Mac multiplexing and tfc selection procedure for enhanced uplink

ES 2 359 080 T3

DESCRIPTION

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a wireless communication network. More particularly, the present invention relates to enhanced uplink (UE) transmissions.

BACKGROUND

In a Third Generation (3G) cellular system, such a system 100 shown in Figure 1, the EU provides improvements in throughput capacity and transmission timeout. System 100 includes a Node-B 102, an RNC 104, and a wireless transmission / reception unit (WTRU) 106.

As shown in Figure 2, the WTRU 106 includes a protocol structure 200 that includes higher layers 202 and a medium access control (MAC) EU, (MAC-e) 206, used to support EU operation between a specialized channel MAC, (MAC-d) 204, and a physical layer (PHY) 208. The MAC-e 206 receives data for EU transmission from channels known as MAC-d streams. The MACe 206 is responsible for multiplexing data from MAC-d streams into MAC-e Protocol Data Units (PDUs) for transmission, and for selecting appropriate EU transport format combinations (E-TFCs) for EU broadcasts.

To facilitate EU transmissions physical resource grants are assigned to WTRU 106 by Node-B 102 and RNC 104. WTRU UL data channels that require fast dynamic channel assignments are provided with "scheduled" fast grants provided by Node-B 102, and channels requiring continuous assignments are provided with "unplanned" grants by RNC 104. MAC-d streams provide data for UL transmission to MAC-e 206. MAC-d flows are configured as scheduled or unplanned MAC-d flows.

A “serviced grant” is the grant for planned data. An “unplanned grant” is the grant for unplanned data. The serviced grant is the power ratio that is converted into a corresponding amount of scheduled data that can be multiplexed, thereby resulting in the scheduled data grant.

The RNC 104 configures unplanned grants for each MAC-d flow using radio resource control (RRC) procedures. Many unplanned MAC-d flows can be configured simultaneously in the WTRU 106. This configuration is typically performed after radio access bearer (RAB) establishment, but can be reconfigured when necessary. The unplanned grant for each MAC-d stream specifies the number of bits that can be multiplexed in a MAC-e PDU. The WTRU 106 is then allowed to perform unscheduled transmissions up to the sum of the unscheduled grants if they are multiplexed in the same transmission time interval (TTI).

Based on the scheduling information sent in the WTRU 106 rate requests, Node-B 102 dynamically generates scheduling grants for scheduled MAC-d flows. The signaling between the WTRU 106 and the Node-B 102 is performed by fast MAC layer signaling. The scheduling grant generated by Node-B 102 specifies the maximum allowed power ratio EU specialized data physical channel (E-DPDCH) / specialized physical control channel (DPCCH). The WTRU 106 uses this power ratio and other configured parameters to determine the maximum number of bits that can be multiplexed from all scheduled MAC-d streams in a MAC-e PDU.

Planned grants are "on top of" and mutually exclusive of unplanned grants. Scheduled MAC-d flows cannot transmit data using an unplanned grant, and unplanned MAC-d flows cannot transmit data using a scheduled grant.

The set of EU transport format combinations (E-TFCS) comprising all possible E-TFCs is known by the WTRU 106. For each EU transmission an E-TFC is selected from a set of E-TFCs supported within the E -TFCS.

As other UL channels take precedence over EU transmissions, the available power for EU data transmission on E-DPDCH is the remaining power after the required power for DPCCH, the dedicated physical data channel (DPDCH) is taken into account, the High Speed ​​Specialized Physical Control Channel (HS-DPCCH) and the EU Specialized Physical Control Channel (E-DPCCH). Based on the remaining transmitter power for EU transmission, the blocked or supported states of the E-TFCs within the E-TFCS are continuously determined by the WTRU 106.

Each E-TFC corresponds to a number of MAC layer data bits that can be transmitted in a transmission time interval (TTI) EU. As there is only one MAC-e PDU per E-TFC

ES 2 359 080 T3 that is transmitted in each EU TTI, the higher E-TFC that is supported by the remaining power defines the maximum amount of data (i.e. the number of bits) that can be transmitted within a MAC PDU -and.

Many scheduled and / or unplanned MAC-d flows can be multiplexed within each MAC-e PDU based on absolute priority. The amount of multiplexed data of each MAC-d stream is the minimum of the current planned or unplanned grant, the payload of the MAC-e PDU of the largest TFC supported, and the data available for transmission on the MAC-d flow.

Among the supported E-TFCs, the WTRU 106 selects the smallest E-TFC that maximizes data transmission according to planned and unplanned grants. When the planned and unplanned grants are fully used, the total available MAC-e PDU capacity is fully used, or the WTRU 106 has no more data available and allowed to be transmitted, the MAC-e PDUs are padded to match the next longest size of E-TFC. This MAC-e PDU and the corresponding TFC are passed to the physical layer for transmission.

Served and unserved grants specify the maximum amount of data that can be multiplexed from specific MAC-d streams into MAC-en PDUs each TTI EU. As the scheduled grants are based on the E-DPDCH / DPCCH relationship, the number of data bits allowed to be multiplexed by the MAC-e PDU cannot be explicitly controlled only to allow certain sizes that match the limited number of data sizes of the E-TFCs supported within the E-TFCS.

The remaining transmit power for each EU data transmission determines the list of ETFCs supported within the E-TFCS. As E-TFCs are determined from a limited number of E-TFCs in the TFCS, the granularity of allowed MAC-e PDU sizes will not facilitate all possible MAC-d flow header and header combinations. by MAC-e. Therefore, as the allowed amount of MAC-d stream data per grants to be multiplexed into a MAC-e PDU will often not match the size of one of the supported E-TFCs, padding will be applied. to the MAC-e PDU to match the smallest possible ETFC size within the list of supported E-TFCs.

It is expected that when the EU cells are operational at their maximum capacity the multiplexing of the MAC-e PDU will often be limited by the serving and unserviceable grants and not limited by the major supported E-TFC or WTRU EU data. available for streaming. In this case, depending on the granularity of the E-TFCs specified within the E-TFCS, the padding required to match the selected E-TFC may exceed the size of the MAC-d stream data multiplexing block that includes the associated MAC-e header information. In this case the effective data rate is unnecessarily reduced from what is allowed by the selected E-TFC and by the physical resources required for its transmission.

Figure 3 illustrates a MAC-e PDU 300. A MAC-e PDU header 302 and MAC-d flow data 304 allowed by scheduling and non-scheduling grants are multiplexed. From a set of supported E-TFCs the WTRU 106 selects the smallest E-TFC from a list of supported E-TFCs that is greater than the MAC-e 302 PDU header and the MAC-d flow data. 304. The padding 306 is then applied to the MAC-e PDU to match the size of the selected E-TFC. However, the padding 306 may exceed the multiplexing block size of the MAC-d stream data. In this case the physical resources used in the EU transmission are underutilized and the effective WTRU data rate is unnecessarily reduced. Therefore, it is desirable to have alternative approaches to multiplexing EU data.

WO 01/63857 discloses methods for preventing overload on a common channel. For inflows on an RLC, a fair common use of the MAC bandwidth of each inflow is shared. A TFC is selected from a set of TFCs to match the adjusted fair common usage.

The present invention is disclosed as it relates to quantizing the amount of multiplexed data admitted by grants to exactly match a transport block size of the selected E-TFC. The amount of planned and / or unplanned data that is allowed to be transmitted is increased or decreased relative to grants, so that the amount of multiplexed data in a MAC-e PDU more exactly matches the transport block size of the selected E-TFC.

When the amount of planned data is adjusted to more closely match a selected DTE, the maximum amount of data scheduled to multiplex, the planned payload to transmit, is determined by the sum of the available planned and unplanned data to be transmitted. and allowed by quantified grants up to the larger or smaller E-TFC size

ES 2 359 080 T3 next minus the amount of unplanned available data to be transmitted that is allowed by unplanned grants.

This quantization is applied when the multiplexing is limited by the grant and not limited by the maximum E-TFC size resulting from the E-TFC limitation or limited by the E-DCH data available for transmission.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Figure 1 shows a 3G cellular system.

Figure 2 shows an EU protocol structure in a WTRU.

Figure 3 illustrates a MAC-e PDU generation.

Figure 4 is a flow diagram of a process for generating MAC-e PDUs by quantifying the maximum allowed amount of scheduled and / or unplanned data to be transmitted in accordance with the first embodiment.

Figure 5 is a block diagram of a process for generating MAC-e PDUs by quantizing the maximum allowed amount of unplanned data to be multiplexed in accordance with another embodiment.

Figure 6 is a flow diagram of a process for generating a MAC-e PDU by reducing multiplexed data in accordance with another embodiment.

Figure 7 illustrates the generation of a MAC-e PDU using the process of Figure 6.

Figure 8A is a flow diagram of a process for generating a MAC-e PDU by adding additional MAC-d flow data blocks in accordance with another embodiment.

Figure 8B is a flow diagram of a process for generating a MAC-e PDU by adding additional flow data blocks in accordance with an alternative to the process of Figure 8A.

Figure 9 illustrates the generation of a MAC-e PDU using the processes of Figures 8A and 8B.

Figures 10A and 10B, taken together, are a flow diagram of an exemplary multiplexing procedure in accordance with another embodiment.

Figures 11A and 11B are a flow diagram of a process of multiplexing MAC-d flows into MAC-e PDUs.

Figure 12 is a block diagram illustrating a simplified EU multiplexing structure.

Figures 13A and 13B, taken together, are a flow diagram of a multiplexing procedure in accordance with another embodiment.

FIG. 14 is a flow chart of an exemplary multiplexing procedure according to another embodiment.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

Hereinafter the terminology "WTRU" includes, but is not limited to, a user equipment (UE), a mobile station, a fixed or mobile subscriber unit, a pager, or any other type of device capable of operate in a wireless environment. When referenced hereinafter, "Node-B" terminology includes, but is not limited to, a base station, site controller, access point, or any other type of interface establishment device in an environment. wireless. One potential system in which the WTRU and Node-B are used is the wideband code division multiple access (W-CDMA) frequency division duplex (FDD) communication system, although these embodiments may apply. to other communication systems.

The features of the present invention can be incorporated into an integrated circuit (IC) or configured into a circuit comprising a multitude of interconnect components.

The following modifications to the MAC-e PDU multiplexing logic are proposed for more efficient data multiplexing and improved utilization of radio resources for cases where MAC-e PDU multiplexing is limited by planned and / or unplanned grants, and not limited by the largest supported E-TFC or by the EU data available for

ES 2 359 080 T3 transmission. The allowed amount of data to be multiplexed from MAC-d streams into MAC-e PDUs according to planned and unplanned grants is increased or decreased to match the next E-TFC size as closely as possible greater relative to the allowed amount of data to be multiplexed by planned and unplanned grants.

Figure 4 is a flow diagram of a process 400 for generating MAC-e PDUs in accordance with one embodiment. In step 405 a WTRU receives a scheduled data grant from a Node-B and / or unplanned grants from an RNC. In step 410, an E-TFC transport block size is selected based on the allowed amount of data to be multiplexed in accordance with scheduled and unplanned grants. In step 415 the maximum allowed amount of scheduled and / or unplanned data to be transmitted in accordance with the scheduled and unplanned grants is quantified so that the amount of multiplexed data in each MAC-e PDU matches more exactly with the size of the E-TFC transport block.

Figure 5 is a flow diagram of a process 500 for generating MAC-e PDUs in accordance with another embodiment. In step 505 a WTRU receives a scheduled data grant from a Node-B and / or unplanned grants from an RNC. In step 510 a transport block size is selected based on the allowed amount of data to be multiplexed in accordance with scheduled and unplanned grants. In step 515 the amount of buffered WTRU data that is allowed to be multiplexed by at least one grant is quantized so that the sum of the scheduled and unplanned data (including the header and MAC control information ) multiplexed in each EU MAC-e PDU more exactly matches the transport block size of the selected E-TFC.

Alternatively, in a separate embodiment, the granularity of the E-TFC sizes is defined within the E-TFCS such that the difference between the E-TFCS sizes is not greater than a MAC-d PDU and the MAC header overhead. -e associated. The E-TFCs are defined for each possible combination of MAC-d flow multiplexing and the associated MAC-e header overhead. By optimizing the E-TFCS in this way, after the MAC-d stream data has been multiplexed according to planned and unplanned grants the required padding will not exceed the size of the possible MAC-d stream multiplex block sizes .

Figure 6 is a flow diagram of a process 600 for generating a MAC-e PDU in accordance with another embodiment. A larger E-TFC is selected from a set of supported E-TFCs that is less than the size of the MAC-d flow data and MAC-e control signaling allowed by the current grants 602. As a consequence, the selected E-TFC allows a decreased amount of data to be multiplexed into the MAC-e PDU relative to the amount allowed by grants to more exactly match the larger E-TFC size that is less than the amount required by planned and unplanned concessions. MAC-d flow data (scheduled and / or unplanned) is multiplexed into a MAC-e PDU according to absolute priority until no more MAC-d flow data blocks can be added within the limit of the selected E-TFC 604. The MAC-e PDU is populated to match the size of the selected E-TFC 606.

Figure 7 illustrates the decreased MAC-e 700B PDU size that more exactly matches a selected E-TFC size in accordance with the embodiment of Figure 6. A MAC-e 702 PDU header and the MAC-d 704a-704c stream data blocks are supported by current scheduled and unplanned grants. Referring to Figures 6 and 7 the E-TFC that is less than the MAC-d flow data size allowed by the current grants is selected from the set of supported E-TFCs (step 602). The MAC-d stream data blocks (in this example the two MAC-d stream data blocks, 704a, 704b) are multiplexed into the MAC-e 700B PDU according to an absolute priority until they no longer more blocks of stream data can be added within the size limit of the selected E-TFC (step 604). The MAC-d 704c stream data block is not multiplexed as it will exceed the limit of the selected E-TFC. Preferably, only the amount of multiplexed scheduled data is adjusted to more exactly match the size of the selected E-TFC. The padding 706 is then applied to the MAC-e PDU 700B to match the selected E-TFC size (step 606). A padding technique is implicitly performed by inserting an end-of-data indicator in the header information of the MAC-e PDU.

Figure 8A is a flow chart of a process 800 for generating a MAC-e PDU in which the smallest E-TFC size is selected from the set of supported E-TFCs that supports the allowed amount of data to be multiplexed. according to current planned and unplanned concessions. MAC-d stream data blocks are multiplexed into a MAC-e PDU according to absolute priority until the maximum amount of data allowed by 802 planned and unplanned grants is reached. E-TFC is selected possible smallest of a set of supported E-TFCs that is greater than the size of the multiplexed MAC-e PDU 804. If the size

ES 2 359 080 T3 of the selected E-TFC exceeds the size of the multiplexed MAC-d stream data blocks and the MAC-e header by more than the smallest size of the MAC-d stream multiplex block are added one or more additional MAC-d stream data blocks according to absolute priority until no more MAC-d stream data blocks and MAC-e header information can fit within the size of the selected E-TFC .

In an alternative process 850 shown in Figure 8B, the smallest E-TFC that supports the allowed amount of data to be multiplexed in accordance with current planned and unplanned grants is selected from the set of supported E-TFCs 852. MAC-d stream data blocks are then multiplexed into a MAC-e PDU in order of absolute priority until the maximum amount of data allowed by the size of the selected E-TFC 854 has been reached. Preferably only the amount of scheduled data allowed by the grant is adjusted to most exactly match the selected E-TFC. Unplanned MAC-d stream data that is multiplexed may be restricted to unplanned grant. Padding is then applied to match the size of the selected E-TFC 856. With this scheme, data can be transmitted in excess of planned and / or unplanned grants.

Figure 9 illustrates an enlarged MAC-e 900 PDU fully utilizing a selected E-TFC size that supports current grants. A MAC-e 902 PDU header and MAC-d 904a-904c flow data blocks are supported by the current scheduled and unplanned grants. With reference to Figures 8A, 8B and 9 the MAC-d 904a-904c stream data blocks are multiplexed into a MAC-e PDU according to an absolute priority until the maximum amount of data allowed by the current grants is reached. planned and unplanned. As shown in Figure 9 three (3) MAC-d stream data blocks 904a-904c are multiplexed as an example, and any number of MAC-d stream data blocks can be multiplexed. The smallest possible E-TFC is selected from a set of supported E-TFCs that is greater than the size of the multiplexed MAC-e PDU. If the size of the selected E-TFC exceeds the size of the multiplexed MAC-d stream data blocks 904a-904c and the MAC-e header 902 by more than the size of the smaller MAC-d stream multiplex block one or more additional MAC-d 904d stream data blocks are added, as shown in Figure 9, according to absolute priority until no more MAC-d flow data blocks and associated MAC-e header information can fit within the size of the selected E-TFC. Preferably, only scheduled MAC-d flow data that exceeds the current grant is added, although unplanned MAC-d flow data can also be added. Padding 906 is then applied to match the size of the selected E-TFC. With this scheme, the multiplexing of the MAC-d stream is optimized to take advantage of the unused data bits that would have been filled with padding bits.

Figures 10A and 10B, taken together, are a flow diagram of a procedure 1000 for multiplexing whereby, prior to multiplexing the MAC-e PDU, the amount of data to multiplex according to planned and unplanned grants is adjusted to more exactly match the size of the next largest or next smallest E-TFC relative to the allowed amount of data to be multiplexed by grants planned and unplanned. Figure 10A identifies a method in which only the amount of data scheduled to be multiplexed is adjusted to more exactly match the selected E-TFC.

With reference to Figure 10A, an E-TFC limiting procedure is performed (step 1005) to determine the set of supported E-TFCs that include the maximum possible E-TFC size (step 1010) considering the flow power offset. MAC-d of the highest priority of data available for transmission.

Also referring to Figure 10A, if the largest possible E-TFC size resulting from the E-TFC limitation (considering the remaining power and the highest priority MAC-d flow power offset) is determined in the step 1015 which has to be less than the amount of data allowed by the planned and unplanned grants (limited case of remaining power), the maximum possible payload for multiplexing the MAC-e PDU is set to the largest possible E-TFC size (step 1020), so that the maximum amount of data scheduled for multiplexing is set to the amount of data specified by the scheduled grant (step 1025) and the maximum amount of unplanned data to multiplex is set to the data amount specified by the unplanned grant (step 1030).

Also referring to Figure 10A, if the largest possible E-TFC size resulting from the E-TFC limitation is determined in step 1015 greater than the amount of data allowed by planned and unplanned grants (the limited case of concession), the maximum amount of data scheduled to multiplex is adjusted to match the next largest or next smallest E-TFC size relative to the amount of available data allowed by planned and unplanned grants (steps 1040, 1045).

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For example, rather than setting the maximum amount of data scheduled to multiplex with the amount of data allowed by the planned grant, the maximum amount of data scheduled is set to the E-TFC size minus the allowed amount of available data to be are to transmit for unplanned grants (step 1040), and the maximum amount of unplanned data to be multiplexed is set in the unplanned grant (step 1045) for each unplanned data stream. These methods, or other similar methods, result in the amount of planned and unplanned data to match the size of the selected E-TFC rather than setting the amount of planned and unplanned multiplexed data according to the associated grants. .

Preferably, only the allowed amount of data to be multiplexed from the scheduled MAC-d streams is increased or decreased to more closely match the size of the selected E-TFC. Optionally, the maximum possible payload for MAC-e PDU multiplexing is set to the size of the selected E-TFC. Other sequences of operation are also possible to pre-determine the optimal amount of scheduled and / or unplanned data before multiplexing.

Referring to Figure 10B, the MAC-d flows are then multiplexed in order of priority in the MAC-e PDU until reaching the size of the largest E-TFC supported, the amount of data allowed by the scheduled grants, and unplanned, or all data available for transmission on the MAC-d stream is multiplexed. In step 1050, the total remaining payload is set to the maximum possible MAC-e PDU payload, the remaining scheduled payload is set to the maximum scheduled data to be multiplexed, and the remaining unplanned payload is set. fixed on the maximum unplanned data to be multiplexed.

The “remaining total payload” is the maximum possible payload resulting from the E-TFC limitation, (ie the largest supported E-TFC). But it is important to note that this parameter is reduced for each multiplexed data block within the multiplexing loop at step 1060. In the limited case of maximum E-TFC this parameter will cause the multiplexing loop to exit at step 1065. The “remaining planned payload” and “remaining unplanned payload” are the remaining planned and unplanned data that are initially set to the maximum allowed to multiplex for that data type. Then these parameters are reduced each time such data is multiplexed. They will also cause an exit from the multiplexing loop in step 1065 for the limited grant case. The data with the highest priority is selected for transmission.

In step 1055 for each scheduled channel of this priority the remaining total payload minimum, the remaining scheduled payload and the data available on this channel are multiplexed. The remaining total payload and the remaining planned payload are decreased by the amount of multiplexed data. In step 1060 for each unplanned channel of this priority the minimum of the remaining total payload, the remaining unplanned payload and the data available on this channel are multiplexed. The remaining total payload and the remaining planned payload are decreased by the amount of multiplexed data.

If it has been determined in step 1065 that the total payload is zero, or that the remaining planned payload and the remaining unplanned payload is zero, or that no more data is available for transmission, the E- size is selected. Smallest possible TFC that supports the size of the multiplexed data and padding is added to the MAC-e PDU to match this size if necessary (step 1070). Otherwise, in step 1075 the next lowest priority data available for transmission is selected. It should be noted that rather than selecting the next lowest priority in step 1075 it is also possible to simply select the highest priority logical channel that has not been served and continue the multiplexing loop until all logical channels are served.

In another embodiment illustrated in Figures 11A and 11B taken together, a selected MAC-d flow power offset is identified, step 1301. Using the power offset a maximum supported payload is identified, such as the supported E-TFC maximum that can be sent by the WTRU based on the offset and the remaining power allowed for the E-DCH data. This can be referred to as the E-TFC limiting procedure, step 1302. Initially a "Remaining Payload" is set at the maximum supported payload, step 1303. Based on the planned grant a "Remaining Planned Payload" is set at the largest payload that can be transmitted according to the planned grant and with the power offset, step 1304. For each MAC-d flow with an unplanned grant, a variable "Unplanned Payload Remaining" is set to the grant value, step 1305. A variable "Unplanned Payload" is the amount of unplanned data that can be transmitted and is based on a sum of unserved grants and available data in each of these unplanned MAC-d streams, step 1306.

If the “Remaining Payload” is greater than the sum of the allowed amount of available data to be transmitted by the “Remaining Planned Payload”, the “Remaining Unplanned Payload” including any header and tare information of control signaling, the next lower supported E-TFC is selected based on the sum, step 1307. If the "Useful Capacity

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Remaining ”is not greater than the sum, the largest supported E-TFC is used to limit the amount of multiplexed data. In the event that there is no “Planned Useful Capacity”, the selected E-TFC will be the highest E-TFC supported, since the “Remaining Useful Capacity” will not be greater than the sum. This facilitates the transfer of the entire “Unplanned” payload unless the E-TFC is limited to not allowing this transfer.

The next smallest supported E-TFC is the largest supported E-TFC that carries no more data than the sum. In other words, the selected E-TFC is the next lowest E-TFC based on served grant, unplanned grants, power offset, available data, including any MAC header information and control signaling overhead, such as planning information. The “Remaining Planned Payload” is set to the size of the selected E-TFC which can also be referred to as a “quantized sum” minus the “Unplanned Payload” and any header information and control signaling overhead, step 1308. By setting the “Remaining Planned Payload” in this way, only the planned data is quantified. The "Unplanned Useful Space" is reserved within the selected E-TFC according to the unplanned concessions. Based on its priority each logical channel and its associated MAC-d flow is multiplexed into the MAC-e / es PDU, step 1309.

If the MAC-d flow of the logical channel is applied to an unplanned grant, the MAC-e / es PDU is filled with the MAC-d flow data of this logical channel to the minimum of the “Unplanned Payload Remaining ”or the available MAC-d flow data of that logical channel is filled, step 1310. The bits used to fill the MAC-e / es PDU are subtracted from the "Remaining Payload" and the "Remaining Unplanned Payload" taking into account any MAC header and control signaling overhead information. If the MAC-d flow is applied to a scheduled grant the MAC-e / es PDU is filled with the MAC-d flow data of its logical channel to the minimum of the “Remaining Planned Payload” or they are filled the available MAC-d stream data of that logical channel, step 1311. The bits used to fill the MAC-e / es PDU are subtracted from the "Remaining Payload" and the "Remaining Planned Payload" taking into account any MAC header information and control signaling overhead, step 1312. The process is repeated for all logical channels, or until the “Remaining Unplanned Useful Capacity” and the “Remaining Planned Useful Capacity” are exhausted, or the “Remaining Useful Capacity” is exhausted, or there is no more data available for transmit, step 1313. MAC control signaling overhead such as scheduling information is added to the PDU, and the PDU is padded to the size of the selected E-TFC, step 1314.

This procedure allows the UE operation to be "deterministic" and the NodeB scheduler can therefore accurately predict how the resource grants will be used by the UE. As a result Node-B can allocate resources more efficiently. It is desirable to have the amount of multiplexed data adjusted (quantized) so that: first, physical resources are more efficiently used, and second, higher data rates are achieved. In order to accomplish this, it is necessary in the limited grant case that the E-TFC be selected based on the current grants, and that this payload size is used to quantify the amount of planned data allowed by the grant before the multiplexing of MAC-e / es PDUs. Better utilization of physical resources and higher data rates are achieved by performing the selection and multiplexing algorithm of the E-TFC.

Figure 12 is a block diagram illustrating a simplified structure for EU multiplexing. In the WTRU 1414 the flows of MAC-d 1403 of various logical channels 1402 are provided to the MAC-e / es 1404 by the MAC-d 1401. An E-TFC selection device 1405 selects a TFC for EU transmissions such as in an enhanced specialized channel (EDCH) base TTI. The E-TFC Select Device 1405 receives inputs such as Scheduled Grants (SG) 1406, Unscheduled Grants (NSG) 1407, Power Offsets (PO) 1408, MAC Header Information, and Control Signaling Overhead (MAC HEADER 1409, buffer occupancy 1422 of MAC-d streams correlated to the E-DCH, and supported E-TFCs or remaining E-DCH power to perform the E-TFC limiting procedure). Also, "Grant Quantification" that adjusts the maximum amount of multiplexed data allowed by resource grants can occur between E-TFC selection 1405 and multiplexing (MUX) 1410. A multiplexer (MUX) 1410 multiplexes MAC streams -d 1403 for transmissions according to grants that have been quantized to more exactly match the selected E-TFC. The MUX 1410 multiplexes the MAC-D streams 1403, adds header information 1409, and adds padding, if necessary, to match the size of the selected E-TFC. The MAC-e 1411 PDUs generated by the mUx 1410, the selected E-TEC, and the power offset are provided to a physical layer device (PRY) 1412 for transmission on the specialized physical channel (cs) (EDPCH (s )) 1413 using the selected E-TfC.

At the base station / Node-B and Radio Network Controller (RNC) 1416, the E-DPCH (s) 1413 are received and processed by a PHY 1416 of a Base Station / Node-B 1415. These MAC-e 1417 PDUs generated by the PHY 1416 are demultiplexed into the constituent streams of MAC-d

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1419 and on the logical channels 1423 by a demultiplexer (DEMUX) 1418 of the MAC-e / es 1420. The flows of MAC-d 1419 are delivered to the MAC-d 1421.

Figures 13A and 13B, taken together, are a flow chart of a multiplexing procedure 1100 in which the amount of scheduled and / or unplanned data is adjusted to more exactly match the next largest or next E-TFC size. less while multiplexing the data. Within the multiplexing loop priority order shown in Figure 10B, if the amount of data to multiplex is limited by the grant, the amount of data to multiplex is adjusted according to the size of the E-TFC greater or less than according to the allowed amount of data to be multiplexed by the sum of the grants.

Referring to Figure 13A, in step 1105 the total remaining payload is set to the maximum possible MAC-e PDU payload, the remaining planned payload is set to the maximum scheduled data to multiplex, and the capacity Remaining unplanned payload is set to the maximum unplanned data to multiplex.

If the remaining planned payload is less than or equal to the remaining total payload, as determined in step 1110, and optionally, the remaining unplanned payload and unplanned data is greater than zero (step 1115) is selected the size of the next smaller or larger E-TFC relative to the amount of data already multiplexed (including the MAC header overhead) plus the remaining planned payload (step 1120). The remaining planned payload equals the selected E-TFC size minus the amount of data already multiplexed (including the MAC header overhead).

In step 1125 for each scheduled channel of this priority the minimum of the remaining total payload, the remaining scheduled payload and the data available on this channel is multiplexed. The remaining total payload and the remaining planned payload are decreased by the amount of the multiplexed data.

Referring to Figure 13B at step 1130, for each unplanned channel of this priority the minimum of the remaining total payload, unplanned payload, and data available on this channel is multiplexed. The remaining total payload and the remaining planned payload are decreased by the amount of multiplexed data.

If it has been determined in step 1135 that the total remaining payload is zero, or the remaining planned payload and unplanned payload is zero, or there is no more data available for transmission, the possible E-TFC size is selected smaller than supports the size of the multiplexed data, and padding is added to the MAC-e PDU to match this size if necessary (step 1140). Otherwise, the next lowest priority available data is selected for transmission in step 1145. It should be noted that rather than selecting the next lowest priority in step 1145 it is also possible to simply select the highest priority logical channel at the same time. that has not been served.

Figure 14 is a flow diagram of a multiplexing procedure 1200 in accordance with another embodiment. In the limited grant case the MAC-d flow data is multiplexed into a MAC-e PDU until the allowed amount of data to be multiplexed is reached by the scheduled or unplanned grant associated with each MAC flow -d.

Before populating the MAC-e PDU to match the size of the selected E-TCF, more data stream is multiplexed if the multiplexing block size (the MAC-d PDU size) is less than the amount padding required to match the next largest E-TFC size relative to the amount of data allowed by planned and unplanned grants. Preferably for further multiplexing, only the highest priority scheduled data that is available for transmission is used, and the unplanned multiplexed data is still limited by unplanned grants.

Alternatively, the multiplexed data is reduced to support the next lower E-TFC size relative to the amount of data allowed by the planned and unplanned grants, if the multiplexing block size (the MAC-d PDU size ) is less than the amount of filler required up to the next highest E-TFC size. Optionally, padding thresholds other than the multiplexing block size can also be considered to reduce the E-TFC size, or the padding required to match the next lower one. As the E-TFC size is smaller than the largest E-TFC some margin could be used as a criterion to reduce the E-TFC size.

References to the amount of data multiplexed according to grants, and the amount of data that can be multiplexed according to a selected E-TFC take into account the MAC header information and other required control signaling overhead in the formatting of a MAC-e PDU.

ES 2 359 080 T3

With reference to Figure 14 the smallest possible E-TFC size is selected that supports the size of the already multiplexed data (including the MAC header overhead) (step 1205). If the remaining planned payload and the remaining unplanned payload are equal to zero (optional step 1210), the remaining total payload is equal to the size of the selected E-TFC minus the amount of data already multiplexed (including the throughput rate). MAC header) (step 1215).

If the total remaining payload is greater than, or equal to, the multiplexing block size of each MAC-d flow, determined in step 1220, for each scheduled channel of this priority, the minimum of the payload is multiplexed. total remaining and available data on this channel, and the remaining total payload and remaining planned payload are decreased by the amount of multiplexed data (step 1225). At step 1230, the next lowest priority scheduled data available for transmission is selected. In step 1235 padding is added to the MAC-e PDU if necessary to match the size of the selected E-TFC.

Any combination of the above embodiments can also be applied to achieve improved radio resource utilization and multiplexing efficiency.

Although the features and elements of the present invention are described in the preferred embodiments in particular combinations, each feature or element can be used alone without the other features and elements of the preferred embodiments or in various combinations with or without other features and elements of the present invention. .

REALIZATIONS

First group

A method comprising quantizing data so that the quantized data more exactly matches a block size.

The method of any previous embodiment of the first group in which the block size is the size of the transport block.

The method of any previous embodiment of the first group in which the block size is uplink transport block size (E-TFC).

a base

The method of any realization prior to a planned concession.

of the first group on which the quantized data are based

The method of any realization prior to an unplanned concession.

of the first group on which the quantized data are based

The method of any realization prior to a concession with service.

of the first group in which the quantized data is

The method of any previous realization of the planned data.

first group in which the quantized data are

The method of any previous realization of the unplanned data.

first group in which the quantized data are

The method of any previous embodiment of the first group in which the data is specialized media access control channel (MAC-d) streams.

The method of any previous embodiment of the first group in which the data is packet data units (PDUs).

The method of any previous embodiment of the first group in which the data is specialized medium access control channel (MAC-d) packet data units (PDUs).

The method of any previous embodiment of the first group in which the data is based on a power offset.

The method of any previous embodiment of the first group in which the quantized data is based on planning information.

The method of any previous embodiment of the first group in which the quantized data is based on media access control header information.

The method of any previous embodiment of the first group comprising selecting a block size.

ES 2 359 080 T3

The method of any previous embodiment of the first group comprising selecting a block size associated with a transport format combination (TFC).

The method of any previous embodiment of the first group comprising selecting a block size associated with enhanced uplink transport format combinations (E-TFC).

The method of any previous realization of the selected one is based on a planned concession.

The method of any previous realization of the selected one is based on an unplanned concession.

The method of any previous realization of the selected one is based on a concession with service.

first group in which a block size first group in which a block size first group in which a block size

The method of any previous embodiment of the first group in which a selected block size is based on a media access control header information.

The method of any previous realization of the first group in which a selected block size is based on the planning information.

The method of any previous embodiment of the first group in which a selected block size is based on a power offset.

The method of any previous embodiment of the first group in which a selected block size is based on a buffer occupation.

The method of any previous embodiment of the first group in which a selected block size is selected from a plurality of block sizes and the selected block size is a next smaller block size.

The method of any previous embodiment of the first group in which a selected block size is selected from a plurality of block sizes and the selected block size is a next larger block size.

The method of any previous embodiment of the first group in which a selected block size is selected from a plurality of block sizes and the selected block size is based on an amount of data to be transmitted and is the block size among the plurality of block sizes that is the largest that does not exceed the amount of data.

The method of any previous embodiment of the first group in which a selected block size is selected from a plurality of block sizes and the selected block size is based on an amount of data to be transmitted and is the block size among the plurality of block sizes that is the smallest that does not exceed the amount of data.

The method of any previous embodiment of the first group in which padding is added to the quantized data.

The method of any previous embodiment of the first group in which the quantized data is transmitted.

The method of any previous embodiment of the first group in which the quantized data is transmitted on an enhanced dedicated channel.

The method of any previous embodiment of the first group that is performed for a code division multiple access air interface.

The method of any previous embodiment of the first group that is performed for code division multiple access uplink communication.

The method of any previous embodiment of the first group that is performed by a wireless transmitting / receiving unit.

The method of any previous embodiment of the first group that is performed by a user equipment.

The method of any previous embodiment of the first group in which the quantized data is received by a base station.

ES 2 359 080 T 3

The method of any previous embodiment of the first group in which the quantized data is received by a Node-B.

The method of any previous embodiment of the first group in which the quantized data is received by a broadcast network controller.

Second group

A wireless transmission / reception unit (WTRU) comprising a physical layer.

The WTRU of any previous embodiment of the second group in which the WTRU is a user equipment.

The WTRU of any previous embodiment of the second group comprising a specialized channel access control medium (MAC-d) means.

The WTRU of any previous embodiment of the second group comprising a multiplexing means.

The WTRU of any previous embodiment of the second group in which a multiplexing medium multiplexes specialized channel access control (MAC-d) streams into enhanced uplink packet data units (PDUs) to the medium (MAC-e).

The WTRU of any previous embodiment of the second group comprising an e-TFC selection means.

The WTRU of any previous embodiment of the second group comprising an e-TFC selection means for selecting an E-TFC from a plurality of E-TFCs.

The WTRU of any previous embodiment of the second group comprising a MAC-e / es.

The WTRU of any previous embodiment of the second group in which a MAC-e / es comprises a multiplexing means and an E-TFC selection means.

The WTRU of any previous embodiment of the second group in which the physical layer produces an enhanced specialized physical channel for transmission.

The WTRU of any previous embodiment of the second group to perform method steps among the embodiments of the first group excluding the embodiments involving the base station, Node-B or RNC.

The WTRU of any previous embodiment of the second group comprising means for performing the method steps from among the embodiments of the first group, excluding the embodiments involving the base station, Node-B or RNC.

Third group

An infrastructure component that comprises a physical layer.

The infrastructure component of any infrastructure component embodiment comprises a base station.

previous of the third group in which the

The infrastructure component of the infrastructure component comprises any Node-B implementation.

previous of the third group in which the

The infrastructure component of the infrastructure component comprises any Node-B implementation and an RNC.

previous of the third group in which the

The infrastructure component of any previous embodiment of the third group comprising a demultiplexing means.

The infrastructure component of any previous embodiment of the third group comprising demultiplexing means for demultiplexing access control packet data units to the enhanced uplink medium into specialized medium access control channel flows.

The infrastructure component of any previous embodiment of the third group comprising a specialized channel access control medium to the medium.

The infrastructure component of any prior embodiment of the third group comprising a dedicated media access control channel means for receiving specialized media access control channel streams.

ES 2 359 080 T3

The infrastructure component of any previous implementation of the third group in which the physical layer receives an enhanced specialized physical channel.

The infrastructure component of any previous third group embodiment comprising demultiplexing means for demultiplexing media access control enhanced uplink packet data units generated by first group embodiments.