CQI

Technical Explanation

The UE maps measured SINR to a 4-bit CQI index (values 0 to 15) referencing standardized 3GPP CQI tables. CQI Table 1 supports up to 64QAM, Table 2 supports up to 256QAM, and Table 3 supports ultra-reliable low error rate targets (0.001% BLER for URLLC). The gNodeB uses CQI to select PDSCH modulation and coding.

Key Functions

• Recommends highest sustainable MCS achieving <= 10% BLER (or 0.001% for URLLC)
• Reported periodically on PUCCH or aperiodically on PUSCH
• Mapped to standardized tables supporting 64QAM, 256QAM, or URLLC