Method and device for managing a memory for buffer-storing data blocks in ARQ transmission systems

An apparatus for managing data block versions obtained from repeat transmissions of a data block which is to be decoded in a receiver, the data block to be transmitted being subjected to channel coding and puncturing in the transmitter, comprising:

• a memory area configured to store received data block versions in punctured form, and
• a decision logic unit configured to decided whether or not a received data block version for a data block whose decoding in the receiver has failed to date and is also unsuccessful when the received data block version is taken into account is stored as punctured data block version in the memory area,
• wherein the decision logic unit decides whether to store or not store a received data block version on the basis of management information which is held in the receiver for the punctured data block versions stored in the memory area, the management information comprising information about the quality of a stored data block version,
• wherein the quality of the received data block version is determined, and
• wherein a stored data block version of a first data block can be overwritten by the received data block version of a second data block only if:
• more data block versions are stored for the first data block than for the second data block, the first data block has a plurality of data block versions having one and the same puncturing pattern Px, which is different to the puncturing pattern of the received data block version, and
• the quality of the received data block version is a prescribed amount better than the quality of a stored data block version having the puncturing pattern Px.

A method for managing data block versions obtained from repeat transmissions of a data block which is to be decoded in a receiver, the data block to be transmitted being subjected to channel coding and puncturing in the transmitter, comprising:

• providing a memory area for storing received data block versions in punctured form;
• determining a quality value for a received data block version;
• storing said received data block version for a data block whose decoding in the receiver has failed to date and is also unsuccessful when the received data block version is taken into account as a punctured data block version in the memory area if said quality value is greater than a predetermined value and not storing said data block version otherwise,
• wherein the decision to be made regarding the storage or nonstorage of a received data block version is made on the basis of management information which is held in the receiver for the punctured data block versions stored in the memory area, the management information comprising information about the quality of a stored data block version,
• wherein the quality of the received data block version is determined, and
• wherein a stored data block version of a first data block can be overwritten by the received data block version of a second data block only if:
• more data block versions are stored for the first data block than for the second data block;
• the first data block has a plurality of data block versions having one and the same puncturing pattern Px, which is different to the puncturing pattern of the received data block version, and
• the quality of the received data block version is a prescribed amount better than the quality of a stored data block version having the puncturing pattern Px.