Decoupled Uplink Burst for TDD Latency Reduction

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Solution Overview

Problem

In wireless communication networks using time division duplex (TDD) technology, there is a challenge in reducing latency for time-sensitive uplink transmissions, particularly in scenarios where uplink-centric subframes are rare, leading to delayed transmission of critical control information and data.

Innovation Solution

The implementation of a common uplink burst in every subframe, decoupling the latency of control channel and uplink/downlink patterns, allows for timely transmission of control information and data, including a sounding reference signal, within a common uplink burst region, which can be configured in both coupled and decoupled modes to accommodate users at cell edges and centers respectively.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Loss of time

If uplink-centric subframes are used for uplink transmissions, then uplink data can be transmitted, but latency increases when uplink-centric subframes are rare

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovelatencyVSAvoidtransmission frequency
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of timeVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the uplink transmission opportunities by creating two distinct modes: common uplink burst for control information and decoupled mode for data transmission. This segmentation allows control information to be transmitted in every subframe while data transmission occurs in uplink-centric subframes, resolving the latency issue without sacrificing overall transmission efficiency

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements preliminary action by transmitting control information (such as scheduling requests and channel quality indicators) in the common uplink burst before actual data transmission. This allows the network to prepare and allocate resources in advance, reducing the overall latency for time-sensitive operations while maintaining efficient data transmission in decoupled mode

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

2Loss of time

If common uplink burst is implemented in every subframe, then latency for control information is reduced, but resource allocation complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecontrol information latencyVSAvoidresource allocation complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of timeVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies dynamics by making the uplink transmission mode flexible and configurable. Users can be dynamically assigned to either coupled mode or decoupled mode based on their location (cell edge vs. cell center) and traffic requirements. This dynamic assignment simplifies resource allocation by providing clear, location-based rules rather than complex general-purpose scheduling

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements local quality by providing different transmission modes tailored to specific user locations and requirements. Cell edge users use coupled mode optimized for reliability, while cell center users use decoupled mode optimized for low latency. This localized optimization reduces overall system complexity by addressing specific needs rather than designing a single complex solution for all users

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

3Loss of time

If decoupled mode is used for users at cell center, then latency is reduced, but coverage for cell edge users deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetransmission latencyVSAvoidcoverage reliability
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of timeVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies local quality by providing different transmission modes tailored to specific user locations and requirements. Cell edge users use coupled mode optimized for reliability, while cell center users use decoupled mode optimized for low latency. This localized optimization reduces overall system complexity by addressing specific needs rather than designing a single complex solution for all users

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies dynamics by making the uplink transmission mode flexible and configurable. Users can be dynamically assigned to either coupled mode or decoupled mode based on their location (cell edge vs. cell center) and traffic requirements. This dynamic assignment simplifies resource allocation by providing clear, location-based rules rather than complex general-purpose scheduling

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentEP3387808B1Decoupled mode for a common uplink burst transmission in a time division duplex subframe structure
Publication Date: 2022.04.13 QUALCOMM INC
  • EP3387808B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3387808B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3387808B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

Various aspects of the present disclosure provide for methods, apparatus, and computer software for transmitting a common uplink burst in time division duplex (TDD) carriers. The common uplink burst includes a sounding reference signal (SRS) transmitted separate from (e.g., decoupled from) a demodulation reference signal (DM-RS). At least one symbol in the common uplink burst includes a control region for carrying control information and a data region for carrying data information. The SRS may be precoded separately from precoding of the control and data regions, so that the control and/or data information may be transmitted utilizing multiple input multiple output (MIMO).