APPARATUS AND METHODS FOR UPLINK MIMO ENHANCEMENT IN WIRELESS SYSTEMS

Abstract

Apparatus and methods for increasing throughput in wireless systems and networks. In one embodiment, the apparatus and methods provide enhanced performance to 5G millimeter-wave user devices via expanded use of spatial multiplexing layers in various uplink (UL) operating modes, including transform precode and non-transform precode modes. In one implementation, the methods and apparatus described herein can be utilized with respect to a 3GPP 5G NR UE scheduled dynamically in UL transmission. In another implementation, the methods and apparatus described herein can be utilized with respect to the UE scheduled with a Configured Grant (CG) UL transmission.

Claims

1-5. (canceled)

6. A method of operating a millimeter wave (mmWave)-enabled wireless user device, within a wireless network comprising at least one wireless access node, the method comprising: receiving from the at least one wireless access node, via an array of multiple antenna elements of the mmWave-enabled wireless user device, data relating to configuration of (i) the mmWave-enabled wireless user device for a maximum number of data layers supported for transmission of data in an UL (uplink) wireless channel, and (ii) one or more transmission protocols for the UL transmission of data; configuring the mmWave-enabled wireless user device according to the received data; and transmitting data on the UL wireless channel using the configured number of data layers and the one or more transmission protocols from the mmWave-enabled wireless user device to the at least one access node.

7. The method of claim 6, wherein the method further comprises providing the at least one wireless access node data relating to the determined maximum number of data layers comprises providing the data on an uplink shared channel established between the mmWave-enabled wireless user device and the at least one wireless access node.

8. The method of claim 7, wherein: the transmitting data on the UL wireless channel using the configured number of data layers and the one or more transmission protocols comprises utilizing a precoding matrix configured by the at least one wireless access node for the configured number of data layers for the transmitting data on the UL.

9. The method of claim 8, wherein: the at least one wireless access node comprises a 3GPP (Third Generation Partnership Project) 5G NR (Fifth Generation New Radio) compliant gNodeB comprising at least one CU (controller unit) and at least one DU (distributed unit); the mmWave-enabled wireless user device comprises a 3GPP compliant UE (user equipment) having a plurality of ports associated with the array of antenna elements; and the providing the at least one wireless access node data relating to the determined maximum number of data layers supported comprises transmitting at least one information element comprising data relating to the determined maximum number of data layers supported on a PUSCH (Physical Uplink Shared Channel).

10. The method of claim 6, wherein the receiving and transmitting occur with a frequency range comprising 52.6 GHz-71 GHz, the array of multiple antenna elements comprises and array of 16 or greater antenna elements, and the mmWave-enabled wireless user device further comprises at least one wireless interface comprising 16 or greater antenna ports associated with the 16 or greater antenna elements, respectively.

11. The method of claim 6, wherein the mmWave-enabled wireless user device comprises a 3GPP compliant UE (user equipment), the array of multiple antennas having a plurality of antenna elements, and the maximum number of data layers comprises a number greater than four (4) data layers.

12. The method of claim 6, wherein: the user device comprises a 3GPP compliant handheld mobile device; and the operating comprises operating the user device in either a cyclic prefix (CP) or discrete Fourier Transform (DFT) mode.

13. The method of claim 6, wherein: the at least one wireless access node comprises at least one small-cell wireless access node operated by a multiple systems operator (MSO) and backhauled by hybrid fiber coax (HFC) network of the MSO; and the receiving from the at least one wireless access node, via an array of multiple antenna elements of the mmWave-enabled wireless user device, data relating to configuration comprises receiving via an array of multiple antenna elements associated with a fixed wireless access (FWA) mmWave-enabled wireless user device from the at least one small-cell wireless access node the data relating to configuration, the receiving occurring over an unlicensed mmWave frequency band utilized by the at least one small-cell wireless access node.

14. A wireless user device configured to operate within a MIMO (multiple input multiple output) transmission architecture using a plurality of spatial layers, the wireless user device comprising: digital processor apparatus; at least one wireless interface in data communication with the processor apparatus, the at least one wireless interface configured to utilize a plurality of spatial multiplexing layers and comprising respective one or more antenna elements for each of said plurality of spatial multiplexing layers; and a storage device in data communication with the processor apparatus and comprising a storage medium configured to store at least one computer program, the at least one computer program configured to, when executed on the processor apparatus, enable the wireless user device to: select either (i) operation in a transform precode mode, or (ii) operation in a non-transform precode mode, for uplink (UL) transmissions to a wireless base station within a millimeter wave frequency band; and based at least in part on the selection, perform at least a portion of the UL transmissions using the selected (i) or (ii).

15. The user device of claim 14, wherein the transform precode mode comprises discrete Fourier transform-based mode, and the non-transform precode mode is based at least in part on use of cyclic prefix.

16. The user device of claim 15, wherein each of the transform precode mode and the non-transform precode mode each utilize multiple codewords.

17. The user device of claim 14, wherein the user device comprises a 3GPP 5G NR UE (Third Generation Partnership Project Fifth Generation New Radio User Equipment), and the non-transform precode mode comprises a CP-OFDM (cyclic prefix-orthogonal frequency division multiplexing) mode which utilizes at least a dynamically allocated physical uplink shared channel (PUSCH) based at least on DCI (downlink control information) signaling from the base station on a PDCCH (physical downlink control channel).

18. The user device of claim 14, wherein the transform precode mode comprises a DFT-S-OFDM (discrete Fourier transform spread OFDM) mode which utilizes at least two of a plurality of spatial multiplexing layers.

19. The user device of claim 14, wherein the user device comprises a 3GPP 5G NR UE (Third Generation Partnership Project Fifth Generation New Radio User Equipment), and the uplink (UL) transmissions to the wireless base station within a millimeter wave frequency band comprises transmissions utilizing one or more configured grant (CG) PUSCH channels; wherein the at least one computer program is further configured to, when executed, determine at least one of (i) a configured number of spatial layers, or (ii) a configured number of codewords.

20. The user device of claim 14, wherein the at least one computer program is further configured to, when executed, cause transmission of uplink control information comprising data indicating at least one of: (i) at least one of precoding or layer configuration, or (ii) codeword configuration.

21. A method of operating a millimeter wave (mmWave)-enabled wireless user device, within a wireless network comprising at least one wireless access node, the method comprising: receiving from a mmWave-enabled wireless user device first data regarding one or more MIMO (multiple input multiple output) configurations supported by the mmWave-enabled wireless user device; transmitting to the mmWave-enabled wireless user device, second data relating to configuration of the user device for transmission of data in an UL wireless channel, the second data based at least in part on the first data and configured to cause the mmWave-enabled wireless user device to configure itself, including at least a number of data layers to be used for the UL wireless channel, according to the second data; and receiving from the configured mmWave-enabled wireless user device, third data on the UL wireless channel using the configured number of data layers.

22. The method of claim 21, wherein the first data is based on MIMO channel rank data generated by the mmWave-enabled wireless user device, the MIMO channel rank data based on one or more channel quality or reference signals measured by the mmWave-enabled wireless user device.

23. The method of claim 21, wherein the receiving the first data comprises receiving at the at least one wireless access node at least one PUSCH-ServingCellConfig Information Element (IE), the at least one PUSCH-ServingCellConfig Information Element (IE) comprising data indicating the number of data layers, the number of data layers selected from a group consisting of 6 data layers, 8 data layers, 16 data layers, 32 data layers, and 64 data layers.

24. The method of claim 21, wherein the transmitting the second data comprises transmitting data indicative of at least one precoding matrix to be used by the mmWave-enabled wireless user device for at least the UL wireless channel.

25. The method of claim 21, wherein the configured mmWave-enabled wireless user device uses one of a CP (Cyclic Prefix)-OFDM or DFT (Discrete Fourier Transform)-S-OFDM modulation schemes for the UL wireless channel.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0053] FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating one exemplary prior art configuration of a 3GPP MIMO UL transmission chain of an OFDM-based UE.

[0054] FIG. 2A is a first tabular representation of exemplary prior art 3GPP PUSCH-ServingCellConfig information element (IE).

[0055] FIG. 2B is a graphical representation of exemplary prior art 3GPP PUSCH-ServingCellConfig IE parameters.

[0056] FIG. 3A is a tabular representation of exemplary prior art 3GPP ConfiguredGrantConfig IE.

[0057] FIG. 3B is a graphical representation of exemplary prior art 3GPP ConfiguredGrantConfig parameters.

[0058] FIG. 4A is a block diagram illustrating a prior art architecture including UE and gNB, illustrating CP-OFDM UL operation using a maximum of four layers.

[0059] FIG. 4B is a block diagram illustrating a prior art architecture including UE and gNB, illustrating precode transform (e.g., DFT-S-OFDM) UL operation using a maximum of one layer.

[0060] FIG. 5 is a block diagram illustrating one embodiment of a network architecture with enhanced MIMO functionality (including UE.sub.e and gNB.sub.e) according to the present disclosure.

[0061] FIG. 5A is a block diagram illustrating one exemplary configuration of a 3GPP 5G NR MIMO UL transmission chain of an OFDM-based mmWave-capable UE.sub.e according to the present disclosure.

[0062] FIG. 6 is a functional block diagram illustrating one embodiment of a user device (e.g., enhanced UE or user equipment such as a 5G NR-enabled mobile device) configured according to the disclosure.

[0063] FIG. 7 is a functional block diagram illustrating one embodiment of a wireless access node (e.g., enhanced base station or 3GPP 5G NR gNB.sub.e) configured according to the disclosure.

[0064] FIGS. 8A and 8B illustrates various embodiments of an enhanced gNB (gNB.sub.e) CU/DU architecture according to the disclosure.

[0065] FIG. 9 is a functional block diagram of a first exemplary MSO network architecture useful in conjunction with various methods and apparatus described herein.

[0066] FIG. 10 is logic flow diagram illustrating a first exemplary embodiment of a generalized method for configuring a user device for enhanced MIMO UL transmission.

[0067] FIG. 11 is logic flow diagram illustrating a first exemplary implementation of the method of FIG. 10.

[0068] FIG. 11A is logic flow diagram illustrating a second exemplary implementation of the method of FIG. 10, wherein transitions to/from transform precode mode operation are used.

[0069] FIG. 12 is a graphical representation of exemplary embodiment of enhanced PUSCH-ServingCellConfig IE including enhanced maxMIMO-Layers specification.

[0070] FIG. 13A is a graphical representation of exemplary prior art 3GPP MIMO-Layers parameter IE.

[0071] FIG. 13B is a graphical representation of exemplary embodiment of an enhanced 3GPP MIMO-Layers parameters IE according to the disclosure.

[0072] FIG. 14A is a graphical representation of exemplary prior art 3GPP PUSCH-Config parameter IE.

[0073] FIG. 14B is a graphical representation of exemplary embodiment of an enhanced IE PUSCH-Config parameter IE according to the disclosure.

[0074] FIG. 15 is a table representing one embodiment of enhanced precoding and layer information according to the disclosure.

[0075] FIG. 16 is a graphical representation of one embodiment of a multi-layer (here, 8 layer) UL MIMO codebook according to the disclosure.

[0076] FIG. 17A is a graphical representation of exemplary prior art DMRS specification which can support a maximum of 4 layers.

[0077] FIG. 17B is a graphical representation of exemplary embodiment of an enhanced DMRS specification according to the present disclosure.

[0078] FIG. 18A is a graphical representation of exemplary embodiment of a prior art SRS information element.

[0079] FIG. 18B is a graphical representation of exemplary embodiment of an enhanced SRS information element according to the disclosure.

[0080] FIG. 19 is logic flow diagram illustrating an exemplary embodiment of a method for configuring a UEe for CG-PUSCH UL transmission.

[0081] FIG. 19A is logic flow diagram illustrating an exemplary implementation of the method of FIG. 19.

[0082] FIG. 20A is a tabular representation of exemplary prior art UCI information set.

[0083] FIG. 20B is a tabular representation of a first exemplary embodiment of an enhanced UCI information set according to the disclosure.

[0084] FIG. 20C is a tabular representation of a second exemplary embodiment of an enhanced UCI information set according to the disclosure.

[0085] All figures © Copyright 2020 Charter Communications Operating, LLC. All rights reserved.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0086] Reference is now made to the drawings wherein like numerals refer to like parts throughout.

[0087] As used herein, the term “application” (or “app”) refers generally and without limitation to a unit of executable software that implements a certain functionality or theme. The themes of applications vary broadly across any number of disciplines and functions (such as on-demand content management, e-commerce transactions, brokerage transactions, home entertainment, calculator etc.), and one application may have more than one theme. The unit of executable software generally runs in a predetermined environment; for example, the unit could include a downloadable Java Xlet™ that runs within the JavaTV™ environment.

[0088] As used herein, the terms “client device” or “user device” or “UE” include, but are not limited to, set-top boxes (e.g., DSTBs), gateways, modems, personal computers (PCs), and minicomputers, whether desktop, laptop, or otherwise, and mobile devices such as handheld computers, PDAs, personal media devices (PMDs), tablets, “phablets”, smartphones, wireless nodes such as FWA devices or femtocells/small-cells, and vehicle infotainment systems or portions thereof.

[0089] As used herein, the term “computer program” or “software” is meant to include any sequence or human or machine cognizable steps which perform a function. Such program may be rendered in virtually any programming language or environment including, for example, C/C++, Fortran, COBOL, PASCAL, Ruby, Python, assembly language, markup languages (e.g., HTML, SGML, XML, VoXML), and the like, as well as object-oriented environments such as the Common Object Request Broker Architecture (CORBA), Java™ (including J2ME, Java Beans, etc.) and the like.

[0090] As used herein, the term “DOCSIS” refers to any of the existing or planned variants of the Data Over Cable Services Interface Specification, including for example DOCSIS versions 3.0, 3.1 and 4.0.

[0091] As used herein, the term “headend” or “backend” refers generally to a networked system controlled by an operator (e.g., an MSO) that distributes programming to MSO clientele using client devices, or provides other services such as high-speed data delivery and backhaul.

[0092] As used herein, the terms “Internet” and “internet” are used interchangeably to refer to inter-networks including, without limitation, the Internet. Other common examples include but are not limited to: a network of external servers, “cloud” entities (such as memory or storage not local to a device, storage generally accessible at any time via a network connection, and the like), service nodes, access points, controller devices, client devices, etc.

[0093] As used herein, the term “LTE” refers to, without limitation and as applicable, any of the variants or Releases of the Long-Term Evolution wireless communication standard, including LTE-U (Long Term Evolution in unlicensed spectrum), LTE-LAA (Long Term Evolution, Licensed Assisted Access), LTE-A (LTE Advanced), 4G LTE, WiMAX, VoLTE (Voice over LTE), and other wireless data standards.

[0094] As used herein, the term “memory” includes any type of integrated circuit or other storage device adapted for storing digital data including, without limitation, ROM, PROM, EEPROM, DRAM, SDRAM, (G)DDR/2/3/4/5/6 SDRAM, EDO/FPMS, RLDRAM, SRAM, “flash” memory (e.g., NAND/NOR), 3D memory, stacked memory such as HBM/HBM2, spin-RAM and PSRAM.

[0095] As used herein, the terms “microprocessor” and “processor” or “digital processor” are meant generally to include all types of digital processing devices including, without limitation, digital signal processors (DSPs), reduced instruction set computers (RISC), general-purpose (CISC) processors, microprocessors, GPUs (graphics processing units), gate arrays (e.g., FPGAs), PLDs, reconfigurable computer fabrics (RCFs), array processors, secure microprocessors, and application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs). Such digital processors may be contained on a single unitary IC die, or distributed across multiple components.

[0096] As used herein, the term “mmWave” refers to, without limitation, any device or technology or methodology utilizing millimeter wave spectrum between 24 GHz and 300 GHz.

[0097] As used herein, the terms “MNO” or “mobile network operator” refer to a cellular, satellite phone, WMAN (e.g., 802.16), or other network service provider having infrastructure required to deliver services including without limitation voice and data over those mediums. The term “MNO” as used herein is further intended to include MVNOs, MNVAs, and MVNEs.

[0098] As used herein, the terms “MSO” or “multiple systems operator” refer to a cable, satellite, or terrestrial network provider having infrastructure required to deliver services including programming and data over those mediums.

[0099] As used herein, the terms “network” and “bearer network” refer generally to any type of telecommunications or data network including, without limitation, hybrid fiber coax (HFC) networks, satellite networks, telco networks, and data networks (including MANs, WANs, LANs, WLANs, internets, and intranets). Such networks or portions thereof may utilize any one or more different topologies (e.g., ring, bus, star, loop, etc.), transmission media (e.g., wired/RF cable, RF wireless, millimeter wave, optical, etc.) and/or communications technologies or networking protocols (e.g., SONET, DOCSIS, IEEE Std. 802.3, ATM, X.25, Frame Relay, 3GPP, 3GPP2, LTE/LTE-A/LTE-U/LTE-LAA, 5GNR, WAP, SIP, UDP, FTP, RTP/RTCP, H.323, etc.).

[0100] As used herein the terms “5G” and “New Radio (NR)” refer without limitation to apparatus, methods or systems compliant with 3GPP Release 15-17 as applicable, and any modifications, subsequent Releases, or amendments or supplements thereto which are directed to New Radio technology, whether licensed or unlicensed, as well as any related technologies such as 5G NR-U.

[0101] As used herein, the term “quasi-licensed” refers without limitation to spectrum which is at least temporarily granted, shared, or allocated for use on a dynamic or variable basis, whether such spectrum is unlicensed, shared, licensed, or otherwise.

[0102] As used herein, the term “server” refers to any computerized component, system or entity regardless of form which is adapted to provide data, files, applications, content, or other services to one or more other devices or entities on a computer network.

[0103] As used herein, the term “storage” refers to without limitation computer hard drives, DVR device, memory, RAID devices or arrays, optical media (e.g., CD-ROMs, Laserdiscs, Blu-Ray, etc.), or any other devices or media capable of storing content or other information.

[0104] As used herein the terms “unlicensed” and “unlicensed spectrum” refer without limitation to radio frequency spectrum (e.g., from the sub-GHz range through 100 GHz) which is generally accessible, at least on a part time basis, for use by users not having an explicit license to use, such as e.g., ISM-band, 2.4 GHz bands, 5 GHz bands, 6 GHz bands, quasi-licensed spectrum such as CBRS, 60 GHz (V-Band) and other mmWave bands, 5G NR-U bands, and others germane to the geographic region of operation (whether in the U.S. or beyond) that will be appreciated by those of ordinary skill given the present disclosure.

[0105] As used herein, the term “Wi-Fi” refers to, without limitation and as applicable, any of the variants of IEEE Std. 802.11 or related standards including 802.11 a/b/g/n/s/v/ac/ad/ax/ay, 802.11-2012/2013 or 802.11-2016, as well as Wi-Fi Direct (including inter alia, the “Wi-Fi Peer-to-Peer (P2P) Specification”, incorporated herein by reference in its entirety).

Overview

[0106] In one exemplary aspect, the present disclosure provides methods and apparatus for providing wireless services which, inter alia, provide enhancement over extant UL functionality during utilization of mmWave spectrum. Specifically, UL data throughput and/or coverage are enhanced in various UL operating modes for mmWave-enabled devices, including user devices with multiple antennas and MIMO capability.

[0107] In one embodiment, an enhanced MIMO transmission framework, which employs large antenna arrays and additional spatial layers in the UL to enhance capacity, is provided. For instance, in one implementation, the framework includes provision for use of an increased number of spatial multiplexing layers in the UL for both transform precode (e.g., DFT-S-OFDM) and non-transform precode (e.g., CP-OFDM) modes, within the 52.6 GHz-71 GHz spectrum specified for 3GPP 5G NR Release-17.

[0108] Specifically, in one implementation, an enhanced 5G NR UE employing CP-OFDM utilizes a shared and dynamically allocated uplink channel (PUSCH) based on associated DCI format signaling for UL transmission of data from the UE to a gNB.

[0109] In a second implementation, multiple UL spatial layers are supported when the enhanced UE is applying transform precoding such as DFT-S-OFDM, thereby providing higher data capacity than extant single-layer capabilities when the UE is utilizing transform precoding for better UL coverage.

[0110] In yet another implementation, the enhanced UE utilizes one or more configured grant (CG) PUSCH channels for the UL transmission of data from the UE to the gNB, with a configurable number of spatial layers and/or codewords. In one such configuration, one or more additional fields (which indicates precoding and layer configuration, and codeword configuration if desired) are used within the CG-Uplink Control Information (UCI).

Detailed Description of Exemplary Embodiments

[0111] Exemplary embodiments of the apparatus and methods of the present disclosure are now described in detail. While these exemplary embodiments are described in the context of a managed network of a service provider (e.g., MSO and/or MNO networks), it will be recognized that other types of radio access technologies (“RATs”), other types of networks and architectures that are configured to deliver digital data (e.g., files, text, images, games, software applications, video and/or audio/voice) may be used consistent with the present disclosure. Such other networks or architectures may be broadband, narrowband, or otherwise, the following therefore being merely exemplary in nature.

[0112] It will also be appreciated that while described generally in the context of a network providing service to a customer or consumer or end user or subscriber (i.e., within a prescribed service area, venue, or other type of premises, or one mobile in nature), the present disclosure may be readily adapted to other types of environments including, e.g., outdoors, commercial/retail, or enterprise domain (e.g., businesses), or even governmental uses. Yet other applications are possible.

[0113] Moreover, while described in the context of unlicensed (e.g., mmWave) spectrum, it will be appreciated by those of ordinary skill given the present disclosure that various of the methods and apparatus described herein may be applied to spectrum within a licensed or quasi-licensed spectrum context (e.g., such as where the spectrum is temporarily granted to one or more users and may be subsequently withdrawn).

[0114] Further, while some aspects of the present disclosure are described in detail with respect to so-called 5G “New Radio” (3GPP Release 17 and TS 38.XXX Series Standards and beyond), some aspects are generally access technology “agnostic” and hence may be used across different access technologies, and can be applied to, inter alia, any type of P2MP (point-to-multipoint) or MP2P (multipoint-to-point) technology.

[0115] Other features and advantages of the present disclosure will immediately be recognized by persons of ordinary skill in the art with reference to the attached drawings and detailed description of exemplary embodiments as given below.

Uplink MIMO Enhancement Architectures and Apparatus

[0116] Referring to FIG. 5, one embodiment of an enhanced 5G NR Release 17-based architecture 500 according to the present disclosure is shown and described.

[0117] As illustrated, the architecture 500 includes one or more 5G UE (UEe) devices 501 with enhanced MIMO functionality, as well as one or more enhanced gNBs (gNBe). The architecture 500 is compliant with 3GPP Release 17, and includes an antenna array 507 that has a comparatively larger number of antenna elements 507 (and associated ports within the port logic 517), e.g., five or more. The UEe 505 can transmit data in the UL to the base station 502 (e.g., gNBe) using in one embodiment up to the maximum number of spatial multiplexing layers supported by its antenna/port configuration (e.g., 6, 8, 16, or yet higher numbers). As discussed in greater detail subsequently herein, the number of spatial multiplexing layers (and hence ports and antenna elements) is both configurable and mode-dependent, such that the UE (in conjunction with the gNBe) selectively configure its UL for maximal performance. As referenced previously herein, the prior art (Release 15/16) limitations or tradeoffs regarding coverage versus data throughput are advantageously eliminated in the architecture 500 of FIG. 5, since multiple spatial layers are available in varying different modes of UL operation (including CP-OFDM and DFT-S-OFDM).

[0118] The MIMO enhancement modules or logic 509a, 509b enable the UEe 501 and gNBe respectively to manage and supervise transmission of data in “closed loop” spatial multiplexing mode(s) in the UL, including use of up to prescribed maximum of spatial multiplexing layers which is correlated to the UEe's particular capability in terms of MIMO antenna elements and ports, which under Release 17 may greatly exceed the e.g., 4 maximum layers of earlier revisions' CP-OFDM mode (and the single-layer maximum of DFT-S-OFDM).

[0119] FIG. 5A is a block diagram illustrating one exemplary configuration of a 3GPP 5G NR MIMO UL transmission chain of an OFDM-based mmWave-capable UEe according to the present disclosure. As shown, the transmit chain is modified from that of FIG. 1 to include, inter alia, (i) enhanced support of (input) codewords 503, (ii) enhanced layer mapping logic 507 which enables mapping to a greater number of layers (e.g., two per codeword, or more), and an increased number of antenna/spatial multiplexing ports 506 which may support e.g., large arrays of mmWave-compatible antenna elements (e.g., where λ/2 is on the order of a few mm).

UE.SUB.e .Apparatus

[0120] FIG. 6 illustrates a block diagram of an exemplary embodiment of an enhanced user device such as a 5G NR UE 501 equipped for mmWave communication, useful for operation in accordance with the present disclosure.

[0121] In one exemplary embodiment as shown, the UEe 501 includes, inter alia, a processor apparatus or subsystem such as a CPU 603, flash memory or other mass storage 629, a program memory module 611, 4G baseband processor module 609b with 4G/4.5G stack 624, 5G baseband processor module 609a with 5G NR stack 622 and MIMO enhancement logic 619 (here also implemented as software or firmware operative to execute on the processor 609a), and 5G wireless radio interface 610 and 4G/4.5G radio interface 612 for communications with the relevant RANs (e.g., 5G-NR RAN and 4G/4.5G RAN) respectively, and ultimately the EPC or NG Core 635 as applicable. The RF interfaces 610, 612 are configured to comply with the relevant PHY standards which each supports, and include an RF front end 610, 616 and antenna(s) elements 648, 649 tuned to the desired frequencies of operation (e.g., 52.6-71 GHz for the 5G array, and e.g., 5 GHz for the LTE/LTE-A bands). Each of the UE radios include multiple spatially diverse individual elements in e.g., a MIMO- or MISO-type configuration, such that spatial diversity of the received signals can be utilized. For example, an exemplary Qualcomm QTM052 mmWave antenna module may be used within the UE device for mmWave reception and transmission. Beamforming and “massive MIMO” may also be utilized within the logic of the UE device, in addition to the enhanced UL MIMO capabilities described herein.

[0122] In one embodiment, the various processor apparatus 603, 609a, 609b may include one or more of a digital signal processor, microprocessor, field-programmable gate array, GPU, or plurality of processing components mounted on one or more substrates. For instance, an exemplary Qualcomm Snapdragon x50 5G modem may be used consistent with the disclosure as the basis for the 5G BB processor 609a.

[0123] The various BB processor apparatus 609a, 609b may also comprise an internal cache memory, and a modem. As indicated, the UEe 501 in one embodiment includes a MIMO Enhancement module 619 in the BB device memory which is in communication with the BB processing subsystem, e.g., as SRAM, flash and/or SDRAM components.

[0124] The program memory module 611 may implement one or more of direct memory access (DMA) type hardware, so as to facilitate data accesses as is well known in the art. The memory module of the exemplary embodiment contains one or more computer-executable instructions that are executable by the CPU processor apparatus 603.

[0125] Other embodiments may implement the MIMO Enhancement module/logic 619 functionality within dedicated hardware, logic, and/or specialized co-processors (not shown). In another embodiment, the module logic 619 is integrated with the CPU processor 603 (e.g., via on-device local memory, or via execution on the processor of externally stored code or firmware).

[0126] In some embodiments, the UE also utilizes memory 611 or other storage configured to temporarily hold a number of data relating to e.g., the various network/gNBe configurations for UL MIMO and/or various modes. For instance, the UEe may recall data relating to particular CP-OFDM or DFT-S-OFDM layer and codeword/precode configurations used with a given gNBe or RAN from storage.

gNBe Apparatus

[0127] FIG. 7 illustrates a block diagram of an exemplary embodiment of an enhanced 5G NR-enabled gNBe apparatus, useful for operation in accordance with the present disclosure.

[0128] In one exemplary embodiment as shown, the gNBe 502 is comprised of one or more enhanced DU (distributed units) 530, and a CU (controller unit) 540 in data communication therewith, the latter in communication with the NGC 635 via a backhaul interface such as a fiber drop, DOCSIS cable modem, or even another mmWave system (such as one operating at a different frequency).

[0129] In this embodiment, the enhanced DU (DUe) 530 includes, inter alia, a processor apparatus or subsystem (CPU) 703, mass storage 729, a program memory module 711, 4G/4.5G baseband processor module 709b with 4G/4.5G stack 724, 5G baseband processor module 709a with 5G NR stack 722 and MIMO enhancement logic 719 (here also implemented as software or firmware operative to execute on the processor 709a), and 5G wireless radio interface 710 and 4G/4.5G radio interface 712 for communications with the relevant UE (e.g., 5G-NR UE/UEe and 4G/4.5G UE, which may be integrated as shown in FIG. 6) respectively. The RF interfaces 710, 712 are configured to comply with the relevant PHY standards which each supports, and include an RF front end 710, 716 and antenna(s) elements 748, 749 tuned to the desired frequencies of operation (e.g., 52.6-71 GHz for the 5G array, and e.g., 5 GHz for the LTE/LTE-A bands). The DUe's 530 each also include a local power supply 737.

[0130] Each of the gNBe radios include multiple spatially diverse individual elements in e.g., a MIMO- or MISO-type configuration, such that spatial diversity of the received signals can be utilized. For example, the aforementioned exemplary Qualcomm QTM052 mmWave antenna module may be used within the gNBe device 502 for mmWave reception and transmission. Beamforming and “massive MIMO” may also be utilized within the logic of the gNBe device, in addition to the enhanced UL MIMO capabilities described herein.

[0131] The gNBe also includes logic for signaling the relevant UEe with UEe-specific UL MIMO configuration data, and likewise for receiving UEe-specific configuration and capability data as described elsewhere herein.

[0132] In one embodiment, the various processor apparatus 703, 709a, 709b may include one or more of a digital signal processor, microprocessor, field-programmable gate array, GPU, or plurality of processing components mounted on one or more substrates. For instance, an exemplary Qualcomm Snapdragon x50 5G modem may be used consistent with the disclosure as the basis for the 5G BB processor 709a.

[0133] The various BB processor apparatus 709a, 709b may also comprise an internal cache memory, and a modem. As indicated, the gNBe 502 in one embodiment includes a MIMO Enhancement module 719 in the BB device memory which is in communication with the BB processing subsystem, e.g., as SRAM, flash and/or SDRAM components.

[0134] The program memory module 711 may implement one or more of direct memory access (DMA) type hardware, so as to facilitate data accesses as is well known in the art. The memory module of the exemplary embodiment contains one or more computer-executable instructions that are executable by the CPU processor apparatus 703.

[0135] Other embodiments may implement the MIMO Enhancement module/logic 719 functionality within dedicated hardware, logic, and/or specialized co-processors (not shown). In another embodiment, the module logic 719 is integrated with the CPU processor 703 (e.g., via on-device local memory, or via execution on the processor of externally stored code or firmware).

[0136] In some embodiments, the gNBe 502 also utilizes memory 711 or other storage configured to temporarily hold a number of data relating to e.g., the various UEe identities and configurations for UL MIMO and/or various modes. For instance, the gNBe may recall data relating to particular CP-OFDM or DFT-S-OFDM layer and codeword/precode configurations used with a given UEe from storage and use this as the basis for configuring the same UEe again (or even another similar UEe).

[0137] It will be appreciated that since the gNBe (e.g., each DUe) is less restrictive on space than the typical UEe 501 (e.g., mobile device), the DUe may contain a higher number of antenna elements and associated ports, and accordingly higher spatial layer capability of desired. For instance, the DUe may contain 64, 128 or more antenna elements and be supported by multiple BB chipsets and RF front ends.

Distributed gNB Architectures

[0138] Referring now to FIGS. 8A and 8B, various embodiments of a distributed (CU/DU) gNBe architecture according to the present disclosure are described.

[0139] As shown in FIG. 8A, a first architecture 800 includes one gNBe 502 having a CU (CU) 804 and a plurality of enhanced DUs (DUe) 530. As described in greater detail subsequently herein, these enhanced entities are enabled to permit efficient UEe/Network signaling and UEe MIMO UL transmission, whether autonomously, or under control of another logical entity (such as the NG Core 635 with which the gNBe's communicate, or components thereof).

[0140] The individual DUe's 530 in FIG. 8A communicate data and messaging with the CU 804 via interposed physical communication interfaces 808 and logical interfaces 810. Such interfaces may include a user plane and control plane, and be embodied in prescribed protocols such as F1AP. It will be noted that in this embodiment, one CU 804 is associated with one or more DUe's 530, yet a given DUe is only associated with a single CU. Likewise, each single CU is communicative with a single common NG Core 635 in this embodiment, such as that operated by an MNO or MSO.

[0141] In the architecture 850 of FIG. 8B, two or more gNBe's 502a-n are communicative with one another via e.g., an Xn interface 807, and accordingly can conduct at least CU to CU data transfer and communication (including for any desired coordination of MIMO UL functions or configurations, such as for a UEe handing over from one gNBe to another). Separate NG Cores 635a-n are used for control and user plane (and other) functions of the network.

[0142] It will also be appreciated that while described primarily with respect to a unitary gNBe-CU entity or device as shown in FIGS. 8A-8B, the present disclosure is in no way limited to such architectures. For example, the techniques described herein may be implemented as part of a distributed or dis-aggregated or distributed CU entity 540 (e.g., one wherein the user plane and control plane functions of the CU are dis-aggregated or distributed across two or more entities such as a CU-C (control) and CU-U (user)), and/or other functional divisions are employed.

[0143] It is also noted that heterogeneous architectures of eNBs or femtocells (i.e., E-UTRAN LTE/LTE-A Node B's or base stations) and gNBes may be utilized consistent with the architectures of FIGS. 8A-8B. For instance, a given DUe 530 may act (i) solely as a DUe (i.e., 5G NR Rel. 17 MIMO-enhanced PHY node) and operate outside of an E-UTRAN macrocell, or (ii) be physically co-located with an eNB or femtocell and provide NR coverage within a portion of the eNB macrocell coverage area, or (iii) be physically non-co-located with the eNB or femtocell, but still provide NR coverage within the macrocell coverage area.

[0144] In the 5G NR model, the DU(s) comprise logical nodes that each may include varying subsets of the gNB functions, depending on the functional split option. DU operation is controlled by the CU (and ultimately for some functions by the NG Core). Split options between the DUe and CUe in the present disclosure may include for example: [0145] Option 1 (RRC/PCDP split) [0146] Option 2 (PDCP/RLC split) [0147] Option 3 (Intra RLC split) [0148] Option 4 (RLC-MAC split) [0149] Option 5 (Intra MAC split) [0150] Option 6 (MAC-PHY split) [0151] Option 7 (Intra PHY split) [0152] Option 8 (PHY-RF split)

[0153] The foregoing split options are intended to enable flexible hardware implementations which allow scalable cost-effective solutions, as well as coordination for e.g., performance features, load management, MIMO UL transmission and configuration, and real-time performance optimization. Moreover, configurable functional splits enable dynamic adaptation to various use cases and operational scenarios. Factors considered in determining how/when to implement such options can include for example: (i) QoS requirements for offered services (e.g. low latency, high throughput); (ii) support of requirements for user density and load demand per given geographical area (which may affect RAN coordination); (iii) availability of transport and backhaul networks with different performance levels; (iv) application type (e.g. real-time or non-real time); (v) feature requirements at the Radio Network level (e.g. Carrier Aggregation).

[0154] It will also be appreciated that while not shown, mixtures or gNBe 502 and gNB (i.e., unenhanced gNBs), as well as DU/DUe and/or CU/CUe within those gNBe devices 502, may be used. For example, if a given DU is known to service only UE devices, or UEe devices not transmitting more than four layers in UL, such DU may not need enhancement. As another example, if all enhanced MIMO functionality described herein is contained within the CUe of a given gNBe (i.e., the MIMO UL logic is entirely within the controller of a given gNBe), enhanced DU (DUe) may be obviated. Similarly, if all MIMO enhancement logic is within one or more of the DUe, then an unenhanced CU may be used (e.g., as shown in the embodiments of FIGS. 8A and 8B).

Service Provider Network

[0155] FIG. 9 illustrates a typical service provider network configuration useful with the features of the apparatus and methods described herein. It will be appreciated that while described with respect to such network configuration, the methods and apparatus described herein may readily be used with other network types and topologies, whether wired or wireless, managed or unmanaged.

[0156] The exemplary service provider network 900 is used in the embodiment of FIG. 9 to provide backhaul and Internet access from the service provider's wireless access nodes (e.g., eNB, gNBe or Node B NR-U) devices, Wi-Fi APs, and FWA devices operated or maintained by the MSO), and one or more stand-alone or embedded DOCSIS cable modems (CMs) 933 in data communication therewith. It will be appreciated that the gNBe and UEe devices described herein may operate on licensed, unlicensed, or quasi-licensed/shared access spectrum while utilizing the underlying 3GPP 4G/5G NR/NR-U based protocols described herein, or mixtures thereof (e.g., mmWave in 52.6-71 GHz band for unlicensed 5G NR Rel. 17 operations, NR-U bands for other 5G NR operations, and e.g., CBRS or C-Bands (e.g., 3.550-3.700 GHz) for 4G/4.5G operation). Many permutations of the foregoing (and in fact others) will be appreciated by those of ordinary skill given the present disclosure.

[0157] The individual gNBe's 502 or other NodeB devices are backhauled by the CMs 933, or alternatively optical fiber or mmWave (not shown) to the MSO core 932 via e.g., CMTS or CCAP MHAv2/RPD or other such architecture, and the MSO core 932 includes at least some of the EPC/5GC core functions previously described. While not shown, it will also be appreciated that the logic of the UEe relating to MIMO Enhancement operation may also be communicative with and controlled at least in part by a network controller 920 in some embodiments, such as via established connections between the UEe and one or more gNBe's 502.

[0158] Client devices 911 such as tablets, smartphones, SmartTVs, etc. at each premises are served by respective WLAN routers 907, IoT gateways 917, and NR-U or CBRS capable CPE/FWA 905, the latter which are backhauled to the MSO core or backbone via their respective gNBe's, and which themselves may be enhanced with MIMO UL capability to act in effect as fixed UEe. While such devices may not be mobile as in the exemplary UEe 501 previously described, they may be equipped with large antenna array and (massive) MIMO technology as previously described herein, including point-to-point mmWave operation in the 52.6-71 GHz band or other. As such, the present disclosure contemplates servicing of any number of different configurations of UEe including both mobile and fixed devices, and a number of possible RAN and PLMN configurations (including femto-cell and small-cell “micro” networks maintained by multiple different subscribers or enterprises, including those operating within or adjacent to coverage areas of MSO or MNO macrocells.

[0159] Notably, in the embodiment of FIG. 9, all of the necessary components for support of the wireless service provision and backhaul functionality are owned, maintained and/or operated by the common entity (e.g., cable MSO). The approach of FIG. 9 has the advantage of, inter alia, giving the MSO complete control over the entire service provider chain so as to optimize service to its specific customers (versus the non-MSO customer-specific service provided by an MNO), and the ability to construct its architecture to optimize incipient 5G NR functions such as network slicing, gNB DU/CU Option “splits” within the infrastructure, selection or configuration of subsets or groups of gNBe (or their individual DUe) which can participate in coordinated UEe MIMO UL configuration and utilization management, RRC connection processes, etc. For instance, where UL coverage of a given UEe is poor, it may in a coordinated fashion utilize DFT S-OFDM mode for its UL to enhance coverage, consistent with maintaining minimal impact on other nearby UEe or gNBe.

Methods

[0160] FIG. 10 is logic flow diagram illustrating a first exemplary embodiment of a generalized method for configuring a user device for enhanced MIMO UL transmission according to the present disclosure.

[0161] As shown, the method 1000 includes a mobile device such as a UE signaling a base station (e.g., gNB) regarding its supported MIMO configuration per step 1001. As described elsewhere herein, this may include the maximum number of layers supported, and other data pertinent to determining the mobile device's MIMO UL configuration.

[0162] Per step 1003, the base station configures the mobile device for enhanced UL MIMO transmission based on the data obtained from the mobile device, as well as other data such as relevant channel quality between the mobile device and the base station.

[0163] Lastly, per step 1005, the configured mobile device transmits data on the enhanced (e.g., higher throughput) MIMO UL to the base station.

1. Dynamically Scheduled PUSCH

[0164] FIG. 11 is logic flow diagram illustrating a first exemplary implementation of the method of FIG. 10, wherein a dynamic scheduling approach is used within the exemplary context of the 3GPP 5G NR Release-17 architecture of FIG. 5 described previously herein.

[0165] At step 1101, the MIMO channel between the UEe 501 and the gNBe is measured, such as via the Sounding Reference Signals (SRS) generated by the UEe.

[0166] Per step 1103, once the measurement of the channel is completed, the UEe 501 determines the MIMO channel rank. The MIMO channel rank determines or describes the number of the layers that the UEe can transmit in the UL such that gNBe can decode the transmitted layers.

[0167] Per step 1105, the UEe notifies the gNBe of the number of layers it can support via Information Element (IE) PUSCH-ServingCellConfig. As described elsewhere herein, the maximum number of layers the UEe can support is configurable and based on UEe configuration (number of ports and antenna elements), and for mmWave applications may be 6, 8, 16, 32, 64, or yet other values.

[0168] Per step 1107, the gNBe configures the UEe for the MIMO transmission in UL, and notifies the UEe the number of layers and precoding matrix to be used. This selected configuration may be based not only on the UEe's specific data (which may vary between UEe's), but also on channel conditions which also may vary on a per-UEe basis. As such, the maximum number of available layers may not always be selected by the gNBe for a given UEe.

[0169] Per step 1109, the UEe applies the precoding matrix configured by the gNBe to the selected number of data layers, and transmits the data in the UL using that configuration.

[0170] It will be recognized that the methods described in FIG. 11 is for the condition where the PUSCH is dynamically scheduled via DCI format 0_1 on the PDCCH. As described previously, in dynamically scheduled PUSCH, the UEe receives a dynamic uplink grant in DCI format 0_1, and obtains the frequency and time domain resources of the corresponding PUSCH. As such, the method of FIG. 11 is applicable to both CP-OFDM and DFT-S-OFDM modulations schemes specified in the 5G specifications.

[0171] FIG. 11A is logic flow diagram illustrating a second exemplary implementation of the method of FIG. 10, wherein transitions to/from transform precode mode operation are used.

[0172] At step 1151 of the method 1150, the MIMO channel between the UEe 501 and the gNBe is measured, such as via the Sounding Reference Signals (SRS).

[0173] Per step 1153, once the measurement of the channel is completed, the UEe 501 determines the MIMO channel rank. The MIMO channel rank determines or describes the number of the layers that the UEe can transmit in the UL such that gNBe can decode the transmitted layers.

[0174] Per step 1155, the UEe notifies the gNBe of the number of layers it can support via Information Element (IE) PUSCH-ServingCellConfig.

[0175] Per step 1157, the gNBe configures the UEe for the MIMO transmission in UL, and notifies the UEe the number of layers and precoding matrix to be used.

[0176] Per step 1159, the UEe applies the precoding matrix configured by the gNBe to the selected number of data layers, and transmits the data in the UL using that configuration.

[0177] Per step 1161, the UEe determines if the gNBe 502 has invoked transform precoding (e.g., DFT-S-OFDM) mode operation. If the gNBe has invoked the transform precoding mode, the UEe proceeds to step 1163 to “fall back” to its previous MIMO configuration state (i.e., that associated with or specified for CP-OFDM mode operation), and transmit data using the numbers of layers and precoding matrix it was configured for before entering transform precode mode. In this fashion, the UEe does not have to use the more restricted single-layer maximum specified with earlier Releases of the NR standard for transform precode operation, but rather can fall back to the enhanced capabilities of CP-OFDM which it was previously using, while still maintaining the other desirable attributes of DFT-S-OFDM such as enhanced UL coverage area.

[0178] Subsequently, per step 1165, if CP-OFDM is again invoked (or transform precode “cancelled”) by the gNBe, the UEe 501 then can simply maintain its current transform-precode mode configuration, which is identical to the prevailing configuration, unless per step 1167 the gNBe has signaled a new configuration for CP-OFDM.

[0179] FIG. 12 is a graphical representation of exemplary embodiment of enhanced PUSCH-ServingCellConfig information element 1200 according to the present disclosure. As shown, the parameters 1200 include an expanded maxMIMO-Layers field 1203, which here is shown as being an integer from 1-8, although other values and ranges may be used.

[0180] FIG. 13A is a graphical representation of exemplary prior art 3GPP MIMO-Layers parameter IE. FIG. 13B, in contrast, is a graphical representation of exemplary embodiment of an enhanced 3GPP IE MIMO-Layers parameters IE according to the disclosure, illustrating the MIMO-LayersUL-r17 field 1350 with exemplary expansion up to eight (8) layers.

[0181] FIG. 14A is a graphical representation of exemplary prior art 3GPP PUSCH-Config parameter IE with maxRank field limited to 4 layers 1430. In contrast, FIG. 14B is a graphical representation of exemplary embodiment of an enhanced PUSCH-Config parameter IE according to the disclosure, including the maxRank field 1460 expanded up to an exemplary value of 8 layers.

[0182] FIG. 15 shows a table 1500 representing one embodiment of enhanced precoding and layer information according to the disclosure.

[0183] In one variant, an existing number of bits in the structure (e.g., 6) is utilized to encode a plurality of different precode matrix and layer number combinations, including layer numbers above 4 for UL CP-OFDM mode operation. In another variant, additional bits are added to enable encoding of a larger number of precode matrix/layer number combinations, such as for very large mmWave MIMO arrays (e.g., 8-bits, 10-bits, etc.).

[0184] In one implementation (as shown in FIG. 15), several of the existing reserved values 1502 in the existing precoding information and layer Tables in TS 38.212 Sec. 7.3.1.1.2 for maxRank greater than 2 can be utilized for indication of n-layer (n>1 or 4, depending on mode) parameters.

[0185] FIG. 16 is a graphical representation of one embodiment of a multi-layer (here, 8 layer) UL MIMO codebook according to the disclosure. In the case of codebook-based PUSCH precoding, an example of an 8-layer UL MIMO codebook 1602 applied over 8 antenna ports is shown. A key principle of this embodiment is for the precoding matrix to be of full rank. The entries of the precoding matrix may be derived from row and/or column permutations of the example herein. For example, for 8-layer transmission, the precoding matrix needs to be of rank 8, i.e., 8 linearly independent columns.

[0186] In certain embodiments, the DMRS port information indicated in DCI format 0_1 needs to be updated to indicate the increased number of layers. FIG. 17B illustrates a prior art DMRS port specification 1700 for dmrs-Type=1, DMRSmaxLength=1, rank=4, as specified in Table 7.3.1.1.2-11 TS 38.214.

[0187] In contrast, FIG. 17B is a graphical representation of exemplary embodiment of an enhanced DMRS specification 1730 according to the present disclosure, wherein an expanded number of layers/ports is used, and multiple options are available to the selecting process (e.g., gNBe or UEe). As shown, the configuration 1730 of FIG. 17B provides not only the extant four-port option, but also higher numbers of ports, such as 6, 8, 16, and 32 based on the value selected.

[0188] In addition, the number of Sounding Reference Signal (SRS) antenna ports is required to be increased to at least 8. As a brief aside, the gNBe measures the SRS signals in the UL to estimate the UL MIMO channel, and decode the UL data from the UEe. In order to decode n independent layers, n SRS signals/ports are required. Accordingly, the number of supported SRS ports may also be increased from the current limited value of four ports (FIG. 18A) to a higher value (e.g., eight) in the SRS-Config IE, as shown in FIG. 18B.

2. CG-PUSCH

[0189] FIG. 19 is logic flow diagram illustrating an exemplary embodiment of a method for configuring a UEe for CG-PUSCH UL transmission. Unlike the dynamically scheduled UL channel described above with respect to FIGS. 11-11A, the CG (configured grant) scheduling is predetermined.

[0190] At step 1903 of the method 1900, the gNBe 502 configures the UEe 501 CG-PUSCH transmission. The UEe may be configured with either with TYPE 1 CG-PUSCH or TYPE 2 CG-PUSCH, as specified in 3GPP TS 38.214.

[0191] In TYPE I CG-PUSCH transmissions, RRC signaling configures the time domain resource allocation. In TYPE 2 CG-PUSCH transmission, only periodicity and number of repetitions are configured by RRC signaling, while the other parameters are configured through a DCI.

[0192] Per step 1905, the gNBe configures the UEe with spatial multiplexing MIMO transmission in the UL, including the number of spatial layers to be used.

[0193] Per step 1907, the UEe transmits data on CG-PUSCH to the gNBe using the configured number of spatial layers from step 1905.

[0194] Per step 1909, the channel quality is measured (such as via sounding reference signals (SRS) signals transmitted from to gNB from the UEe, or from demodulation reference (DMRS) signals).

[0195] Per step 1911, it is determined if the channel quality has changed, such as by the UEe (or the gNBe). If quality has changed, the method proceeds to step 1913, wherein the UEe chooses to modify the current configuration based on the detected changes.

[0196] Per step 1915, the UEe notifies the gNBe that it is transmitting data using the changed configuration, such as via Uplink Control Information (UCI).

[0197] Finally, the UEe transmits data to the gNBe via the changed CG-PUSCH configuration at step 1507.

[0198] FIG. 19A is logic flow diagram illustrating an exemplary implementation of the generalized method of FIG. 19. At step 1953, the gNBe configures the UEe for CG-PUSCH transmission as described above.

[0199] Per step 1955, the gNBe configures the UEe for spatial multiplexing MIMO transmission in the UL, including the number of spatial layers to be used.

[0200] Per step 1957, the UEe transmits data on CG-PUSCH to the gNBe using the configured number of spatial layers.

[0201] Per step 1959, the channel quality between the UEe and the gNBe is assessed, and per step 1961, the determination is made that the channel quality has deteriorated. When deteriorated, the method proceeds to step 1963, wherein either or both of (i) th number of MIMO transmission layers, and/or (ii) the precoding matrix, is/are changed in order to compensate for the changed channel conditions (in this instance, it will be noted that that since channel quality degraded, the channel can sustain fewer layers and less capable precode, but the channel may have also increased in quality, wherein more layers/more capable precode can be used.

[0202] Per step 1965, the UEe notifies the gNBe that it is transmitting data on the reduced number of layers and/or using changed precode matrix via Uplink Control Information (UCI).

[0203] Finally, the UEe transmits data to the gNBe on e.g., the fewer number of layers than was used for transmitting at step 1957.

[0204] It will be noted that while the methods illustrated in FIGS. 19-19A are described for the situation where the UE is configured with CG-PUSCH for the transmission of uplink data, the illustrated methods may be readily adapted to both CP-OFDM and DFT-S-OFDM modulations schemes specified in the 5G specifications.

[0205] As a brief aside, in Release-16 NR-Unlicensed (NR-U), CG uplink control information (UCI) is transmitted together with each CG PUSCH transmission (e.g., prepended thereto). In order to assist PUSCH decoding at the gNB, this Release-16 CG-UCI contains: (i) HARQ ID (4 bits); (ii) New Data Indicator or NDI (1 bit); (iii) Redundancy Version or RV (2 bits); and (iv) Channel occupancy sharing information. FIG. 20A illustrates such prior art CG-Uplink Control Information (UCI) CG-UCI, as specified in Table 6.3.2.1-3 in TS 38.212.

[0206] By contrast, FIG. 20B illustrates an example of an example for an enhanced CG-UCI 1630 according to the present disclosure, wherein an additional field 1633 indicating precoding and the number of layers is included in addition to those data fields described above. This added field enables the UEe to signal to the gNBe of changes to the actual precoding matrix and/or number of layers necessitated by e.g., changing channel physical conditions. In the illustrated embodiment, encoding similar to that previously discussed (i.e., (0-63) can be utilized). For instance, referring again to the Table 1500 of FIG. 15, an existing number of bits in the structure (e.g., 6 bits to encode 2.sup.6 or 64 different values) is utilized to encode a plurality of different precode matrix and layer number combinations, including layer numbers above 4 for UL CP-OFDM mode operation. In another variant, additional bits are added to enable encoding of a larger number of precode matrix/layer number combinations, such as for very large mmWave MIMO arrays (e.g., 8-bits for 2.sup.8 or 256 values, 10-bits for 1024 values, etc.).

[0207] FIG. 20C illustrates another example of an enhanced CG-UCI, wherein additional fields 2053, 2055 indicating precoding and number of layers, and codewords, respectively, are included. For example, in some cases, when the UEe uses multiple codewords in its UL transmission, the CG-UCI may also include field 2055 to inform the gNBe of the codewords it is using for UL transmission on the CG PUSCH. In one variant, this data is encoded using a 1-bit field ‘number of codewords’ or the like.

[0208] In addition, separate HARQ ID, NDI, RV fields may be utilized on a per-codeword basis as shown in FIG. 20C (i.e., {HARQ ID A, HARQ ID B}, {NDI A, NDI B}, {RV A, RV B} for codeword A and codeword B). In one implementation, if the 1-bit ‘number of codewords’ field 2055 indicates only 1 codeword is being transmitted, then the gNB will only read the first half of the bits in the {HARQ ID A, HARQ ID B}, {NDI A, NDI B}, and {RV A, RV B} fields, and ignore the remaining bits. However, when two codewords are signaled, then both fields (e.g., HARQ A and HARQ B) are read.

[0209] It will be recognized that while certain aspects of the disclosure are described in terms of a specific sequence of steps of a method, these descriptions are only illustrative of the broader methods of the disclosure, and may be modified as required by the particular application. Certain steps may be rendered unnecessary or optional under certain circumstances. Additionally, certain steps or functionality may be added to the disclosed embodiments, or the order of performance of two or more steps permuted. All such variations are considered to be encompassed within the disclosure disclosed and claimed herein.

[0210] While the above detailed description has shown, described, and pointed out novel features of the disclosure as applied to various embodiments, it will be understood that various omissions, substitutions, and changes in the form and details of the device or process illustrated may be made by those skilled in the art without departing from the disclosure. This description is in no way meant to be limiting, but rather should be taken as illustrative of the general principles of the disclosure. The scope of the disclosure should be determined with reference to the claims.

[0211] It will be further appreciated that while certain steps and aspects of the various methods and apparatus described herein may be performed by a human being, the disclosed aspects and individual methods and apparatus are generally computerized/computer-implemented. Computerized apparatus and methods are necessary to fully implement these aspects for any number of reasons including, without limitation, commercial viability, practicality, and even feasibility (i.e., certain steps/processes simply cannot be performed by a human being in any viable fashion).