DCI Feedback Resource Configuration for 5G Latency
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current wireless communication systems, particularly in 5G deployments with stringent latency and reliability requirements like industrial IoT, face challenges in ensuring reliable downlink control channel communications due to latency and signal degradation, necessitating efficient mechanisms for downlink control information (DCI) feedback.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus for wireless communications that involve receiving a configuration for sending DCI feedback from a base station, processing DCI received over a downlink control channel, and transmitting feedback over indicated uplink control or shared channel resources to facilitate timely and reliable communication, addressing latency and reliability needs by enabling immediate feedback without waiting for timeouts.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If DCI feedback is sent using traditional timeout-based mechanisms, then the system complexity is reduced, but the latency and reliability requirements for 5G industrial IoT deployments cannot be met
Solution Approach 1:
The system pre-configures multiple feedback resources (PUCCH and PUSCH resources) in advance through RRC signaling and MAC CE messages. The UE is provided with a set of configured feedback resources before actual DCI transmission, enabling immediate feedback without waiting for timeout conditions. This preliminary preparation of feedback paths resolves the contradiction by establishing reliable feedback mechanisms ahead of time.
Solution Approach 2:
The feedback mechanism dynamically selects between different resource types (PUCCH vs PUSCH) and different feedback formats based on real-time conditions. The UE determines whether to send feedback on PUCCH or PUSCH based on whether uplink shared channel resources are available, and whether to send individual or bundled feedback based on the number of DCIs received. This dynamic adaptation enables reliable feedback while managing system complexity through flexible resource utilization.
2Loss of time
If DCI feedback is transmitted immediately upon receiving DCI, then latency requirements are met, but the system requires complex resource configuration and management
Solution Approach 1:
The base station performs preliminary configuration of feedback resources through RRC signaling and MAC CE messages before actual DCI transmission. The UE receives and stores configured feedback resources (PUCCH resources, PUSCH resources, timing offsets) in advance, enabling immediate feedback transmission without real-time configuration complexity. This separates the configuration complexity from the feedback transmission timing.
Solution Approach 2:
The UE autonomously determines which feedback resource to use based on pre-configured parameters and current conditions. The UE self-selects between PUCCH and PUSCH resources, determines feedback timing based on K1 values, and decides whether to send individual or bundled feedback based on the number of DCIs received. This self-service approach reduces the need for complex real-time scheduling and control signaling.
3Reliability
If multiple feedback resources (PUCCH and PUSCH) are configured for DCI feedback, then feedback reliability is improved, but the resource management complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically selects between PUCCH and PUSCH feedback resources based on real-time conditions. The UE determines whether to use PUCCH or PUSCH for feedback transmission based on whether uplink shared channel resources are available and the current transmission state. This dynamic resource selection improves reliability by providing multiple paths while managing complexity through condition-based selection rules.
Solution Approach 2:
The MAC CE message acts as an intermediary that activates or deactivates specific feedback resources based on network conditions. The base station uses MAC CE to dynamically control which PUCCH or PUSCH resources should be used for feedback, providing a middle layer of control that simplifies resource management. This intermediary mechanism allows the network to manage multiple resources without requiring complex real-time coordination.
4Loss of energy
If DCI feedback is bundled for multiple DCIs, then uplink resource usage is reduced, but the feedback information completeness may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The feedback mechanism dynamically adjusts between individual and bundled feedback formats based on the number of DCIs received. When the UE receives one DCI, it sends individual feedback; when it receives multiple DCIs, it sends bundled feedback. This dynamic adaptation reduces uplink resource usage through bundling while maintaining information completeness by selecting the appropriate feedback granularity for each scenario.
Data Source
AI summary
Aspects described herein relate to receiving, from a base station, a configuration for sending downlink control information (DCI) feedback for a downlink control channel monitoring occasion, where the configuration indicates one or more of an uplink control channel resource and an uplink shared channel resource over which to send the DCI feedback. DCI can be received from the base station over the downlink control channel during the downlink control channel monitoring occasion. DCI feedback can be transmitted, based on receiving the DCI, to the base station over the one or more of the uplink control channel resource and the uplink shared channel resource indicated in the configuration.