wireless laptop, a wireless PDA, or the like. The eNB 103
provides wireless broadband access to the network 130 for a second
plurality of UEs within a coverage area 125 of the eNB 103. The
second plurality of UEs includes the UE 115 and the UE 116. In some
embodiments, one or more of the eNBs 101-103 may communicate with
each other and with the UEs 111-116 using 5G, LTE, LTE-A, WiMAX, or
other advanced wireless communication techniques.
[0045] Dotted lines show the approximate extents of the coverage
areas 120 and 125, which are shown as approximately circular for
the purposes of illustration and explanation only. It should be
clearly understood that the coverage areas associated with eNBs,
such as the coverage areas 120 and 125, may have other shapes,
including irregular shapes, depending upon the configuration of the
eNBs and variations in the radio environment associated with
natural and man-made obstructions.
[0046] As described in more detail below, various components of the
network 100 (such as the eNBs 101-103 and/or the UEs 111-116)
support the adaptation of communication direction in the network
100. That is, one or more of the eNBs 101-103 can provide support
for DL or UL transmissions in dual connectivity operation.
[0047] Although FIG. 1 illustrates one example of a wireless
network 100, various changes may be made to FIG. 1. For example,
the wireless network 100 could include any number of eNBs and any
number of UEs in any suitable arrangement. Also, the eNB 101 could
communicate directly with any number of UEs and provide those UEs
with wireless broadband access to the network 130. Similarly, each
eNB 102-103 could communicate directly between them or with the
network 130 and provide UEs with direct wireless broadband access
to the network 130. Further, the eNB 101, 102, and/or 103 could
provide access to other or additional external networks, such as
external telephone networks or other types of data networks.
[0048] FIG. 2 illustrates an example UE 116 according to this
disclosure. The embodiment of the UE 116 shown in FIG. 2 is for
illustration only, and the other UEs in FIG. 1 could have the same
or similar configuration. However, UEs come in a wide variety of
configurations, and FIG. 2 does not limit the scope of this
disclosure to any particular implementation of a UE.
[0049] As shown in FIG. 2, the UE 116 includes an antenna 205, a
radio frequency (RF) transceiver 210, transmit (TX) processing
circuitry 215, a microphone 220, and receive (RX) processing
circuitry 225. The UE 116 also includes a speaker 230, a main
processor 240, an input/output (I/O) interface (IF) 245, a keypad
250, a display 255, and a memory 260. The memory 260 includes a
basic operating system (OS) program 261 and one or more
applications 262.
[0050] The RF transceiver 210 receives, from the antenna 205, an
incoming RF signal transmitted by an eNB or another UE. The RF
transceiver 210 down-converts the incoming RF signal to generate an
intermediate frequency (IF) or baseband signal. The IF or baseband
signal is sent to the RX processing circuitry 225, which generates
a processed baseband signal by filtering, decoding, and/or
digitizing the baseband or IF signal. The RX processing circuitry
225 transmits the processed baseband signal to the speaker 230
(such as for voice data) or to the main processor 240 for further
processing (such as for web browsing data).
[0051] The TX processing circuitry 215 receives analog or digital
voice data from the microphone 220 or other outgoing baseband data
(such as web data, e-mail, or interactive video game data) from the
main processor 240. The TX processing circuitry 215 encodes,
multiplexes, and/or digitizes the outgoing baseband data to
generate a processed baseband or IF signal. The RF transceiver 210
receives the outgoing processed baseband or IF signal from the TX
processing circuitry 215 and up-converts the baseband or IF signal
to an RF signal that is transmitted via the antenna 205.
[0052] The main processor 240 can include one or more processors or
other processing devices and can execute the basic OS program 261
stored in the memory 260 in order to control the overall operation
of the UE 116. For example, the main processor 240 could control
the reception of forward channel signals and the transmission of
reverse channel signals by the RF transceiver 210, the RX
processing circuitry 225, and the TX processing circuitry 215 in
accordance with well-known principles. In some embodiments, the
main processor 240 includes at least one microprocessor or
microcontroller.
[0053] The main processor 240 is also capable of executing other
processes and programs resident in the memory 260 such as
operations for a dual connectivity operation including: adjusting a
partitioning of a soft buffer for receptions of data transport
blocks from a first base station and for receptions of data
transport blocks from a second base station according to the
adaptation of the parameters; and computing a first power for
transmitting a first physical uplink shared channel (PUSCH) in a
subframe (SF) in a first cell from a first cell group according to
a respective power control formula, a first power for transmitting
a first physical uplink control channel (PUCCH) in the SF in a
primary cell of the first cell group according to a respective
power control formula, and a first available power for transmitting
in the SF in the first cell group. In certain embodiments, the UE
116 includes a scheduler configured to schedule a transmission of
one or more data transport blocks to the UE or a transmission of
one or more data transport blocks from the UE in a SF according to
whether the SF overlaps with one or more SFs from the first SF set
or with one or more SFs from the second SF set. In certain
embodiments, the UE includes a comparator configured to determine
if the first power for transmitting the first PUSCH is smaller than
or equal to the first available power, or if the first power for
transmitting the first PUCCH is smaller than or equal to the first
available power. The main processor 240 can move data into or out
of the memory 260 as required by an executing process. In some
embodiments, the main processor 240 is configured to execute the
applications 262 based on the OS program 261 or in response to
signals received from eNBs, other UEs, or an operator. The main
processor 240 is also coupled to the I/O interface 245, which
provides the UE 116 with the ability to connect to other devices
such as laptop computers and handheld computers. The I/O interface
245 is the communication path between these accessories and the
main processor 240.
[0054] The main processor 240 is also coupled to the keypad 250 and
the display unit 255. The operator of the UE 116 can use the keypad
250 to enter data into the UE 116. The display 255 may be a liquid
crystal display or other display capable of rendering text and/or
at least limited graphics, such as from web sites. The display 255
could also represent a touch-screen.
[0055] The memory 260 is coupled to the main processor 240. Part of
the memory 260 could include a control or data signaling memory
(RAM), and another part of the memory 260 could include a Flash
memory or other read-only memory (ROM).
[0056] As described in more detail below, the transmit and receive
paths of the UE 116 (implemented using the RF transceiver 210, TX
processing circuitry 215, and/or RX processing circuitry 225)
support DL or UL transmissions in dual connectivity operation.
[0057] Although FIG. 2 illustrates one example of UE 116, various
changes may be made to FIG. 2. For example, various components in
FIG. 2 could be combined, further subdivided, or omitted and
additional components could be added according to particular needs.
As a particular example, the main processor 240 could be divided
into multiple processors, such as one or more central processing
units (CPUs) and one or more graphics processing units (GPUs).
Also, while FIG. 2 illustrates the UE 116 configured as a mobile
telephone or smart-phone, UEs could be configured to operate as
other types of mobile or stationary devices. In addition, various
components in FIG. 2 could be replicated, such as when different RF
components are used to communicate with the eNBs 101-103 and with
other UEs.
[0058] FIG. 3 illustrates an example eNB 102 according to this
disclosure. The embodiment of the eNB 102 shown in FIG. 3 is for
illustration only, and other eNBs of FIG. 1 could have the same or
similar configuration. However, eNBs come in a wide variety of
configurations, and FIG. 3 does not limit the scope of this
disclosure to any particular implementation of an eNB.
[0059] As shown in FIG. 3, the eNB 102 includes multiple antennas
305a-305n, multiple RF transceivers 310a-310n, transmit (TX)
processing circuitry 315, and receive (RX) processing circuitry
320. The eNB 102 also includes a controller/processor 325, a memory
330, and a backhaul or network interface 335.
[0060] The RF transceivers 310a-310n receive, from the antennas
305a-305n, incoming RF signals, such as signals transmitted by UEs
or other eNBs. The RF transceivers 310a-310n down-convert the
incoming RF signals to generate IF or baseband signals. The IF or
baseband signals are sent to the RX processing circuitry 320, which
generates processed baseband signals by filtering, decoding, and/or
digitizing the baseband or IF signals. The RX processing circuitry
320 transmits the processed baseband signals to the
controller/processor 325 for further processing.
[0061] The TX processing circuitry 315 receives analog or digital
data (such as voice data, web data, e-mail, or interactive video
game data) from the controller/processor 325. The TX processing
circuitry 315 encodes, multiplexes, and/or digitizes the outgoing
baseband data to generate processed baseband or IF signals. The RF
transceivers 310a-310n receive the outgoing processed baseband or
IF signals from the TX processing circuitry 315 and up-converts the
baseband or IF signals to RF signals that are transmitted via the
antennas 305a-305n.
[0062] The controller/processor 325 can include one or more
processors or other processing devices that control the overall
operation of the eNB 102. For example, the controller/processor 325
could control the reception of forward channel signals and the
transmission of reverse channel signals by the RF transceivers
310a-310n, the RX processing circuitry 320, and the TX processing
circuitry 315 in accordance with well-known principles. The
controller/processor 325 could support additional functions as
well, such as more advanced wireless communication functions. For
instance, the controller/processor 325 could support beam forming
or directional routing operations in which outgoing signals from
multiple antennas 305a-305n are weighted differently to effectively
steer the outgoing signals in a desired direction. Any of a wide
variety of other functions could be supported in the eNB 102 by the
controller/processor 325. In some embodiments, the
controller/processor 325 includes at least one microprocessor or
microcontroller.
[0063] The controller/processor 325 is also capable of executing
programs and other processes resident in the memory 330, such as a
basic OS and for operations for supporting a dual connectivity
operation including determining a first SF set and a second SF set
for a second base station based on the signaling. In certain
embodiments, the base station includes a scheduler configured to
schedule a transmission of one or more data transport blocks to the
UE or a transmission of one or more data transport blocks from the
UE in a SF according to whether the SF overlaps with one or more
SFs from the first SF set or with one or more SFs from the second
SF set. The controller/processor 325 can move data into or out of
the memory 330 as required by an executing process.
[0064] The controller/processor 325 is also coupled to the backhaul
or network interface 335. The backhaul or network interface 335
allows the eNB 102 to communicate with other devices or systems
over a backhaul connection or over a network. The interface 335
could support communications over any suitable wired or wireless
connection(s). For example, when the eNB 102 is implemented as part
of a cellular communication system (such as one supporting 5G, LTE,
or LTE-A), the interface 335 could allow the eNB 102 to communicate
with other eNBs, such as eNB 103, over a wired or wireless backhaul
connection. When the eNB 102 is implemented as an access point, the
interface 335 could allow the eNB 102 to communicate over a wired
or wireless local area network or over a wired or wireless
connection to a larger network (such as the Internet). The
interface 335 includes any suitable structure supporting
communications over a wired or wireless connection, such as an
Ethernet or RF transceiver.
[0065] The memory 330 is coupled to the controller/processor 325.
Part of the memory 330 could include a RAM, and another part of the
memory 330 could include a Flash memory or other ROM.
[0066] As described in more detail below, the transmit and receive
paths of the eNB 102 (implemented using the RF transceivers
310a-310n, TX processing circuitry 315, and/or RX processing
circuitry 320) support DL or UL transmissions in dual connectivity
operation.
[0067] Although FIG. 3 illustrates one example of an eNB 102,
various changes may be made to FIG. 3. For example, the eNB 102
could include any number of each component shown in FIG. 3. As a
particular example, an access point could include a number of
interfaces 335, and the controller/processor 325 could support
routing functions to route data between different network
addresses. As another particular example, while shown as including
a single instance of TX processing circuitry 315 and a single
instance of RX processing circuitry 320, the eNB 102 could include
multiple instances of each (such as one per RF transceiver).
[0068] In some wireless networks UL signals include data signals
conveying information content, control signals conveying UL Control
Information (UCI), and Reference Signals (RS). A transmission time
unit for UL or DL data or control information is a Sub-Frame (SF).
A number of 10 SFs is referred to as a frame. UE 116 can transmit
data information or UCI in a Physical UL Shared CHannel (PUSCH). UE
116 can also transmit UCI in a Physical UL Control CHannel (PUCCH).
UCI includes Hybrid Automatic Repeat reQuest ACKnowledgement
(HARQ-ACK) information, indicating correct (positive ACK) or
incorrect (Negative ACK (NACK)) detection by UE 116 of data
Transport Blocks (TBs) for a respective DL HARQ process or of a DCI
format indicating a release of a Semi-Persistently Scheduled (SPS)
PDSCH, Scheduling Request (SR) indicating whether UE 116 has data
in its buffer, and Channel State Information (CSI) indicating DL
channel characteristics that UE 116 experiences and enabling eNB
102 to select appropriate parameters for link adaptation of DL
transmissions to UE 116. HARQ-ACK information can also include an
indication for an absence of any detection (DTX) that can be
implicit, if there is no HARQ-ACK signal transmission, or explicit
if missed detections can be identified by other means (see also REF
2). NACK and DTX can be represented with a same NACK/DTX state (see
also REF 3).
[0069] UL RS includes DeModulation RS (DMRS) and Sounding RS
(SRS)--see also REF 1. UE 116 transmits DMRS only in a BandWidth
(BW) of an associated PUSCH or PUCCH transmission and eNB 102 can
use the DMRS to demodulate information in the associated PUSCH or
PUCCH. UE 116 transmits SRS to provide eNB 102 with an UL CSI. UE
116 can transmit a DMRS through a Constant Amplitude Zero
Auto-Correlation sequence such as a Zadoff-Chu sequence. For a
PUSCH transmission, UE 116 is signaled a Cyclic Shift (CS) and an
Orthogonal Covering Code (OCC) index to apply to a DMRS
transmission through a "CS and OCC" field in a DCI format
scheduling the PUSCH transmission (see also REF 1 and REF 2). For
SPS PUSCH, a CS and OCC value is configured to UE 116 by eNB 102.
The "CS and OCC" field can include, for example, by 3 binary
elements and have 8 values.
[0070] FIG. 4 illustrates an example UL SF structure for PUSCH
transmission according to this disclosure. The embodiment of the UL
SF structure shown in FIG. 4 is for illustration only. Other
embodiments could be used without departing from the scope of the
present disclosure.
[0071] UL signaling uses Discrete Fourier Transform Spread OFDM
(DFT-S-OFDM). An UL SF 410 includes two slots. Each slot 420
includes N.sup.UL.sub.symb symbols 430 where UE 116 transmits data
information, UCI, or RS. UE 116 uses one or more symbols in each
slot to transmit DMRS 440. A transmission BW includes frequency
resource units that are referred to as Resource Blocks (RBs). Each
RB includes N.sub.sc.sup.RB (virtual) sub-carriers that are
referred to as Resource Elements (REs). UE 116 is assigned
M.sub.PUSCH RBs 450 for a total of
M.sub.sc.sup.PUSCH=M.sub.PUSCHN.sub.sc.sup.RB REs for a PUSCH
transmission BW. UE 116 is assigned 1 RB for a PUCCH transmission
BW. A transmission unit of 1 RB over 1 SF is referred to as a
Physical RB (PRB). A last SF symbol can be used to multiplex SRS
transmissions 460 from one or more UEs. A number of UL SF symbols
available for data/UCI/DMRS transmission is
N.sub.symb.sup.PUSCH=2(N.sub.symb.sup.UL-1)-N.sub.SRSN.sub.SRS=1 if
a last UL symbol supports SRS transmissions from UEs that overlap
at least partially in BW with a PUSCH transmission BW; otherwise,
N.sub.SRS=0.
[0072] FIG. 5 illustrates an example PUSCH transmitter according to
this disclosure. The embodiment of the PUSCH transmitter shown in
FIG. 5 is for illustration only. Other embodiments could be used
without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.
[0073] Coded CSI bits 505 and coded data bits 510 are multiplexed
by multiplexing unit 520. Multiplexing of HARQ-ACK bits is by
puncturing data bits or CSI bits (if any) 530 in some REs of the
two SF symbols next to the SF symbol used to transmit DMRS in each
slot (see also REF 2). Discrete Fourier Transform (DFT) filter 540
provides a DFT of combined data bits and UCI bits, selector 555
selects REs for an assigned PUSCH transmission BW 550, Inverse Fast
Fourier Transform (IFFT) filter 560 provides IFFT, Cyclic Prefix
(CP) insertion unit 570 inserts a CP insertion, followed by
filtering 580, and finally a signal transmission 590.
[0074] FIG. 6 illustrates an example PUSCH receiver according to
this disclosure. The embodiment of the PUSCH receiver shown in FIG.
6 is for illustration only. Other embodiments could be used without
departing from the scope of the present disclosure.
[0075] A digital signal 610 is filtered by filter 620, CP removal
unit 630 removes a CP, FFT filter 640 applies a FFT, selector 655
selects PUSCH REs 650, Inverse DFT (IDFT) filter 600 applies an
IDFT, HARQ-ACK extraction unit 670 extracts HARQ-ACK bits and
places respective erasures for data bits, and finally demultipexing
unit 680 demultiplexes data bits 690 and CSI bits 695.
[0076] Several methods exist for UE 116 to convey HARQ-ACK
information, in response to reception of data TBs in one or more DL
SFs or in one or more cells, including HARQ-ACK spatial or time
domain bundling, or both, HARQ-ACK multiplexing based on PUCCH
resource selection, and joint coding of HARQ-ACK information bits
using, for example, a block code such as a Reed-Mueller (RM) code
(see also REF 2 and REF 3). For brevity, HARQ-ACK information in
response to a release of SPS PDSCH is not explicitly referred in
the following.
[0077] FIG. 7 illustrates an example transmitter for HARQ-ACK
signaling in a PUCCH according to this disclosure. The embodiment
of the transmitter for HARQ-ACK signaling in a PUCCH shown in FIG.
7 is for illustration only. Other embodiments could be used without
departing from the scope of the present disclosure.
[0078] HARQ-ACK bits 705 are encoded and modulated by encoding and
modulation unit 710 and then multiplied by multiplier 720 with an
element of an OCC 725 for a respective DFT-S-OFDM symbol. After DFT
precoding by DFT filter 730, selector 750 selects REs of an
assigned PUCCH RB 740, IFFT filter 760 performs an IFFT, CP
insertion unit inserts a CP 770, and finally the signal is filtered
by filter 780 and transmitted by antennas 790.
[0079] FIG. 8 illustrates an example receiver for HARQ-ACK
signaling in a PUCCH according to this disclosure. The embodiment
of the receiver for HARQ-ACK signaling in a PUCCH shown in FIG. 8
is for illustration only. Other embodiments could be used without
departing from the scope of the present disclosure.
[0080] A received signal 810 is filtered by filter 820 and a CP is
removed by CP unit 830. Subsequently, a FFT is applied by filter
840, REs 850 of an assigned PUCCH RB are selected by selector 855,
IDFT filter 860 performs an IDFT, multiplier 870 multiplies an OCC
element 575 with a respective DFT-S-OFDM symbol, summer 880 sums
outputs for DFT-S-OFDM symbols conveying HARQ-ACK signals over each
slot, and a demodulator and decoder unit demodulates and decodes
summed HARQ-ACK signals over both SF slots 890 to obtain decoded
HARQ-ACK bits 895.
[0081] UE 116 measures and reports to eNB 102 signal strengths of
serving cells and non-serving cells in order to assist a network in
cell selection/reselection and handover. Such measurements include
a RS Received Power (RSRP), a RS Received Quality (RSRQ) (see also
REF 6), and are typically triggered by eNB 102 through an RRC
message to UE 116. For brevity, measurement reports are referred to
as RSRP reports and is assumed understood that they also include
measurements other than RSRP. UE 116 can be configured by eNB 102
with measurement gap SFs where UE 116 does not receive from or
transmit to eNB 102 but instead performs measurements such as RSRP
ones for other eNBs.
[0082] A power of an UL transmission by UE 116 is controlled by eNB
102 to achieve a desired target for a received Signal to
Interference and Noise Ratio (SINR) while reducing interference to
neighboring cells and controlling Interference over Thermal (IoT)
noise thereby ensuring respective reception reliability targets. UL
Power Control (PC) can include an Open-Loop (OL) component with
cell-specific and UE-specific parameters and a Closed-Loop (CL)
component associated with Transmission Power Control (TPC) commands
that eNB 102 provides to UE 116. In SF i, a PUSCH transmission
power P.sub.PUSCH,c(i), a PUCCH transmission power P.sub.PUCCH(i),
a SRS transmission power P.sub.SRS(i), and a PRACH transmission
power P.sub.PRACH(i) are determined according to respective UL PC
processes (see also REF 3). A transmission power determined
according to an UL PC process will be referred to as nominal
transmission power. To conserve battery power, UE 116 can be
configured by eNB 102 with a Discontinuous Reception (DRX) cycle
that can be expressed in a number of frames (see also REF 8). DRX
parameters include both a UE-specific DRX cycle (informed to UE 116
by network access stratum signaling) and a cell-specific DRX cycle
(informed to UE 116 by broadcast signaling) as well as a number of
paging occasions per DRX cycle (see also REF 4).
[0083] UE 116 can indicate to eNB 102 an amount of available power
through a Power Headroom Report (PHR)--see also REF 3. A PHR can be
of Type 1 or Type 2 and can be with respect to a PUSCH
transmission, if UE 116 does not transmit PUSCH and PUCCH in a same
SF, or with respect to both PUSCH and PUCCH transmissions if UE 116
transmits both PUSCH and PUCCH in a same SF (see also REF 3). A
positive PHR value indicates that UE 116 can increase a
transmission power while a negative PHR value indicates that UE 116
is power limited. PHR is included in a Medium Access Control (MAC)
control element that UE 116 transmits in a PUSCH (see also REF
4).
[0084] DL signals include data signals conveying information
content, control signals conveying DL Control Information (DCI),
and RS. An eNB, such as eNB 102, transmits DL signals using
Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiplexing (OFDM). The eNB 102 can
transmit data information through Physical DL Shared CHannels
(PDSCHs). The eNB 102 can transmit DCI through Physical DL Control
CHannels (PDCCHs) or through Enhanced PDCCHs (EPDCCHs)--see also
REF 1. For brevity, following descriptions are with reference to
PDCCH but, unless explicitly otherwise mentioned, they are also
applicable to EPDCCH. The eNB 102 can transmit one or more of
multiple types of RS, including a UE-Common RS (CRS), a Channel
State Information RS (CSI-RS), and a DeModulation RS (DMRS)--see
also REF 1. The eNB 102 can transmit the CRS over a DL system BW.
The UE 116 can use the CRS to demodulate data or control signals or
to perform measurements. To reduce CRS overhead, eNB 102 can
transmit the CSI-RS with a smaller density than the CRS in the time
or frequency domain. For channel measurement, Non-Zero Power CSI-RS
(NZP CSI-RS) resources can be used. For Interference Measurements
(IMs), CSI-IM resources are associated with a Zero Power CSI-RS (ZP
CSI-RS). The eNB 102 transmits DMRS only in a BW of a respective
PDSCH. The UE 116 can use the DMRS to demodulate information in a
PDSCH (or EPDCCH). The RS is associated with a logical antenna port
that is mapped to a physical antenna in an implementation specific
manner (see also REF 1).
[0085] UE 116 stores in a buffer the "soft" values for
Log-Likelihood Ratios (LLRs) used for turbo decoding of a data TB
associated with each DL HARQ process. Therefore, a soft buffer
represents a total memory for UE 116 for decoding data TBs for all
DL HARQ processes. The soft buffer is a UE capability as it depends
on a maximum data TB size and on a number of data TBs that UE 116
can receive in a SF times a number of DL HARQ processes such as 8
DL HARQ processes (see also REF 2 and REF 3).
[0086] A PDSCH transmission to UE 116 or a PUSCH transmission from
UE 116 can be either dynamically scheduled or SPS. Dynamic
scheduling is triggered by a DCI format conveyed by a PDCCH. SPS
PDSCH (or SPS PUSCH) transmission parameters are configured to UE
116 from eNB 102 through higher layer signaling such as Radio
Resource Control (RRC) signaling. In all remaining descriptions,
unless explicitly noted otherwise, a parameter is configured to a
UE by higher layer signaling that includes RRC signaling or MAC
signaling while a parameter is dynamically indicated to a UE by a
DCI format.
[0087] To avoid a PDCCH transmission to UE 116 blocking a PDCCH
transmission to another UE, a location of each PDCCH transmission
in a time-frequency domain of a DL control region is not unique. As
a consequence, UE 116 needs to perform multiple PDCCH decoding
operations in a SF to determine whether eNB 102 transmits one or
more PDCCHs to UE 116 in the SF. REs carrying a PDCCH are grouped
into Control Channel Elements (CCEs) in the logical domain (see
also REF 1). REs carrying an EPDCCH are grouped into Enhanced CCEs
(ECCEs). For a given number of DCI format bits, a number of CCEs
used to transmit a respective PDCCH depends on a channel coding
rate where Quadrature Phase Shift Keying (QPSK) is assumed as the
modulation scheme. The eNB 102 can use a lower channel coding rate
and more CCEs for a PDCCH transmission when UE 116 experiences low
DL Signal-to-Interference and Noise Ratio (SINR) than when UE 116
experiences a high DL SINR.
[0088] For a PDCCH decoding process, UE 116 can determine a search
space for candidate PDCCH transmissions after it restores CCEs in
the logical domain according to a UE-common set of CCEs (Common
Search Space or CSS) and according to a UE-dedicated set of CCEs
(UE-Dedicated Search Space or UE-DSS). A CSS can include first
N.sub.c CCEs in the logical domain. A UE-DSS can be determined
according to a pseudo-random function having, as inputs, UE-common
parameters, such as a SF number or a total number of CCEs in a SF,
and UE-specific parameters such as a UE identity (see also REF 3).
For example, UE 116 can decode 12 PDCCH candidates on a CSS and 32
or 48 PDCCH candidates on UE-DSS (see also REF 3). These numbers of
PDCCH candidates are subsequently referred to as nominal ones.
[0089] UE 116 decodes a DCI format 1A for PDSCH scheduling and a
DCI format 0 for PUSCH scheduling (see also REF 2). DCI format 0
and DCI format 1A are designed to always have a same size and can
be jointly referred to as DCI format 0/1A. Another DCI format, DCI
format 1C, can schedule a PDSCH providing System Information Blocks
(SIBs) to a group of UEs for network configuration parameters, or a
Random Access Response (RAR) to a group of UEs, or paging
information to a group of UEs, or provide information for an
adaptation of an UL/DL configuration in a TDD cell, and so on.
Another DCI format, DCI format 3 or DCI format 3A (jointly referred
to as DCI format 3/3A) can provide TPC commands to a group of UEs
for transmissions of respective PUSCHs or PUCCHs. All previous DCI
formats, with the exception of DCI format 0/1A, are transmitted
only in a CSS as they provide control information for a group of
UEs (see also REF 2 and REF 3).
[0090] One mechanism towards satisfying a demand for increased
network capacity and data rates is network densification. This is
realized by deploying small cells in order to increase a number of
network nodes and their proximity to UEs and provide cell splitting
gains. As a number of small cells increases and deployments of
small cells become dense, a handover frequency and a handover
failure rate can also significantly increase. A UE connection with
multiple cells, such as for example when the UE maintains its RRC
connection to a macro cell that provides a large coverage area
while having a simultaneous connection to a small cell for data
offloading, can avoid frequent handovers while allowing for high
data rates. By maintaining the RRC connection to the macro-cell,
communication with the small cell can be optimized as control-place
(C-place) functionalities such as mobility management, paging, and
system information updates can be provided only by the macro-cell
while a small-cell can be dedicated for user-data plane (U-plane)
communications.
[0091] An increase in data rates for UE 116 can be supported with
simultaneous transmissions over multiple cells using Carrier
Aggregation (CA). For example, two carriers with BW of 20 MHz, each
corresponding to a cell, can be aggregated for UE 116 to provide
communication over a BW of 40 MHz. UE 116 can support both DL and
UL transmissions in each cell (symmetric CA) or support only DL
transmissions or only UL transmissions in a cell (asymmetric CA).
For example, eNB 102 can configure a set of C cells to UE 116 and
activate a subset of A cells (A.ltoreq.C) for PDSCH reception in a
SF. In order for UE 116 to always maintain communication with eNB
102, one cell with a DL/UL pair remains always activated and it is
referred to as the Primary Cell (PCell). Cells that can be
deactivated for UE 116 are referred to as Secondary Cells (SCells)
for UE 116. The PCell can be a cell where UE 116 decodes DCI
formats for a CSS and transmits PUCCH (see also REF 3).
[0092] For operation with UL CA, UE 116 can transmit, in a same SF,
PUSCH to multiple cells and PUCCH to a PCell and possibly to a
SCell that is referred to as Primary SCell (PSCell). If a total
nominal transmission power from UE 116 in SF i is larger than a
maximum transmission power P.sub.CMAX (i) in SF i, UE 116 first
allocates a transmission power to PUCCH, if any. Subsequently,
denoting by {circumflex over (P)} the linear value of P, if
{circumflex over (P)}.sub.CMAX(i)-{circumflex over
(P)}.sub.PUCCH(i)>0 and for PUSCH in a cell j that conveys UCI,
if any, UE 116 allocates a power P.sub.PUSCH,j(i). Finally, if
{circumflex over (P)}.sub.CMAX(i)-{circumflex over
(P)}.sub.PUCCH(i)-{circumflex over (P)}.sub.PUSCH,j(i)>0, UE 116
scales a nominal transmission power of each remaining PUSCH by a
same factor w(i) so that
.SIGMA. c .noteq. j .times. w .function. ( i ) P ^ PUSCH , c
.function. ( i ) .ltoreq. ( P ^ CMAX .function. ( i ) - P ^ PUCCH
.function. ( i ) - P ^ PUSCH , j .function. ( i ) ) .
##EQU00001##
UE 116 can scale some PUSCH transmissions with a factor of 0.
[0093] An important aspect for a connection of UE 116 over multiple
cells is a latency of a backhaul link between eNB 102 of a first
cell, such as a macro-cell, and eNB 103 of a second cell, such as a
small-cell. If the latency of the backhaul link is practically
zero, CA can be used and scheduling decisions can be made by a
central scheduler and conveyed to each network node. Moreover,
feedback from UE 116 can be received at any network node and
conveyed to the central entity to facilitate a proper scheduling
decision for UE 116. However, if the latency of the backhaul link
is not zero, it is not feasible to use a central scheduler as the
latency of the backhaul link will accumulate each time there is
communication between a network node and the central scheduler
thereby introducing unacceptable delay. Then, it is necessary that
scheduling decisions are performed at each network node. Also,
feedback signaling from UE 116 associated with scheduling from a
network node needs to be received by the same network node. This
type of operation is referred to as Dual Connectivity (DC).
[0094] FIG. 9 illustrates an example communication system using DC
according to this disclosure. The embodiment of DC shown in FIG. 9
is for illustration only. Other embodiments could be used without
departing from the scope of the present disclosure.
[0095] UE 114 communicates in single connectivity with an eNB of a
macro-cell, which can be eNB 102 or similarly configured, that is
referred to as Master eNB (MeNB) 920, over a first carrier
frequency f1 930. UE 116 communicates in DC both with MeNB 920 over
carrier frequency f1 930 and with an eNB of a small cell, which can
be eNB 103 or similarly configured, that is referred to as
Secondary eNB (SeNB) 950, over carrier frequency f2 960. The MeNB
920 serves a first group of cells that is referred to as Master
Cell Group (MCG) and the SeNB 950 serves a second group of cells
referred to a Secondary Cell Group (SCG).
[0096] When UE 116 operates with DC, UE 116 needs to simultaneously
receive DL signaling from or transmit UL signaling to MeNB 920 and
from SeNB 950. Also, SeNB 950 needs to provide UE-common control
signaling functionalities. Therefore, UE 116 needs to be able to
decode DCI formats in a first CSS in MeNB 920 and in a second CSS
in SeNB 950. A cell of SeNB 950 where UE 116 decodes DCI formats in
a CSS is referred to as PSCell. Monitoring of a CSS in SeNB 950
requires that UE 116 can decode twelve additional PDCCHs compared
to when UE 116 operates with CA. If this increase in PDCCH decoding
complexity for UE 116 is to be avoided, a partitioning of a UE 116
capability for decoding a number of PDCCH candidates between MeNB
920 and SeNB 950 is needed. Also, in order for UE 116 to be capable
to support PDCCH decoding for a variable number of cells in SeNB
950, an allocation of PDCCH candidates according to the number of
cells is needed.
[0097] For operation with DC, UE 116 can simultaneously transmit to
MeNB 920 and to SeNB 950, for example using a different transmit
antenna. However, as for CA, a total transmission power a SF i
cannot exceed P.sub.CMAX(i). Due to their uncoordinated operation,
a MeNB 920 scheduler or a SeNB 950 scheduler can either follow a
conservative scheduling strategy for UE 116 in order to minimize a
probability that a total UE 116 transmission power exceeds
P.sub.CMAX(i) or follow a more aggressive scheduling strategy that
can lead to an increased probability that a total UE 116
transmission power exceeds P.sub.CMAX(i) and then UE 116 either
drops UL transmissions or reduces their power, thereby resulting to
a degradation in a communication quality of service.
[0098] UE 116 may need to transmit UCI to MeNB 920 and to SeNB 950
in a SF i where a total nominal transmission power from UE 116 can
be larger than P.sub.CMAX(i). PUCCH transmissions from UE 116 to
SeNB 950 can be in a PSCell. It is beneficial for UE 116 to avoid
dropping transmissions of HARQ-ACK information as this can result
to potentially multiple PDCCH and PDSCH retransmissions and reduce
DL system throughout. It is also beneficial for UE 116 to avoid
transmitting HARQ-ACK information with reduced power as it is
typically not protected by error detection mechanisms, such as a
Cyclic Redundancy Check (CRC), and a decreased HARQ-ACK reception
reliability can lead to data buffer corruption (NACK-to-ACK error)
or unnecessary PDCCH/PDSCH retransmissions (ACK-to-NACK error). If
UE 116 drops a HARQ-ACK transmission to MeNB 920 or SeNB 950 due to
a need to reduce a respective power, it is beneficial for UE 116 to
provide an associated indication to MeNB 920 or SeNB 950,
respectively. This is particularly needed for HARQ-ACK multiplexing
in a PUSCH where it may not be possible for MeNB 920 or SeNB 950 to
determine an absence of PUSCH transmission or an absence of
HARQ-ACK transmission in case UE 116 transmits a PUSCH and MeNB 920
or SeNB 950 expects UE 116 to multiplex HARQ-ACK information in the
PUSCH.
[0099] UE 116 indicates to MeNB 920 an ability to support CA by
indicating a respective UE category that defines both a DL
reception capability and an UL transmission capability for UE 116
(see also REF 7). Table 1 provides DL and UL physical layer
parameter values for each UE category. With DL CA or UL CA, a
maximum number of data TB bits that UE 116 can receive or transmit
in a same SF can be shared among multiple cells. A transport
channel for data transmission to UE 116 in a SF is referred to as
DL Shared CHannel (DL-SCH) and a transport channel for data
transmission from UE 116 in a SF is referred to as UL Shared
Channel (UL-SCH). A PDSCH is a physical channel of a DL-SCH
transport channel and a PUSCH is a physical channel for an UL-SCH
transport channel. A size of a data TB (number of TB bits) is
referred to as Transport Block Size (TB S).
TABLE-US-00001 TABLE 1 DL and UL physical layer parameter values
according to UE Category Maximum Total Maximum number of number
Maximum number of DL-SCH of soft DL number UL-SCH UE Category TB
bits channel bits of layers TB bits Category 1 10296 250368 1 5160
Category 2 51024 1237248 2 25456 Category 3 102048 1237248 2 51024
Category 4 150752 1827072 2 51024 Category 5 299552 3667200 4 75376
Category 6 301504 3654144 2 or 4 51024 Category 7 301504 3654144 2
or 4 102048 Category 8 2998560 35982720 8 1497760
[0100] Unlike CA, when UE 116 operates with DC a central scheduler
cannot coordinate DL transmissions to UE 116 or UL transmissions
from UE 116. A total UE 116 processing capability can either be
partitioned between MeNB 920 and SeNB 950. Alternatively MeNB 920
and SeNB 950 can schedule UE 116 assuming availability of a full UE
116 capability and UE 116 implementation can handle cases where UE
116 capability is exceeded.
[0101] For operation with DC, if a capability of UE 116 is
partitioned between MeNB 920 and SeNB 950, MeNB 920 and SeNB 950
can exchange requirements for the UE 116 capability over a backhaul
link and MeNB 920 can decide a partitioning for the capability of
UE 116. However, due to backhaul latency, such partitioning cannot
account for faster adaptations in operating conditions for UE 116
in MeNB 920 or SeNB 950 and can result to a suboptimal utilization
of a UE 116 capability. For example, MeNB 920 can allocate to SeNB
950 a two-thirds (2/3) of a UE 116 capability for DL-SCH reception
and consider a remaining one-third (1/3) UE 116 capability for
DL-SCH reception from MeNB 920. However, in many SFs, UE 116 may
not receive PDSCH from MeNB 920 and then the UE 116 capability for
DL-SCH reception is underutilized.
[0102] Similar to a maximum transmission power limitation, a
maximum number of DL-SCH TB bits or a maximum number of UL-SCH TB
bits for UE 116 need to be shared between MeNB 920 and SeNB 950
according to a respective capability for UE 116. A soft buffer size
of UE 116 for storing soft channel bits for data TBs corresponding
to DL HARQ processes (see also REF 2 and REF 3) also needs to be
shared between MeNB 920 and SeNB 950.
[0103] In a cell using Time Division Duplexing (TDD), a
communication direction in some SFs is in the DL and in some other
SFs is in the UL. Table 2 provides example UL-DL configurations
over a frame period (see also REF 1). "D" denotes a DL SF, "U"
denotes an UL SF, and "S" denotes a special SF.
TABLE-US-00002 TABLE 2 UL/DL configurations for a TDD system UL/DL
Con- SF number figuration 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 0 D S U U U D S U U U
1 D S U U D D S U U D 2 D S U D D D S U D D 3 D S U U U D D D D D 4
D S U U D D D D D D 5 D S U D D D D D D D 6 D S U U U D S U U D
[0104] To facilitate dual-mode (FDD, TDD) UEs while minimizing a
respective UE complexity, a soft buffer size of UE 116 is same in
FDD and TDD and is determined by a total number of DL HARQ
processes for FDD that is assumed to be eight. In TDD, a maximum
number of DL HARQ processes that UE 116 needs to support varies
between four and fifteen depending on a UL/DL configuration and is
given in Table 3. A soft buffer size for TDD operation is adapted
and split into min(M.sub.DL_HARQ, 8) equal partitions, or into
2min(M.sub.DL_HARQ, 8) for PDSCH Transmission Modes (TMs) that
support transmission of two data TBs in a PDSCH (see also REF 2 and
REF 3). When a number of DL HARQ processes in larger than eight, a
UE needs to use statistical soft buffer management in order to
minimize a probability of HARQ blocking as a soft bit memory per DL
HARQ process is less than in FDD.
TABLE-US-00003 TABLE 3 Maximum number of DL HARQ processes for TDD
Maximum number of HARQ UL/DL configuration processes M.sub.DL_HARQ
0 4 1 7 2 10 3 9 4 12 5 15 6 6
[0105] In a first approach, sharing between MeNB 920 and SeNB 950
in a SF of one or more capabilities of UE 116 for a maximum
transmission power, a maximum number of DL-SCH TBs bits, a maximum
number of UL-SCH TBs bits, or a soft buffer capacity can be such
that the capabilities of UE 116 are never exceeded. For example,
MeNB 920 can assign to SeNB 950 (for example, by signaling over a
backhaul link) and configure to UE 116 a maximum power
P.sub.SeNB(i) for transmissions to SeNB 950 and a maximum power
P.sub.MeNB(i) for transmissions to MeNB 920 such that
P.sub.MeNB(i)+P.sub.SeNB(i).ltoreq.P.sub.CMAX(i). Although the
first approach can ensure that a capability for UE 116 is
practically never exceeded (with an exception of error cases), a
semi-static partitioning can also lead to underutilization of the
capability of UE 116.
[0106] In a second approach, sharing of one or more of a maximum
transmission power, a maximum number of DL-SCH TBs bits, a maximum
number of UL-SCH TBs bits, or a soft buffer capacity for UE 116 is
such that a respective capability for UE 116 can be exceeded. For
example, in scheduling of UE 116, both MeNB 920 and SeNB 950 can
assume that UE 116 can receive a maximum number of DL-SCH bits
according to a respective capability of UE 116.
[0107] In the UL/DL configurations of Table 2, 40% and 90% of SFs
per frame are DL SFs (and remaining ones are UL SFs). Despite this
flexibility, a semi-static UL/DL configuration that can be updated
every 640 msec or less frequently, by signaling of a System
Information Block (SIB) or, in case of DL CA and a SCell, by RRC
signaling (see also REF3 and REF 5), may not match well with
short-term data traffic conditions in a cell. For ease of
reference, such UL/DL configuration will be referred to as nominal
UL/DL configuration. Faster adaptation of a UL/DL configuration
among the ones in Table 2 can be applied to improve a cell
throughput. For example, when there is more DL traffic than UL
traffic, an UL/DL configuration can be adapted every 10, 20, 40, or
80 msec to a different UL/DL configuration that includes more DL
SFs. Signaling for an adaptation of an UL/DL configuration can be
provided by several means including a DCI format conveyed by a
PDCCH transmitted in a CSS of a PCell or of a PSCell.
[0108] An operating constraint in a faster adaptation of an UL/DL
configuration is a possible existence of UEs that cannot be aware
of such adaptation. Such UEs are referred to as legacy UEs. Since
legacy UEs perform measurements in DL SFs using a CRS, such DL SFs
cannot be changed to UL SFs or to special SFs by a faster
adaptation of an UL/DL configuration. However, an UL SF can be
changed to a DL SF without impacting legacy UEs because an eNB
scheduler can ensure that legacy UEs do not transmit any signals in
such UL SFs. A DL SF is referred to as a fixed one if the DL SF is
a DL SF in a nominal UL/DL configuration. A special SF can only
switch to a DL SF. An UL SF is referred to as a fixed one if the UL
SF is an UL SF in an UL/DL configuration that is configured to UE
116 for determining UL SFs for HARQ-ACK signal transmissions (see
also REF 3); this UL/DL configuration is referred to as
DL-reference UL/DL configuration. A SF is referred to as DL
flexible SF if the SF is an UL SF in a nominal UL/DL configuration
and is adapted to a DL SF. A SF is referred to as UL flexible SF if
the SF is an UL SF in a nominal UL/DL configuration and, although
it can be adapted to a DL SF in an adapted UL/DL configuration, the
SF remains an UL SF. In the following, unless otherwise explicitly
mentioned, reference to special SFs is included in reference to DL
SFs.
[0109] In case transmissions to or receptions from an eNB have time
varying characteristics, such as when UE 116 is configured for
operation with an adaptive UL/DL configuration at SeNB 950, a
semi-static partitioning of a capability for UE 116 that is same
for all SFs can be suboptimal as UE 116 can have different
requirements for transmissions to or receptions from SeNB 950 in
different SFs. For example, a transmission power or a number of
UL-SCH TB bits for UE 116 can depend on whether UE 116 experiences
DL-dominant or UL-dominant interference in a respective UL SF. For
example, a number of DL-SCH TB bits that MeNB 920 can schedule for
UE 116 can depend on whether a respective SF is a DL SF or an UL SF
in SeNB 950.
[0110] A transmission power for a PUSCH/SRS in an UL SF where UE
116 experiences UL-dominant interference can be different than in
an UL SF where UE 116 experiences DL-dominant interference. UE 116
can then be configured with two separate UL PC processes; a first
UL PC process for a first set of SFs where UE 116 experiences
UL-dominant interference, such as SF#2, and a second UL PC process
for a second set of SFs where UE 116 experiences DL-dominant
interference. Therefore, UE 116 can be configured a first set of
SFs and a second set of SFs and respective parameters for a first
UL PC process and a second UL PC process (see also REF 3 and REF
5). PUCCH can be transmitted only in SFs where UE 116 experiences
UL interference and in such case a second UL PC process for PUCCH
transmission is not needed.
[0111] One or more embodiments of this disclosure provide
mechanisms for enabling a UE configured for operation with DC and
having a total nominal power in a SF that exceeds a maximum
transmission power for the UE in the SF to transmit HARQ-ACK
information. One or more embodiments of this disclosure also
provide mechanisms for an eNB to determine whether a UE transmits
actual HARQ-ACK information in a PUSCH or whether the UE transmits
HARQ-ACK information with reduced power in the PUSCH. One or more
embodiments of this disclosure additionally provide criteria for
prioritizing power allocation to transmissions from a power limited
UE operating with DC according to respective information types. One
or more embodiments of this disclosure further provide mechanisms
for a UE to support PDCCH decoding in DC operation. One or more
embodiments of this disclosure also provide mechanisms for reducing
latency in exchanging information of configurations between eNBs in
DC operation and for adapting DL/UL scheduling to variations in
configurations. One or more embodiments of this disclosure
additionally provide mechanisms for partitioning a UE capability
for a maximum number of DL-SCH TB bits or a maximum number of
UL-SCH TB bits in DC operation. One or more embodiments of this
disclosure further provide mechanisms for partitioning a UE soft
buffer between eNBs in DC operation. Finally, one or more
embodiments of this disclosure provide mechanisms for partitioning
a maximum UE transmission power between eNBs in DC operation.
Embodiment 1: Using PUCCH Instead of a PUSCH to Transmit HARQ-ACK
in Order to HARQ-ACK Transmission Under Power Limitation
[0112] The first embodiment illustrates that when a UE, such as UE
116, needs to transmit HARQ-ACK information in a PUSCH to an eNB,
such as SeNB 950, in an SF i and a respective nominal transmission
power P.sub.SeNB_PUSCH (1) is larger than an available power for
transmissions from UE 116 to SeNB 950 P.sub.CMAX_SeNB(i) (see also
REF 9), UE 116 can transmit the HARQ-ACK information in a PUCCH if
this requires a respective nominal transmission power
P.sub.SeNB_PUCCH(i) that is not larger than P.sub.CMAX_SeNB(i).
P.sub.SeNB_PUCCH(i) is also larger than P.sub.CMAX_SeNB(i), UE 116
can transmit either the PUSCH or the PUCCH. For example, UE 116 can
select to drop the PUSCH and transmit the PUCCH with reduced power
if P.sub.SeNB_PUCCH(i)<P.sub.SeNB_PUSCH(i).
[0113] The descriptions consider that UE 116 can simultaneously
transmit to a PCell of MeNB 920 and to a PSCell of SeNB 950.
However, same functionalities can apply if the PCell and the PSCell
are cells of a same eNB. For simplicity, it is assumed that UE 116
does not transmit any random access preambles in the SF i that are
prioritized for power allocation over HARQ-ACK (see also REF 3);
otherwise, UE 116 determines an available power to transmit
HARQ-ACK to SeNB 950 after subtracting a power required to transmit
random access preambles to any eNB.
[0114] Due to the PUSCH SF structure and due to any PUCCH SF
structure for HARQ-ACK transmission (see also REF 1), a
transmission power from UE 116 in order for an eNB to receive
HARQ-ACK information with a desired reliability can be much smaller
when the HARQ-ACK information is transmitted in a PUCCH than in a
PUSCH. This is because with any PUCCH structure, unlike a PUSCH
structure, all SF symbols contribute to HARQ-ACK transmission and
additional RS improves channel estimation accuracy especially when
transmissions from UE 116 experience low SINR (see also REF 1).
[0115] Dropping a PUSCH transmission and transmitting HARQ-ACK
information in a PUCCH is functionally equivalent to UE 116 not
detecting a respective DCI format scheduling the PUSCH transmission
in SF i. Therefore, even though UE 116 does not transmit a PUSCH in
SF i, UE 116 can still transmit HARQ-ACK information in a PUCCH
using a same resource as when UE 116 does not detect any DCI
formats scheduling PUSCH transmissions in SF Alternatively, a
separate resource can be configured to UE 116 for transmitting
PUCCH when UE 116 drops PUSCH transmissions in order to implicitly
indicate a power limitation for PUSCH transmissions.
[0116] FIG. 10 illustrates a process for a UE to transmit HARQ-ACK
information in a PUSCH or in a PUCCH to an eNB according to this
disclosure. While the flow chart depicts a series of sequential
steps, unless explicitly stated, no inference should be drawn from
the sequence regarding specific order of performance, performance
of steps or portions thereof serially rather than concurrently on
in an overlapping manner, or performance of the steps depicted
exclusively without the occurrence of interleaving or intermediate
steps. The process depicted in the example depicted is implemented
by processing circuitry in a transmitter chain in, for example, a
UE.
[0117] In SF i, UE 116 determines a first transmission power
P.sub.MeNB(i) for transmitting first HARQ-ACK information to a
first eNB, such as MeNB 920, and second nominal transmission power
P.sub.SeNB_PUSCH(i) for transmitting second HARQ-ACK information in
a PUSCH to a second eNB, such as SeNB 950, in block 1010. UE 116
determines P.sub.MeNB(i) as the smaller of a first nominal
transmission power for transmitting HARQ-ACK in MeNB 920 and an
available power that UE 116 has in MeNB 920 (see also REF 9). Based
on P.sub.MeNB(i) and on P.sub.SeNB_PUSCH(i), UE 116 determines an
available transmission power P.sub.CMAX_SeNB(i) for the PUSCH
transmission to SeNB 950, in block 1020. For example, {circumflex
over (P)}.sub.CMAX_SeNB(i)={circumflex over
(P)}.sub.CMAX(i)-{circumflex over (P)}.sub.MeNB(i). Subsequently,
UE 116 examines whether P.sub.SeNB_PUSCH(i) is larger than
P.sub.CMAX_SeNB(i) in block 1030. If
P.sub.SeNB_PUSCH(i).ltoreq.P.sub.CMAX_SeNB(i), UE 116 transmits the
first HARQ-ACK information to MeNB 920 and the second HARQ-ACK
information in the PUSCH to SeNB 950, in block 1040. If
P.sub.SeNB_PUSCH(i)>P.sub.CMAX_SeNB(i), UE 116 determines a
second nominal transmission power P.sub.SeNB_PUCCH(i) for
transmitting the second HARQ-ACK information in a second PUCCH to
SeNB 950, in block 1050. UE 116 determines a transmission power and
a resource for the PUCCH as if UE 116 did not have any PUSCH
transmission to SeNB 950. UE 116 examines whether
P.sub.SeNB_PUCCH(i) is larger than a maximum transmission power
P.sub.CMAX_SeNB(i) 1060. If
P.sub.SeNB_PUCCH(i).ltoreq.P.sub.CMAX_SeNB(i), UE 116 transmits the
first HARQ-ACK information to MeNB 920 and the second HARQ-ACK
information in the PUCCH to SeNB 950, in block 1070. If
P.sub.SeNB_PUCCH(i)>P.sub.CMAX_SeNB(i) UE 116 transmits the
first HARQ-ACK information to MeNB 920 and either also transmits
the second HARQ-ACK information, either in a PUSCH or in a PUCCH,
to SeNB 950 where a transmission power for the PUSCH or the PUCCH
is reduced so that it is not larger than P.sub.CMAX_SeNB(i) in
block 1080, or UE 116 does not transmit the second HARQ-ACK
information.
[0118] In general, it is not necessary for UE 116 to transmit in a
same SF to both MeNB 920 and SeNB 950 and the first embodiment is
also applicable when UE 116 transmits HARQ-ACK only to a single eNB
in the SF.
[0119] Similar to UE 116 dropping a PUSCH transmission in order to
transmit HARQ-ACK in a PUCCH, UE 116 can drop a first PUSCH
transmission and multiplex HARQ-ACK in a second PUSCH transmission.
For example, if UE 116 has multiple PUSCH transmissions to
respective cells of the SCG of SeNB 950 in SF i, UE 116 can be
configured to multiplex HARQ-ACK in a PUSCH transmission to a cell
with the smallest index, j.sub.0, among the respective cells. If
P.sub.SeNB_PUSCH,j.sub.0(i)>P.sub.CMAX_SeNB(i), UE 116 can drop
the PUSCH transmission to cell with index j.sub.0 and multiplex
HARQ-ACK in a PUSCH transmission to a cell with the next smallest
index, j.sub.1, among the respective cells condition if
P.sub.SeNB_PUSCH,j.sub.1(i).ltoreq.P.sub.CMAX_SeNB(i). If the
P.sub.SeNB_PUSCH(i).ltoreq.P.sub.CMAX_SeNB(i) is not satisfied for
any cell in the SCG where UE 116 is configured to transmit a PUSCH
in SF i, then UE 116 can drop all PUSCH transmissions and transmit
HARQ-ACK in a PUCCH in the PSCell of SeNB 950 if
P.sub.SeNB_PUCCH(i).ltoreq.P.sub.CMAX_SeNB(i).
[0120] The condition P.sub.SeNB_PUSCH(i)>P.sub.CMAX_SeNB (i), as
in block 1030 of FIG. 10, for UE 116 to determine whether to drop a
PUSCH transmission and instead convey HARQ-ACK information in
another PUSCH transmission or PUCCH transmission, can be modified
as P.sub.SeNB_PUCCH(i)+P.sub.CMAX_SeNB(i)+T.sub.HARQ-ACK where
T.sub.HARQ-ACK>0 is a threshold that is either configured to UE
116 by MeNB 920 or determine by UE 116. A different threshold can
apply depending on whether UE 116 transmits HARQ-ACK information in
a PUSCH or a PUCCH. For example, setting a small threshold value
allows UE 116 to transmit a PUSCH conveying HARQ-ACK information
when a respective nominal power in larger than an available power
only by the small threshold value.
Embodiment 2: Determining by an eNB Whether a UE Transmits HARQ-ACK
in a PUSCH or Whether a UE Transmits HARQ-ACK with Reduced
Power
[0121] The second embodiment illustrates that a UE, such as UE 116,
that needs to transmit in SF i HARQ-ACK information in a PUSCH or
in a PUCCH to an eNB, such as SeNB 950, and determines that a
respective nominal transmission power is larger than P.sub.CMAX(i),
transmits the PUSCH or PUCCH, respectively, either with a power
that is smaller than or equal to P.sub.CMAX(i), or drops a
respective transmission, or transmits the HARQ-ACK information with
compression if the transmission is in the PUCCH. For example,
compression of HARQ-ACK information can be with spatial domain
bundling (see also REF 2 or REF 3). Several alternatives are
considered to enable SeNB 950 to determine either that a reception
reliability of the HARQ-ACK information is reduced (UE transmits
with reduced power), or that the PUSCH does not include HARQ-ACK
information (UE 116 drops transmission of HARQ-ACK information), or
that the PUCCH includes compressed/bundled HARQ-ACK
information.
[0122] In a first alternative, UE 116 multiplexes HARQ-ACK
information in a PUSCH that UE 116 transmits with reduced power.
SeNB 950 measures a received PUSCH power, P.sub.PUSCH_rx(i), or a
received PUSCH SINR, SINR.sub.PUSCH_rx(i), and compares the
measurement to a target (expected) value, P.sub.PUSCH_tg(i) or
SINR.sub.PUSCH_tg(i), respectively, that SeNB 950 determines
according to a respective UL PC process. The nominal UE 116
transmission power determined by SeNB 950 can be different than a
nominal UE 116 transmission power determined by UE 116 due to TPC
errors occurring when UE 116 misses or incorrectly detects DCI
formats and when SeNB 950 is not aware of such events. The power or
SINR measurement at SeNB 950 can be based, for example, on a DMRS
that UE 116 transmits in the PUSCH. For brevity, the following
descriptions are with reference to a power but can also apply with
reference to a SINR by substituting P.sub.PUSCH_rx(i) with
SINR.sub.PUSCH_rx(i) and P.sub.PUSCH_tg(i) with
SINR.sub.PUSCH_tg(i). In general, the following descriptions can
apply with respect to a difference between a measured value and an
expected value of a signal metric at an eNB.
[0123] If P.sub.PUSCH_rx(i) is smaller than P.sub.PUSCH_tg(i) by a
threshold T.sub.PUSCH(i),
P.sub.PUSCH_tg(i)-P.sub.PUSCH_rx(i)>T.sub.PUSCH(i), SeNB 950 can
determine that UE 116 transmitted the PUSCH with reduced power.
SeNB 950 can then decide to either discard detected HARQ-ACK
information (and schedule retransmissions of respective data TBs)
or process detected HARQ-ACK information. A decision can be based
on additional criteria as subsequently described.
[0124] SeNB 950 can consider multiple threshold values depending on
whether SeNB 950 correctly or incorrectly decodes one or more data
TBs conveyed by the PUSCH. SeNB 950 can determine correct or
incorrect decoding of a data TB in a PUSCH by examining a CRC where
CRC bits are included in each data TB (see also REF 2). For
example, in case a PUSCH conveys one data TB, if a respective CRC
check indicates correct decoding of the data TB, SeNB 950 considers
a first threshold T.sub.PUSCH,1(i); otherwise, SeNB 950 considers a
second threshold T.sub.PUSCH,2(i) where, for example,
T.sub.PUSCH,2(i).ltoreq.T.sub.PUSCH,1(i). As a reliability of data
TB decoding is typically worse than a reliability of HARQ-ACK
decoding, SeNB 950 can consider the HARQ-ACK information in a PUSCH
to be reliable if SeNB 950 correctly decodes a data TB in the
PUSCH. This is equivalent to setting T.sub.PUSCH,1(i) to infinity.
If a PUSCH conveys two data TBs, a number of thresholds can
possibly increase to three with a first threshold corresponding to
SeNB 950 correctly decoding both data TBs, a second threshold
corresponding to SeNB 950 correctly decoding one data TB, and a
third threshold corresponding to SeNB 950 incorrectly decoding both
data TBs.
[0125] FIG. 11 illustrates a method for an eNB to determine whether
a received PUSCH was transmitted with reduced power depending on a
measured received power and an expected received power in one or
more PUSCH SF symbols according to this disclosure. While the flow
chart depicts a series of sequential steps, unless explicitly
stated, no inference should be drawn from the sequence regarding
specific order of performance, performance of steps or portions
thereof serially rather than concurrently on in an overlapping
manner, or performance of the steps depicted exclusively without
the occurrence of interleaving or intermediate steps. The process
depicted in the example depicted is implemented by processing
circuitry in a receiver chain in, for example, an eNB.
[0126] In a SF i, SeNB 950 determines an actual reception power
P.sub.PUSCH_rx(i) for a PUSCH transmission from UE 116 and a target
(expected) reception power P.sub.PUSCH_tg(i) for the PUSCH
transmission from UE 116 according to a respective UL PC process in
block 1110. Subsequently, SeNB 950 determines whether
P.sub.PUSCH_tg(i)-P.sub.PUSCH_rx(i)>P.sub.PUSCH_rx
(i)>T.sub.PUSCH(i) in block 1120 where T.sub.PUSCH(i) is set by
SeNB 950. If P.sub.PUSCH_tg(i)-P.sub.PUSCH_rx(i)>T.sub.PUSCH(i),
SeNB 950 can determine that UE 116 transmitted the PUSCH with
reduced power (compared to a nominal transmission power) in block
1130; otherwise, SeNB 950 can determine that UE 116 transmitted the
PUSCH with a nominal transmission power in block 1140. The
threshold T.sub.PUSCH(i) can have a fixed value or its value can
vary depending, for example, on whether or not SeNB 950 correctly
decodes a data TB conveyed by the PUSCH.
[0127] In a second alternative, if in a SF i the UE 116 transmits a
PUSCH with reduced power, UE 116 selects a CS and OCC value for a
DMRS transmission depending on (a) an indicated CS and OCC value,
either by a DCI format scheduling the PUSCH transmission or is
configured for SPS PUSCH transmission, and (b) whether or not UE
116 transmits the PUSCH with reduced power. The selection of a CS
and OCC value by UE 116 can also be conditioned on whether UE 116
multiplexes UCI in the PUSCH. For example, if one of eight CS and
OCC values is indicated to UE 116, then UE 116 can use the
indicated CS and OCC value if UE 116 transmits the PUSCH with a
nominal power or UE 116 can use a CS and OCC value that is, for
example, immediately after the indicated CS and OCC value if UE 116
transmits the PUSCH with reduced power (wrap-around to the first CS
and OCC value can apply if the indicated CS and OCC value is the
eighth one). In case SeNB 950 applies spatial multiplexing among
PUSCH transmissions from multiple UEs, SeNB 950 can be restricted
to assign at most every other CS and OCC value for respective DMRS
transmissions and limit spatial multiplexing of PUSCH transmissions
to at most four UEs.
[0128] The SeNB 950 can determine a CS and OCC value by computing a
respective received power for a DMRS in a PUSCH assuming UE 116
transmits the DMRS with an indicated CS and OCC value,
P.sub.PUSCH.sup.RS_CSOCC1(i), and assuming UE 116 transmits the
DMRS with a CS and OCC value following the indicated one,
P.sub.PUSCH.sup.RS_CSOCC2(i) Then, if
P.sub.PUSCH.sup.RS_SCOCC2(i)-P.sub.PUSCH.sup.RS_CSOCC1(i)>T.sub.CSOCC(-
i), where SeNB 950 sets a threshold value T.sub.CSOCC(i).gtoreq.0,
SeNB 950 can assume that UE 116 transmitted the PUSCH with a
reduced power; otherwise, SeNB 950 can assume that UE 116
transmitted the PUSCH with a nominal power. SeNB 950 can set the
value of T.sub.CSOCC(i) depending on an assumed likelihood that UE
116 transmitted the PUSCH with a nominal power. For example, if
SeNB 950 correctly decodes a data TB in the PUSCH, SeNB 950 can use
a higher value for T.sub.CSOCC(i); otherwise, SeNB 950 can use a
lower one. For example, if UE 116 can transmit only to SeNB 950
(and cannot transmit to MeNB 920) in SF i, SeNB 950 can use a
higher value for T.sub.CSOCC(i); otherwise, SeNB 950 can use a
lower one.
[0129] FIG. 12 illustrates a method for an eNB to determine whether
a received PUSCH was transmitted with reduced power depending on
power measurements for a DMRS reception according to a first CS and
OCC value and according to a second CS and OCC value according to
this disclosure. While the flow chart depicts a series of
sequential steps, unless explicitly stated, no inference should be
drawn from the sequence regarding specific order of performance,
performance of steps or portions thereof serially rather than
concurrently on in an overlapping manner, or performance of the
steps depicted exclusively without the occurrence of interleaving
or intermediate steps. The process depicted in the example depicted
is implemented by processing circuitry in a receiver chain in, for
example, an eNB.
[0130] SeNB 950 expects UE 116 to transmit a PUSCH in a SF i. For a
DMRS reception in the PUSCH, SeNB 950 computes a DMRS reception
power P.sub.PUSCH.sup.RS_CSOCC1(i) assuming UE 116 transmitted the
DMRS according to a CS and OCC value that SeNB 950 indicated to UE
116 and a DMRS reception power P.sub.PUSCH.sup.RS_CSOCC2(i)
assuming UE 116 transmitted the DMRS with a CS and OCC value that
immediately follows the indicated CS and OCC value in block 1210.
Subsequently, SeNB 950 determines whether
P.sub.PUSCH.sup.RS_CSOCC2(i)-P.sub.PUSCH.sup.RS_CSOCC1(i)>T.sub.CSOCC(-
i) in block 1220, where T threshold value set by SeNB 950. If
P.sub.PUSCH.sup.RS_CSOCC2(i)-P.sub.PUSCH.sup.RS_CSOCC1(i)>T.sub.CSOCC(-
i) SeNB 950 determines that UE 116 transmitted the PUSCH with
reduced power (compared to a nominal transmission power) in block
1230; otherwise, SeNB 950 determines that UE 116 transmitted the
PUSCH with a nominal transmission power in block 1240. The value of
T.sub.PUSCH(i) can vary depending, for example, on whether or not
SeNB 950 correctly decoded a data TB conveyed in the PUSCH.
[0131] The first and second alternatives are also applicable in
case UE 116 transmits a PUCCH. A respective description is
analogous to the one described in FIG. 11 or in FIG. 12 and is not
repeated for brevity. For the second alternative, it is noted that
only an OCC may apply to the DMRS depending on a PUCCH format.
[0132] For either the first or the second alternative and for
either HARQ-ACK transmissions in a PUSCH or a PUCCH, UE 116 may
apply HARQ-ACK bundling if UE 116 transmits HARQ-ACK information
with reduced power. For example, UE 116 does not apply spatial
domain bundling to HARQ-ACK information when UE 116 transmits a
respective PUSCH or PUCCH with a respective nominal power;
otherwise, UE 116 applies spatial domain bundling. This can improve
HARQ-ACK reception reliability when a transmission is with reduced
power as a respective HARQ-ACK information payload is reduced. SeNB
950 can determine whether or not UE 116 applied additional HARQ-ACK
bundling by determining whether or not UE 116 transmitted a
respective PUSCH or PUCCH with reduced power, for example according
to the method in FIG. 11 or the method in FIG. 12.
[0133] In a third alternative, UE 116 transmits a PUSCH with
reduced power but does not include HARQ-ACK information in the
PUSCH. Instead, UE 116 replaces HARQ-ACK information with a
predetermined codeword in order to assist SeNB 950 in determining
that UE 116 transmitted the PUSCH with reduced power and did not
multiplex HARQ-ACK information. In a first example, the
predetermined codeword can be a series of alternating "+1" and "-1"
numeric values mapped to REs that are nominally used to transmit
HARQ-ACK information (see also REF 2). UE 116 can also change an
order of the alternating "+1" and "-1" numeric values in successive
SF symbols where HARQ-ACK information is multiplexed by
transmitting "+1" in REs of a first SF symbol and a "-1" in REs of
a second SF symbol where HARQ-ACK information is multiplexed.
[0134] In a second example, the predetermined codeword can be a
series of "+1" numeric values mapped to REs that are nominally used
to transmit HARQ-ACK information in odd SF symbols and a series of
"-1" numeric values mapped to REs that are nominally used to
transmit HARQ-ACK information in even SF symbols (that is, UE 116
transmits "+1" in REs of a first and third SF symbols and transmits
"-1" in REs of a second and fourth SF symbols that are used for
multiplexing HARQ-ACK information). By summing, for example, pairs
of codeword REs across respective SF symbols in each SF slot, SeNB
950 can accurately decode the predetermined codeword and determine
whether or not UE 116 multiplexed actual HARQ-ACK information. This
is because a probability that the predetermined codeword, and its
permutations across REs of SF symbols, represents actual HARQ-ACK
information is practically zero. Therefore, SeNB 950 can perform
two decoding operations for HARQ-ACK information in a PUSCH; a
first one assuming UE 116 transmits actual HARQ-ACK information and
a second one for a predetermined codeword assuming UE 116 does not
transmit actual HARQ-ACK information (and transmits the PUSCH with
reduced power).
[0135] FIG. 13 illustrates a method for a UE to transmit a
predetermined codeword that replaces actual HARQ-ACK information in
a PUSCH when the UE transmits the PUSCH with a reduced power
compared to a nominal power according to this disclosure. The
embodiment shown in FIG. 13 is for illustration only. Other
embodiments could be used without departing from the scope of the
present disclosure.
[0136] In SF i, UE 116 transmits a PUSCH that includes data 1310
and/or CSI 1320, RS 1330, and REs where UE 116 multiplexes HARQ-ACK
information 1340 (and this is also expected by SeNB 950). If UE 116
determines that it can transmit the PUSCH with a nominal power, UE
116 multiplexes actual HARQ-ACK information. If UE 116 determines
that it needs to transmit the PUSCH with a reduced power, compared
to the nominal power, UE 116 replaces actual HARQ-ACK information
with a predetermined codeword such as one including a series of
alternating "+1" and "-1" in REs of odd SF symbols and a series of
alternating "-1" and "+1" in REs of even SF symbols where HARQ-ACK
is multiplexed.
Embodiment 3: Information Prioritization for Power Scaling
[0137] The third embodiment illustrates prioritization rules for
power scaling of UL transmissions from a UE according to a
respective information type assuming that the UE total nominal
transmission power exceeds the UE maximum transmission power in a
respective SF prior to power scaling.
[0138] A channel (PUSCH or PUCCH) that includes UCI is typically
prioritized for power scaling over a PUSCH that includes only data
information (see also REF 3). When UE 116 simultaneously transmits
a PUCCH and a PUSCH to a same eNB, such as SeNB 950, and both the
PUCCH and PUSCH include UCI, higher priority UCI such as HARQ-ACK
or SR is included in the PUCCH and for this reason the PUCCH is
prioritized in terms of power allocation over the PUSCH. Finally,
transmission of any UCI type is prioritized in terms of power
allocation over transmission of any SRS type (see also REF 3). For
operation with DC, the above power prioritization rules may not
always be preferable.
[0139] In a first case, UE 116 transmits a first PUSCH to a first
eNB, such as MeNB 920, and transmits a second PUSCH to a second
eNB, such as SeNB 950, where both the first PUSCH and the second
PUSCH do not include UCI. In case of CA, PUSCH transmissions in a
same SF that do not include UCI are equally prioritized in terms of
power scaling. In case of DC, power prioritization is considered
depending on a data information type in each PUSCH. For example, if
a first PUSCH includes MAC signaling (see also REF 4) or RRC
signaling (see also REF 5) and a second PUSCH only includes
application data traffic, UE 116 can prioritize power allocation to
first PUSCH. If both the first PUSCH and the second PUSCH include
MAC or RRC signaling, UE 116 can either equally allocate available
power to each PUSCH (subject to a total power not exceeding a UE
116 maximum transmission power in the SF) or can prioritize power
allocation to PUSCH transmitted to MeNB 920. Moreover, UE 116 can
prioritize power allocation to a PUSCH transmission that includes
MAC signaling or RRC signaling to a first eNB over a PUSCH
transmission that includes A-CSI to a second eNB. UE 116 can also
prioritize power allocation to a PUSCH transmission that includes
MAC signaling or RRC signaling to MeNB 920 over a PUSCH
transmission that includes HARQ-ACK to SeNB 950.
[0140] In a second case, UE 116 transmits a PUSCH that does not
include UCI to a first eNB and transmits a PUCCH to a second eNB.
In case of CA, UE 116 prioritizes power allocation to PUCCH
(regardless of whether the PUSCH includes UCI--see also REF 3). In
case of DC, UE 116 can prioritize power allocation to a PUSCH with
MAC or RRC signaling over a PUCCH. This prioritization can be
restricted only for the case that the PUCCH conveys P-CSI or can
also apply for the case that the PUCCH conveys SR or HARQ-ACK.
Also, this prioritization can be restricted only for the case UE
116 transmits the PUSCH to MeNB 920.
[0141] In a third case, UE 116 transmits type 1 SRS (A-SRS) to a
first eNB and transmits P-CSI to a second eNB. In case of CA, UE
116 prioritizes power allocation to P-CSI transmission and drops
A-SRS transmission. In case of DC, it is likely that the first eNB
triggers A-SRS transmission from UE 116 in a SF where the second
eNB configures UE 116 to transmit P-CSI and a total nominal
transmission power from UE 116 exceeds a maximum one in the SF.
Then, considering that an A-SRS transmission occurs only in one SF
symbol, UE 116 can prioritize power allocation to the A-SRS and
transmit P-CSI with reduced power in the overlapping SF symbol. For
synchronous DC operation, the overlapping SF symbol is primarily
the last SF symbol. This prioritization can be limited to the case
that UE 116 transmits the A-SRS to MeNB 920 and transmits P-CSI to
SeNB 950. UE 116 can drop an A-SRS transmission to a first eNB if
UE 116 transmits HARQ-ACK or SR to a second eNB. This is because
unlike P-CSI multiplexing among UEs in a PUCCH, HARQ-ACK or SR
multiplexing among UEs in a PUCCH relies on orthogonal multiplexing
across symbols of a same SF slot and a reduction in transmission
power in one symbol from one or more UEs can have a degrading
effect on the orthogonal multiplexing and respectively degrade a
HARQ-ACK or SR reception reliability.
[0142] In a fourth case, collisions of SRS and P-CSI can be avoided
when UE 116 is configured for operation with synchronous DC, by UE
116 puncturing a last SF symbol for P-CSI transmission using PUCCH
Format 2 (see also REF 1) to a first eNB in order for UE 116 to
transmit SRS to a second eNB and avoid a potential power
limitation.
[0143] If UE 116 can potentially use multiple rules for
prioritization of power allocation in DC operation, a rule can be
configured to UE 116, for example by MeNB 920, or be determined in
the operation of the communication system. For example, for UL
transmissions from UE 116 in a SF, a rule can be to prioritize all
PUSCH to MeNB 920 over PUSCH to SeNB 950. Alternatively, UE 116 can
prioritize PUSCH to MeNB 920 by default and network configuration
can only indicate possible exception rules. A configuration of a
rule for UE 116 to use for power allocation prioritization can be
extended to other channels or information types that UE 116
transmits to MeNB 920 and to SeNB 950. For example, UE 116 can be
configured to prioritize a CSI transmission to MeNB 920 over a SR
transmission to SeNB 950 or prioritize a SR transmission to MeNB
920 over a HARQ-ACK transmission to SeNB 950. Alternatively, UE 116
can autonomously choose a rule.
Embodiment 4: Splitting PDCCH Decoding Operations
[0144] The fourth embodiment illustrates a UE operating with DC and
decoding a first set of DCI formats in a CSS and UE-DSS for cells
of a MeNB and a second set of DCI formats in a CSS and UE-DSS for
cells of a SeNB.
[0145] UE 116 has a fixed maximum capability for a number of PDCCH
candidates it can decode in a SF. MeNB 920 can be informed of a UE
116 capability to decode a number of N.sub.UE PDCCH candidates per
SF either explicitly or implicitly through information of a
respective UE category. For example, UE 116 with a capability to
communicate with only a single cell can decode a nominal number of
PDCCH candidates for one CSS and one UE-DSS while a UE with a CA
capability to communicate with C cells can decode a nominal number
of PDCCH candidates for one CSS and C UE-DSS. When UE 116 operates
with DC, a UE capability to decode a number of PDCCH candidates per
SF can be partitioned among cells of MeNB 920 and SeNB 950. Also,
UE 116 needs to support two respective CSS, a first one for the
PCell of MeNB 920 and a second one for the PSCell of SeNB 950.
[0146] In general, when UE 116 is configured for communication with
C.sub.MeNB cells in MeNB 920 and with C.sub.SeNB cells in SeNB 950,
in order to support decoding of a nominal number of PDCCH
candidates per CCE aggregation level per SF, UE 116 needs to
support decoding of N.sub.DC=[122+(C.sub.MeNB+C.sub.SeNB)32] PDCCH
candidates per SF. If N.sub.UE>N.sub.DC UE 116 can decode 12
PDCCH candidates in a CSS and 32 PDCCH candidates in each UE-DSS of
each eNB. If N.sub.UE<N.sub.DC, UE 116 cannot decode the nominal
number of PDCCH candidates for each CCE aggregation level for some
or all of C.sub.MeNB+C.sub.SeNB cells and a partitioning of PDCCH
candidates to cells of MeNB 920 and to cells of SeNB 950 is
needed.
[0147] Upon configuration of UE 116 by MeNB 920 for DC operation, a
partitioning of N.sub.UE PDCCH candidates into a first number for
MeNB 920 and a second number for SeNB 950 can also be configured to
UE 116 by MeNB 920. If N.sub.UE.gtoreq.N.sub.DC a configuration for
partitioning can have a default value corresponding to a nominal
number of PDCCH candidates per CCE aggregation level for a CSS and
for each UE-DSS in each respective eNB.
[0148] MeNB 920 determines a first number of N.sub.UE_MeNB PDCCH
candidates for UE 116 to decode for cells of MeNB 920 and a second
number of N.sub.UE_SeNB PDCCH candidates for UE 116 to decode for
cells of SeNB 950. MeNB 920 informs SeNB 950 at least of
N.sub.UE_SeNB MeNB 920 configures to UE 116 the N.sub.UE_MeNB PDCCH
candidates and the N.sub.UE_SeNB PDCCH candidates. Alternatively,
SeNB 950 configures to UE 116 the N.sub.UE_SeNB PDCCH candidates
for UE 116 to decode for cells of SeNB 950. The configuration can
be for a total number of PDCCH candidates N.sub.UE_MeNB for MeNB
920 and N.sub.UE_SeNB for SeNB 950 and then UE 116 can allocate
PDCCH candidates for each CCE aggregation level to each cell
according to a predetermined mapping, or the configuration can be
for a number of PDCCH candidates per CCE aggregation level for each
cell of MeNB 920 and each cell of SeNB 950. A number of PDCCH
candidates and respective CCE aggregation levels for a CSS on the
PCell of MeNB 920 and on the PSCell of SeNB 950 can be a nominal
one (12) by default.
[0149] For example, when UE 116 operates with CA that includes 2
cells, UE 116 can support decoding for a nominal number of
12+2.times.32=76 PDCCH candidates. Upon configuration with DC
operation by MeNB 920 and for one MeNB cell, one SeNB cell, and for
aggregation levels of {1, 2, 4, 8} CCEs, 12 PDCCH candidates can be
associated with a CSS in the PCell of MeNB 920 and 12 PDCCH
candidates can be associated with a CSS in the PSCell of SeNB 950.
MeNB 920 can equally partition remaining 76-12-12=52 PDCCH
candidates between the cell of MeNB 920 and the cell of SeNB 950.
MeNB 920 can configure UE 116 a number of {4, 5, 2, 2} PDCCH
candidates for respective aggregation levels of {1, 2, 4, 8} CCEs
for a UE-DSS in the cell of MeNB 920 while SeNB 950 (or MeNB 920)
can configure UE 116 a number of {5, 5, 2, 1} PDCCH candidates for
respective aggregation levels of {1, 2, 4, 8} CCEs for a UE-DSS in
the cell of SeNB 950. If, instead of a single cell, CA is supported
by either MeNB 920 or SeNB 950, a number of PDCCH candidates per
CCE aggregation level in a UE-DSS of a cell can be same for all
cells or can also be individually configured for each cell and
allow for some CCE aggregation levels to have no PDCCH candidates,
for example based on a DL SINR for UE 116.
[0150] FIG. 14 illustrates a process for a UE configured with DC to
determine a number of PDCCH candidates to decode in a UE-DSS of a
MeNB and in a UE-DSS of a SeNB according to this disclosure. While
the flow chart depicts a series of sequential steps, unless
explicitly stated, no inference should be drawn from the sequence
regarding specific order of performance, performance of steps or
portions thereof serially rather than concurrently on in an
overlapping manner, or performance of the steps depicted
exclusively without the occurrence of interleaving or intermediate
steps. The process depicted in the example depicted is implemented
by processing circuitry in a transmitter chain in, for example, an
eNB.
[0151] UE 116 explicitly or implicitly informs MeNB 920 of its
capability to decode N.sub.u, PDCCH candidates and MeNB 920
configures UE 116 with DC operation in block 1410 that requires UE
116 to decode a total nominal number of
N.sub.DC=[12.2+(C.sub.MeNB+C.sub.SeNB)32] PDCCH candidates per SF.
MeNB 920, SeNB 950, and UE 116 determine whether or not
N.sub.UE.gtoreq.N.sub.DC in block 1420. If
N.sub.UE.gtoreq.N.sub.DC, UE 116 decodes a nominal number of PDCCH
candidates for each respective CCE aggregation level in each
CSS/UE-DSS in block 1430. If N.sub.UE<N.sub.DC, UE 116 decodes a
nominal number of PDCCH candidates for the PCell of MeNB 920 and is
configured by MeNB 920 to decode a number of PDCCH candidates for
each respective CCE aggregation level in each UE-DSS for each cell
of MeNB 920 for a total number of N.sub.UE_MeNB PDCCH candidates.
MeNB 920 also informs SeNB 950 of N.sub.UE_SeNB PDCCH candidates
that UE 116 can decode for SeNB 950. UE 116 decodes a nominal
number of PDCCH candidates for the PSCell of SeNB 950 and is
configured by SeNB 950 (or by MeNB 920 if SeNB 950 communicates to
MeNB 920 a respective information over a backhaul link) to decode a
number of PDCCH candidates for each respective CCE aggregation
level in each UE-DSS for each cell of SeNB 950 in block 1440.
[0152] In an alternative to the operation in FIG. 14, MeNB 920 can
configure to UE 116 the N.sub.UE_MeNB and N.sub.UE_SeNB PDCCH
candidates and UE 116 can determine a partition, such as an equal
partition, for a number of PDCCH candidates for the UE-DSS of each
cell of MeNB 920 and SeNB 950, respectively, after allocating a
nominal number of PDCCH candidates for the CSS of the PCell and the
CSS of the PSCell. For equal partition, if the number of
N.sub.UE_MeNB or N.sub.UE_SeNB PDCCH candidates is not divisible by
a number of cells of C.sub.UE_MeNB or C.sub.UE_SeNB that UE 116 can
be scheduled in either MeNB 920 or SeNB 950, respectively, then UE
116 can allocate .left
brkt-top.(N.sub.UE_MeNB-12)/C.sub.UE_MeNB.left brkt-top. or .left
brkt-top.N.sub.UE_SeNB-12)/C.sub.UE_SeNB .right brkt-bot. PDCCH
candidates for the UE-DSS of the C.sub.UE_MeNB-1 or C.sub.UE_SeNB-1
cells with the lower indexes for MeNB 920 and SeNB 950,
respectively, and allocate
(N.sub.UE_MeNB-12)-(C.sub.UE_MeNB-1).left
brkt-top.(N.sub.UE_MeNB-12)/C.sub.UE_MeNB.left brkt-top. or
(N.sub.BE SeNB-12)-(C.sub.UE_SeNB-1).left
brkt-top.N.sub.UE_SeNB-12)/C.sub.UE_SeNB.right brkt-bot. for the
UE-DSS of the cell with the highest index for MeNB 920 or SeNB 950
(assuming that UE 116 allocates twelve PDCCH candidates to each
CSS). It is also possible for MeNB 920 or SeNB 950 to configure a
number of PDCCH candidates for the CSS or the PCell or the CSS of
the PSCell, respectively, or that number can be determined in
conjunction with other system properties.
[0153] A configuration of PDCCH candidates can also be per DCI
format that UE 116 is configured to decode according to a
respective PDSCH TM or PUSCH TM. A configuration of PDCCH
candidates per CCE aggregation level can also depend on a SF as
certain DCI formats can only be transmitted in specific SFs. For
example, a DCI Format 1C that schedules a RAR or indicates adapted
UL/DL configurations for respective TDD cells can be transmitted
only in specific SFs known to UE 116. Therefore, for PDCCH decoding
in a CSS, UE 116 can decode 6 PDCCH candidates in SFs DCI Format 1C
is not transmitted and decode 12 PDCCH candidates in SFs where DCI
Format 1C is transmitted.
[0154] A determination of N.sub.UE_MeNB and N.sub.UE_SeNB by MeNB
920 can be performed more than once as, for example, SeNB 950 can
modify a number of cells for scheduling of UE 116. If existing
values of N.sub.UE_MeNB and N.sub.UE_SeNB become not preferable as
SeNB 950 adds or removes cells for UE 116, SeNB 950 can request a
different N.sub.UE_SeNB and MeNB 920 can respond with a new value
for N.sub.UE_SeNB. MeNB 920 or SeNB 950 can then configure to UE
116 a new set of PDCCH candidates for respective CCE aggregation
levels for UE-DSS of respective cells. For example, SeNB 950 can
change a status of a SeNB 950 cell configured to UE 116 to active
or inactive and, as UE 116 does not decode PDCCH for scheduling in
an inactive cell, a number of PDCCH candidates for CCE aggregation
levels for a UE-DSS of active cells can be re-configured by SeNB
950 (the same applies for cells of MeNB 920).
[0155] Alternatively, a different UE capability can be applicable
for operation with DC, relative to operation with CA with a same
number of cells, at least in terms of a maximum number of PDCCH
candidates a UE can decode. A UE capable of DC operation is
required to support decoding for twelve additional PDCCH
candidates, corresponding to a CSS in a PSCell of a SeNB, relative
to a UE supporting CA for communication over a same number of
cells. Moreover, a UE with CA capability for N cells may decode
PDCCH for N+1 cells assuming, for example, that a same CA
capability for N cells is maintained in a SeNB and one cell in the
MeNB is primarily used to provide low data rate signaling, such as
RRC signaling, and mobility support. A different UE design is then
needed to support PDCCH decoding for DC and for CA.
[0156] MeNB 920 or SeNB 950 can also configure to UE 116 a
different number of PDCCH candidates for a respective CCE
aggregation level in a SF depending on knowledge of whether the SF
is an UL one or a DL one in a cell in a cell of SeNB 950. As
described in FIG. 14, UE 116 can decode a smaller number of PDCCH
candidates for a respective CCE aggregation level than a nominal
one if N.sub.UE<N.sub.DC. However, in UL SFs of a TDD cell of
SeNB 950, UE 116 does not decode PDCCH and a respective number of
PDCCH candidates can be reallocated for PDCCH decoding either in
cells of SeNB 950 or in cells of MeNB 920. In order for MeNB 920 to
utilize a capability of UE 116 to decode additional PDCCH
candidates in a SF, MeNB 920 needs to know UL/DL configurations in
respective TDD cells of SeNB 950. This information can be provided
either by SeNB 950, either through backhaul link signaling or
through physical layer signaling, or by UE 116 as it is
subsequently discussed. For brevity, if UE 116 decodes PDCCH
candidates for scheduling in a cell in a SF, the SF is referred to
as being of a second type for the cell; otherwise, the SF is
referred to as being of a first type for the cell. For example, if
a SF is an UL SF, or a DRX SF, or a measurement gap SF in a cell,
it is a first type SF. If it is a SF where UE 116 can receive PDCCH
in the cell, it is a second type SF.
[0157] For a first type SF, MeNB 920 or SeNB 950 can configure to
UE 116 a first number of PDCCH candidates for a given CCE
aggregation level per UE-DSS. For a second type SF, MeNB 920 or
SeNB 950 can configure to UE 116 a second number of PDCCH
candidates for the given CCE aggregation level per UE-DSS, wherein
the second number can be smaller than the first number. A SF type
can be cell-specific, such as for a DL SF or an UL SF of a TDD
cell, or UE-specific such as a DRX or a measurement gap SF. MeNB
920 or SeNB 950 can use a determination of a SF being of a first
type for UE 116 to improve a scheduling flexibility by using
additional PDCCH candidates for a CCE aggregation level to reduce a
PDCCH blocking probability in case CCEs for PDCCH candidates
corresponding to a second SF type are wholly or partially used for
transmitting other PDCCHs.
[0158] FIG. 15 illustrates a PDCCH decoding process for a UE
according to a SF type according to this disclosure. The embodiment
of the PDCCH decoding process for a UE according to a SF type shown
in FIG. 15 is for illustration only. Other embodiments could be
used without departing from the scope of the present
disclosure.
[0159] If a SF is of a first type 1510, MeNB 920 determines that UE
116 can decode six PDCCH candidates for an aggregation level of two
CCEs. MeNB 920 can transmit a PDCCH to UE 116 using CCEs
corresponding to PDCCH Candidate#4 1520. If the SF is of a second
type 1530, MeNB 920 determines that UE 116 can decode four PDCCH
candidates for an aggregation level of two CCEs, PDCCH Candidate#4
is not available for MeNB 920 to transmit a PDCCH to UE 116, and
MeNB 920 uses PDCCH Candidate#1 1540 to transmit a PDCCH to UE
116.
Embodiment 5: Reducing Latency for Informing Changes in
Configurations Between eNBs in DC and Adapting DC Operation to
Configuration Changes
[0160] The fifth embodiment illustrates adaptations to parameters
of DC operation in response to variations of cell-specific or
UE-specific configurations. For brevity, descriptions are with
reference to a SeNB but they are also applicable with reference to
a MeNB. For adaptation of cell-specific or UE-specific
configurations occurring in a time-scale that is smaller than or
comparable to a latency of a backhaul link between a MeNB and a
SeNB, the disclosure considers means other than the backhaul link
for informing the MeNB of adaptations in the SeNB. All following
descriptions are equally applicable to a PDSCH transmission to or a
PUSCH transmission from UE 116, or if the roles of MeNB 920 and
SeNB 950 are reversed.
[0161] In a first approach, SeNB 950 broadcasts signaling
information for a respective adaptation of a configuration for a
cell of SeNB 950 with a transmission power that is large enough for
the signaling information to be reliably received by MeNB 920. This
assumes that MeNB 920 has a receiver tuned to parameters for DL
transmissions in a cell of SeNB 950 such as a DL carrier frequency,
and so on.
[0162] In a second approach, a UE, such as UE 116, operating with
DC with MeNB 920 and SeNB 950 can serve as a relay and convey
information to MeNB 920 for an adaptation of a cell-specific or
UE-specific configuration in one or more cells of SeNB 950.
[0163] FIG. 16 illustrates a process for a UE to relay information
to a MeNB for a cell-specific or UE-specific adaptation of a
configuration in one or more cells of a SeNB according to this
disclosure. The embodiment shown in FIG. 16 for the UE to relay
information to the MeNB is for illustration only. Other embodiments
could be used without departing from the scope of the present
disclosure.
[0164] SeNB 950 transmits in one of its cells, such as a PSCell,
signaling 1620 that is received by UE 116 and provides information
for an adaptation of a configuration in one or more cells of SeNB
950. For example, the signaling can be cell-specific broadcast
signaling that is received by multiple UEs or can be UE-specific
and received only by UE 116. At a subsequent SF, UE 116 includes in
a signaling transmission 1640 to MeNB 920 the information for the
adaptation of the configuration in the one or more cells of SeNB
950. For example, the signaling can be in a PUSCH or in a
PUCCH.
[0165] An example case for an adaptation of a configuration in a
cell of SeNB 950 that can be communicated by UE 116 to MeNB 920 is
an adaptation of an UL/DL configuration in a TDD cell of SeNB 950
(another example case can be an activation or deactivation of cells
for UE 116 in SeNB 950). An adaptation of an UL/DL configuration
can start at a first SF of a frame and have a validity period
(adaptation period) of an integer number of frames, such as one,
two, four, or eight frames. SeNB 950 transmits signaling that
informs UE 116 of an adapted UL/DL configuration. SeNB 950 can also
inform MeNB 920 over a backhaul link of parameters related to the
adaptation of an UL/DL configuration in a TDD cell of SeNB 950. For
example, such parameters can include each TDD cell of SeNB 950 that
adapts an UL/DL configuration, or a respective adaptation
periodicity of a UL/DL configuration, or of DL SFs within each
adaptation period where SeNB 950 transmits signaling informing of
an adapted UL/DL configuration in a respective cell, or of
additional parameters that are subsequently described.
[0166] UE 116 can provide information of an adapted UL/DL
configuration in a TDD cell of SeNB 950 in a MAC control element or
in a RRC message transmitted in a PUSCH or in a PUCCH to MeNB 920.
For example, MeNB 920 can configure UE 116 with a PUCCH resource
for transmitting a PUCCH Format 1b informing of an UL/DL
configuration from four predetermined UL/DL configurations. If UE
116 detects a signaling informing of an adapted UL/DL configuration
in one or more TDD cells of SeNB 950 in DL SF n, UE 116 can provide
this information to MeNB 920 in a first PUSCH transmission or in a
first PUCCH transmission in an UL SF at or after an UL SF n+k
where, for example, k.gtoreq.4 for PUSCH or k.gtoreq.1 for PUCCH.
All UEs that can be aware of adapted UL/DL configurations in
respective TDD cells of SeNB 950 can inform MeNB 920.
Alternatively, MeNB 920 can configure a subset of such UEs to
provide that information. If information for adapted UL/DL
configurations in respective TDD cells of SeNB 950 is not available
to UE 116, for example due to an incorrect detection of an
associated signaling from SeNB 950, UE 116 can either indicate this
to SeNB 950 in a PUSCH or skip an associated PUCCH
transmission.
[0167] FIG. 17 illustrates a process for a UE to inform a MeNB of
an adaptation of a cell-specific configuration in one or more cells
of a SeNB according to this disclosure. The embodiment shown in
FIG. 17 for the UE to inform the MeNB of an adaptation of a
cell-specific configuration in one or more cells of the SeNB is for
illustration only. Other embodiments could be used without
departing from the scope of the present disclosure.
[0168] SeNB 950 transmits, for example in a PSCell, signaling
informing of an adaptation of cell-specific configuration for one
of more cells of SeNB 950 in DL SFs 1702, 1704, 1706, and 1708. UE
116 detects the signaling in SF 1704. For example, UE 116 may be in
DRX or may fail to detect the signaling in SF 1702. UE 116
transmits PUSCH or PUCCH to MeNB 920 in one or more of SFs 1710,
1712, and 1714. As SF 1710 occurs two SFs after SF 1704, UE 116
cannot inform of the adapted cell-specific configuration in a PUSCH
transmission in SF 1710 but can do so in a PUCCH transmission. As
SF 1712 occurs six SFs after SF 1704, UE 116 can inform of the
adapted cell-specific configuration in a PUSCH in SF 1712. As SF
1714 occurs after a SF where UE 116 already informed of the
cell-specific adapted UL/DL configuration, UE 116 does not need to
again include such information in a PUSCH. If MeNB 920 indicates to
UE 116 that MeNB 920 did not correctly receive a data TB that UE
116 transmits in a PUSCH in SF 1712, UE 116 can include the
information for the adapted cell-specific configuration in a
retransmission of the same data TB.
[0169] MeNB 920 can use information for a current UL/DL
configuration in a TDD cell of SeNB 950, regardless of whether or
not the TDD cell of SeNB 950 adapts an UL/DL configuration, to
improve communication with UE 116.
[0170] MeNB 920 can apply a different scheduling strategy for PDSCH
transmissions from UE 116 in a SF depending on knowledge of whether
the SF is an UL one or a DL one in a TDD cell of SeNB 950
(synchronous operation at SF level is assumed between MeNB 920 and
SeNB 950). For example, if MeNB 920 knows an UL/DL configuration of
a TDD cell in SeNB 950 and a first DL SF on MeNB 920 is an UL SF on
the TDD cell of SeNB 950, MeNB 920 can schedule a PDSCH
transmission to UE 116 in the first DL SF with a larger data TBS
than in a second DL SF that is a DL SF on the TDD cell of SeNB 950.
This can apply even when link and system conditions for UE 116,
such as for example DL channel medium, SINR, buffer status for the
scheduler of MeNB 920, are practically same in the first DL SF and
the second DL SF. Similar, MeNB 920 can apply a different
scheduling strategy for PUSCH transmissions. For example, if a
first UL SF on MeNB 920 is a DL SF on the TDD cell of SeNB 950,
MeNB 920 can schedule a PUSCH transmission to UE 116 in the first
UL SF with a larger data TBS or larger power than in a second UL SF
that is an UL SF in the TDD cell of SeNB 950.
[0171] FIG. 18 illustrates a scheduling of a PUSCH transmission
from a UE by a first eNB in a SF depending on knowledge by the
first eNB of a communication direction in the SF in a cell of a
second eNB according to this disclosure. The embodiment shown in
FIG. 18 is for illustration only. Other embodiments could be used
without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.
[0172] A first eNB, such as MeNB 920, is informed of an UL/DL
configuration in a TDD cell of a second eNB, such as SeNB 950. MeNB
920 can obtain this information through a backhaul link or through
physical layer signaling from SeNB 950 or through signaling from a
UE, such as UE 116, as it was previously described. MeNB 920 can
therefore know that in the TDD cell of SeNB 950, SF #3 1830 is a DL
SF and SF #7 1832 is an UL SF. Based on this knowledge, MeNB 920
can schedule UL transmissions such as PUSCH transmissions from UE
116 with a total data TBS or a total power P.sub.1 in SF #3 1840
that is larger than a total data TBS or a total power P.sub.2 for
UL transmissions such as PUSCH transmissions that MeNB 920 can
schedule from UE 116 in SF#7 1842. Similar, MeNB 920 can transmit
to UE 116 a PDSCH in SF #7 1832 that conveys a larger data TBS than
a PDSCH in SF #1830. Regardless of synchronous or asynchronous dual
connectivity operation if, in SF i, transmissions from UE 116 to
MeNB 920 do not overlap with any transmissions from UE 116 to SeNB
950, UE 116 has an available power of P.sub.CMAX(i) for
transmissions to MeNB 920.
[0173] For asynchronous operation between MeNB 920 and SeNB 950,
where an SF i, in MeNB 920 overlaps with SFs i.sub.2-1 and i.sub.2
in SeNB 950, and MeNB 920 configures UE 116 with a first minimum
power that UE 116 always has available for transmissions to MeNB
920 and with a second minimum power that UE 116 always has
available for transmissions to SeNB 950 (see also REF 9), if UE 116
determines based on a configuration by higher layer signaling, such
as RRC signaling, that UE 116 does not transmit to SeNB 950 in SF
i.sub.2, UE 116 does not need to reserve the second minimum power
from a power available for transmissions to MeNB 920 in SF i.sub.1.
Then, if UE 116 does not transmit random access preambles
(otherwise, UE 116 first allocates power to random access
preambles), UE 116 determines an available power
P.sub.MeNB(i.sub.1) for transmitting to MeNB 920 in SF i.sub.1 as
the difference between P.sub.CMAX(i.sub.1,i.sub.2-1) and a power UE
116 uses to transmit to SeNB 950 in SF i.sub.2-1,
P.sub.SeNB_Tx(i.sub.2-1) UE 116 transmits to MeNB 920 in SF i.sub.1
with a power P.sub.MeNB_Tx(i.sub.1) determined, in linear terms
(denoting by {circumflex over (P)} the linear value of P), as the
minimum between a respective nominal power {circumflex over
(P)}.sub.MeNB_nominal(i.sub.i) and the available power {circumflex
over (P)}.sub.MeNB(i.sub.1)={circumflex over
(P)}.sub.CMAX(i.sub.1,i.sub.2-1)-{circumflex over
(P)}.sub.SeNB_Tx(i.sub.2-1), or
P.sub.MeNB_Tx(i.sub.1)=min({circumflex over (P)}.sub.MeNB_nominal
(i.sub.1), {circumflex over
(P)}.sub.CMAX(i.sub.1,i.sub.2-1)-{circumflex over
(P)}.sub.SeNB_Tx(i.sub.2-1)).
[0174] Although an adaptation of a MeNB 920 DL/UL scheduling
strategy for UE 116 in a SF was described depending on a knowledge
by MeNB 920 of whether the SF is an UL one or a DL one in a TDD
cell of SeNB 950, a same principle can apply for any SFs where MeNB
920 knows that UE 116 can or cannot have UL transmissions to or DL
receptions from SeNB 950. For example, MeNB 920 and SeNB 950 can
independently configure UE 116 respective DRX patterns. By
exchanging the DRX patterns (cycles) over a backhaul link, MeNB 920
or SeNB 950 can follow a first UL/DL scheduling strategy in SFs
configured to UE 116 as DRX ones in SeNB 950 or MeNB 920 and follow
a second UL/DL scheduling strategy in SFs configured to UE 116 as
non-DRX ones in SeNB 950 or MeNB 920, respectively, even though an
actual DRX pattern for UE 116 can differ from a configured DRX
pattern, for example due to PDCCH detection failures by UE 116.
[0175] Similar, by exchanging configurations of measurement gap SFs
for UE 116 over a backhaul link, MeNB 920 or SeNB 950 can follow a
first UL/DL scheduling strategy in SFs configured to UE 116 as
measurement gap ones at SeNB 950 or MeNB 920 and follow a second
UL/DL scheduling strategy in SFs configured to UE 116 as
non-measurement gap ones at SeNB 950 or MeNB 920, respectively.
Similar, by exchanging patterns for SPS transmissions to or from UE
116, MeNB 920 or SeNB 950 can follow a first UL/DL scheduling
strategy in SFs configured to UE 116 for SPS PDSCH or for SPS PUSCH
at SeNB 950 or MeNB 920 and follow a second UL/DL scheduling
strategy in SFs configured to UE 116 as ones without SPS PDSCH or
SPS PUSCH at SeNB 950 or MeNB 920, respectively. Similar, if MeNB
920 or SeNB 950 can know a number of activated cells for UE 116 in
SeNB 950 or MeNB 920, MeNB 920 or SeNB 950 can use this information
to predict UL/DL data traffic to UE 116 and adjust UL/DL scheduling
such as an UL/DL data TBS, or adjust a transmission power from UE
116 (both can become smaller as a number of activated cells for UE
116 increases), and so on.
[0176] UE 116 can also use a different antenna or use all antennas
to transmit to, for example SeNB 950, in SFs where UE 116 does not
transmit to MeNB 920. For example, if UE 116 is equipped with two
transmitter antennas, UE 116 can use a first antenna to transmit to
MeNB 920 and use a second antenna to transmit to SeNB 950 in a SF
where UE 116 transmits to both MeNB 920 and SeNB 950. In a SF where
UE 116 transmits only to SeNB 950, UE can use the first antenna
(possibly after re-tuning to the SeNB 950 frequency in case of
separate carrier frequencies for MeNB 920 and SeNB 950) instead of
the second antenna or use both the first and second antennas to
transmit to SeNB 950. This can be beneficial when, for example, the
second antenna has a lower effective transmission power than the
first antenna due to an antenna gain imbalance as, for example,
when the first antenna is external and the second antenna is
internal. UE 116 can use the first antenna to transmit to MeNB 920
in order to maintain coverage and a RRC connection to MeNB 920
(this can be either independently determined by UE 116 or
configured by MeNB 920) while UE 116 can use the first antenna to
transmit to SeNB 950 in SFs it does not transmit to MeNB 920 in
order to conserve battery power.
[0177] Due to independent schedulers at MeNB 920 and SeNB 950, if a
SF is a DL SF or an UL SF, it is possible that UE 116 is scheduled
PDSCH transmissions or PUSCH transmissions, respectively, from both
MeNB 920 and SeNB 950 and a UE 116 receiver (DL-SCH TB bits) or
transmitter (UL-SCH TB bits) capability, respectively, for
processing a data TBS needs to be partitioned between MeNB 920 and
SeNB 950. This partitioning can be exchanged between MeNB 920 and
SeNB 950 through a backhaul link, or can be independently assumed
by MeNB 920 and SeNB 950 (including no partitioning), or can be
determined by other metrics. A specific method is not material to
this disclosure.
[0178] SeNB 950 can determine a processing capability per cell for
UE 116 depending on an adaptation of a number of activated cells or
configured cells for UE 116 in SeNB 950. For example, the
processing capability for UE 116 can include a maximum TBS for
PDSCH reception (DL-SCH TB bits) or for PUSCH transmission (UL-SCH
TB bits) in a cell, a number of PDCCH candidates for a UE-DSS in a
cell, and so on. If SeNB 950 adapts a first number of activated
cells A.sub.SeNB,1 for UE 116 to a second number of activated cells
A.sub.SeNB,2 and UE 116 has a total processing capability in SeNB
950 of T.sub.SeNB, where T.sub.SeNB is smaller than or equal to a
total capability of UE 116 and T.sub.SeNB may or may not be
configured to SeNB 950 by MeNB 920, SeNB 950 can adapt a maximum
processing capability for UE 116 per active cell from
T.sub.SeNB/A.sub.SeNB,1 to T.sub.SeNB/A.sub.SeNB,2 if a maximum
processing capability is same for all cells. If activated cells can
use BW with different sizes then, for PDSCH receptions or for PUSCH
transmissions, a maximum processing capability for UE 116 can be
scaled according to a BW size of a cell and SeNB 950 can adapt a
maximum processing capability per active cell from
T S .times. e .times. N .times. B / .SIGMA. A S .times. eNB , 1 i =
0 .times. BW i .times. .times. to .times. .times. T S .times. e
.times. N .times. B / .SIGMA. A SeNB , 2 i = 0 .times. BW i
##EQU00002##
where BW.sub.i is a BW for cell i. Alternatively, SeNB 950 can
adapt a UE 116 processing capability according to a number of
configured cells instead of a number of activated cells.
[0179] MeNB 920 or SeNB 950 can indicate to UE 116 a processing
capability per active cell together with an indication of active
cells, among a set of configured cells. In response to the
indication, UE 116 can determine a partitioning for its soft buffer
to cells of MeNB 920 or cells of SeNB 950.
[0180] FIG. 19 illustrates an adjustment of a processing capability
per active cell for a UE depending on a variation of a number of
active cells in an eNB according to this disclosure. While the flow
chart depicts a series of sequential steps, unless explicitly
stated, no inference should be drawn from the sequence regarding
specific order of performance, performance of steps or portions
thereof serially rather than concurrently on in an overlapping
manner, or performance of the steps depicted exclusively without
the occurrence of interleaving or intermediate steps. The process
depicted in the example depicted is implemented by processing
circuitry in a transmitter chain or receiver chain in, for example,
a UE.
[0181] UE 116 is signaled by SeNB 950 a number of A.sub.SeNB,1
active cells from a number of configured cells in block 1910. UE
116 is also signaled or independently determines, based on
A.sub.SeNB,1 and a total processing capability UE 116 considers for
SeNB 950, a processing capability for PDSCH receptions or PUSCH
transmissions in the A.sub.SeNB,1 cells in block 1920. UE 116 is
signaled by SeNB 950 a number of A.sub.SeNB,2 active cells from a
number of configured cells in block 1930. UE 116 is also signaled
or independently determines, based on A.sub.SeNB,2 and a total
processing capability UE 116 considers for SeNB 950, a processing
capability for PDSCH receptions or PUSCH transmissions in
A.sub.SeNB,2 cells in block 1940. A processing capability of UE 116
in an active cell is different when a number of active cells is
A.sub.SeNB,1 than when it is A.sub.SeNB,2 (for
A.sub.SeNB,1.noteq.A.sub.SeNB,2).
Embodiment 6: Partitioning a UE Capability for a Maximum Number of
DL-SCH TB Bits or a Maximum Number of UL-SCH TB Bits in DC
[0182] The sixth embodiment illustrates that SeNB 950 informs MeNB
920 of a nominal UL/DL configuration and of a DL-reference UL/DL
configuration for a TDD cell of SeNB 950. Upon receiving this
information, MeNB 920 can determine DL fixed SFs and UL fixed SFs
in the TDD cell of SeNB 950. It is assumed that MeNB 920 is not
explicitly informed of an adapted UL/DL configuration in the TDD
cell of SeNB 950. The present embodiment is agnostic to whether or
not, for UE 116 configured for operation with DC, a partitioning of
a maximum number of DL-SCH TB bits or of a maximum number of UL-SCH
TB bits for UE 116 between MeNB 920 and SeNB 950 is such that a
respective capability for UE 116 can be exceeded.
[0183] MeNB 920 can adjust a maximum number of DL-SCH TB bits
transmitted to UE 116 or a maximum number of UL-SCH TB bits
transmitted from UE 116 to MeNB 920 according to a SF direction
(DL/special or UL) in cells of SeNB 950. If the SF is a DL fixed
SF, the MeNB 920 scheduler can account for a likelihood that the
SeNB 950 scheduler assigns transmissions of DL-SCHs to UE 116 and
then schedule a smaller number of DL-SCH TB bits for UE 116 to
receive and a larger number of UL-SCH TB bits for UE 116 to
transmit in cells of MeNB 920. If the SF is an UL fixed SF, the
MeNB 920 scheduler can account for a likelihood that the SeNB 950
scheduler assigns transmissions of UL-SCHs to UE 116 and schedule a
smaller number of UL-SCH TB bits for UE 116 to receive and a larger
number of DL-SCH TB bits for UE 116 to transmit in cells of MeNB
920. For asynchronous DC operation, the MeNB 103 scheduler can
consider two overlapping SFs in SeNB 950.
[0184] FIG. 20 illustrates a procedure for a MeNB scheduler to
determine a number of DL-SCH TB bits for a UE to receive or a
number of UL-SCH bits for a UE to transmit in cells of the MeNB
based on a nominal UL/DL configuration or based on a DL-reference
configuration if the UE is configured in a TDD cell of a SeNB for
operation with an adapted UL/DL configuration according to this
disclosure. While the flow chart depicts a series of sequential
steps, unless explicitly stated, no inference should be drawn from
the sequence regarding specific order of performance, performance
of steps or portions thereof serially rather than concurrently on
in an overlapping manner, or performance of the steps depicted
exclusively without the occurrence of interleaving or intermediate
steps. The process depicted in the example depicted is implemented
by processing circuitry in a transmitter or receiver chain in, for
example, an eNB.
[0185] SeNB 950 signals over a backhaul link to MeNB 920
configuration parameters for operation of UE 116 with an adapted
UL/DL configuration in a TDD cell of SeNB 950 including a
DL-reference UL/DL configuration and a nominal UL/DL configuration
in block 2010 that MeNB 920 subsequently configures to UE 116, in
block 2020. Based on the DL-reference configuration or on the
nominal UL/DL configuration, the MeNB 920 scheduler determines SFs
where UE 116 is likely to have PUCCH or PUSCH transmissions or
PDSCH receptions in block 2030 in the TDD cell of SeNB 950. Based
on this determination, the MeNB 920 scheduler can adjust a number
of UL-SCH TB bits transmitted from UE 116 or a number of DL-SCH
bits transmitted to UE 116 in cells of MeNB 920 in the SFs in block
2040.
[0186] SeNB 950 can also inform MeNB 920 of a first SF set and of a
second SF set that are configured to UE 116 for CSI measurements in
a cell of SeNB 950. For example, the first SF set can include SFs
where UE 116 experiences DL-dominant interference and the second SF
set can include SFs where UE 116 experiences UL-dominant
interference. As DL-dominant interference is typically larger than
UL-dominant interference, SeNB 950 is likely to schedule UE 116
with a larger number of DL-SCH TB bits in a SF from the second SF
set than in a SF from the first SF set. The MeNB 920 scheduler can
account for this likelihood and can schedule to UE 116 a smaller
number of DL-SCH TB bits in a DL SF from the second set of DL SFs
and a larger number of DL-SCH bits in a DL SF from the first SF set
of DL SFs.
[0187] An existence of a first SF set and of a second SF set can
apply in general when UE 116 can experience different interference
conditions in different SFs and is not limited only to operation
with an adapted UL/DL configuration in a TDD cell. For example, in
order to support interference coordination, MeNB 920 can reduce,
including setting to zero, a transmission power in a macro-cell in
some SFs so that a reception reliability of signals transmitted
from small cells can be improved. Such SFs are referred to as
Almost Blank SFs (ABS). In an ABS, MeNB 920 may transmit only CRS
with its nominal power while other signaling is transmitted with
reduced power, including zero power. MeNB 920 informs a set of ABS
SFs for each respective cell and period of frames to UE 116. MeNB
920 can also provide this information to SeNB 950 and, as MeNB 920
transmits with reduced power (including no transmission) in ABS,
the SeNB 950 scheduler can assign a larger number of DL-SCH TB bits
to UE 116 in a SF that is an ABS in MeNB 920 and can assign a
smaller number of DL-SCH TB bits to UE 116 in a SF that is a
non-ABS in MeNB 920. Also UE 116 can apply a different partitioning
for its soft buffer between MeNB 920 and SeNB 950 depending on an
ABS configuration in one or more cells of MeNB 920 or in one or
more cells of SeNB 950.
[0188] FIG. 21 illustrates a procedure for a MeNB scheduler to
determine a number of DL-SCH TB bits to transmit to a UE in cells
of the MeNB based on a first SF set and on a second SF set
configured for CSI measurement to the UE in a SeNB according to
this disclosure. While the flow chart depicts a series of
sequential steps, unless explicitly stated, no inference should be
drawn from the sequence regarding specific order of performance,
performance of steps or portions thereof serially rather than
concurrently on in an overlapping manner, or performance of the
steps depicted exclusively without the occurrence of interleaving
or intermediate steps. The process depicted in the example depicted
is implemented by processing circuitry in a transmitter chain in,
for example, an eNB.
[0189] SeNB 950 signals over a backhaul link to MeNB 920 a first SF
set for first CSI measurements and a second SF set for second CSI
measurements in block 2110. MeNB 920 configures to UE 116 the first
and second SF sets for respective first and second CSI measurements
in block 2120. The MeNB 920 scheduler uses a first number of DL-SCH
bits in a first SF from the first SF set and uses a second number
of DL-SCH TB bits in a second SF from the second SF set in block
2130 even when a link and system conditions are same for UE 116 in
the first SF and in the second SF.
[0190] SeNB 950 can also inform MeNB 920 of a first SF set for a
first UL PC process and of a second SF set for a second UL PC
process that are configured to UE 116. For example, the first SF
set can include SFs where UE 116 experiences DL-dominant
interference and the second SF set can include SFs where UE 116
experiences UL-dominant interference. As DL-dominant interference
is typically larger than UL-dominant interference, SeNB 950 is
likely to schedule UE 116 with a larger number of UL-SCH TB bits in
a SF from the second SF set than in a SF from the first SF set. The
MeNB 920 scheduler can account for this likelihood and can schedule
to UE 116 a smaller number of UL-SCH TB bits in an UL SF from the
second set of UL SFs and a larger number of UL-SCH bits in an DL SF
from the first SF set of UL SFs
[0191] A partitioning of a maximum DL-SCH TB bits or of a maximum
UL-SCH TB bits between MeNB 920 and SeNB 950 can also vary in time
and depend on the SF.
[0192] In first case, as it was described in the fifth embodiment
of this disclosure, the MeNB 920 scheduler can schedule UE 116 with
a larger number of DL-SCH TB bits in SFs that are UL SFs in a
nominal UL/DL configuration than in SFs that are DL SFs (or special
SFs). Similar, the MeNB 920 scheduler can schedule UE 116 with a
larger number of UL-SCH TB bits in SFs that are DL SFs (or special
SFs) in the nominal UL/DL configuration than in SFs that are UL
SFs. For example, under practically identical link or system
operating conditions, MeNB 920 can schedule UE 116 with a maximum
number of DL-SCH TB bits (according to a respective capability for
UE 116) in SFs that are UL SFs in a nominal UL/DL configuration and
with a number of DL-SCH TB bits that is smaller than the maximum
one in SFs that are DL SFs.
[0193] In a second case, SeNB 950 informs MeNB 920 of a
DL-reference UL/DL configuration for a TDD cell of SeNB 950 that
operates with an adapted UL/DL configuration. As for the first
case, the MeNB 920 scheduler can schedule UE 116 with a larger
number of DL-SCH TB bits in SFs that are UL SFs in the DL-reference
UL/DL configuration than in SFs that are DL SFs (or special SFs).
Similar, the MeNB 920 scheduler can schedule UE 116 with a larger
number of UL-SCH TB bits in SFs that are DL SFs (or special SFs) in
the DL-reference UL/DL configuration than in SFs that are UL SFs.
In either case, same operational conditions can be otherwise
assumed.
[0194] In a third case, SeNB 950 can signal to MeNB 920 a bitmap of
SFs where SeNB 950 is likely to schedule UE 116 with a larger
number of DL-SCH TB bits (or smaller number of DL-SCH TB bits),
such as SFs where UE 116 experiences reduced interference (or
increased interference) for DL transmissions. For example, a bitmap
value for SFs associated with the larger number of DL-SCH TB bits
can be `0` and a bitmap value for SFs associated with the smaller
number of DL-SCH TB bits can be `1` (or the reverse). MeNB 920 can
schedule UE 116 with a larger number DL-SCH TB bits in SFs with
respective bitmap value of `1` than in SFs with respective bitmap
value of `0`. Also, MeNB 920 can allocate to SeNB 950 a third and a
fourth maximum number of DL-SCH TB bits for scheduling in SFs with
respective bitmap value of `1` and `0`, respectively, where the
third maximum number is larger than the fourth maximum number. MeNB
920 can also provide the above signaling to UE 116 by RRC
signaling.
[0195] In a fourth case, MeNB 920 can signal to SeNB 950 a bitmap
of SFs where MeNB 920 is likely to schedule UE 116 with a larger
number of DL-SCH TB bits, such as non-ABS SFs. For a FDD cell two
bitmaps can be signaled, a first for DL SFs and a second for UL
SFs. For example, a bitmap value for SFs associated with the larger
number of DL-SCH TB bits can be `0` and a bitmap value for SFs
associated with the smaller number of DL-SCH TB bits can be `1` (or
the reverse). SeNB 950 can schedule UE 116 with a larger number
DL-SCH TB bits in SFs with respective bitmap value of `1` than in
SFs with respective bitmap value of `0`. MeNB 920 can also provide
the above signaling to UE 116 by RRC signaling.
[0196] In general, regardless of the conditions motivating
scheduling with a larger or smaller number of DL-SCH (or UL-SCH) TB
bits in a first SF than in a second SF, SeNB 950 or MeNB 920 can
inform MeNB 920 or SeNB 950, respectively, of a first SF subset in
a SF set where MeNB 920 or SeNB 950 can schedule a larger number of
DL-SCH or UL-SCH TB bits. Remaining SFs in the SF set constitute a
second SF subset where MeNB 920 or SeNB 950 can schedule a smaller
number of DL-SCH or UL-SCH TB bits (including no scheduling). MeNB
920 can assign a first and a second maximum DL-SCH TB bits or
UL-SCH TB bits to SeNB 950 for scheduling in the first SF subset
and in the second SF subset, respectively. MeNB 920 can also
provide this information to UE 116 by RRC signaling. The first and
second SF subsets can be explicitly signaled or be implicitly
determined from other signaling such as a bitmap indicating ABS and
non-ABS for MeNB 920 or SeNB 950 or a UL/DL configuration for each
TDD cell of MeNB 920 or SeNB 950, respectively, and so on as it was
previously described.
Embodiment 7: Partitioning a UE Soft Buffer Between a MeNB and a
SeNB
[0197] The seventh embodiment illustrates a partitioning of a soft
buffer for UE 116 configured for operation with DC between MeNB 920
and SeNB 950. The soft buffer partitioning can depend on a number
of DL HARQ processes UE 116 needs to support at MeNB 920 and on a
number of DL HARQ processes UE 116 needs to support at SeNB 950.
The soft buffer partitioning can also depend on a number of
configured cells or activated cells for UE 116 in MeNB 920 and in
SeNB 950 and on a configured TM for PDSCH transmissions in each
cell. MeNB 920 can assign a percentage for the soft buffer of UE
116 to the SeNB 950 through signaling in the backhaul link. The
soft buffer partitioning can also depend on first and second SF
subsets from a SF set.
[0198] For DL scheduling of UE 116 in a TDD cell of SeNB 950, a
number of DL HARQ processes can vary depending on an UL/DL
configuration in the TDD cell. If UE 116 is configured for
operation with an adaptive UL/DL configuration in the TDD cell, due
to a backhaul link signaling latency between MeNB 920 and SeNB 950
that can be comparable to or larger than a validity period of an
adapted UL/DL configuration, MeNB 920 can only know a maximum
number of DL HARQ processes for UE 116 in the TDD cells as this is
determined for a respective DL-reference UL/DL configuration (since
a maximum possible number of DL SFs, including special SFs, in an
adapted UL/DL configuration is the one of the DL-reference UL/DL
configuration). An actual number of DL HARQ processes, as
determined by the adapted UL/DL configuration, can be smaller than
the maximum one. MeNB 920 can then schedule PDSCH transmissions to
UE 116 by considering a soft buffer partitioning at UE 116 based on
the maximum number of DL HARQ processes for UE 116 in the TDD cell
of SeNB 950 as the DL-reference UL/DL configuration is signaled
from SeNB 950 to MeNB 920. If UE 116 is not configured for
operation with an adaptive UL/DL configuration in the TDD cell,
MeNB 920 can schedule PDSCH transmissions to UE 116 by considering
a soft buffer partitioning at UE 116 based on the actual number of
DL HARQ processes for UE 116 in the TDD cell of SeNB 950.
[0199] From Table 3, a number of DL HARQ processes depends on an
UL/DL configuration. Moreover, DL-reference UL/DL configurations
that can be used for operation with an adaptive UL/DL configuration
are limited to UL/DL configurations 2, 4, and 5 in Table 2 and a
respective maximum number of DL HARQ processes is larger than 8 but
a soft buffer partitioning is based on at most 8 DL HARQ processes
(see also REF 3).
[0200] In order to facilitate statistical soft buffer management at
UE 116 and minimize a probability of DL HARQ blocking, UE 116
considers the number of DL HARQ processes in the TDD cell of SeNB
950 for a soft buffer partitioning. Moreover, MeNB 920 and SeNB 950
also consider the number of DL HARQ processes in the TDD cell of
SeNB 950 in the DL scheduling for UE 116. UE 116 assigns a larger
percentage of its soft buffer for DL scheduling in the TDD cells of
SeNB 950 when a respective UL/DL configuration supports a larger
number of DL HARQ processes and the MeNB 920 scheduler can assume
availability of a smaller percentage of the UE 116 soft buffer for
PDSCH transmissions to UE 116 and can therefore reduce respective
data TBS or a used number of DL HARQ processes. When UE 116
operates with an adapted UL/DL configuration in the TDD cell of
SeNB 950, the MeNB 920 scheduler can assume availability of a
smaller percentage of the UE 116 soft buffer for PDSCH
transmissions to UE 116 when a DL-reference UL/DL configuration has
a larger maximum number of DL HARQ processes even though the soft
buffer partitioning is based on 8 DL HARQ processes. For example,
when the DL-reference UL/DL configuration in the TDD cell of SeNB
950 is UL/DL configuration 5 (having a maximum of 15 DL HARQ
processes), the MeNB 920 scheduler can assume availability of a
smaller percentage of the UE 116 soft buffer for PDSCH
transmissions to UE 116 than when the DL-reference UL/DL
configuration in the TDD cell of SeNB 950 is UL/DL configuration 2
(having a maximum of 10 DL HARQ processes).
[0201] FIG. 22 illustrates a procedure for a MeNB, a SeNB, and a UE
to decide the UE soft buffer partitioning between the MeNB and the
SeNB according to this disclosure. While the flow chart depicts a
series of sequential steps, unless explicitly stated, no inference
should be drawn from the sequence regarding specific order of
performance, performance of steps or portions thereof serially
rather than concurrently on in an overlapping manner, or
performance of the steps depicted exclusively without the
occurrence of interleaving or intermediate steps. The process
depicted in the example depicted is implemented by processing
circuitry in a transmitter chain in, for example, an eNB or in a
receiver chain in, for example, a UE.
[0202] SeNB 950 signals over a backhaul link to MeNB 920 a nominal
UL/DL configuration for a TDD cell of SeNB 950 or a DL-reference
UL/DL configuration when the TDD cell uses an adapted UL/DL
configuration to communicate with UE 116 in block 2210. Based on a
number of DL HARQ processes for the nominal UL/DL configuration or
for the DL-reference UL/DL configuration in the TDD cell, MeNB 920
and SeNB 950 determine, respectively, a percentage of the soft
buffer for UE 116 to use for transmissions of DL-SCH TB bits to UE
116, in block 2220. Also, based on a number of DL HARQ processes
for an UL/DL configuration UE 116 considers for scheduling in the
TDD cell, UE 116 determines a percentage of its soft buffer to
assign for DL-SCH TB bits from MeNB 920 or from SeNB 950, in block
2230. For example, the UL/DL configuration can be the nominal UL/DL
configuration or an adapted UL/DL configuration.
[0203] Although a soft buffer partitioning for UE 116 was described
with reference to an UL/DL configuration of a TDD cell of SeNB 950,
same principles apply for a number of activated cells or configured
cells at MeNB 920 or SeNB 950. For example, for a same DL BW of
cells, a soft buffer partitioning for UE 116 between MeNB 920 and
SeNB 950 can be proportional to a number of activated cells or
configured cells for UE 116 in MeNB 920 and SeNB 950. Moreover,
during DRX SFs or measurement gap SFs of UE 116 for MeNB 920 or
SeNB 950, UE 116 can assign its entire soft buffer for DL-SCH TB
bits from SeNB 950 or MeNB 920, respectively.
[0204] A target BLock Error Rate (BLER) for transmissions of DL-SCH
TBs to UE 116 from MeNB 920 or from SeNB 950 can also be exchanged
between MeNB 920 and SeNB 950 through a backhaul link as it can
affect an efficiency of statistical soft buffer management. For
example, a higher target BLER for an initial transmission of a data
TB increases the likelihood for HARQ retransmissions and requires a
larger percentage of the soft buffer for UE 116 in order to reduce
HARQ blocking. The target BLER for DL-SCH TBs from MeNB 920 or from
SeNB 950 can also be informed to UE 116 that can then consider
respective target BLERs in its soft buffer allocation for DL-SCH
TBs from MeNB 920 or for DL-SCH TBs from SeNB 950.
Embodiment 8: Partitioning of Maximum UE Transmission Power Between
a MeNB and a SeNB
[0205] The eighth embodiment illustrates a partitioning of a
maximum UE transmission power between a MeNB, such as MeNB 920, and
a SeNB, such as SeNB 950, when the UE, such as UE 116, is
configured with a first SF set where UE 116 applies a first UL PC
process and with a second SF set where UE 116 applies a second UL
PC process.
[0206] Due to the first and second UL PC processes in respective
first and second SF sets, a partitioning of P.sub.CMAX(i) in SF i
between MeNB 920 and SeNB 950 can vary depending on the SF set
where SF i belongs. For the first SF set, MeNB 920 can allocate to
UE 116 and to SeNB 950 a first minimum available power,
P.sub.SeNB,1, for transmissions to SeNB 950. For the second SF set,
MeNB 920 can allocate to UE 116 and to SeNB 950 a second minimum
available power, P.sub.SeNB,2, for transmissions to SeNB 950.
Further, in determining P.sub.SeNB,1 and P.sub.SeNB,2 MeNB 920 can
use an information from SeNB 950 of respective UL PC parameters for
UL transmissions in the first SF set and in the second SF set.
[0207] FIG. 23 illustrates a method for a MeNB to allocate to a UE
and to a SeNB a first minimum available power and a second minimum
available power for transmissions to SeNB in a first SF set and in
a second SF set, respectively, according to this disclosure. While
the flow chart depicts a series of sequential steps, unless
explicitly stated, no inference should be drawn from the sequence
regarding specific order of performance, performance of steps or
portions thereof serially rather than concurrently on in an
overlapping manner, or performance of the steps depicted
exclusively without the occurrence of interleaving or intermediate
steps. The process depicted in the example depicted is implemented
by processing circuitry in a transmitter chain in, for example, a
UE.
[0208] SeNB 950 signals to MeNB 920, through a backhaul link,
parameters for a first UL PC process, parameters for a second UL PC
process, and respective first SF set and second SF set in block
2310. UE 116 is configured the first SF set, the second SF set, the
parameters for first UL PC process for UL transmissions in first SF
set, and parameters for second UL PC process for UL transmissions
in second SF set in block 2320. Based on this information, MeNB 920
allocates to UE 116 and to SeNB 950 a first minimum guaranteed
power and a second minimum guaranteed power, P.sub.SeNB,1 and
P.sub.SeNB,2 respectively, for UL transmissions from UE 116 to SeNB
950 in the first SF set and in the second SF set, respectively in
block 2330.
[0209] If UE 116 experiences significantly larger DL interference
in the second SF set than in the first SF set, a required
transmission power in a SF from the second SF set can be
significantly larger than a required transmission power in a SF
from the first SF set. To avoid a significant reduction in an
available power that UE 116 has for transmissions to MeNB 920 in a
SF from the second SF set, either SeNB 950 can suspend scheduling
transmissions from UE 116 in the SF or MeNB 920 can reject a
request for allocating to SeNB 950 a minimum guaranteed power
P.sub.SeNB,2 in the second SF set.
[0210] When UE 116 is configured for operation with an adapted
UL/DL configuration in a TDD cell of SeNB 950, a DL-reference UL/DL
configuration for PUCCH transmissions by UE 116 creates a third
type of SFs where UE 116 can transmit PUCCH and a fourth type of
SFs where UE 116 does not transmit PUCCH. Then UE 116 needs to
report both Type 1 PHR and Type 2 PHR. As Type 1 PHR is applicable
for SFs where UE 116 can transmit only PUSCH while Type 2 is
applicable for SFs where UE 116 can transmit both PUSCH and PUCCH,
a PHR for transmissions in SeNB 950 for the third set of SFs can
correspond to transmission of both PUSCH and PUCCH and a PHR for
the fourth set of SFs can correspond to transmission of only PUSCH
by UE 116. Type 1 PHR and Type 2 PHR can correspond to actual or to
virtual PUSCH/PUCCH transmissions (actual PHR or virtual PHR,
respectively).
[0211] Although the present disclosure has been described with
example embodiments, various changes and modifications may be
suggested to one skilled in the art. It is intended that the
present disclosure encompass such changes and modifications that
fall within the scope of the appended claims.
* * * * *