ACK/NACK Channelization in Shared Uplink Resource Blocks
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current wireless communication systems, specifically in the context of LTE, lack an efficient mechanism for multiplexing ACK/NACK and CQI signals from different UEs within the same resource block, leading to excessive control signaling overhead and inefficient resource allocation.
Innovation Solution
The proposed solution involves dividing a given PUCCH resource with 12 cyclic shifts between ACK/NACK and CQI using localized CS separation, with specific configurations for ACK/NACK resources and CQI resources, including guard shifts to maintain orthogonality and minimize signaling overhead, allowing for flexible and efficient usage of control resources.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If separate PRBs are allocated for ACK/NACK and CQI, then reliability of control signaling is improved, but device complexity and resource overhead increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges ACK/NACK and CQI signaling into a single PUCCH resource block, allowing both control signals to be transmitted simultaneously within the same PRB. This is achieved by allocating different cyclic shift ranges within the same resource block, thereby reducing resource overhead while maintaining reliable control signaling transmission.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent makes a single PUCCH resource block universal by enabling it to carry both ACK/NACK and CQI signals. Through configurable cyclic shift allocations and guard shift mechanisms, the same resource block can be dynamically used for different control signaling types, reducing the need for separate dedicated resources.
2Productivity
If ACK/NACK and CQI are multiplexed in the same PRB, then resource allocation efficiency is improved, but orthogonality between control signals may deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the cyclic shift domain within the PUCCH resource block into distinct ranges for ACK/NACK and CQI signals. By allocating specific cyclic shift intervals to each signal type and introducing guard shifts between them, the patent maintains orthogonality while enabling multiplexing within the same resource block.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies different local properties to different portions of the resource block by assigning specific cyclic shift ranges to ACK/NACK and CQI. This localized allocation ensures that each signal type operates in its designated cyclic shift region, maintaining signal separation and orthogonality while achieving efficient resource utilization.
3Loss of substance
If localized CS separation is used for multiplexing, then signaling overhead is reduced, but configuration complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the cyclic shift parameter allocation to achieve multiplexing. By configuring different cyclic shift ranges and guard shift values through higher layer signaling, the patent enables flexible control of ACK/NACK and CQI resource allocation, reducing overhead while managing configuration complexity through standardized parameters.
Data Source
AI summary
In one exemplary embodiment, a method includes: transmitting a value from an access node towards an apparatus, where the value is indicative of a size of a first portion of an uplink resource block, where the uplink resource block is shared among a plurality of apparatus, where the first portion is specified for transmission of a first type of signaling to the access node, where a second portion of the uplink resource block is specified for transmission of a second type of signaling to the access node; and receiving at least one transmission using at least one of the first portion and the second portion.