5G NR Control-Channel Beam Indication Using DCI
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing 5G NR systems experience significant latency in beam indication processes due to reliance on RRC signaling and MAC CE signaling, which hinders system performance and user experience.
Innovation Solution
Implementing beam indication using DCI carried by the physical downlink control channel to dynamically adjust activated beams, reducing reliance on high-layer signaling for faster beam switching.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of time
If RRC signaling and MAC CE signaling are used for beam indication, then beam indication can be performed, but latency is significantly increased
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by enabling flexible switching between different beam indication methods (RRC signaling, MAC CE signaling, and DCI-based signaling). The system can dynamically select the most appropriate signaling method based on current communication conditions, allowing beam indication to adapt to varying latency requirements while maintaining reliability through multiple available pathways.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the parameter of signaling layer by introducing DCI-based beam indication at the physical layer. This parameter change from higher-layer signaling (RRC/MAC CE) to physical-layer signaling (DCI) fundamentally reduces processing time and latency while maintaining the essential function of beam indication, thus resolving the contradiction between speed and reliability.
2Loss of time
If DCI is used for beam indication, then latency is reduced, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies universality by designing the DCI structure to serve multiple functions simultaneously. The DCI not only carries scheduling information but also incorporates beam indication information, allowing a single signaling mechanism to perform multiple tasks. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate dedicated beam indication signaling, thereby limiting the increase in system complexity while achieving low latency.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges beam indication functionality with the existing DCI structure. Instead of creating a separate beam indication signaling path, the invention combines beam indication information with downlink control information that is already being transmitted. This merging approach leverages existing infrastructure and processing pipelines, minimizing the additional complexity introduced by the new functionality.
3Speed
If DCI is used for beam indication, then beam switching speed increases, but processing requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-configuring beam indication parameters through RRC signaling before actual beam switching occurs. This preliminary configuration establishes the foundation for rapid beam switching via DCI, allowing the system to prepare necessary information in advance. When beam switching is needed, the pre-configured parameters enable quick activation without requiring complex real-time processing, thus achieving high speed while limiting processing requirements.
Data Source
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AI summary
Disclosed are electronic devices and communication methods. An electronic device comprises a processing circuit, the processing circuit being configured to: receive an RRC signaling and/or a MAC CE signaling from a control-side electronic device; determine, based on a first beam indication information of control channel in the RRC signaling and/or the MAC CE signaling, an activated beam for performing a transmission in the physical control channel with the control-side electronic device; rewrite the activated beam based on a second beam indication information of control channel included in a downlink control information (DCI) carried by a physical downlink control channel (PDCCH); and use the rewritten activated beam to perform the transmission in the physical control channel with the control-side electronic device.