Method and device for improving performance of uplink control channel in non-terrestrial network

Abstract

As a technology for improving the performance of an uplink control channel in a non-terrestrial network, provided may be a method of a satellite, the method comprising the steps of: transmitting, to a user equipment (UE), system information including information on a polarization type supportable by the satellite; receiving, from the UE, a polarization capability report including information on a polarization type supportable by the UE; indicating, to the UE, a polarization type usable by the UE on the basis of the received polarization capability report; and receiving a physical uplink control channel (PUCCH) transmitted from the UE by using polarization of the indicated polarization type.

Description

Method and device for improving the performance of an uplink control channel in a non-terrestrial network

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a technique for improving the performance of an uplink control channel in a non-terrestrial network, and more particularly, to a technique for improving the performance of an uplink control channel in a non-terrestrial network by using polarization.

[0002] Communication networks (e.g., 5G communication networks, 6G communication networks, etc.) are being developed to provide improved communication services compared to existing communication networks (e.g., long term evolution (LTE), advanced LTE-A (LTE-A), etc.). 5G communication networks (e.g., new radio (NR) communication networks) can support frequency bands above 6 GHz as well as frequency bands below 6 GHz. In other words, 5G communication networks can support FR1 bands and / or FR2 bands. 5G communication networks can support various communication services and scenarios compared to LTE communication networks. For example, usage scenarios of 5G communication networks can include enhanced Mobile Broadband (eMBB), Ultra Reliable Low Latency Communication (URLLC), massive Machine Type Communication (mMTC), etc.

[0003] Compared to 5G, 6G communication networks can support a wider range of communication services and scenarios. 6G communication networks can meet requirements for ultra-high performance, ultra-high bandwidth, ultra-high space, ultra-high precision, ultra-intelligence, and / or ultra-reliability. 6G communication networks can support diverse and wide frequency bands and be applied to various usage scenarios (e.g., terrestrial communications, non-terrestrial communications, sidelink communications, etc.).

[0004] Communication networks (e.g., 5G communication networks, 6G communication networks, etc.) can provide communication services to terminals located on the ground. Demand for communication services for not only terrestrial but also non-terrestrial devices such as airplanes, drones, and satellites is increasing, and technologies for non-terrestrial networks (NTNs) are being discussed to address this need. Non-terrestrial networks can be implemented based on 5G communication technologies, 6G communication technologies, etc. For example, in a non-terrestrial network, communication between a satellite and a communication node located on the ground or a communication node located on the non-terrestrial side (e.g., an airplane, drone, etc.) can be performed based on 5G communication technologies, 6G communication technologies, etc. In a non-terrestrial network, a satellite can perform the function of a base station in a communication network (e.g., a 5G communication network, a 6G communication network, etc.).

[0005] Meanwhile, the likelihood of polarization persisting in non-terrestrial network environments may be relatively high. Accordingly, discussions on polarization-based multiplexing methods may be ongoing in standards. At this time, in addition to improving the multiplexing performance of data channels using polarization, measures to improve control channel performance may be necessary. In particular, various signaling methods for applying polarization to PUCCH (physical uplink control channel) resources, setting up terminal groups to which polarization multiplexing is applied, polarization indication methods, and polarization multiplexing processing in the data domain and DMRS (demodulation reference signal) domain may be required.

[0006] The purpose of the present disclosure to solve the above problems is to provide a method and device for improving the performance of an uplink control channel in a non-terrestrial network that can improve the performance of an uplink control channel by using polarization.

[0007] In order to achieve the above object, a method for improving the performance of an uplink control channel in a non-terrestrial network according to a first embodiment of the present disclosure may include, as a satellite method, the steps of: transmitting system information including information on polarization types that can be supported by the satellite to a UE (user equipment); receiving, from the UE, a polarization capability report including information on polarization types that can be supported by the UE; indicating to the UE a polarization type that can be used by the UE based on the received polarization capability report; and receiving a PUCCH (physical uplink control channel) transmitted from the UE using a polarization according to the indicated polarization type.

[0008] The step of indicating to the UE the polarization type that can be used by the UE based on the received polarization capability report may include the steps of: determining a polarization multiplexing group in which the UE can be included based on the received polarization capability report; identifying a polarization type that can be used in the determined polarization multiplexing group; determining a polarization type that can be used by the UE based on the polarization types that can be used in the identified polarization multiplexing group; and indicating the determined polarization type to the UE.

[0009] If the polarization multiplexing group is a group that uses linear polarization, the polarization types that can be used in the UE may be horizontal linear polarization or vertical linear polarization, and if the polarization multiplexing group is a group that uses circular polarization, the polarization types that can be used in the UE may be right-handed circular polarization or left-handed circular polarization.

[0010] The above-determined polarization type is indicated by signaling that sets the PUCCH format, and the signaling may include 1 bit indicating the above-determined polarization type.

[0011] The above-determined polarization type is indicated by signaling that sets the PUCCH format, and the signaling may include one bit indicating a polarization type that can be used in the polarization multiplexing group and one bit indicating a polarization type that can be used in the UE.

[0012] The polarization type determined above may be indicated by the number of available resource blocks (RBs), which is a parameter set by a higher layer to designate physical resources used for PUCCH.

[0013] The polarization type determined above can be indicated by the least significant bit (LSB) value of the RNTI (radio network temporary identifier).

[0014] The polarization type determined above may be composed of a polarization type used in the data domain and a polarization type used in the RS (reference signal) domain.

[0015] Meanwhile, in a method for improving the performance of an uplink control channel in a non-terrestrial network according to a second embodiment of the present disclosure for achieving the above object, the method of a UE (user equipment) may include: receiving system information including information on polarization types that can be supported by the satellite from a satellite; transmitting a polarization capability report including information on polarization types that can be supported by the UE to the satellite; receiving indication information indicating polarization types that can be used by the UE from the satellite; and transmitting a physical uplink control channel (PUCCH) to the satellite using a polarization according to the polarization type indicated in the indication information.

[0016] The above instruction information may be included in signaling setting the PUCCH format.

[0017] The above instruction information may be a value of the number of available resource blocks (RBs), which is a parameter set by a higher layer to designate physical resources used for PUCCH.

[0018] The above instruction information may be the least significant bit (LSB) value of the RNTI (radio network temporary identifier).

[0019] The above instruction information includes information indicating a type of polarization used in a data area and information indicating a type of polarization used in an RS (reference signal) area, and the data area of ​​the PUCCH can be transmitted using a polarization according to the type of polarization used in the data area, and the RS area of ​​the PUCCH can be transmitted using a polarization according to the type of polarization used in the RS area.

[0020] Meanwhile, in order to achieve the above object, a device for improving the performance of an uplink control channel in a non-terrestrial network according to a third embodiment of the present disclosure comprises a UE (user equipment) including at least one processor, wherein the at least one processor causes the UE to receive system information including information on polarization types that can be supported by the satellite from a satellite; transmit a polarization capability report including information on polarization types that can be supported by the UE to the satellite; receive indication information indicating polarization types that can be used by the UE from the satellite; and transmit a physical uplink control channel (PUCCH) to the satellite using a polarization according to a polarization type indicated in the indication information.

[0021] The above indication information may be 1 bit indicating the type of polarization that can be used by the UE included in the signaling setting the PUCCH format.

[0022] The above instruction information may be a range of values ​​for the number of available resource blocks (RBs), which is a parameter given from a higher layer to designate physical resources used for PUCCH.

[0023] The above instruction information may be the least significant bit (LSB) value of the RNTI (radio network temporary identifier).

[0024] The above instruction information consists of information indicating the type of polarization used in the data area and information indicating the type of polarization used in the RS (reference signal) area.

[0025] In the step of transmitting a physical uplink control channel (PUCCH) to the satellite using a polarization according to a polarization type indicated in the above instruction information, the processor may cause the UE to transmit a data region of the PUCCH using a polarization according to a polarization type used in the data region, and to transmit an RS region of the PUCCH using a polarization according to a polarization type used in the RS region.

[0026] According to the present disclosure, a terminal can multiplex uplink control information bits using various constant amplitude zero auto correlations (CAZACs), various orthogonal cover codes, and various polarizations. Thus, according to the present disclosure, the terminal can further distinguish uplink control information bits through polarization even if they have the same cyclic shift and orthogonal cover code.

[0027] Figure 1a is a conceptual diagram illustrating a first embodiment of a non-terrestrial network.

[0028] Figure 1b is a conceptual diagram illustrating a second embodiment of a non-terrestrial network.

[0029] Figure 2a is a conceptual diagram illustrating a third embodiment of a non-terrestrial network.

[0030] Figure 2b is a conceptual diagram illustrating a fourth embodiment of a non-terrestrial network.

[0031] Figure 2c is a conceptual diagram illustrating a fifth embodiment of a non-terrestrial network.

[0032] Figure 3 is a block diagram illustrating a first embodiment of a communication node constituting a non-terrestrial network.

[0033] Figure 4 is a block diagram illustrating a first embodiment of communication nodes performing communication.

[0034] Figure 5a is a block diagram illustrating a first embodiment of a transmission path.

[0035] Figure 5b is a block diagram illustrating a first embodiment of a receiving path.

[0036] FIG. 6a is a conceptual diagram illustrating a first embodiment of a protocol stack of a user plane in a non-terrestrial network based on transparent payload.

[0037] FIG. 6b is a conceptual diagram illustrating a first embodiment of a protocol stack of a control plane in a non-terrestrial network based on transparent payload.

[0038] FIG. 7a is a conceptual diagram illustrating a first embodiment of a protocol stack of a user plane in a non-terrestrial network based on regenerative payload.

[0039] FIG. 7b is a conceptual diagram illustrating a first embodiment of a protocol stack of a control plane in a non-terrestrial network based on regenerative payload.

[0040] Figures 8a and 8b are conceptual diagrams showing the configuration of a demodulation reference signal (DMRS) and uplink control information (UCI) in PUCCH (physical uplink control channel) format 1.

[0041] Fig. 9 is a flowchart illustrating a first embodiment of a method for improving the performance of an uplink control channel in a non-terrestrial network.

[0042] Figure 10 is a conceptual diagram illustrating a first embodiment of a process in which a terminal generates a positive or negative response signal.

[0043] This disclosure may be subject to various modifications and various embodiments. Specific embodiments are illustrated and described in detail in the drawings. However, this is not intended to limit the disclosure to specific embodiments, but rather to encompass all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling within the spirit and technical scope of the disclosure.

[0044] While terms such as "first" and "second" may be used to describe various components, these components should not be limited by these terms. These terms are used solely to distinguish one component from another. For example, without departing from the scope of the present disclosure, a first component could be referred to as a "second component," and similarly, a second component could also be referred to as a "first component." The term "and / or" may refer to a combination of multiple related items described herein or to any of multiple related items described herein.

[0045] In the present disclosure, “at least one of A and B” may mean “at least one of A or B” or “at least one of combinations of one or more of A and B.” Additionally, in the present disclosure, “at least one of A and B” may mean “at least one of A or B” or “at least one of combinations of one or more of A and B.”

[0046] In the present disclosure, (re)transmission may mean “transmission,” “retransmission,” or “transmission and retransmission,” (re)setting may mean “setting,” “resetting,” or “setting and resetting,” (re)connection may mean “connection,” “reconnection,” or “connection and reconnection,” and (re)connection may mean “connection,” “reconnection,” or “connection and reconnection.”

[0047] When a component is referred to as being "connected" or "connected" to another component, it should be understood that it may be directly connected or connected to that other component, but that there may be other components intervening. Conversely, when a component is referred to as being "directly connected" or "connected" to another component, it should be understood that there are no other components intervening.

[0048] The terminology used in this disclosure is only used to describe specific embodiments and is not intended to limit the present disclosure. The singular expression includes the plural expression unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. In this disclosure, it should be understood that the terms "comprises" or "has" indicate the presence of a feature, number, step, operation, component, part, or combination thereof described in the specification, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, numbers, steps, operations, components, parts, or combinations thereof.

[0049] Unless otherwise defined, all terms used herein, including technical or scientific terms, have the same meaning as commonly understood by a person of ordinary skill in the art to which this disclosure pertains. Terms defined in commonly used dictionaries should be interpreted as having a meaning consistent with their meaning in the context of the relevant technology, and shall not be interpreted in an idealized or overly formal sense unless explicitly defined herein.

[0050] Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in more detail with reference to the attached drawings. In order to facilitate an overall understanding in describing the present disclosure, the same reference numerals will be used for identical components in the drawings, and redundant descriptions of identical components will be omitted. In addition to the embodiments explicitly described in the present disclosure, operations may be performed according to combinations of embodiments, extensions of embodiments, and / or modifications of embodiments. The performance of some operations may be omitted, and the order of operation may be changed.

[0051] In an embodiment, even if a method (e.g., transmitting or receiving a signal) performed by a first communication node among communication nodes is described, a corresponding second communication node can perform a method (e.g., receiving or transmitting a signal) corresponding to the method performed by the first communication node. In other words, if an operation of a user equipment (UE) is described, a corresponding base station can perform an operation corresponding to the operation of the UE. Conversely, if an operation of a base station is described, a corresponding UE can perform an operation corresponding to the operation of the base station. In a non-terrestrial network (NTN) (e.g., a payload-based NTN), an operation of a base station can mean an operation of a satellite, and an operation of a satellite can mean an operation of a base station.

[0052] A base station may be referred to as a NodeB, an evolved NodeB, a gNodeB (next generation node B), a gNB, a device, an apparatus, a node, a communication node, a BTS (base transceiver station), a RRH (radio remote head), a TRP (transmission reception point), a RU (radio unit), an RSU (road side unit), a radio transceiver, an access point, an access node, etc. A UE may be referred to as a terminal, a device, an apparatus, a node, a communication node, an end node, an access terminal, a mobile terminal, a station, a subscriber station, a mobile station, a portable subscriber station, an OBU (on-broad unit), etc.

[0053] In the present disclosure, signaling may be at least one of upper layer signaling, MAC signaling, or PHY (physical) signaling. A message used for upper layer signaling may be referred to as an "upper layer message" or an "upper layer signaling message." A message used for MAC signaling may be referred to as a "MAC message" or a "MAC signaling message." A message used for PHY signaling may be referred to as a "PHY message" or a "PHY signaling message." Upper layer signaling may refer to a transmission and reception operation of system information (e.g., a master information block (MIB), a system information block (SIB)) and / or an RRC message. MAC signaling may refer to a transmission and reception operation of a MAC control element (CE). PHY signaling may refer to a transmission and reception operation of control information (e.g., downlink control information (DCI), uplink control information (UCI), sidelink control information (SCI)).

[0054] In the present disclosure, “an operation (e.g., a transmission operation) is set” may mean that “setting information for the operation (e.g., an information element, a parameter)” and / or “information instructing the performance of the operation” is signaled. “An information element (e.g., a parameter) is set” may mean that the information element is signaled. In the present disclosure, “a signal and / or a channel” may mean a signal, a channel, or “a signal and a channel,” and a signal may be used to mean “a signal and / or a channel.”

[0055] The communication system may include at least one of a terrestrial network, a non-terrestrial network, a 4G communication network (e.g., a long-term evolution (LTE) communication network), a 5G communication network (e.g., a new radio (NR) communication network), or a 6G communication network. Each of the 4G communication network, the 5G communication network, and the 6G communication network may include a terrestrial network and / or a non-terrestrial network. The non-terrestrial network may operate based on at least one communication technology among the LTE communication technology, the 5G communication technology, and the 6G communication technology. The non-terrestrial network may provide communication services in various frequency bands.

[0056] The communication network to which the embodiment is applied is not limited to what is described below, and the embodiment may be applied to various communication networks (e.g., 4G communication networks, 5G communication networks, and / or 6G communication networks). Here, the communication network may be used in the same sense as the communication system.

[0057] Figure 1a is a conceptual diagram illustrating a first embodiment of a non-terrestrial network.

[0058] Referring to FIG. 1A, the non-terrestrial network may include a satellite (110), a communication node (120), a gateway (130), a data network (140), etc. The unit including the satellite (110) and the gateway (130) may be a remote radio unit (RRU). The non-terrestrial network illustrated in FIG. 1A may be a transparent payload-based non-terrestrial network. The satellite (110) may be a low Earth orbit (LEO) satellite, a medium Earth orbit (MEO) satellite, a geostationary Earth orbit (GEO) satellite, a high elliptical orbit (HEO) satellite, or an unmanned aircraft system (UAS) platform. The UAS platform may include a high altitude platform station (HAPS). The non-GEO satellite may be a LEO satellite and / or a MEO satellite.

[0059] The communication node (120) may include a communication node located on the ground (e.g., a UE, terminal) and a communication node located off the ground (e.g., an airplane, a drone). A service link may be established between the satellite (110) and the communication node (120), and the service link may be a radio link. The satellite (110) may be referred to as an NTN payload. The gateway (130) may support multiple NTN payloads. The satellite (110) may provide a communication service to the communication node (120) using one or more beams. The shape of the reception range (footprint) of the beam of the satellite (110) may be elliptical or circular.

[0060] In non-terrestrial networks, three types of service links can be supported as follows:

[0061] - Earth-fixed: The service link may be provided by beam(s) that continuously cover the same geographic area at all times (e.g., Geosynchronous Orbit (GSO) satellites).

[0062] - Quasi-earth-fixed: The service link may be provided by beam(s) that cover one geographic area for a limited period and another geographic area for another period (e.g., NGSO (non-GSO) satellites that produce steerable beams).

[0063] - Earth-moving: The service link may be provided by beam(s) moving over the Earth's surface (e.g., NGSO satellites producing fixed beams or non-steerable beams).

[0064] The communication node (120) can perform communication (e.g., downlink communication, uplink communication) with the satellite (110) using 4G communication technology, 5G communication technology, and / or 6G communication technology. Communication between the satellite (110) and the communication node (120) can be performed using an NR-Uu interface and / or a 6G-Uu interface. When DC (dual connectivity) is supported, the communication node (120) can be connected to not only the satellite (110) but also other base stations (e.g., base stations supporting 4G functions, 5G functions, and / or 6G functions), and can perform DC operations based on technologies defined in the 4G standard, the 5G standard, and / or the 6G standard.

[0065] The gateway (130) may be located on the ground, and a feeder link may be established between the satellite (110) and the gateway (130). The feeder link may be a wireless link. The gateway (130) may be referred to as a "non-terrestrial network (NTN) gateway." Communication between the satellite (110) and the gateway (130) may be performed based on an NR-Uu interface, a 6G-Uu interface, or a satellite radio interface (SRI). The gateway (130) may be connected to a data network (140). A "core network" may exist between the gateway (130) and the data network (140). In this case, the gateway (130) may be connected to the core network, and the core network may be connected to the data network (140). The core network may support 4G communication technology, 5G communication technology, and / or 6G communication technology. For example, the core network may include an access and mobility management function (AMF), a user plane function (UPF), a session management function (SMF), etc. Communication between the gateway (130) and the core network may be performed based on a NG-C / U interface or a 6G-C / U interface.

[0066] As in the embodiment of Fig. 1b below, in a non-terrestrial network based on transparent payload, a base station and a core network may exist between a gateway (130) and a data network (140).

[0067] Figure 1b is a conceptual diagram illustrating a second embodiment of a non-terrestrial network.

[0068] Referring to FIG. 1B, a gateway may be connected to a base station, the base station may be connected to a core network, and the core network may be connected to a data network. Each of the base station and the core network may support 4G communication technology, 5G communication technology, and / or 6G communication technology. Communication between the gateway and the base station may be performed based on a NR-Uu interface or a 6G-Uu interface, and communication between the base station and the core network (e.g., AMF, UPF, SMF) may be performed based on a NG-C / U interface or a 6G-C / U interface.

[0069] Figure 2a is a conceptual diagram illustrating a third embodiment of a non-terrestrial network.

[0070] Referring to FIG. 2A, the non-terrestrial network may include satellite #1 (211), satellite #2 (212), communication node (220), gateway (230), data network (1240), etc. The non-terrestrial network illustrated in FIG. 2A may be a regenerative payload-based non-terrestrial network. For example, each of satellite #1 (211) and satellite #2 (212) may perform a regenerative operation (e.g., a demodulation operation, a decoding operation, a re-encoding operation, a re-modulation operation, and / or a filtering operation) on a payload received from another entity constituting the non-terrestrial network (e.g., a communication node (220), a gateway (230)) and transmit the regenerated payload.

[0071] Each of satellite #1 (211) and satellite #2 (212) may be a LEO satellite, MEO satellite, GEO satellite, HEO satellite, or UAS platform. The UAS platform may include HAPS. Satellite #1 (211) may be connected to satellite #2 (212), and an inter-satellite link (ISL) may be established between satellite #1 (211) and satellite #2 (212). The ISL may operate in a radio frequency (RF) frequency or an optical band. The ISL may be configured as optional. The communication node (220) may include a communication node located on the ground (e.g., a UE, terminal) and a communication node located off the ground (e.g., an airplane, a drone). A service link (e.g., a wireless link) may be established between satellite #1 (211) and the communication node (220). Satellite #1 (211) may be referred to as an NTN payload. Satellite #1 (211) can provide communication services to a communication node (220) using one or more beams.

[0072] The communication node (220) can perform communication (e.g., downlink communication, uplink communication) with satellite #1 (211) using 4G communication technology, 5G communication technology, and / or 6G communication technology. Communication between satellite #1 (211) and the communication node (220) can be performed using an NR-Uu interface or a 6G-Uu interface. When DC is supported, the communication node (220) can be connected to not only satellite #1 (211) but also other base stations (e.g., base stations supporting 4G functions, 5G functions, and / or 6G functions), and can perform DC operations based on technologies defined in the 4G standard, the 5G standard, and / or the 6G standard.

[0073] The gateway (230) may be located on the ground, and a feeder link may be established between satellite #1 (211) and the gateway (230), and a feeder link may be established between satellite #2 (212) and the gateway (230). The feeder link may be a wireless link. If an ISL is not established between satellite #1 (211) and satellite #2 (212), a feeder link between satellite #1 (211) and the gateway (230) may be established mandatorily. Communication between each of satellite #1 (211) and satellite #2 (212) and the gateway (230) may be performed based on an NR-Uu interface, a 6G-Uu interface, or an SRI. The gateway (230) may be connected to a data network (240).

[0074] As in the embodiments of FIGS. 2b and 2c below, a “core network” may exist between the gateway (230) and the data network (240).

[0075] Figure 2b is a conceptual diagram illustrating a fourth embodiment of a non-terrestrial network, and Figure 2c is a conceptual diagram illustrating a fifth embodiment of a non-terrestrial network.

[0076] Referring to FIGS. 2B and 2C, a gateway may be connected to a core network, and the core network may be connected to a data network. The core network may support 4G communication technology, 5G communication technology, and / or 6G communication technology. For example, the core network may include AMF, UPF, SMF, etc. Communication between the gateway and the core network may be performed based on a NG-C / U interface or a 6G-C / U interface. The function of a base station may be performed by a satellite. In other words, the base station may be located on a satellite. A base station located on a satellite may be a base station-DU (distributed unit), and a base station-CU (centralized unit) may be located within an NG-RAN or 6G-RAN. Payloads may be processed by a base station located on a satellite. Base stations located on different satellites may be connected to the same core network. A single satellite may have one or more base stations. In the non-terrestrial network of FIG. 2b, ISL between satellites may not be established, and in the non-terrestrial network of FIG. 2c, ISL between satellites may be established.

[0077] Meanwhile, entities (e.g., satellites, base stations, UEs, communication nodes, gateways, etc.) constituting the non-terrestrial network illustrated in FIGS. 1a, 1b, 2a, 2b, and / or 2c may be configured as follows. In the present disclosure, entities may be referred to as communication nodes.

[0078] Figure 3 is a block diagram illustrating a first embodiment of a communication node constituting a non-terrestrial network.

[0079] Referring to FIG. 3, a communication node (300) may include at least one processor (310), a memory (320), and a transmission / reception device (330) that is connected to a network and performs communication. In addition, the communication node (300) may further include an input interface device (340), an output interface device (350), a storage device (360), etc. Each component included in the communication node (300) may be connected by a bus (370) and communicate with each other.

[0080] However, each component included in the communication node (300) may be connected through an individual interface or individual bus centered around the processor (310), rather than a common bus (370). For example, the processor (310) may be connected to at least one of a memory (320), a transmission / reception device (330), an input interface device (340), an output interface device (350), or a storage device (360) through a dedicated interface.

[0081] The processor (310) can execute program commands stored in at least one of the memory (320) and the storage device (360). The processor (310) may refer to a central processing unit (CPU), a graphics processing unit (GPU), or a dedicated processor in which the methods according to the embodiments are performed. Each of the memory (320) and the storage device (360) may be configured with at least one of a volatile storage medium or a non-volatile storage medium. For example, the memory (320) may be configured with at least one of a read-only memory (ROM) or a random access memory (RAM).

[0082] Meanwhile, communication nodes performing communication in a communication network (e.g., a non-terrestrial network) may be configured as follows. The communication node illustrated in FIG. 4 may be a specific embodiment of the communication node illustrated in FIG. 3.

[0083] Figure 4 is a block diagram illustrating a first embodiment of communication nodes performing communication.

[0084] Referring to FIG. 4, each of the first communication node (400a) and the second communication node (400b) may be a base station or a UE. The first communication node (400a) may transmit a signal to the second communication node (400b). The transmission processor (411) included in the first communication node (400a) may receive data (e.g., a data unit) from a data source (410). The transmission processor (411) may receive control information from a controller (416). The control information may include at least one of system information, RRC configuration information (e.g., information configured by RRC signaling), MAC control information (e.g., MAC CE), or PHY control information (e.g., DCI, SCI).

[0085] The transmitting processor (411) may perform a processing operation on data (e.g., an encoding operation, a symbol mapping operation, etc.) to generate data symbol(s). The transmitting processor (411) may perform a processing operation on control information (e.g., an encoding operation, a symbol mapping operation, etc.) to generate control symbol(s). In addition, the transmitting processor (411) may generate synchronization / reference symbol(s) for a synchronization signal and / or a reference signal.

[0086] The Tx MIMO processor (412) may perform spatial processing operations (e.g., precoding operations) on data symbol(s), control symbol(s), and / or synchronization / reference symbol(s). An output (e.g., a symbol stream) of the Tx MIMO processor (412) may be provided to modulators (MODs) included in the transceivers (413a to 413t). The modulators (MODs) may perform processing operations on the symbol streams to generate modulation symbols, and may perform additional processing operations (e.g., analog conversion operations, amplification operations, filtering operations, upconversion operations) on the modulation symbols to generate signals. The signals generated by the modulators (MODs) of the transceivers (413a to 413t) may be transmitted via the antennas (414a to 414t).

[0087] Signals transmitted by the first communication node (400a) may be received by antennas (464a to 464r) of the second communication node (400b). Signals received by the antennas (464a to 464r) may be provided to demodulators (DEMODs) included in transceivers (463a to 463r). The demodulator (DEMOD) may perform a processing operation (e.g., a filtering operation, an amplification operation, a downconversion operation, a digital conversion operation) on the signal to obtain samples. The demodulator (DEMOD) may perform an additional processing operation on the samples to obtain symbols. The MIMO detector (462) may perform a MIMO detection operation on the symbols. The receiving processor (461) may perform a processing operation (e.g., a deinterleaving operation, a decoding operation) on the symbols. The output of the receiving processor (461) may be provided to a data sink (460) and a controller (466). For example, data may be provided to the data sink (460) and control information may be provided to the controller (466).

[0088] Meanwhile, the second communication node (400b) can transmit a signal to the first communication node (400a). The transmitting processor (468) included in the second communication node (400b) can receive data (e.g., data units) from a data source (467) and perform a processing operation on the data to generate data symbol(s). The transmitting processor (468) can receive control information from the controller (466) and perform a processing operation on the control information to generate control symbol(s). In addition, the transmitting processor (468) can perform a processing operation on a reference signal to generate reference symbol(s).

[0089] The Tx MIMO processor (469) may perform spatial processing operations (e.g., precoding operations) on data symbol(s), control symbol(s), and / or reference symbol(s). The output (e.g., symbol stream) of the Tx MIMO processor (469) may be provided to modulators (MODs) included in the transceivers (463a to 463t). The modulators (MODs) may perform processing operations on the symbol streams to generate modulation symbols, and may perform additional processing operations (e.g., analog conversion operations, amplification operations, filtering operations, upconversion operations) on the modulation symbols to generate signals. The signals generated by the modulators (MODs) of the transceivers (463a to 463t) may be transmitted via the antennas (464a to 464t).

[0090] Signals transmitted by the second communication node (400b) may be received by the antennas (414a to 414r) of the first communication node (400a). The signals received by the antennas (414a to 414r) may be provided to demodulators (DEMODs) included in the transceivers (413a to 413r). The demodulator (DEMOD) may perform a processing operation (e.g., a filtering operation, an amplification operation, a downconversion operation, a digital conversion operation) on the signal to obtain samples. The demodulator (DEMOD) may perform an additional processing operation on the samples to obtain symbols. The MIMO detector (420) may perform a MIMO detection operation on the symbols. The receiving processor (419) may perform a processing operation (e.g., a deinterleaving operation, a decoding operation) on the symbols. The output of the receiving processor (419) may be provided to a data sink (418) and a controller (416). For example, data may be provided to the data sink (418) and control information may be provided to the controller (416).

[0091] Memories (415 and 465) can store data, control information, and / or program code. Scheduler (417) can perform scheduling operations for communication. Processors (411, 412, 419, 461, 468, 469) and controllers (416, 466) illustrated in FIG. 4 may be the processor (310) illustrated in FIG. 3 and may be used to perform the methods described in the present disclosure.

[0092] FIG. 5a is a block diagram illustrating a first embodiment of a transmission path, and FIG. 5b is a block diagram illustrating a first embodiment of a reception path.

[0093] Referring to FIGS. 5A and 5B, a transmission path (510) may be implemented in a communication node that transmits a signal, and a reception path (520) may be implemented in a communication node that receives a signal. The transmission path (510) may include a channel coding and modulation block (511), a serial-to-parallel (S-to-P) block (512), an Inverse Fast Fourier Transform (N IFFT) block (513), a parallel-to-serial (P-to-S) block (514), a cyclic prefix (CP) addition block (515), and an up-converter (UC) (516). The receiving path (520) may include a DC (down-converter) (521), a CP removal block (522), an S-to-P block (523), an N FFT block (524), a P-to-S block (525), and a channel decoding and demodulation block (526). Here, N may be a natural number.

[0094] In the transmission path (510), information bits may be input to a channel coding and modulation block (511). The channel coding and modulation block (511) may perform a coding operation (e.g., a low-density parity check (LDPC) coding operation, a polar coding operation, etc.) and a modulation operation (e.g., a quadrature phase shift keying (QPSK), a quadrature amplitude modulation (QAM), etc.) on the information bits. The output of the channel coding and modulation block (511) may be a sequence of modulation symbols.

[0095] The S-to-P block (512) can convert modulation symbols in the frequency domain into parallel symbol streams to generate N parallel symbol streams. N can be an IFFT size or an FFT size. The N IFFT block (513) can perform an IFFT operation on the N parallel symbol streams to generate signals in the time domain. The P-to-S block (514) can convert the output (e.g., parallel signals) of the N IFFT block (513) into a serial signal to generate a serial signal.

[0096] The CP addition block (515) can insert a CP into a signal. The UC (516) can up-convert the frequency of the output of the CP addition block (515) to an RF (radio frequency) frequency. Additionally, the output of the CP addition block (515) can be filtered at the baseband before up-conversion.

[0097] A signal transmitted from a transmission path (510) may be input to a reception path (520). An operation in the reception path (520) may be the reverse operation of the operation in the transmission path (510). A DC (521) may down-convert the frequency of the received signal to a baseband frequency. A CP removal block (522) may remove a CP from a signal. The output of the CP removal block (522) may be a serial signal. An S-to-P block (523) may convert the serial signal into parallel signals. An N FFT block (524) may perform an FFT algorithm to generate N parallel signals. A P-to-S block (525) may convert the parallel signals into a sequence of modulation symbols. A channel decoding and demodulation block (526) may perform a demodulation operation on the modulation symbols and perform a decoding operation on the result of the demodulation operation to restore data.

[0098] In FIGS. 5A and 5B , Discrete Fourier Transform (DFT) and Inverse DFT (IDFT) may be used instead of FFT and IFFT. Each of the blocks (e.g., components) in FIGS. 5A and 5B may be implemented by at least one of hardware, software, or firmware. For example, some of the blocks in FIGS. 5A and 5B may be implemented by software, and the remaining blocks may be implemented by hardware or a “combination of hardware and software.” In FIGS. 5A and 5B , a single block may be subdivided into multiple blocks, multiple blocks may be integrated into a single block, some blocks may be omitted, and blocks supporting other functions may be added.

[0099] Meanwhile, NTN reference scenarios can be defined as shown in Table 1 below.

[0100] NTN shown in Fig. 1 NTNGEO shown in Fig. 2 Scenario A Scenario BLEO (steerable beam) Scenario C1 Scenario D1 LEO (beam moving with satellite) Scenario C2 Scenario D2

[0101]

[0102] If the satellite (110) in the non-terrestrial network illustrated in FIG. 1a and / or FIG. 1b is a GEO satellite (e.g., a GEO satellite supporting a transparent function), this may be referred to as “Scenario A.” If each of satellite #1 (211) and satellite #2 (212) in the non-terrestrial network illustrated in FIG. 2a, FIG. 2b, and / or FIG. 2c is a GEO satellite (e.g., a GEO supporting a regeneration function), this may be referred to as “Scenario B.” If the satellite (110) in the non-terrestrial network illustrated in FIG. 1a and / or FIG. 1b is a LEO satellite having steerable beams, this may be referred to as “Scenario C1.” In the non-terrestrial network illustrated in FIGS. 1A and / or 1B, if the satellite (110) is a LEO satellite having beams move with the satellite, this may be referred to as “Scenario C2.” In the non-terrestrial network illustrated in FIGS. 2A, 2B, and / or 2C, if each of satellite #1 (211) and satellite #2 (212) is a LEO satellite having steerable beams, this may be referred to as “Scenario D1.” In the non-terrestrial network illustrated in FIGS. 2A, 2B, and / or 2C, if each of satellite #1 (211) and satellite #2 (212) is a LEO satellite having beams move with the satellite, this may be referred to as “Scenario D2.”

[0103] Parameters for the NTN reference scenarios defined in Table 1 can be defined as shown in Table 2 below.

[0104] Scenario A and B Scenario C and D Altitude 35,786 km 600 km 1,200 km Spectrum (service link) < 6 GHz (e.g., 2 GHz) > 6 GHz (e.g., DL 20 GHz, UL 30 GHz) Maximum channel bandwidth capability (service link) 30 MHz for band < 6 GHz 1 GHz for band > 6 GHz Maximum distance between satellite and communication node (e.g., UE) at minimum elevation angle 40,581 km 1,932 km (600 km altitude) 3,131 km (1,200 km altitude) Maximum round trip delay (RTD) (propagation delay only) Scenario A: 541.46 ms (service and feeder links) Scenario B: 270.73 ms (service link only) Scenario C: (Transparent payload: service and feeder links) - 25.77 ms (600 km altitude) - 41.77 ms (1200 km altitude) Scenario D: (Regeneration payload: only service link) - 12.89 ms (600 km altitude) - 20.89 ms (1200 km altitude) Maximum differential delay within a cell 10.3 ms 3.12 ms (600 km altitude) 3.18 ms (1200 km altitude) Service link NR or 6G Feeder link 3GPP or non-3GPP defined radio interface

[0105]

[0106] Additionally, in the NTN reference scenario defined in Table 1, the delay constraint can be defined as shown in Table 3 below.

[0107] Scenario A Scenario B Scenario C1-2 Scenario D1-2 Satellite altitude 35,786 km 600 km Maximum RTD on the air interface between the base station and the UE 541.75 ms (worst case) 270.57 ms 28.41 ms 12.88 ms Minimum RTD on the air interface between the base station and the UE 477.14 ms 238.57 ms 8 ms 4 ms

[0108]

[0109] FIG. 6a is a conceptual diagram illustrating a first embodiment of a protocol stack of a user plane in a transparent payload-based non-terrestrial network, and FIG. 6b is a conceptual diagram illustrating a first embodiment of a protocol stack of a control plane in a transparent payload-based non-terrestrial network. Referring to FIGS. 6a and 6b, user data can be transmitted and received between a UE and a core network (e.g., UPF), and control data (e.g., control information) can be transmitted and received between a UE and a core network (e.g., AMF). Each of the user data and the control data can be transmitted and received via a satellite and / or a gateway. The protocol stack of the user plane illustrated in FIG. 6a can be applied identically or similarly to a 6G communication network. The protocol stack of the control plane illustrated in FIG. 6b can be applied identically or similarly to a 6G communication network.

[0110] FIG. 7a is a conceptual diagram illustrating a first embodiment of a protocol stack of a user plane in a non-terrestrial network based on regenerative payloads, and FIG. 7b is a conceptual diagram illustrating a first embodiment of a protocol stack of a control plane in a non-terrestrial network based on regenerative payloads.

[0111] Referring to FIGS. 7A and 7B , user data and control data (e.g., control information) may be transmitted and received through an interface between a UE and a satellite (e.g., a base station). User data may refer to a user protocol data unit (PDU). The protocol stack of the satellite radio interface (SRI) may be used to transmit and receive user data and / or control data between the satellite and the gateway. User data may be transmitted and received through a GTP (GPRS (general packet radio service) tunneling protocol)-U tunnel between the satellite and the core network.

[0112] Meanwhile, in a non-terrestrial network, a base station may transmit system information (e.g., SIB19) containing satellite assistance information for NTN access. A UE may receive system information (e.g., SIB19) from the base station, verify the satellite assistance information included in the system information, and perform communication (e.g., non-terrestrial communication) based on the satellite assistance information. SIB19 may include the information element(s) defined in Table 4 below.

[0113] SIB19-r17 ::= SEQUENCE {ntn-Config-r17 NTN-Config-r17t-Service-r17 INTEGER(0..549755813887)referenceLocation-r17 ReferenceLocation-r17distanceThresh-r17 INTEGER(0..65525)ntn-NeighCellConfigList-r17 NTN-NeighCellConfigList-r17lateNonCriticalExtension OCTET STRING...,[[ntn-NeighCellConfigListExt-v1720 NTN-NeighCellConfigList-r17]]}NTN-NeighCellConfigList-r17 ::= SEQUENCE (SIZE(1..maxCellNTN-r17)) OF NTN-NeighCellConfig-r17NTN-NeighCellConfig-r17 ::= SEQUENCE {ntn-Config-r17 NTN-Config-r17carrierFreq-r17 ARFCN-ValueNRphysCellId-r17 PhysCellId}

[0114]

[0115] NTN-Config defined in Table 4 may include information element(s) defined in Table 5 below.

[0116] NTN-Config-r17 ::= SEQUENCE { epochTime-r17 EpochTime-r17ntn-UlSyncValidityDuration-r17 ENUMERATED{ s5, s10, s15, s20, s25, s30, s35, s40, s45, s50, s55, s60, s120, s180, s240, s900}cellSpecificKoffset-r17 INTEGER(1..1023)kmac-r17 INTEGER(1..512)ta-Info-r17 TA-Info-r17ntn-PolarizationDL-r17 ENUMERATED {rhcp,lhcp,linear}ntn-PolarizationUL-r17 ENUMERATED {rhcp,lhcp,linear}ephemerisInfo-r17 EphemerisInfo-r17ta-Report-r17 ENUMERATED {enabled}...}EpochTime-r17 ::= SEQUENCE {sfn-r17 INTEGER(0..1023),subFrameNR-r17 INTEGER(0..9)}TA-Info-r17 ::= SEQUENCE {ta-Common-r17 INTEGER(0..66485757),ta-CommonDrift-r17 INTEGER(-257303..257303) ta-CommonDriftVariant-r17 INTEGER(0..28949)}

[0117]

[0118] EphemerisInfo defined in Table 5 may contain the information element(s) defined in Table 6 below.

[0119] EphemerisInfo-r17 ::= CHOICE {positionVelocity-r17 PositionVelocity-r17,orbital-r17 Orbital-r17}PositionVelocity-r17 ::= SEQUENCE {positionX-r17 PositionStateVector-r17,positionY-r17 PositionStateVector-r17,positionZ-r17 PositionStateVector-r17,velocityVX-r17 VelocityStateVector-r17,velocityVY-r17 VelocityStateVector-r17,velocityVZ-r17 VelocityStateVector-r17}Orbital-r17 ::= SEQUENCE {semiMajorAxis-r17 INTEGER (0..8589934591),eccentricity-r17 INTEGER (0..1048575),periapsis-r17 INTEGER (0..268435455),longitude-r17 INTEGER (0..268435455),inclination-r17 INTEGER (-67108864..67108863),meanAnomaly-r17 INTEGER (0..268435455)}PositionStateVector-r17 ::= INTEGER (-33554432..33554431)VelocityStateVector-r17 ::= INTEGER (-131072..131071)

[0120] Meanwhile, in a terrestrial network (TN), each acknowledgement (Ack) and negative acknowledgement (Nack) can be transmitted through different resources, each of which consists of a different cyclic shift (CS) of a constant amplitude zero auto correlation (CAZAC) sequence in the frequency domain and an orthogonal cover code (OCC) in the time domain. At this time, the number of terminals that can be multiplexed within the same physical resource block (PRB) can be determined by the product of the number of CSs and the number of OCCs. Therefore, the physical uplink control channel (PUCCH) resources used for transmitting acknowledgements and negative acknowledgements can be distinguished by the CS, OCC, and PRB. If any of these are different, they can be considered different PUCCH resources. In an NTN environment, a cell can be much larger than a cell in a TN environment. This allows a cell in an NTN environment to serve a larger number of terminals than a cell in a TN environment. Accordingly, improved terminal multiplexing performance may be necessary to service a larger number of terminals in an NTN environment. Furthermore, repeated transmissions may be applied to mitigate coverage issues caused by path attenuation due to long transmission distances from satellites. Consequently, this may increase PUCCH resource consumption. Furthermore, applying OCC may degrade coverage performance due to peak-to-average power ratio (PAPR) issues.

[0121] In NTN environments, the likelihood of polarization persisting is relatively high. Accordingly, discussions on polarization-based multiplexing methods may be ongoing in standards. At this time, in addition to improving the multiplexing performance of data channels using polarization, measures to enhance control channel performance may be necessary. Specifically, measures may be required for signaling for applying polarization to PUCCH resources, grouping of terminals applying polarization multiplexing, polarization indication methods, and polarization multiplexing processing in the data and DMRS (demodulation reference signal) regions.

[0122] Meanwhile, Table 7 may be a PUCCH format.

[0123] ParameterPUCCH Format 0PUCCH Format 1PUCCH Format 2PUCCH Format 3PUCCH Format 4UCI Bit Length≤2≤2>2>2>2PUCCH LengthShortLongShortLongLongUE Multiplexing in Same PRBYes(CS)Yes(CS and OCC)NoNoYes(Pre-DFT OCC)UCI / DMRS Multiplexing MethodN / ATDMFDMTDMTDMStarting PRB / PRB OffsetPRB-IdPRB-IdPRB-IdPRB-IdPRB-IdPRB Number of PRBs (nofPRBs)111~161~161Intra slot frequency hoppingEnabledEnableEnableEnable

[0124] Thus, PUCCH formats 0 and 1 carry a 1- or 2-bit uplink control information (UCI) payload, while other formats can be used to carry a UCI payload of more than 2 bits. Furthermore, in PUCCH formats 1, 3, and 4, the symbols containing the DMRS are time-division multiplexed with the UCI symbols to maintain low PAPR, while in format 2, the DMRS can be frequency multiplexed with the data carrying subcarriers. Furthermore, multi-user multiplexing for the same time and frequency resources can only be supported for PUCCH formats 0, 1, and 4, via different cyclic shifts or OCCs, if applicable. Meanwhile, the PUCCH resources can be as shown in Table 8 below.

[0125]

[0126]

[0127] Additionally, the configuration message of PUCCH format 1 may be as shown in Table 9 below.

[0128]

[0129]

[0130] Meanwhile, the base station can inform the UE of the PUCCH resources to be used for HARQ-ACK feedback for Msg4 through the characteristics of the DCI and the PUCCH resource indicator (PRI) field of the DCI. Furthermore, PUCCH format 1 can be used for long PUCCHs with a small payload of up to 2 bits and a user equipment multiplexing capacity of up to 84 UEs without frequency hopping and 36 UEs with frequency hopping in the same PRB. Furthermore, the DMRS symbol can be composed of a low PAPR, a computer-generated sequence (CGS) with cyclic shift in the frequency domain, and an OCC in the time domain. Furthermore, the UCI symbol can be modulated with BPSK (1 bit) or QPSK (2 bits) and multiplied by a low PAPR computer-generated sequence. Furthermore, an OCC can be applied in the time domain. Figures 8a and 8b are conceptual diagrams illustrating the configuration of DMRS and UCI in PUCCH format 1.

[0131] Referring to Figure 8a, DMRS and UCI may be positioned alternately due to an extended method in PUCCH format 1. In contrast, referring to Figure 8b, DMRS and UCI may be separated due to a puncturing method in PUCCH format 2.

[0132] Fig. 9 is a flowchart illustrating a first embodiment of a method for improving the performance of an uplink control channel in a non-terrestrial network.

[0133] Referring to FIG. 9, in a method for improving the performance of an uplink control channel, a satellite may transmit system information, including information on supportable polarization, to terminals (S900). At this time, the satellite may transmit system information, a system information block (SIB), to the terminals. In particular, the satellite may transmit system information to the terminals using a non-terrestrial polarization downlink field (e.g., ntn-PolarizationDL-r17) within the SIB. Accordingly, the terminals may receive system information, including information on supportable polarization, from the satellite via the SIB.

[0134] Meanwhile, terminals can report information about the polarizations (i.e., polarization capabilities) that the supporting terminals can provide to the satellite based on information about the supportable polarizations received from the satellite (S910). At this time, the terminals can perform this reporting after establishing an RRC (radio resource control) connection. The satellite and the terminal can define a new UE-NTN-Capability message using a message container. The terminals can report information about the polarization capabilities to the satellite using the newly defined UE-NTN-Capability message. Alternatively, the terminals can report information about the polarization capabilities to the satellite through a message including the capabilities and / or RRC signaling.

[0135] At this time, the terminal can support linear polarization (LP). In such cases, the terminal can support vertical linear polarization (VLP) or horizontal linear polarization (HLP) for purposes such as reducing power consumption or detecting abnormalities in the terminal polarization antenna. Accordingly, the terminal can report to the satellite information on whether it supports linear polarization. In addition, the terminal can report information to the satellite indicating whether it supports vertical linear polarization or horizontal linear polarization.

[0136] Meanwhile, the terminal may support circular polarization (CP). In this case, the terminal may support right-hand circular polarization (RHCP) or left-hand circular polarization (LHCP). Accordingly, the terminal may report to the satellite information regarding whether it supports circular polarization. In this case, the terminal may report information indicating whether it supports right-hand circular polarization or left-hand circular polarization to the satellite.

[0137] Accordingly, the satellite can receive information about the polarizations that can be supported from the terminals. In addition, the satellite can set up a polarization multiplexing group for terminals that can perform polarization multiplexing. For example, polarization multiplexing may not be possible between terminals that support LP and terminals that support CP. Therefore, the satellite can set up a polarization multiplexing group for LP terminals and for CP terminals. In this way, after completing the setup of the polarization multiplexing group, the satellite can determine the polarization that can be used by each terminal. In addition, the satellite can transmit polarization indication information that can inform each terminal of the type of polarization that can be used (S920).

[0138] For example, a satellite can transmit to a terminal a signal that sets the PUCCH format, as shown in Table 10, by adding one bit indicating the polarization available to the terminal. Then, the terminal can receive the signal that sets the PUCCH format indicating the polarization available to the satellite.

[0139] PUCCH-format1 ::= SEQUENCE{initialCyclicShift INTEGER(0…nrofSymbols INTEGER(4…startingSymbloIndex INTEGER(0…timeDomainOCC INTEGER(0…Polarization INTEGER(0,1)}

[0140]

[0141] As another example, the satellite has the number of available resource blocks (RBs), which is a parameter given by the upper layer to specify the physical resources used for PUCCH. By using a range of values, we can inform the terminal about the polarization available to the terminal. For example, the parameter If the value is 1~N, the polarization can be 1, and the parameter is If the value is N+1~K, it can be polarization 2. Here, N and K can be positive integers. As another example, the satellite can use the RNTI (radio network temporary identifier) ​​to inform the terminal of information about the available polarizations. For example, the satellite can use the LSB (least significant bit) value of the RNTI (or an arbitrary function value based on the RNTI) to inform the terminal of the available polarizations. At this time, the satellite can inform the terminal of the used polarization based on whether the LSB is 0 or 1. To this end, the satellite can define in advance which polarizations 0 and 1 correspond to and inform the terminal of this. Here, RNTI may be SI-RNTI (system information RNTI), RA-RATI (random access RNTI), TC-RNTI (temporary cell RNTI), C-RNTI (cell RNTI), MCS-C-RNTI (modulcation coding scheme cell RNTI), CS-RNTI (configured scheduling RNTI), etc.

[0142] The method described above may be a method in which the satellite sets up and instructs groups according to the presence or absence of LP and CP, and transmits only 1 bit of polarization information when actually applying polarization multiplexing. Alternatively, for example, if the terminal receives bit 0 as the polarization group information, it may recognize that LP is applied, and if it receives bit 0 as the additional polarization information, it may recognize that VLP is applied, and if it receives bit 1, it may recognize that HLP is applied. On the other hand, if the terminal receives bit 1 as the polarization group information, it may recognize that CP is applied, and if it receives bit 0 as the additional polarization information, it may recognize that LHCP is applied, and if it receives bit 1, it may recognize that RHCP is applied. Accordingly, 1 bit of polarization group information according to the presence or absence of LP / CP and 1 bit of additional polarization information applied during polarization multiplexing can be transmitted separately. Therefore, since the polarization group information is indicated only once during group setup, and only 1 bit of additional polarization information is transmitted during polarization multiplexing, it may have an advantage in terms of signaling.

[0143] Alternatively, the satellite could indicate LP / CP status with one bit of polarization group information, and another bit with additional polarization information applied during polarization multiplexing. In other words, the polarization field in the signaling setting the PUCCH format could have two bits, as shown in Table 11, with the first bit indicating LP / CP status as polarization group information and the second bit indicating additional polarization information. For example, 00 could indicate VLP, 01 could indicate HLP, 10 could indicate LHCP, and 11 could indicate RHCP.

[0144] PUCCH-format1 ::= SEQUENCE{initialCyclicShift INTEGER(0…11),nrofSymbols INTEGER(4…14),startingSymbloIndex INTEGER(0…10),timeDomainOCC INTEGER(0…6),Polarization INTEGER(0,1,2,3)}

[0145]

[0146] Meanwhile, the terminal can check the available polarization. Then, the terminal can transmit a PUCCH to the satellite using the available polarization (S930). Then, the satellite can receive the PUCCH transmitted from the terminal using the polarization. Figure 10 is a conceptual diagram illustrating a first embodiment of the process by which a terminal generates a positive or negative response signal.

[0147] Referring to FIG. 10, terminal 1 can cyclically shift UCI bits using CAZAC of k1, orthogonalize them using orthogonal cover code of n1 in the time domain, and multiplex them by generating a polarized signal using the first polarization. In addition, terminal 2 can cyclically shift UCI bits using CAZAC of k2, orthogonalize them using orthogonal cover code of n2 in the time domain, and multiplex them by generating a polarized signal using the second polarization. Through this process, even if UCI bits have the same CS and OCC, they can be additionally distinguished through polarization, so that the terminal multiplexing capability can be doubled.

[0148] Meanwhile, for OCCs utilizing time-domain spreading, the number of spreading codes supported for positive / negative response information may be limited by the number of RS (reference signal) symbols. In other words, a larger number of symbols increases the length of the spreading code, allowing for the use of a greater number of spreading codes.

[0149] Meanwhile, referring back to Fig. 8a, the number of RS symbols and the number of information transmission symbols may be the same. Conversely, referring to Fig. 8b, the number of RS symbols and the number of information transmission symbols may not be the same. In particular, in the case of Fig. 8b, since the number of RS transmission symbols is smaller than the number of ACK / NACK information transmission symbols, the multiplexing capacity of the RS may be smaller than the multiplexing capacity of the ACK / NACK information.

[0150] Accordingly, the application of CS / OCC / polarization to the data and DMRS regions can, for example, apply the same polarization to both data and DMRS. In other words, the same polarization can be applied to both data and DMRS regions. Excluding the polarization, the matching between the data and DMRS regions can be 1:1, as shown in Table 12, based on the combination of the OCC index and CS value.

[0151] Data area OCC index (n) Data area polarization DMRS area OCC index (n) DMRS area CS value (k) DMRS area polarization 1 polarization 110 polarization 11 polarization 210 polarization 22 polarization 116 polarization 12 polarization 216 polarization 2

[0152] Meanwhile, the CS / OCC / polarization application in the data domain and DMRS domain can be applied to different polarizations for data and DMRS, for example. In other words, this can be applied when the polarizations of the data domain and DMRS domain can be applied differently. In this case, the polarization can be changed on a symbol-by-symbol basis. Since the polarizations of the two domains do not necessarily have to match, the OCC / CS / polarization matching of the data domain and DMRS domain can be configured more flexibly as shown in Table 13. To this end, when the satellite instructs the terminal about the type of polarization that can be used, it can distinguish between the type of polarization that can be used in the data domain and the type of polarization that can be used in the DMRS domain. Accordingly, the terminal can receive instruction information from the satellite that distinguishes between the type of polarization that can be used in the data domain and the type of polarization that can be used in the DMRS domain. In addition, the terminal can differentiate the polarization used when transmitting data and the polarization used when transmitting DMRS according to the received instruction information.

[0153] Data area OCC index (n)Data area polarizationDMRS area OCC index (n)DMRS area CS value (k)DMRS area polarization1polarization110polarization11polarization216polarization12polarization110polarization22polarization216polarization2

[0154]

[0155] The operation of the method according to the present disclosure can be implemented as a computer-readable program or code on a computer-readable recording medium. The computer-readable recording medium includes all types of recording devices that store information that can be read by a computer system. Furthermore, the computer-readable recording medium can be distributed across network-connected computer systems so that the computer-readable program or code can be stored and executed in a distributed manner. Furthermore, the computer-readable recording medium may include hardware devices specifically configured to store and execute program instructions, such as ROM, RAM, flash memory, etc. The program instructions may include not only machine language codes generated by a compiler, but also high-level language codes that can be executed by a computer using an interpreter, etc.

[0156] While some aspects of the present disclosure have been described in the context of a device, they may also represent a description of a corresponding method, wherein a block or device corresponds to a method step or a feature of a method step. Similarly, aspects described in the context of a method may also be described as a corresponding block or item or a feature of a corresponding device. Some or all of the method steps may be performed by (or using) a hardware device, such as, for example, a microprocessor, a programmable computer, or an electronic circuit. In some embodiments, at least one or more of the most significant method steps may be performed by such a device.

[0157] A programmable logic device (e.g., a field-programmable gate array) may be used to perform some or all of the functions of the methods described in the present disclosure. The field-programmable gate array may operate in conjunction with a microprocessor to perform one of the methods described in the present disclosure. In general, the methods are preferably performed by some hardware device.

[0158] Although the present disclosure has been described with reference to preferred embodiments thereof, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various modifications and changes may be made to the present disclosure without departing from the spirit and scope of the present disclosure as set forth in the claims below.

Claims

1. As a satellite method, A step of transmitting system information including information on types of polarization that can be supported by the satellite to a UE (user equipment); A step of receiving a polarization capability report from the UE, the polarization capability report including information on polarization types that can be supported by the UE; A step of instructing the UE on the type of polarization that can be used by the UE based on the received polarization capability report; and A step of receiving a PUCCH (physical uplink control channel) transmitted from the UE using a polarization according to the polarization type indicated above, Satellite method.

2. In claim 1, The step of instructing the UE on the type of polarization that can be used by the UE based on the polarization capability report received above is: A step of determining a polarization multiplexing group in which the UE can be included based on the received polarization capability report; A step of determining the type of polarization that can be used in the above-determined polarization multiplexing group; A step of determining a polarization type that can be used in the UE based on the polarization types that can be used in the above identified polarization multiplexing group; and Including a step of indicating the determined polarization type to the UE, Satellite method.

3. In claim 2, If the above polarization multiplexing group is a group that uses linear polarization, the polarization types that can be used in the UE are horizontal linear polarization or vertical linear polarization. If the above polarization multiplexing group is a group that uses circular polarization, the polarization types that can be used in the UE are right-hand circular polarization or left-hand circular polarization. Satellite method.

4. In claim 2, The above determined polarization type is indicated by signaling setting the PUCCH format, and the signaling includes 1 bit indicating the above determined polarization type. Satellite method.

5. In claim 2, The above determined polarization type is indicated by signaling setting the PUCCH format, wherein the signaling includes 1 bit indicating a polarization type that can be used in the polarization multiplexing group and 1 bit indicating a polarization type that can be used in the UE. Satellite method.

6. In claim 2, The above-determined polarization type is indicated by the number of available RBs (resource blocks), which is a parameter set by a higher layer to designate physical resources used for PUCCH. Satellite method.

7. In claim 2, The polarization type determined above is indicated by the least significant bit (LSB) value of the RNTI (radio network temporary identifier). Satellite method.

8. In claim 2, The polarization type determined above is composed of the polarization type used in the data domain and the polarization type used in the RS (reference signal) domain. Satellite method.

9. As a method of UE (user equipment), A step of receiving system information from a satellite, the system information including information on types of polarization that can be supported by the satellite; A step of transmitting a polarization capability report including information on polarization types that can be supported by the UE to the satellite; A step of receiving instruction information indicating the type of polarization that can be used by the UE from the satellite; and A step of transmitting a PUCCH (physical uplink control channel) to the satellite using a polarization according to a polarization type indicated in the above instruction information, UE's method.

10. In claim 9, The above instruction information is included in the signaling setting the PUCCH format. UE's method.

11. In claim 9, The above instruction information is the number of available RBs (resource blocks), which is a parameter set by the upper layer to designate physical resources used for PUCCH. UE's method.

12. In claim 9, The above instruction information is the LSB (least significant bit) value of the RNTI (radio network temporary identifier). UE's method.

13. In claim 9, The above instruction information includes information indicating the type of polarization used in the data area and information indicating the type of polarization used in the RS (reference signal) area. The data region of the above PUCCH is transmitted using polarization according to the polarization type used in the data region, and the RS region of the above PUCCH is transmitted using polarization according to the polarization type used in the RS region. UE's method.

14. As a UE (user equipment), Contains at least one processor, At least one processor of the UE, Receive system information from a satellite, including information on the types of polarization that can be supported by said satellite; Transmitting a polarization capability report including information on the types of polarization that can be supported by the UE to the satellite; Receives instruction information from the satellite indicating the type of polarization that can be used by the UE; and Causing the physical uplink control channel (PUCCH) to be transmitted to the satellite using a polarization according to the polarization type indicated in the above instruction information. UE.

15. In claim 14, The above instruction information is 1 bit indicating the polarization type that can be used by the UE included in the signaling setting the PUCCH format. UE.

16. In claim 14, The above instruction information is a range of values ​​for the number of available RBs (resource blocks), which is a parameter given from a higher layer to designate physical resources used for PUCCH. UE.

17. In claim 14, The above instruction information is the LSB (least significant bit) value of the RNTI (radio network temporary identifier). UE.

18. In claim 14, The above instruction information consists of information indicating the type of polarization used in the data area and information indicating the type of polarization used in the RS (reference signal) area. In the step of transmitting a PUCCH (physical uplink control channel) to the satellite using a polarization according to a polarization type indicated in the above instruction information, the processor causes the UE to transmit a data region of the PUCCH using a polarization according to a polarization type used in the data region, and transmit an RS region of the PUCCH using a polarization according to a polarization type used in the RS region. UE.

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