WO2017078782A1

WO2017078782A1 - Flexible harq cycle arrangements

Info

Publication number: WO2017078782A1
Application number: PCT/US2016/025518
Authority: WO
Inventors: Christian Ibars Casas; Seunghee Han; Hong He; Alexei Davydov
Original assignee: Intel IP Corporation
Priority date: 2015-11-03
Filing date: 2016-04-01
Publication date: 2017-05-11

Abstract

An arrangement is configured to be employed within a user equipment (UE). The arrangement includes control circuitry. The control circuitry is configured to receive a downlink communication from an evolved Node B (eNodeB). The downlink communication includes a hybrid automatic repeat request (HARQ). The control circuitry is also configured to obtain a flexible HARQ configuration for a HARQ cycle, process the downlink communication and generate a HARQ feedback using the flexible HARQ configuration.

Description

FLEXIBLE HARQ CYCLE ARRANGEMENTS

REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

[0001] This application claims the benefit of U.S. provisional application 62/250,1 23, filed November 3, 2015, the contents of which are herein incorporated by reference in their entirety.

FIELD

[0002] The present disclosure relates to mobile communication, including packet transmission and hybrid automatic repeat request.

BACKGROUND

[0003] Mobile communications, including cellular communications, involve the transfer of data. Data is transferred from a transmitting device to a receiving device. The receiving device receives the data and then utilizes the data for applications, such as voice communication, media playing and the like.

[0004] Data errors and/or corruption can occur during the transfer of the data. Noise, unwanted signals, processing errors, interference and the like can cause the data errors to occur. These data errors can degrade or prevent suitable performance of the intended applications.

[0005] A technique to detect and correct for errors is an automatic repeat or retransmission request (ARQ). With this technique, a receiving device checks received data for errors. Interference levels, noise levels and the like can be checked to indicate likelihood of errors. Additionally, cyclical redundancy checks, checksums and the like can be used to detect data errors.

[0006] Once a data error and/or high likelihood of a data error is identified, the receiving device sends an automatic repeat or retransmission request back to the transmitter device. The ARQ can identify a particular packet or block of data for retransmission. The transmitting device acknowledges receipt of the ARQ and retransmits the data or data packet.

[0007] However, current techniques require fixed or static timing between data or packet transmission and retransmission requests. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0008] Fig. 1 is a diagram illustrating an arrangement incorporating a flexible HARQ cycle for a downlink communication.

[0009] Fig. 2 is a diagram illustrating an arrangement incorporating a flexible HARQ cycle for a downlink communication directed by an evolved node B.

[0010] Fig. 3 is a diagram illustrating a flexible configuration for HARQ feedback where transmission candidates are used to provide the HARQ feedback.

[0011] Fig. 4 is a diagram illustrating a flexible configuration for HARQ feedback where a candidate is specified by an index.

[0012] Fig. 5 is a diagram illustrating a flexible configuration for HARQ feedback where the feedback is provided with a UE identification.

[0013] Fig. 6 is a diagram illustrating another flexible configuration for HARQ feedback where the feedback is provided using one of several transmission candidates.

[0014] Fig. 7 is a diagram illustrating another flexible configuration for HARQ feedback where the feedback is provided at a time selected by a UE.

[0015] Fig. 8 is a diagram illustrating flexible HARQ feedback in a dynamic time division duplex (TDD) setting.

[0016] Fig. 9 is a diagram illustrating a physical uplink control channel (PUCCH) format for use with flexible HARQ feedback.

[0017] Fig. 1 0 is a flow diagram illustrating a method of performing a flexible HARQ cycle.

[0018] FIG.1 1 illustrates example components of a User Equipment (UE) device.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0019] The present disclosure will now be described with reference to the attached drawing figures, wherein like reference numerals are used to refer to like elements throughout, and wherein the illustrated structures and devices are not necessarily drawn to scale. As utilized herein, terms "component," "system," "interface," and the like are intended to refer to a computer-related entity, hardware, software (e.g., in execution), and/or firmware. For example, a component can be a processor (e.g., a

microprocessor, a controller, or other processing device), a process running on a processor, a controller, an object, an executable, a program, a storage device, a computer, a tablet PC, an electronic circuit and/or a mobile phone with a processing device. By way of illustration, an application running on a server and the server can also be a component. One or more components can reside within a process, and a component can be localized on one computer and/or distributed between two or more computers. A set of elements or a set of other components can be described herein, in which the term "set" can be interpreted as "one or more."

[0020] Further, these components can execute from various computer readable storage media having various data structures stored thereon such as with a module, for example. The components can communicate via local and/or remote processes such as in accordance with a signal having one or more data packets (e.g., data from one component interacting with another component in a local system, distributed system, and/or across a network, such as, the Internet, a local area network, a wide area network, or similar network with other systems via the signal).

[0021] As another example, a component can be an apparatus with specific functionality provided by mechanical parts operated by electric or electronic circuitry, in which the electric or electronic circuitry can be operated by a software application or a firmware application executed by one or more processors. The one or more processors can be internal or external to the apparatus and can execute at least a part of the software or firmware application. As yet another example, a component can be an apparatus that provides specific functionality through electronic components without mechanical parts; the electronic components can include one or more processors therein to execute software and/or firmware that confer(s), at least in part, the functionality of the electronic components.

[0022] Use of the word exemplary is intended to present concepts in a concrete fashion. As used in this application, the term "or" is intended to mean an inclusive "or" rather than an exclusive "or". That is, unless specified otherwise, or clear from context, "X employs A or B" is intended to mean any of the natural inclusive permutations. That is, if X employs A; X employs B; or X employs both A and B, then "X employs A or B" is satisfied under any of the foregoing instances. In addition, the articles "a" and "an" as used in this application and the appended claims should generally be construed to mean "one or more" unless specified otherwise or clear from context to be directed to a singular form. Furthermore, to the extent that the terms "including", "includes", "having", "has", "with", or variants thereof are used in either the detailed description and the claims, such terms are intended to be inclusive in a manner similar to the term

"comprising". [0023] As used herein, the term "circuitry" may refer to, be part of, or include an Application Specific Integrated Circuit (ASIC), an electronic circuit, a processor (shared, dedicated, or group), and/or memory (shared, dedicated, or group) that execute one or more software or firmware programs, a combinational logic circuit, and/or other suitable hardware components that provide the described functionality. In some embodiments, the circuitry may be implemented in, or functions associated with the circuitry may be implemented by, one or more software or firmware modules. In some embodiments, circuitry may include logic, at least partially operable in hardware.

[0024] Currently, a fixed hybrid automatic repeat request (HARQ) cycle, equal to eight sub-frames round trip, is used in long term evolution (LTE). The HARQ cycle accounts for transmission delay (one subframe) and processing delay (three subframes) each way.

[0025] The fixed LTE HARQ cycle imposes a strict timing relationship between a packet transmission and its HARQ feedback. As a result, there is inflexibility in packet scheduling. In particular, for time division duplexing (TDD) transmissions, a fixed frame configuration is to be used.

[0026] The fixed HARQ cycle must be designed to account for larger packet processing delays. Packet processing, in particular, decoding times, may depend on several factors, such as transport block size and/or receiver hardware capability. As a result, a fixed HARQ cycle prevents receivers with shorter decoding times from responding earlier, increasing latency.

[0027] Latency reduction techniques are addressed in the third generation partnership project (3GPP). It is appreciated that reducing air interface latency may significantly increase throughput or user perceived throughput for protocols, such as the file transfer protocol (FTP) protocol in mobile broadband applications. Moreover, latency requirements for 5th generation (5G) systems are very stringent for a new emerging class of traffic, known as mission critical machine type communications, which include use cases such as industrial automation or vehicular communications.

[0028] Example embodiments include a flexible HARQ cycle, where different processing times can be accommodated. A flexible HARQ cycle and configuration is used that permits flexibility directed by user equipment (UE) and/or directed by an evolved node B (eNodeB). Example embodiments permit receiver processing time to be established according to several factors and the receiver is permitted multiple HARQ feedback transmission opportunities. The embodiments can be applied to uplink and downlink transmissions.

[0029] The flexible HARQ cycle provides several features compared with fixed HARQ cycles. The flexible HARQ cycle reduces round trip delay for retransmission requests. It provides a flexible timing relationship between uplink and downlink communications. The flexible HARQ cycle includes and provides for dynamic TDD subframe configurations. It also facilitates flexibility for signaling transmission and mitigates overload of channel resources.

[0030] Fig. 1 is a diagram illustrating an arrangement 100 incorporating a flexible HARQ cycle for a downlink. The flexible HARQ cycle utilizes a non-fixed approach to providing HARQ feedback. The arrangement 100 is provided for illustrative purposes and it is appreciated that suitable variations are contemplated. In this arrangement, a UE determines, autonomously, when HARQ feedback is provided.

[0031] The arrangement 100 includes a user equipment (UE) 102 and its transceiver 106. The transceiver 106 is coupled to one or more antenna or antenna chains. The UE 102 includes its transceiver 106, a storage component 1 18 and a controller 1 04. The storage component 1 18 is configured to store information and the like for the UE 102. The controller 1 04 or control logic is configured to perform various operations associated with the UE 102. The controller 104 can include circuitry, logic, processor(s) and the like configured to perform its functionality.

[0032] It is appreciated that other UEs, network devices, base stations, evolved node Bs, and the like can also be included.

[0033] The UE 102 is configured to communicate with a base station, such as an evolved node B (eNodeB) 1 10, via signal/communication 1 14. The HARQ cycle includes a downlink communication followed by a response, an uplink communication. The communication 1 14 includes the downlink communication from the eNodeB 1 10 to the UE 102. In response to the downlink communication, the uplink communication from the UE 102 to the eNodeB 1 1 0 is provided by the UE 102.

[0034] The downlink communication has one or more subframes, which include data, such as a physical downlink control channel (PDCCH), and use HARQ. The data is included in a transport block (TB). The uplink communication includes HARQ feedback 1 1 6 and also includes one or more subframes. The uplink communication uses a physical uplink control channel (PUCCH) or physical uplink shared channel (PUSCH) for a given physical downlink shared channel (PDSCH) to provide the HARQ feedback. [0035] The HARQ feedback 1 16 includes an acknowledgement (ACK), non- acknowledgement (NACK), discontinuous reception (DRX), and/or discontinuous transmission (DTX). The ACK indicates that the data from the downlink was received properly. The NACK indicates that the data from the downlink was not received properly, such as having errors. The NACK indicates a request for retransmission. The HARQ feedback 1 16 is provided using a flexible configuration. The HARQ feedback 1 1 6 can also include other information, such as a search space, a user equipment identifier, a HARQ process number and the like.

[0036] In other approaches, such as LTE, a fixed feedback format is used. HARQ feedback 1 1 6 is provided exactly after a worst case delay scenario, specified at 8 subframes.

[0037] In contrast, the flexible configuration provides HARQ feedback at varied times, typically much faster than fixed feedback formats. As a result, latency is reduced and throughput increased so as to improve performance.

[0038] The UE 102 is configured to decode the downlink from the eNodeB 1 10. Once decoded, the UE 102 determines whether the data was received properly or is in error. The HARQ feedback 1 16, with includes the ACK or NACK is then provided. Generally, the HARQ feedback 1 16 can be provided once the transport block (TB) that includes the downlink data is decoded and analyzed.

[0039] Various suitable approaches can be used for the flexible configuration. In one example, the flexible configuration permits the HARQ feedback 1 16 at anytime and the feedback includes a UE identifier or identification so that the eNodeB 1 10 can determine which UE the HARQ feedback 1 16 is from or associated with. The UE identifier identifies the UE 102 from other UEs. In one example, the UE identifier is a cell radio network temporary identifier (C-RNTI). In another example, the HARQ feedback 1 16 is provided at a selected time after decoding the TB and includes a HARQ process number. In another example, the flexible configuration requires a resource index for a search space be included with the HARQ feedback 1 1 6.

[0040] It is appreciated that the components of the arrangement 100 can be in the same device and/or included in separate devices.

[0041] Fig. 2 is a diagram illustrating an arrangement 200 incorporating a flexible HARQ cycle for a downlink communication directed by an evolved node B. The flexible HARQ cycle utilizes a flexible approach and configuration to providing HARQ feedback. The arrangement 200 is provided for illustrative purposes and it is appreciated that suitable variations are contemplated. In this arrangement, a base station or eNodeB at least partially directs when HARQ feedback is provided.

[0042] The arrangement 200 includes a user equipment (UE) 202 and an evolved Node B (eNodeB). The eNodeB 210 includes a storage component 218 and a controller 204. The storage component 218 is configured to store information and the like. The controller 204 or control logic/circuitry is configured to perform various operations associated with the eNodeB 210. The controller 104 can include circuitry, logic, processor(s) and the like configured to perform its functionality.

[0043] The controller 204 is configured to generate a flexible HARQ configuration that permits flexibility in providing the HARQ feedback. The flexible HARQ configuration permits the HARQ feedback to be provided earlier than other approaches. In one example, the controller 204 is configured to provide a list of transmission candidates that the UE 202 can use for providing the HARQ feedback. In another example, the controller 204 is configured to measure or predict uplink and downlink communication delays, such as a round trip time interval, between the UE 202 and the eNodeB 21 0 and determine a delay or candidate for the HARQ feedback and provide the delay or candidate with the flexible configuration. In another example, the flexible configuration is predetermined.

[0044] The UE 202 is configured to communicate with a base station, such as an evolved node B (eNodeB) 210, via signal/communication 214. The communication 214 includes a downlink communication from the eNodeB 210 to the UE 202. In response to the downlink communication, an uplink communication from the UE 202 to the eNodeB 21 0 is provided by the UE 202.

[0045] The HARQ cycle includes the downlink communication followed by the response, the uplink communication. The downlink communication has one or more subframes, which include data, such as a physical downlink control channel (PDCCH), and use HARQ. The data is included in a transport block (TB). The uplink

communication includes HARQ feedback and includes one or more subframes. The uplink communication uses a physical uplink control channel (PUCCH) or physical uplink shared channel (PUSCH) for a given physical downlink shared channel (PDSCH) to provide the HARQ feedback.

[0046] The HARQ feedback 216 includes an acknowledgement (ACK) or non- acknowledgement (NACK). The ACK indicates that the data from the downlink was received properly. The NACK indicates that the data from the downlink was not received properly, such as having errors. The NACK indicates a request for

retransmission. The HARQ feedback 216 is provided using a flexible configuration, which is designed or controlled by the eNodeB 210.

[0047] The UE 202 is configured to decode the downlink from the eNodeB 210. Once decoded, the UE 202 determines whether the data was received properly or is in error. The UE 202 is configured to receive the flexible configuration from the eNodeB 21 0. In one example, the flexible HARQ configuration is predetermined. In another example, the flexible configuration is provide with the downlink from the eNodeB 21 0. Other examples for the flexible HARQ configuration are provided below.

[0048] The HARQ feedback includes the ACK or NACK, which is provided.

Generally, the HARQ feedback is provided once the transport block (TB) that includes the downlink data is decoded and analyzed.

[0049] The flexible HARQ configuration from the eNodeB can specify a delay or transmit candidate based on current or measured conditions. Additionally, the configuration can provide a list of possible transmit or transmission candidates for use by the UE 202. It is appreciated that other variations are contemplated.

[0050] It is appreciated that the components of the arrangement 200 can be in the same device and/or included in separate devices.

[0051] Fig. 3 is a diagram illustrating a flexible configuration 300 for HARQ feedback where transmission candidates are used to provide the HARQ feedback. The configuration 300 can be used with the arrangements 1 00, 200 and variations thereof. The diagram depicts a downlink communication from an eNodeB and an uplink communication from a UE. The configuration 300 is provided as an example for illustrative purposes and it is appreciated that suitable variations are contemplated.

[0052] The downlink communication 302 is shown with a plurality of intervals shown as blocks. Each interval includes one or more symbols. Additionally, each interval can include one or more subframes. In one example, the intervals have a relatively small transmission time interval (TTI). In one example, the TTI is about 1/7 mili-seconds.

[0053] A transport block (TB) includes one or more intervals or TTIs, thus the TB also includes one or more subframes. One of the blocks includes data and is referred to as a data block 306. The data block 306 includes data provided in a suitable format, such as a physical downlink shared channel (PDSCH).

[0054] In this example, the flexible configuration allows for several transmission candidates 308 of the uplink communication 304, which includes candidates 1 , 2 and 3. The transmission candidates 308 are also referred to as a HARQ feedback window. The UE selects one of the candidates 308 to include the HARQ feedback. In one example, the UE selects that candidate immediately after a transport block including the block 306 has been decoded. The candidates 308 include, in one example, a physical uplink control channel (PUCCH) that can be used for providing the HARQ feedback associated with the TB 306. The HARQ feedback includes an ACK or NACK.

[0055] The UE generates the HARQ feedback and provides the generated feedback using one of the candidates 308 for the associated data 306. The eNodeB watches or senses the uplink communication 304 for feedback provided within the feedback window associated with the candidates 308. Once the feedback is identified and received, the eNodeB performs retransmission if requested.

[0056] Fig. 4 is a diagram illustrating a flexible configuration 400 for HARQ feedback where a candidate is specified by an index. The configuration 400 can be used with the arrangements 1 00, 200 and variations thereof. The diagram depicts a downlink communication from an eNodeB and an uplink communication from a UE. The configuration 400 is provided as an example for illustrative purposes and it is

appreciated that suitable variations are contemplated.

[0057] The downlink communication 402 is shown with a plurality of intervals. Each interval includes one or more symbols. Additionally, each interval can include one or more subframes. In one example, the intervals have a relatively small transmission time interval (TTI). In one example, the TTI is about 1 /7 mili-seconds.

[0058] A transport block (TB) includes one or more intervals or TTIs, thus the TB also includes one or more subframes. One of the blocks or intervals includes data and is referred to as a data block 406. The data block 406 includes data provided in a suitable format, such as a physical downlink shared channel (PDSCH).

[0059] In this example, the flexible configuration allows for several transmission candidates 408 of the uplink communication 404, which includes candidates 1 , 2 and 3. The transmission candidates 408 are also referred to as a HARQ feedback window. For instance, when candidate 1 is selected, a faster HARQ-ACK feedback can be achieved than the current LTE system (with 1 ms TTI structure). Instead of the UE selecting one of the candidates, the downlink communication includes a resource index that specifies one of the candidates. In this example, the resource index specifies the candidate 410 of the candidates 408 that the UE is to use for sending the HARQ feedback. [0060] The candidates 408 include, in one example, a physical uplink control channel (PUCCH) that can be used for providing the HARQ feedback. The HARQ feedback includes an DTX, ACK or NACK.

[0061] The UE generates the HARQ feedback and provides the generated feedback using the identified candidate 410. The eNodeB then identifies and obtains the HARQ feedback from the indexed candidate 410. Once the feedback is identified and received, the eNodeB performs retransmission if requested.

[0062] Fig. 5 is a diagram illustrating a flexible configuration 500 for HARQ feedback where the feedback is provided with a UE identification. The configuration 500 can be used with the arrangements 100, 200 and variations thereof. The diagram depicts a downlink communication 502 from an eNodeB and an uplink communication 504 from a UE. The configuration 500 is provided as an example for illustrative purposes and it is appreciated that suitable variations are contemplated.

[0063] The downlink communication 502 is shown with a plurality of intervals or blocks as described above. One of the intervals includes data and is referred to as a data block 506. The data block 506 includes data provided in a suitable format, such as a physical downlink shared channel (PDSCH).

[0064] In this example, the UE can select an uplink block for frame to provide the HARQ feedback. Thus, the flexible configuration permits the UE to choose an uplink communication block for the HARQ feedback. The UE is configured to provide an identifier that allows the eNodeB to determine which UE is associated with the HARQ feedback.

[0065] In this example, a plurality of HARQ feedbacks 512 are provided by a plurality of UEs, including the UE designated as UE1 . The HARQ feedback 512 provided by the UE includes an identifier for UE1 , thus the eNodeB can identify the feedback for the proper UE. The HARQ feedback includes an ACK or NACK. Once the feedback is identified and received, the eNodeB performs retransmission if requested.

[0066] The identifier for the UE can include a process number for a corresponding PDSCH, a C-RNTI, and/or the like. In one example, the identification is scrambled or masked using a C-RNTI on an uplink control information (UCI) cyclical redundancy check (CRC) so the eNodeB can identify the source of the HARQ feedback during CRC checking process.

[0067] The identification provided with the HARQ feedback can also be used to identify or limit a search space. For example, a defined search space specifies at least resource element (RE) level of physical resources, such as a physical resource block (PRB) and the like.

[0068] Fig. 6 is a diagram illustrating another flexible configuration 600 for HARQ feedback where the feedback is provided using one of several transmission candidates. The configuration 600 can be used with the arrangements 100, 200 and variations thereof. The diagram depicts a downlink communication 602 from an eNodeB and an uplink communication 604 from a UE. The configuration 600 is provided as an example for illustrative purposes and it is appreciated that suitable variations are contemplated.

[0069] In a first example round trip time (RTT 1 ) 606, the eNodeB transmits data within a first transport block (TB1 ) within the downlink communication 602. The eNodeB assigns a plurality of transmission candidates for sending the HARQ feedback. In one example, the plurality of transmission candidates includes intervals or blocks of the uplink communication 604 designated 1 , 2 and 3. It is appreciated that other transmission candidates can be included with the plurality of transmission candidates. The UE selects transmission candidate 1 for providing the HARQ feedback. In this example, the UE may have had free resources or other conditions enabling a relatively fast decoding of the TB1 . The transmission candidate 1 is then received by the eNodeB, which then may retransmit based on the HARQ feedback.

[0070] In a second example round trip time (RTT 2) 608, the eNodeB transmits data within a second transport block (TB2) within the downlink communication 602. The eNodeB again assigns a plurality of transmission candidates for sending the HARQ feedback. The candidates can be varied from the candidates used in the first example period 606. In one example, the plurality of transmission candidates includes intervals or blocks of the uplink communication 604 designated 1 , 2 and 3. It is appreciated that other transmission candidates can be included with the plurality of transmission candidates. The UE selects transmission candidate 3 for providing the HARQ feedback. In this example, the UE may have had constrained resources or other conditions requiring a relatively slow decoding of the TB3 and a longer delay than the example 606. The transmission candidate 3 is received by the eNodeB, which then may retransmit based on the HARQ feedback.

[0071] Fig. 7 is a diagram illustrating another flexible configuration 700 for HARQ feedback where the feedback is provided at a time selected by a UE. The configuration 700 can be used with the arrangements 100, 200 and variations thereof. The diagram depicts a downlink communication 702 from an eNodeB, a first uplink communication 704 from a first UE, UE1 and a second uplink communication 706 from a second UE, UE2. The configuration 700 is provided as an example for illustrative purposes and it is appreciated that suitable variations are contemplated.

[0072] In a first example round trip time (RTT 1 ) 708, the eNodeB transmits data within a block UE1 the downlink communication 702 designated for the first UE. The first UE can select an interval for subframe for transmission of the HARQ feedback. In this example, the first UE selects the interval shown as U of the first uplink

communication 704. The interval uses a physical uplink control channel (PUCCH). The first UE includes an identifier with the HARQ feedback, which allows the eNodeB to determine that the HARQ feedback is for the first UE.

[0073] In a second example round trip time (RTT 2) 71 0, the eNodeB transmits data within a second block (UE2) within the downlink communication 702 designated for the second UE. The second UE select an interval for subframe for transmission of the HARQ feedback. In this example, the selects UE selects the interval shown as U of the second uplink communication 706. The interval also uses a PUCCH. The second UE includes a second identifier with the HARQ feedback, which allows the eNodeB to determine that the HARQ feedback is for the second UE.

[0074] It is noted that in the second example 71 0, a shorter delay for sending the HARQ feedback is used. As a result, both HARQ feedbacks are received at about the same time. The eNodeB uses the identifiers to determine where the received feedback is from and to provide retransmission appropriately.

[0075] Fig. 8 is a diagram illustrating flexible HARQ feedback in a dynamic time division duplex (TDD) setting. The configuration 800 can be used with the

arrangements 1 00, 200 and variations thereof.

[0076] Downlink communications from an eNodeB are shown as D and uplink communications from a UE are shown as U. Skipped or unused time periods are shown as S.

[0077] A first example 801 depicts HARQ feedback using a fixed time period. Here, HARQ feedback can only be provided at a designated time. As a result, there are skipped time periods or intervals.

[0078] A second example 802 depicts flexible HARQ feedback using a flexible configuration. In this example, a UE provides HARQ feedback without waiting for a delay. As a result, skipped intervals are not present. [0079] Thus, using a flexible configuration mitigates latency and facilitates throughput.

[0080] Fig. 9 is a diagram illustrating a physical uplink control channel (PUCCH) format 900 for use with flexible HARQ feedback. The format 900 is provided as an example for illustrative purposes. It is appreciated that variations are contemplated.

[0081] The flexible format 900 facilitates providing HARQ feedback by allowing the feedback to be provided autonomously by a UE and not at a specific time or delay dictated by an eNodeB. The format 900 appends one or more extra fields including a UE ID, a process number and a CRC.

[0082] The UE ID is a user equipment specific identification. The UE ID permits a receiving eNodeB to determine and identify the UE that sent the HARQ feedback. The HARQ feedback is provided in a physical physical uplink control channel (PUCCH). In one example, the UE ID is a cell radio network temporary identifier (C-RNTI). The process number uses a suitable number of bits and specifies a HARQ process associated with the HARQ feedback. In one example, 4 bits are used to indicate which of 14 HARQ processes the HARQ feedback is associated with.

[0083] Fig. 1 0 is a flow diagram illustrating a method 1000 of performing a flexible HARQ cycle. The method 1 000 incorporates a flexible HARQ configuration instead of a ridged or fixed schedule. The flexible configuration reduces latency and facilitates throughput.

[0084] The method 10000 begins at block 1 002, where a flexible HARQ

configuration is generated. The flexible configuration can be evolved Node B (eNodeB) directed and/or user equipment (UE) directed. The UE directed configuration is also referred to as UE autonomous.

[0085] The eNodeB directed configuration generally includes that the eNodeB provides a list of transmission candidates or scheduled times at which a UE can provide HARQ feedback. In another example, the eNodeB provides a search space for resources which can be used.

[0086] The UE directed configuration typically includes a UE selecting a time schedule or transmission candidate autonomously for HARQ feedback. Additionally, the UE provides an identification with the HARQ feedback. The identification can include, for example, a HARQ process identification, UE identification and the like. Various examples of suitable identification are provided above. [0087] An eNodeB generates a downlink communication that includes a data portion at block 1 004. The data portion can be a PDSCH and the like. The downlink communication can also include the flexible UE configuration, such as an index or list of transmission candidates.

[0088] A UE receives the downlink communication and generates HARQ feedback based on the data portion at block 1006. The HARQ feedback includes an ACK or

NACK. The HARQ feedback can also include UE identification and the like.

[0089] The UE transmits the HARQ feedback using the flexible configuration at block

1008. In one example, the HARQ feedback is transmitted using a selected candidate from a list of candidates. The HARQ feedback can be provided in a PUCCH as shown above.

[0090] The eNodeB receives the HARQ feedback at block 101 0. The eNodeB can use contents of the HARQ feedback to identify the UE that transmitted it.

[0091] The eNodeB retransmits the data based on the HARQ feedback at block 1010. Thus, if the HARQ feedback is NACK, the eNodeB retransmits the data portion.

[0092] While the methods described within this disclosure are illustrated in and described herein as a series of acts or events, it will be appreciated that the illustrated ordering of such acts or events are not to be interpreted in a limiting sense. For example, some acts may occur in different orders and/or concurrently with other acts or events apart from those illustrated and/or described herein. In addition, not all illustrated acts may be required to implement one or more aspects or embodiments of the description herein. Further, one or more of the acts depicted herein may be carried out in one or more separate acts and/or phases.

[0093] Embodiments described herein can be implemented into a system using any suitably configured hardware and/or software. FIG. 1 1 illustrates, for one embodiment, example components of a User Equipment (UE) device 1 1 00. In some embodiments, the UE device 1 100 (e.g., the wireless communication device) can include application circuitry 1 1 02, baseband circuitry 1 104, Radio Frequency (RF) circuitry 1 106, front-end module (FEM) circuitry 1 1 08 and one or more antennas 1 1 10, coupled together at least as shown.

[0094] The application circuitry 1 102 can include one or more application

processors. For example, the application circuitry 1 102 can include circuitry such as, but not limited to, one or more single-core or multi-core processors. The processor(s) can include any combination of general-purpose processors and dedicated processors (e.g., graphics processors, application processors, etc.). The processors can be coupled with and/or can include memory/storage and can be configured to execute instructions stored in the memory/storage to enable various applications

and/or operating systems to run on the system.

[0095] The baseband circuitry 1 104 can include circuitry such as, but not limited to, one or more single-core or multi-core processors. The baseband circuitry 1 104 can include one or more baseband processors and/or control logic to process baseband signals received from a receive signal path of the RF circuitry 1 1 06 and to generate baseband signals for a transmit signal path of the RF circuitry 1 1 06. Baseband processing circuity 1 104 can interface with the application circuitry 1 102 for generation and processing of the baseband signals and for controlling operations of the RF circuitry 1 1 06. For example, in some embodiments, the baseband circuitry 1 104 can include a second generation (2G) baseband processor 1 104a, third generation (3G) baseband processor 1 104b, fourth generation (4G) baseband processor 1 1 04c, and/or other baseband processor(s) 1 1 04d for other existing generations, generations in

development or to be developed in the future (e.g., fifth generation (5G), 6G, etc.). The baseband circuitry 1 104 (e.g., one or more of baseband processors 1 104a-d) can handle various radio control functions that enable communication with one or more radio networks via the RF circuitry 1 106. The radio control functions can include, but are not limited to, signal modulation/demodulation, encoding/decoding, radio

frequency shifting, etc. In some embodiments, modulation/demodulation circuitry of the baseband circuitry 1 104 can include Fast-Fourier Transform (FFT), precoding, and/or constellation mapping/demapping functionality. In some embodiments,

encoding/decoding circuitry of the baseband circuitry 1 104 can include convolution, tail- biting convolution, turbo, Viterbi, and/or Low Density Parity Check (LDPC)

encoder/decoder functionality. Embodiments of modulation/demodulation and encoder/decoder functionality are not limited to these examples and can include other suitable functionality in other embodiments.

[0096] In some embodiments, the baseband circuitry 1 1 04 can include elements of a protocol stack such as, for example, elements of an evolved universal terrestrial radio access network (EUTRAN) protocol including, for example, physical (PHY), media access control (MAC), radio link control (RLC), packet data convergence protocol (PDCP), and/or radio resource control (RRC) elements. A central processing unit (CPU) 1 104e of the baseband circuitry 1 104 can be configured to run elements of the protocol stack for signaling of the PHY, MAC, RLC, PDCP and/or RRC layers. In some embodiments, the baseband circuitry can include one or more audio digital signal processor(s) (DSP) 1 104f. The audio DSP(s) 1 1 04f can be include elements for compression/decompression and echo cancellation and can include other suitable processing elements in other embodiments. Components of the baseband circuitry can be suitably combined in a single chip, a single chipset, or disposed on a same circuit board in some embodiments. In some embodiments, some or all of the constituent components of the baseband circuitry 1 104 and the application circuitry 1 102 can be implemented together such as, for example, on a system on a chip (SOC).

[0097] In some embodiments, the baseband circuitry 1 1 04 can provide for communication compatible with one or more radio technologies. For example, in some embodiments, the baseband circuitry 1 104 can support communication with an evolved universal terrestrial radio access network (EUTRAN) and/or other wireless metropolitan area networks (WMAN), a wireless local area network (WLAN), a wireless personal area network (WPAN). Embodiments in which the baseband circuitry 1 104is configured to support radio communications of more than one wireless protocol can be referred to as multi-mode baseband circuitry.

[0098] RF circuitry 1 106 can enable communication with wireless networks using modulated electromagnetic radiation through a non-solid medium. In various embodiments, the RF circuitry 1 106 can include switches, filters, amplifiers, etc. to facilitate the communication with the wireless network. RF circuitry 1 106 can include a receive signal path which can include circuitry to down-convert RF signals received from the FEM circuitry 1 108 and provide baseband signals to the baseband circuitry 1 104. RF circuitry 1 106 can also include a transmit signal path which can include circuitry to up-convert baseband signals provided by the baseband circuitry 1 104 and provide RF output signals to the FEM circuitry 1 1 08 for transmission.

[0099] In some embodiments, the RF circuitry 1 106 can include a receive signal path and a transmit signal path. The receive signal path of the RF circuitry 1 1 06 can include mixer circuitry 1 106a, amplifier circuitry 1 106b and filter circuitry 1 106c. The transmit signal path of the RF circuitry 1 1 06 can include filter circuitry 1 106c and mixer circuitry 1 1 06a. RF circuitry 1 106 can also include synthesizer circuitry 1 1 06d for synthesizing a frequency for use by the mixer circuitry 1 106a of the receive signal path and the transmit signal path. In some embodiments, the mixer circuitry 1 106a of the receive signal path can be configured to down-convert RF signals received from the FEM circuitry 1 1 08 based on the synthesized frequency provided by synthesizer circuitry 1 1 06d. The amplifier circuitry 1 106b can be configured to amplify the down-converted signals and the filter circuitry 1 106c can be a low-pass filter (LPF) or band-pass filter (BPF) configured to remove unwanted signals from the down-converted signals to generate output baseband signals. Output baseband signals can be provided to the baseband circuitry 1 104 for further processing. In some embodiments, the output baseband signals can be zero-frequency baseband signals, although this is not a requirement. In some embodiments, mixer circuitry 1 106a of the receive signal path can comprise passive mixers, although the scope of the embodiments is not limited in this respect.

[00100] In some embodiments, the mixer circuitry 1 106a of the transmit signal path can be configured to up-convert input baseband signals based on the synthesized frequency provided by the synthesizer circuitry 1 1 06d to generate RF output signals for the FEM circuitry 1 108. The baseband signals can be provided by the baseband circuitry 1 1 04 and can be filtered by filter circuitry 1 1 06c. The filter circuitry 1 1 06c can include a low-pass filter (LPF), although the scope of the embodiments is not limited in this respect.

[00101 ] In some embodiments, the mixer circuitry 1 106a of the receive signal path and the mixer circuitry 1 1 06a of the transmit signal path can include two or more mixers and can be arranged for quadrature downconversion and/or upconversion respectively. In some embodiments, the mixer circuitry 1 1 06a of the receive signal path and the mixer circuitry 1 106a of the transmit signal path can include two or more mixers and can be arranged for image rejection (e.g., Hartley image rejection). In some embodiments, the mixer circuitry 1 106a of the receive signal path and the mixer circuitry 1 106a can be arranged for direct downconversion and/or direct upconversion, respectively. In some embodiments, the mixer circuitry 1 106a of the receive signal path and the mixer circuitry 1 1 06a of the transmit signal path can be configured for super-heterodyne operation.

[00102] In some embodiments, the output baseband signals and the input baseband signals can be analog baseband signals, although the scope of the embodiments is not limited in this respect. In some alternate embodiments, the output baseband signals and the input baseband signals can be digital baseband signals. In these alternate embodiments, the RF circuitry 1 106 can include analog-to-digital converter (ADC) and digital-to-analog converter (DAC) circuitry and the baseband circuitry 1 104 can include a digital baseband interface to communicate with the RF circuitry 1 106. [00103] In some dual-mode embodiments, a separate radio IC circuitry can be provided for processing signals for each spectrum, although the scope of the

embodiments is not limited in this respect.

[00104] In some embodiments, the synthesizer circuitry 1 106d can be a fractional-N synthesizer or a fractional N/N+8 synthesizer, although the scope of the embodiments is not limited in this respect as other types of frequency synthesizers can be suitable. For example, synthesizer circuitry 1 106d can be a delta-sigma synthesizer, a frequency multiplier, or a synthesizer comprising a phase-locked loop with a frequency divider.

[00105] The synthesizer circuitry 1 106d can be configured to synthesize an output frequency for use by the mixer circuitry 1 106a of the RF circuitry 1 106 based on a frequency input and a divider control input. In some embodiments, the synthesizer circuitry 1 1 06d can be a fractional N/N+8 synthesizer.

[00106] In some embodiments, frequency input can be provided by a voltage controlled oscillator (VCO), although that is not a requirement. Divider control input can be provided by either the baseband circuitry 1 1 04 or the applications processor 1 102 depending on the desired output frequency. In some embodiments, a divider control input (e.g., N) can be determined from a look-up table based on a channel indicated by the applications processor 1 102.

[00107] Synthesizer circuitry 1 106d of the RF circuitry 1 106 can include a divider, a delay-locked loop (DLL), a multiplexer and a phase accumulator. In some

embodiments, the divider can be a dual modulus divider (DMD) and the phase accumulator can be a digital phase accumulator (DPA). In some embodiments, the DMD can be configured to divide the input signal by either N or N+8 (e.g., based on a carry out) to provide a fractional division ratio. In some example embodiments, the DLL can include a set of cascaded, tunable, delay elements, a phase detector, a charge pump and a D-type flip-flop. In these embodiments, the delay elements can be configured to break a VCO period up into Nd equal packets of phase, where Nd is the number of delay elements in the delay line. In this way, the DLL provides negative feedback to help ensure that the total delay through the delay line is one VCO cycle.

[00108] In some embodiments, synthesizer circuitry 1 106d can be configured to generate a carrier frequency as the output frequency, while in other embodiments, the output frequency can be a multiple of the carrier frequency (e.g., twice the carrier frequency, four times the carrier frequency) and used in conjunction with quadrature generator and divider circuitry to generate multiple signals at the carrier frequency with multiple different phases with respect to each other. In some embodiments, the output frequency can be a LO frequency (f|_o)- In some embodiments, the RF circuitry 1 106 can include an IQ/polar converter.

[00109] FEM circuitry 1 108 can include a receive signal path which can include circuitry configured to operate on RF signals received from one or more antennas 1 180, amplify the received signals and provide the amplified versions of the received signals to the RF circuitry 1 106 for further processing. FEM circuitry 1 108 can also include a transmit signal path which can include circuitry configured to amplify signals for transmission provided by the RF circuitry 1 106 for transmission by one or more of the one or more antennas 1 1 80.

[00110] In some embodiments, the FEM circuitry 1 1 08 can include a TX/RX switch to switch between transmit mode and receive mode operation. The FEM circuitry can include a receive signal path and a transmit signal path. The receive signal path of the FEM circuitry can include a low-noise amplifier (LNA) to amplify received RF signals and provide the amplified received RF signals as an output (e.g., to the RF circuitry 1 1 06). The transmit signal path of the FEM circuitry 1 1 08 can include a power amplifier (PA) to amplify input RF signals (e.g., provided by RF circuitry 1 106), and one or more filters to generate RF signals for subsequent transmission (e.g., by one or more of the one or more antennas 1 1 80.

[00111 ] In some embodiments, the UE device 1 1 00 can include additional elements such as, for example, memory/storage, display, camera, sensor, and/or input/output (I/O) interface.

[00112] Examples herein can include subject matter such as a method, means for performing acts or blocks of the method, at least one machine-readable medium including executable instructions that, when performed by a machine (e.g., a processor with memory or the like) cause the machine to perform acts of the method or of an apparatus or system for concurrent communication using multiple communication technologies according to embodiments and examples described.

[00113] Example 1 is an arrangement configured to be employed within a user equipment (UE). The arrangement includes control circuitry. The control circuitry is configured to receive a downlink communication from an evolved Node B (eNodeB). The downlink communication includes a hybrid automatic repeat request (HARQ). The control circuitry is also configured to obtain a flexible HARQ configuration for a HARQ cycle, process the downlink communication and generate a HARQ feedback using the flexible HARQ configuration.

[001 14] Example 2 includes the subject matter of Example 1 , including or omitting optional elements, where the flexible configuration permits the HARQ feedback to be provided immediately after a transport block (TB) is decoded.

[001 15] Example 3 includes the subject matter of any of Examples 1 -2, including or omitting optional elements, where the flexible configuration specifies an indicated resource to use for the HARQ feedback.

[001 16] Example 4 includes the subject matter of any of Examples 1 -3, including or omitting optional elements, where the indicated resource includes a delay based on a decoding latency of a transport block (TB).

[001 17] Example 4 includes the subject matter of any of Examples 1 -3, including or omitting optional elements, where

[001 18] Example 5 includes the subject matter of any of Examples 1 -4, including or omitting optional elements, where the indicated resource is a plurality of transmission candidates.

[001 19] Example 6 includes the subject matter of any of Examples 1 -5, including or omitting optional elements, where the flexible configuration includes a UE identifier.

[00120] Example 7 includes the subject matter of any of Examples 1 -6, including or omitting optional elements, where the UE identifier is a cell radio network temporary identifier (C-RNTI).

[00121 ] Example 8 includes the subject matter of any of Examples 1 -7, including or omitting optional elements, where the flexible configuration includes a HARQ process number.

[00122] Example 9 includes the subject matter of any of Examples 1 -8, including or omitting optional elements, where the flexible configuration defines a search space as a function of a C-RNTI.

[00123] Example 10 includes the subject matter of any of Examples 1 -9, including or omitting optional elements, further comprising transceiver logic configured to receive the downlink communication from the eNodeB and to provide the HARQ feedback with an uplink communication according to the flexible HARQ configuration.

[00124] Example 1 1 includes the subject matter of any of Examples 1 -1 0, including or omitting optional elements, where the control circuitry is configured to generate the flexible configuration for the HARQ cycle. [00125] Example 12 is an arrangement configured to be employed within an evolved Node B (eNodeB). The arrangement includes control circuitry. The control circuitry is configured to generate a flexible configuration for a HARQ cycle. Additionally, the control circuitry is configured to generate a downlink communication. The downlink communication includes data content and the flexible configuration for the HARQ cycle.

[00126] Example 13 includes the subject matter of Example 12, including or omitting optional elements, where the control circuitry is configured to generate a list of transmission candidates and provide the list with the flexible configuration.

[00127] Example 14 includes the subject matter of any of Examples 12-13, including or omitting optional elements, where the control circuitry is configured to measure communication characteristics with one or more user equipment (UEs) and generate the flexible configuration based on the measured communication characteristics.

[00128] Example 15 includes the subject matter of any of Examples 12-14, including or omitting optional elements, where the measured communication characteristics include a round trip time interval.

[00129] Example 16 includes the subject matter of any of Examples 12-15, including or omitting optional elements, where the flexible configuration is associated with a first user equipment (UE) and the control circuitry is configured to generate a second flexible configuration for a second UE.

[00130] Example 17 includes the subject matter of any of Examples 12-16, including or omitting optional elements, where the control circuitry is configured to receive an uplink communication from a user equipment (UE) having HARQ feedback according to the flexible configuration.

[00131 ] Example 18 includes the subject matter of any of Examples 12-17, including or omitting optional elements, where the HARQ feedback includes an identification associated with the UE.

[00132] Example 19 includes the subject matter of any of Examples 12-18, including or omitting optional elements, where the control circuity is configured to generate a retransmission of the data content based on the HARQ feedback.

[00133] Example 20 includes the subject matter of any of Examples 12-19, including or omitting optional elements, further comprising transceiver logic configured to generate the downlink communication that includes the data content and the flexible configuration and to receive an uplink communication that includes HARQ feedback for the HARQ cycle according to the flexible configuration. [00134] Example 21 is one or more computer-readable media having instructions that, when executed, cause one or more user equipment (UE) to receive a downlink communication with a data portion, obtain a flexible configuration for the data portion, generate HARQ feedback for the data portion and transmit the HARQ feedback according to the flexible configuration in an uplink communication.

[00135] Example 22 includes the subject matter of Example 21 , including or omitting optional elements, that further cause the UE to select a transmission candidate for the HARQ feedback from a list of candidates provided by an evolved node B (eNodeB) within the flexible configuration.

[00136] Example 23 includes the subject matter of any of Examples 21 -22, including or omitting optional elements, where the flexible configuration is generated according to communication characteristics including a round trip time interval.

[00137] Example 24 includes the subject matter of any of Examples 21 -23, including or omitting optional elements, that further cause the UE to generate the flexible configuration at a user equipment (UE) according to a processing time of a transport block (TB).

[00138] Example 25 includes an arrangement configured to be employed within a user equipment (UE). The arrangement includes a means for receiving a downlink communication with a data portion, a means for obtaining a flexible HARQ configuration for the data portion, a means for generating HARQ feedback for the data portion, and a means for transmitting the HARQ feedback according to the flexible configuration in an uplink communication.

[00139] Example 26 includes the subject matter of Example 25, including or omitting optional elements, further comprising a means for selecting a transmission candidate for the HARQ feedback from a list of candidates provided by an evolved node B (eNodeB).

[00140] The above description of illustrated embodiments of the subject disclosure, including what is described in the Abstract, is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the disclosed embodiments to the precise forms disclosed. While specific embodiments and examples are described herein for illustrative purposes, various modifications are possible that are considered within the scope of such embodiments and examples, as those skilled in the relevant art can recognize.

[00141 ] In this regard, while the disclosed subject matter has been described in connection with various embodiments and corresponding Figures, where applicable, it is to be understood that other similar embodiments can be used or modifications and additions can be made to the described embodiments for performing the same, similar, alternative, or substitute function of the disclosed subject matter without deviating therefrom. Therefore, the disclosed subject matter should not be limited to any single embodiment described herein, but rather should be construed in breadth and scope in accordance with the appended claims below.

[00142] In particular regard to the various functions performed by the above described components or structures (assemblies, devices, circuits, systems, etc.), the terms (including a reference to a "means") used to describe such components are intended to correspond, unless otherwise indicated, to any component or structure which performs the specified function of the described component (e.g., that is functionally equivalent), even though not structurally equivalent to the disclosed structure which performs the function in the herein illustrated exemplary implementations of the invention. In addition, while a particular feature may have been disclosed with respect to only one of several implementations, such feature may be combined with one or more other features of the other implementations as may be desired and advantageous for any given or particular application.

Claims

CLAIMS What is claimed is:

1 . An arrangement configured to be employed within a user equipment (UE), the arrangement comprising:

control circuitry configured to:

receive a downlink communication from an evolved Node B (eNodeB), wherein the downlink communication includes a hybrid automatic repeat request (HARQ);

obtain a flexible HARQ configuration;

process the downlink communication; and

generate a HARQ feedback using the flexible HARQ configuration.

2. The arrangement of claim 1 , wherein the flexible configuration permits the HARQ feedback to be provided immediately after a transport block (TB) is decoded.

3. The arrangement of claim 1 , wherein the flexible configuration specifies an indicated resource to use for the HARQ feedback.

4. The arrangement of claim 3, wherein the indicated resource includes a delay based on a decoding latency of a transport block (TB).

5. The arrangement of claim 3, wherein the indicated resource is a plurality of transmission candidates.

6. The arrangement of claim 1 , wherein the flexible configuration includes a UE identifier.

7. The arrangement of claim 6, wherein the UE identifier is a cell radio network temporary identifier (C-RNTI).

8. The arrangement of claim 1 , wherein the flexible configuration includes a HARQ process number.

9. The arrangement of claim 1 , wherein the flexible configuration defines a search space as a function of a C-RNTI.

10. The arrangement of claim 1 , further comprising transceiver logic configured to receive the downlink communication from the eNodeB and to provide the HARQ feedback with an uplink communication according to the flexible HARQ configuration.

1 1 . The arrangement of claim 1 , wherein the control circuitry is configured to generate the flexible configuration for the HARQ cycle.

12. An arrangement configured to be employed within an evolved node B (eNodeB), the arrangement comprising:

control circuitry configured to:

generate a flexible configuration for a HARQ cycle; and

generate a downlink communication, wherein the downlink communication includes data content and the flexible configuration for the HARQ cycle.

13. The arrangement of claim 12, wherein the control circuitry is configured to generate a list of transmission candidates and provide the list with the flexible configuration.

14. The arrangement of claim 12, wherein the control circuitry is configured to measure communication characteristics with one or more user equipment (UEs) and generate the flexible configuration based on the measured communication

characteristics.

15. The arrangement of claim 13, wherein the measured communication

characteristics include a round trip time interval.

16. The arrangement of claim 12, wherein the flexible configuration is associated with a first user equipment (UE) and the control circuitry is configured to generate a second flexible configuration for a second UE.

17. The arrangement of claim 12, wherein the control circuitry is configured to receive an uplink communication from a user equipment (UE) having HARQ feedback according to the flexible configuration.

18. The arrangement of claim 17, wherein the HARQ feedback includes an identification associated with the UE.

19. The arrangement of claim 17, wherein the control circuity is configured to generate a retransmission of the data content based on the HARQ feedback.

20. The arrangement of claim 12, further comprising transceiver logic configured to generate the downlink communication that includes the data content and the flexible configuration and to receive an uplink communication that includes HARQ feedback for the HARQ cycle according to the flexible configuration.

21 . One or more computer-readable media having instructions that, when executed, cause one or more user equipment (UEs) to:

receive a downlink communication with a data portion;

obtain a flexible configuration for the data portion;

generate HARQ feedback for the data portion; and

transmit the HARQ feedback according to the flexible configuration in an uplink communication.

22. The computer-readable media of claim 21 comprising one or more computer- readable media having instructions that, when executed, further cause the one or more user equipment (UEs) to:

select a transmission candidate for the HARQ feedback from a list of candidates provided by an evolved node B (eNodeB) within the flexible configuration.

23. The computer-readable media of claim 21 , wherein the flexible configuration is generated according to communication characteristics including a round trip time interval.

24. The computer-readable media of claim 21 , comprising one or more computer- readable media having instructions that, when executed, further cause the one or more user equipment (UEs) to:

generate the flexible configuration at a user equipment (UE) according to a processing time of a transport block (TB).