FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0001] Embodiments of the present disclosure generally relate to wireless
communication techniques and more particularly relate to a method and apparatus for
data transmission in a wireless communication system.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] With the constant increase of mobile data services, the 3rd Generation
Partnership Project (3GPP) organization has developed long-term evolution (LTE)
specifications and LTE-Advanced (LTE-A) specifications. As the next generation
cellular communication standard, an LTE or LTE-A system can operate in both
Frequency Division Duplex (FDD) mode and Time Division Duplex (TDD) mode.
[0003] Machine-to-Machine (M2M) communication, which may also be called
as Machine-Type Communications (MTC), is an emerging communication pattern. It
refers to communication between computers, embedded processors, smart sensors,
actuators and mobiles devices without or with only limited human intervention and it is
quite advantageous in many applications such as sensing in extreme or hazard
environment. Generally, many of MTC UEs are targeted for low-end applications (low
average revenue per user, and low data rate) that can be handled adequately by
GSM/GPRS and thus they may be implemented at low cost.
[0004] As LTE deployments evolve, it is desirable to reduce the cost of overall
network maintenance by minimizing the number of Radio Access Technologies (RATs).
However, there are deployed more and more MTC UEs in the field, which increases
reliance on GSM/GPRS networks, and thus cost for operating these networks are
increased. Hence, it will be very beneficial if low-end MTC UEs may be migrated
from GSM/GPRS to LTE Networks.
[0005] Besides, in RANI, #78bis, reduced UE bandwidth of 1.4MHz for both
downlink and uplink was agreed to be prioritized as the most important complexity
reduction technique for Rel.13 MTC UEs.
[0006] In US patent application publication No. US2013/0294399A1, there is
disclosed a data transmission method for machine type communication (MTC) and
MTC Apparatus. In this application, each of a plurality of subframes configured with
time slots and frequency resources is divided into a first region for transmitting control
information and a second region for transmitting data; and resources for the MTC is
allocated to the second according to a predetermined hopping period and a
predetermined hopping frequency, wherein the RF retuning will be performed in the
first region if the time for retuning is shorter than the time length of the first region or
the first region and a part of the second region if the time for retuning is longer than the
time length of the first region. However, in the solution as disclosed in
US201 3/0294399A1, there might be transmission mistakes during the transmission of
MTC, especially when the tuning time is longer than the time length of the first region.
[0007] Therefore, there is a need for a new solution of data transmission in a
wireless communication system.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0008] In the present disclosure, there is provided an improved solution for
uplink data transmission in a wireless communication system so as to solve or at least
partially mitigate at least a part of problems in the prior art.
[0009] According to a first aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided a
method for data transmission in a wireless communication system. The method may
comprise receiving information on assigned resources for the data transmission; and
determining resources for respective data retransmissions based on the information on
the assigned resources for the data transmission and a predetermined frequency hopping
pattern. Particularly, a plurality of symbols are used to perform a radio frequency (RF)
retuning and the time duration of the plurality of symbols is at least equal to a time
interval required by the RF retuning.
[0010] In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the plurality of symbols
may be a part of a subframe and resting symbols of the subframe may be used to
perform the data retransmission.
[0011] In another embodiment of the present disclosure, the subframe may be
the first one of subframes planned for the data retransmission at the next hopped
frequency. Or alternatively, the subframe may be the last one of subframes planned for
the data retransmission before the next frequency hopping.
[0012] In a further embodiment of the present disclosure, the number of
symbols may be determined as a minimal value that meets the R retuning.
[0013] In a still further embodiment of the present disclosure, a whole
subframe may be used to perform the RF retuning.
[0014] In a yet embodiment of the present disclosure, the whole subframe may
be the first one of subframes planned for the data retransmission at the next hopped
frequency. Or alternatively, the whole subframe may be the last one of subframes
planned for the data retransmission before the next frequency hopping.
[0015] In a still further embodiment of the present disclosure, the
predetermined frequency hopping pattern may indicate a frequency hopping interval of
at least two subframes in the time domain.
[0016] In a yet further embodiment of the present disclosure, the RF retuning
may be performed in a special subframe between two frequency hoppings.
[0017] In a yet still embodiment of the present disclosure, a hopping interval
for frequency hopping in the time domain may be determined based on a configuration
of subframe used for the data transmission.
[0018] In another embodiment of the present disclosure, the data transmission
may be an uplink data transmission for Machine Type Communication (MTC).
[0019] According to a second aspect of the present disclosure, there is also
provided an apparatus for data transmission in wireless communication system,
comprising: an information receiving module configured to receive information on
assigned resources for the data transmission; and a resource determination module,
configured to determine resources for respective data retransmissions based on the
information on the assigned resources for the data transmission and a predetermined
frequency hopping pattern, wherein a plurality of symbols are used to perform a radio
frequency (RF) retuning and the time duration of the plurality of symbols is at least
equal to a time interval required by the RF retuning.
[0020] According to a third aspect of the present disclosure, there is also
provided a computer-readable storage media with computer program code embodied
thereon, the computer program code configured to, when executed, cause an apparatus
to perform actions in the method according to any embodiment in the first aspect.
[0021] According to a fourth aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided
a computer program product comprising a computer-readable storage media according
to the fifth aspect.
[0022] With embodiments of the present disclosure, there is provided a new
solution for data transmission in a wireless communication system, in which the RF
retuning can be performed in a plurality of symbols, which might obtain the frequency
diversity and at the same time can reduce transmission mistakes and improve the
transmission efficiency.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0023] The above and other features of the present disclosure will become
more apparent through detailed explanation on the embodiments as illustrated in the
embodiments with reference to the accompanying drawings, throughout which like
reference numbers represent same or similar components and wherein:
[0024] Fig. 1 schematically illustrates a flowchart of a method of data
transmission in a wireless communication system according to an embodiment of the
present disclosure;
[0025] Fig. 2 schematically illustrates an exemplary frequency hopping pattern
of the frequency hopping interval for an FDD system according to an embodiment of
the present disclosure;
[0026] Fig. 3A schematically illustrates exemplary configuration of the RF
retuning for an FDD system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;
[0027] Fig. 3B schematically illustrates another exemplary configuration of the
RF retuning for an FDD according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;
[0028] Fig. 4A schematically illustrates a further exemplary configuration of
the RF retuning for an FDD system according to an embodiment of the present
disclosure;
[0029] Fig. 4B schematically illustrates a still further exemplary configuration
of the RF retuning for an FDD system according to an embodiment of the present
disclosure;
[0030] Fig. 5 schematically illustrates a frame configuration for a TDD system;
[0031] Fig. 6 schematically illustrates an exemplary configuration of the RF
returning for a TDD system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;
[0032] Fig. 7 schematically illustrates another exemplary configuration of the
RF retuning for a TDD system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;
and
[0033] Fig. 8 schematically illustrates a block diagram of an apparatus for data
transmission in a wireless communication system according to an embodiment of the
present disclosure.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS
[0034] Hereinafter, the solution as provided in the present disclosure will be
described in details through embodiments with reference to the accompanying drawings.
It should be appreciated that these embodiments are presented only to enable those
skilled in the art to better understand and implement the present disclosure, not intended
to limit the scope of the present disclosure in any manner.
[0035] In the accompanying drawings, various embodiments of the present
disclosure are illustrated in block diagrams, flow charts and other diagrams. Each
block in the flowcharts or blocks may represent a module, a program, or a part of code,
which contains one or more executable instructions for performing specified logic
functions, and in the present disclosure, a dispensable block is illustrated in a dotted line.
Besides, although these blocks are illustrated in particular sequences for performing the
steps of the methods, as a matter of fact, they may not necessarily be performed strictly
according to the illustrated sequence. For example, they might be performed in
reverse sequence or simultaneously, which is dependent on natures of respective
operations. It should also be noted that block diagrams and/or each block in the
flowcharts and a combination of thereof may be implemented by a dedicated
hardware-based system for performing specified functions/operations or by a
combination of dedicated hardware and computer instructions.
[0036] Generally, all terms used in the claims are to be interpreted according to
their ordinary meaning in the technical field, unless explicitly defined otherwise herein.
All references to "a/an/the/said [element, device, component, means, step, etc]" are to
be interpreted openly as referring to at least one instance of said element, device,
component, means, unit, step, etc., without excluding a plurality of such devices,
components, means, units, steps, etc., unless explicitly stated otherwise. Besides, the
indefinite article "a/an" as used herein does not exclude a plurality of such steps, units,
modules, devices, and objects, and etc.
[0037] Additionally, in a context of the present disclosure, a user equipment
(UE) may refer to a terminal, a Mobile Terminal (MT), a Subscriber Station (SS), a
Portable Subscriber Station (PSS), Mobile Station (MS), or an Access Terminal (AT),
and some or all of the functions of the UE, the terminal, the MT, the SS, the PSS, the
MS, or the AT may be included. Furthermore, in the context of the present disclosure,
the term "BS" may represent, e.g., a node B (NodeB or NB), an evolved NodeB
(eNodeB or eNB), a radio header (RH), a remote radio head (RRH), a relay, or a low
power node such as a femto, a pico, and so on.
[0038] Next, reference will be made to the accompany drawings to describe
the solution as provided therein. In the following, the uplink transmission and MTC
will be taken as examples to describe the embodiments of the present disclosure;
however, it should be appreciated that the present disclosure is not limited thereto and in
fact the solution as provided herein can also be used for the downlink data transmission.
[0039] Fig. 1 schematically illustrates a flowchart of a method of data
transmission in a wireless communication system according to an embodiment of the
present disclosure. As illustrated in Fig. 1, first as step SI01, information on assigned
resources for the data transmission is received. For the uplink data transmission, for
example, after determining assigned resource for a UE, the eNB sends the uplink grant
to the UE through Physical Downlink Control Channel (PDCCH)/enhanced PDCCH
(EPDCCH) and the UE receives the uplink grant from the eNB. The uplink grant may
indicate information on transmission resource assigned to the UE for the uplink
transmission. For example, the uplink grant may comprise information for assigned
physical resource blocks (PRBs), and/or the location of narrow band for the data
transmission. The assigned PRBs may indicate original assigned physical resource
blocks (PRBs) for the uplink data transmission. The location of narrow band for the
data transmission indicates the frequency resources which can be used for the uplink
data transmission. As agreed in RAN \# 78Ibis, a reduced bandwidth of 1.4MHz will
be used. Thus, the location of narrow band indicates a segment of consecutive
frequency resources, which may be indicated by the central frequency and the total
bandwidth. The uplink grant may also comprise the number of the data retransmission
N, i.e., the repetition times of PUSCH. The repetition times N can be configured by
for example, high-layer signaling or through PDCCH/EPDCCH.
[0040] Then at step SI02, resources for respective data retransmissions are
determined based on the information on the assigned resource and a predetermined
frequency hopping pattern. Particularly, a plurality of symbols will be used to perform
a radio frequency (RF) retuning and a time duration of the plurality of symbols is at
least equal to a time interval required by the RF retuning.
[0041] As is known, many of MTC UEs are targeted for low-end applications
(low average revenue per user, and low data rate), and those UEs also have a low SNR,
which means a bad signal quality. To make up for the problems of bad signal quality,
retransmission is used for MTC. Through the data retransmission, it is possible to use
the joint detection, which could increase the possibility of obtaining the transmitted data
correctly.
[0042] On the other hand, in order to obtain frequency diversity gain, the
frequency hopping will be performed so as to improve the transmission efficiency of
MTC terminals. The frequency hopping may be performed in accordance with a
predetermined frequency hopping pattern. The predetermined frequency hopping
pattern indicates the way in which a frequency hopping is to be performed, particularly
parameters used in the frequency hopping. For example, the predetermined frequency
hopping pattern may indicate a frequency hopping interval m, a base frequency fo, and a
frequency offset Af or frequency offset pattern to be used in frequency hopping. The
frequency hopping interval m indicates the number of uplink subframes after which a
frequency hopping will be performed in the time domain, which can be a predetermined
value or configured by the eNB. The base frequency f0 indicates the frequency at
which the data transmission is performed. The base frequency fo may be determined
based on the location of narrow band as indicated by the uplink grant. The frequency
offset Af or the frequency offset pattern indicates the amount of the frequency change
after a frequency hopping is performed, which can be a predetermined value or
configured by the eNB.
[0043] Fig. 2 schematically illustrates an exemplary frequency hopping pattern
for an FDD system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. As
illustrated in Fig. 2, two consecutive uplink frames are illustrated, each of which
comprises ten uplink subframes numbered from 0 to 9. In Fig. 2, the frequency
hopping interval is determined as 4, which means the transmission frequency for MTC
UEs will be changed or hopped every four subframes. In Fig. 2, the x axis denotes a
change over time and y axis denotes the change of frequency.
[0044] Fig. 3A schematically illustrates exemplary configurations of the RF
retuning for an FDD system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. As
illustrated in Fig. 3A, the frequency hopping interval is 4, which is same as that in Fig. 2.
In the configuration as illustrated in Fig. 3A, the plurality of symbols used for the RF
retuning are a part of one subframes and particularly, is a part of the first one of the four
subframes planned for the data retransmission at the next hopped frequency, as
illustrated by block filled with dots in Fig. 3A. That is to say, a first part of symbols in
this subframe will be used to perform the RF retuning while the remaining symbols in
this subframe will be used to perform the data retransmission on the PUSCH.
[0045] Particularly, the UE will determine the Physical Resource Block(s)
(PRB) used to transmit the i-th PUSCH when i is less than N (the predetermined
number of data retransmission). For example, regarding the second data
retransmission as illustrated in Fig. 3A, the UE will determine subframes 4 to 7 will be
used for the i-the PUSCH transmission, wherein the first j symbols in the first subframe
will be used to perform the RF tuning. The number of symbols may be determined as
a minimal value that meets the RF retuning. It can be understood that the resource for
the RF retuning is assigned in a unit of symbol and thus it will not introduce any
transmission mistake due to a transmission beginning from the middle of a symbol.
[0046] Generally, it requires about a half of subframe to perform the RF
retuning and thus if the remaining symbols can be used to the data retransmission, it
will be advantageous since the remaining resource can be used efficiently. However, it
can be understood that it is also possible to use more symbols than that is required.
[0047] Moreover, the UE will also determine fi, i.e., the frequency used to
transmit the i-th PUSCH based on, for example, the base frequency ¾, and the
frequency offset A as indicated by the predetermined frequency hopping pattern. For
example fi may be determined as fo+i*Af or be determined based on ¾ and the
predetermined frequency offset pattern. Then the UE can perform the RF retuning in
the determined plurality of symbols and after the RF retuning is finished, it may start to
transmit the i-th PUSCH at the hopped frequency.
[0048] Fig. 3B schematically illustrates another exemplary configuration of the
RF retuning for an FDD according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.
Different from the configuration as illustrated in Fig. 3A, the plurality of symbols in the
last one of the four subframes planned for the data retransmission before the next
frequency hopping will be used to perform the RF tuning, instead of those in the first
one of subframes planned for the data retransmission at the next hopped frequency.
Through the configuration as illustrated in Fig. 3B, it is also possible to achieve the RF
retuning before the frequency hopping for the next data retransmission.
[0049] Figs. 4A and 4B schematically illustrate two further alternative
exemplary configurations of the RF retuning for an FDD system according to
embodiments of the present disclosure. Different from Figs. 3A and 3B, in Figs. 4A
and Fig. 4B, a whole subframe is used to perform the RF retuning instead of only a part
of one subframe. This means all symbols in the subframe are used for the RF tuning
although the time length required by the RF retuning might be shorter than the time
duration of a subframe. In Fig. 4A, the first one of the four subframes planned for the
data retransmission at the next hopped frequency is used to transmit the i-the PUSCH,
while in Fig. 4B, the last one of the four subframes planned for the data retransmission
before the next frequency hopping. By this, enough time is reserved for the RF
retuning and thus it may also ensure the performing of the RF retuning.
[0050] Hereinabove, the embodiments of the present disclosure are described
with reference to a FDD system; however, the present disclosure is not only limited to
the FDD system. In Fact, it is also applicable to a TDD system as well. Next,
description will be made to a solution for a TDD system as provided herein.
[0051] For a purpose of illustration, in Fig. 5, there is schematically illustrated
an exemplary frame structure for a TDD system. As illustrated in Fig. 5, similar to a
FDD radio frame, a TDD radio frame also consists of ten subframes labeled with 0 to 9.
While different from the FDD radio frame, each of the subframes may be used for DL
transmission or UL transmission, or used as a special subframe between the DL period
and the UL period. Taking configuration 0 as an example, subframes 0 and 5 are used
for the DL transmission, subframes 2 to 4 and subframes 7 to 9 are used for the UL
transmission and subframes 1 and 6 are used as special subframes, which are labeled as
"D", "U" and "S" respectively.
[0052] For example, regarding TDD configuration 0, there are three
consecutive uplink subframe (i.e., subframes 2 to 4 and subframes 7 to 9), in such a case
the hopping interval may be for example 3 uplink subframes. Thus, for the TDD
configuration 0, similar to those illustrated in Fig.3A and 3B, the RF retuning can be
performed in a plurality of symbols of the first one of subframes planned for the data
retransmission at the next hopped frequency or the last one of subframes planned for the
data retransmission before the next frequency hopping. Or alternatively, a whole
subframe can be used to perform the RF retuning. The whole subframe particularly
may be the first one of subframes planned for the data retransmission at the next hopped
frequency or the last one of subframes planned for the data retransmission before the
next frequency hopping.
[0053] However, the inventors further notice that the TDD frame has its own
special structure, i.e., there is a special subframe between the DL period and the UL
period, which is always located immediately after an downlink subframe "U" and
before an uplink subframe "U." Thus, it is possible to have the RF retuning to be
performed during the special subframe.
[0054] Reference is made to Fig. 6, which schematically illustrates an
exemplary configuration of the RF retuning for a TDD system according to an
embodiment of the present disclosure. In Fig. 6, frame configuration 0 is taken as an
example again, which comprises three consecutive uplink subframes after each special
subframe. In other word, a special subframe will be available every three uplink
subframes. In such a case, the frequency hopping interval can be set as 3 and the
special subframe between the frequency hoppings can be used to perform the RF
retuning. In such a way, not only can the frequency diversity gain be obtained by the
MTC during the repetitions but also the transmission mistakes can be avoided, and at
the same time the impact of RF retuning time can further be reduced.
[0055] Fig. 7 schematically illustrates another exemplary configuration of the
RF retuning for a TDD system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.
In Fig. 7, the configuration of the RF retuning is for frame configuration 0 but the
frequency hopping interval is set as 6 instead of 3 of Fig. 6. Thus only the special
subframe corresponding subframe 1 in a second frame is used to perform the RF tuning,
which is located between two frequency hoppings. It can be understood that, for frame
configuration 0, the frequency hopping interval can be determined as the multiple of 3.
That is to say, the frequency hopping interval can be determined based on the
characteristics of the configuration.
[0056] From Fig. 5, it is clear that different frame configurations have different
patterns and thus frequency hopping intervals suitable for different frame configurations
are also different. Thus, the frequency hopping interval can be determined based on a
configuration of subframe used for the data transmission. That is to say, for different
subframe configurations, it can use different frequency hopping interval according to
characteristics of different subframe configurations. Taking configuration 0 as an
example, there are three consecutive subframes after a special subframe. Thus, in
order to use the special subframe for RF retuning, the frequency hopping interval may
be the multiple of 3, i.e., 3, 6 and so on, as illustrated in Figs. 6 and 7. For
configuration 2, it contains two consecutive uplink subframes, and thus the frequency
hopping interval may be the multiple of 2, i.e., 2, 4, 6 and so on. While, for
configuration 6 which includes two or three consecutive uplink subframes after a special
subframe, the frequency hopping interval may be the multiple of 5, i.e. 5, 10 and so on.
In such a way, it may ensure that there is always a special subframe which can be used
for the RF retuning.
[0057] With embodiments of the present disclosure, there is provided a new
solution for data transmission in wireless communication system, in which the RF
retuning can be performed in a plurality of symbols. That means when determining
resource for the RF retuning, it considers not only the time length required by the RF
retuning but also the starting point of the data retransmission to ensure that the data
retransmission could start from a starting point of symbol instead of a middle thereof.
In such a way, transmission mistakes can be reduced and the transmission efficiency can
be improved. Besides, in the present disclosure, there is proposed to use a frequency
hopping interval of at least two, preferable, 3 or more, which means cross-subframe
channel estimation can be used, and thus the accuracy of channel estimation during each
hopping period will be improved.
[0058] In addition to the method as described above, there is also provided an
apparatus for data transmission in a wireless communication system according to an
embodiment of the present disclosure. Next reference will be made to Fig. 8 to
describe the apparatus as provided in the present disclosure.
[0059] As illustrated in Fig. 8, apparatus 800 may comprise an information
receiving module 810 and a resource determination module 820. The information
receiving module 810 is configured to receive information on assigned resources for the
data transmission. The resource determination module 820 may be configured to
determine resources for respective data retransmissions based on the information on the
assigned resources for the data transmission and a predetermined frequency hopping
pattern. Particularly, a plurality of symbols are used to perform a radio frequency (RF)
retuning and the time duration of the plurality of symbols is at least equal to a time
interval required by the RF retuning.
[0060] In an embodiment of the present disclosure, wherein the plurality of
symbols may be a part of a subframe and resting symbols of the subframe may be used
to perform the data retransmission. The subframe can be the first one of subframes
planned for the data retransmission at the next hopped frequency. Or alternatively, the
subframe can be the last one of subframes planned for the data retransmission before the
next frequency hopping. Particularly, the number of symbols may be determined as a
minimal value that meets the RF retuning.
[0061] In another embodiment of the present disclosure, a whole subframe
may be used to perform the RF retuning. Particularly, the whole subframe may be the
first one of subframes planned for the data retransmission at the next hopped frequency.
Or alternatively, the whole subframe may be the last one of subframes planned for the
data retransmission before the next frequency hopping.
[0062] In a still further embodiment of the present disclosure, the
predetermined frequency hopping pattern may indicate a frequency hopping interval of
at least two subframes in the time domain.
[0063] In a yet further embodiment of the present disclosure, the RF retuning
may be performed in a special subframe between two frequency hoppings. Particularly,
the frequency hopping interval in the time domain may be determined based on a
configuration of subframe used for the data transmission.
[0064] In a yet further embodiment of the present disclosure, the data
transmission may be an uplink data transmission for Machine Type Communication
(MTC).
[0065] It is noted that the apparatus 800 may be configured to implement
functionalities as described with reference to Figs. 1 to. 7. Therefore, for details about
the operations of modules in these apparatus, one may refer to those descriptions made
with respect to the respective steps of the methods with reference to Figs. 1 to 7.
[0066] It is further noted that the components of the apparatus 800 may be
embodied in hardware, software, firmware, and/or any combination thereof. For
example, the components of apparatus 800 may be respectively implemented by a
circuit, a processor or any other appropriate selection device. Those skilled in the art
will appreciate that the aforesaid examples are only for illustration not limitation.
[0067] In some embodiment of the present disclosure, apparatus 800 may
comprise at least one processor. The at least one processor suitable for use with
embodiments of the present disclosure may include, by way of example, both general
and special purpose processors already known or developed in the future. Apparatus
800 may further comprise at least one memory. The at least one memory may include,
for example, semiconductor memory devices, e.g., RAM, ROM, EPROM, EEPROM,
and flash memory devices. The at least one memory may be used to store program of
computer executable instructions. The program can be written in any high-level and/or
low-level compilable or interpretable programming languages. In accordance with
embodiments, the computer executable instructions may be configured, with the at least
one processor, to cause apparatus 800 to at least perform operations according to the
method as discussed with reference to Figs. 1 to 7 respectively.
[0068] Hereinbefore, detailed descriptions of solutions as provided in the
present disclosure are given with reference to specific embodiments of the present
disclosure; however, the present disclosure is not limited thereto. It may be
appreciated that embodiments of the present disclosure are described with reference to
MTC; however, the present invention is not limited thereto and the present invention
may be used any communication with a low SNR in LTE system. Besides,
hereinabove, the uplink data transmission is described; however, the solution as
provided in the present disclosure can also be used in the downlink data transmission.
In such a case, the object of concern will be downlink subframe instead of the uplink
subframe, and after the information on assigned resource is determined by the eNB, the
information will send to the module for determining resource for the data retransmission
in the eNB and the resource determination will be performed at the eNB, instead of the
UE. Besides, for the TDD system, the frequency hopping interval may be determined
by considering the number of consecutive downlink subframes and the availability of
the special subframe.
[0069] Additionally, based on the above description, the skilled in the art
would appreciate that the present disclosure may be embodied in an apparatus, a method,
or a computer program product. In general, the various exemplary embodiments may
be implemented in hardware or special purpose circuits, software, logic or any
combination thereof. For example, some aspects may be implemented in hardware,
while other aspects may be implemented in firmware or software which may be
executed by a controller, microprocessor or other computing device, although the
disclosure is not limited thereto. While various aspects of the exemplary embodiments
of this disclosure may be illustrated and described as block diagrams, flowcharts, or
using some other pictorial representation, it is well understood that these blocks,
apparatus, systems, techniques or methods described herein may be implemented in, as
non-limiting examples, hardware, software, firmware, special purpose circuits or logic,
general purpose hardware or controller or other computing devices, or some
combination thereof.
[0070] The various blocks shown in the companying drawings may be viewed
as method steps, and/or as operations that result from operation of computer program
code, and/or as a plurality of coupled logic circuit elements constructed to carry out the
associated function(s). At least some aspects of the exemplary embodiments of the
disclosures may be practiced in various components such as integrated circuit chips and
modules, and that the exemplary embodiments of this disclosure may be realized in an
apparatus that is embodied as an integrated circuit, FPGA or ASIC that is configurable
to operate in accordance with the exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure.
[0071] While this specification contains many specific implementation details,
these should not be construed as limitations on the scope of any disclosure or of what
may be claimed, but rather as descriptions of features that may be specific to particular
embodiments of particular disclosures. Certain features that are described in this
specification in the context of separate embodiments can also be implemented in
combination in a single embodiment. Conversely, various features that are described
in the context of a single embodiment can also be implemented in multiple
embodiments separately or in any suitable sub-combination. Moreover, although
features may be described above as acting in certain combinations and even initially
claimed as such, one or more features from a claimed combination can in some cases be
excised from the combination, and the claimed combination may be directed to a
sub-combination or variation of a sub-combination.
[0072] Similarly, while operations are depicted in the drawings in a particular
order, this should not be understood as requiring that such operations be performed in
the particular order shown or in sequential order, or that all illustrated operations be
performed, to achieve desirable results. In certain circumstances, multitasking and
parallel processing may be advantageous. Moreover, the separation of various system
components in the embodiments described above should not be understood as requiring
such separation in all embodiments, and it should be understood that the described
program components and systems can generally be integrated together in a single
software product or packaged into multiple software products.
[0073] Various modifications, adaptations to the foregoing exemplary
embodiments of this disclosure may become apparent to those skilled in the relevant
arts in view of the foregoing description, when read in conjunction with the
accompanying drawings. Any and all modifications will still fall within the scope of
the non-limiting and exemplary embodiments of this disclosure. Furthermore, other
embodiments of the disclosures set forth herein will come to mind to one skilled in the
art to which these embodiments of the disclosure pertain having the benefit of the
teachings presented in the foregoing descriptions and the associated drawings.
[0074] Therefore, it is to be understood that the embodiments of the disclosure
are not to be limited to the specific embodiments disclosed and that modifications and
other embodiments are intended to be included within the scope of the appended claims.
Although specific terms are used herein, they are used in a generic and descriptive sense
only and not for purposes of limitation.

WHATIS CLAIMED IS:
1.A method of data transmission in a wireless communication system, comprising:
receiving information on assigned resources for the data transmission; and
determining resources for respective data retransmissions based on the information
on the assigned resources for the data transmission and a predetermined frequency
hopping pattern, wherein a plurality of symbols are used to perform a radio frequency
(RF) retuning and the time duration of the plurality of symbols is at least equal to a time
interval required by the RF retuning.
2. The method according to Claim , wherein the plurality of symbols are a part of
a subframe and resting symbols of the subframe are used to perform the data
retransmission.
3. The method according to Claim 2, wherein the subframe is any one of the first
one of subframes planned for the data retransmission at the next hopped frequency or
the last one of subframes planned for the data retransmission before the next frequency
hopping.
4. The method according to any of Claims 1 to 3, wherein the number of symbols
is determined as a minimal value that meets the RF retuning.
5. The method according to Claim 1, wherein a whole subframe is used to perform
the RF retuning.
6. The method according to Claim 5, wherein the whole subframe is any one of the
first one of subframes planned for the data retransmission at the next hopped frequency
or the last one of subframes planned for the data retransmission before the next
frequency hopping.
7. The method according to any one of Claims 1 to 6, wherein the predetermined
frequency hopping pattern indicates a frequency hopping interval of at least two
subframes in the time domain.
8. The method according to Claim 1, wherein the RF retiming is performed in a
special subframe between two frequency hoppings.
9. The method according to Claim 8, wherein a frequency hopping interval in the
time domain is determined based on a configuration of subframe used for the data
transmission.
10. The method according to any one of Claims 1 to 9, wherein the data
transmission is an uplink data transmission for Machine Type Communication (MTC).
11. An apparatus for data transmission in wireless communication system,
comprising:
an information receiving module, configured to receive information on assigned
resources for the data transmission; and
a resource determination module, configured to determine resources for respective
data retransmissions based on the information on the assigned resources for the data
transmission and a predetermined frequency hopping pattern, wherein a plurality of
symbols are used to perform a radio frequency (RF) retuning and the time duration of
the plurality of symbols is at least equal to a time interval required by the RF retuning.
12. The apparatus according to Claim 11, wherein the plurality of symbols are a
part of a subframe and resting symbols of the subframe are used to perform the data
retransmission.
13. The apparatus according to Claim 12, wherein the subframe is any one of the
first one of subframes planned for the data retransmission at the next hopped frequency
or the last one of subframes planned for the data retransmission before the next
frequency hopping.
14. The apparatus according to any of Claims 11 to 13, wherein the number of
symbols is determined as a minimal value that meets the RF retiming.
15. The apparatus according to Claim 11, wherein a whole subframe is used to
perform the RF retiming.
16. The apparatus according to Claim 15, wherein the whole subframe is any one
of the first one of subframes planned for the data retransmission at the next hopped
frequency or the last one of subframes planned for the data retransmission before the
next frequency hopping.
17. The apparatus according to any one of Claims 11 to 16, wherein the
predetermined frequency hopping pattern indicates a frequency hopping interval of at
least two subframes in the time domain.
18. The apparatus according to Claim 11, wherein the RF retuning is performed in
a special subframe between two frequency hoppings.
19. The apparatus according to Claim 18, wherein a frequency hopping interval in
the time domain is determined based on a configuration of subframe used for the data
transmission.
20. The apparatus according to any one of Claims 11 to 19, wherein the data
transmission is uplink data transmission for Machine Type Communication (MTC).