Dynamic PUCCH Repetition Resource Allocation for 5G Uplink Coverage
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Solution Overview
Problem
The challenge in 5G and emerging 6G wireless networks is the increased complexity and coverage limitations of physical uplink control channels (PUCCH) due to diverse device types and data demands, particularly in scenarios where uplink coverage is a bottleneck due to low transmit power at user equipment (UEs).
Innovation Solution
Implementing an enhanced PUCCH repetition mechanism with flexible time domain resource allocation, including separate TDRA for each slot, inter-slot frequency hopping, and mechanisms to handle collisions with semi-static downlink symbols, ensuring robust coverage by configuring PUCCH resources with multiple repetitions and dynamic adjustments.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If PUCCH repetition mechanism is implemented to enhance coverage, then PUCCH coverage is improved, but device complexity and resource allocation complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The PUCCH repetition mechanism is segmented into multiple independent repetitions, each with its own time domain resource allocation. This allows the system to divide the coverage enhancement task into discrete, manageable units that can be individually configured and transmitted, improving coverage while maintaining manageable complexity through structured segmentation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamic time domain resource allocation for PUCCH repetitions, where the starting symbol and length can be independently configured for each repetition. This dynamic allocation allows the system to adapt resource usage to actual channel conditions and coverage requirements, optimizing coverage enhancement while efficiently managing resource allocation complexity.
2Reliability
If multiple PUCCH repetitions are configured for coverage enhancement, then uplink coverage is improved, but time resource consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary configuration of PUCCH repetition parameters including starting symbols, lengths, and frequency hopping patterns before actual transmission. This preliminary setup enables the UE to efficiently execute multiple repetitions with pre-determined resource allocations, reducing processing time and optimizing the use of time resources while maintaining enhanced coverage.
Solution Approach 2:
PUCCH repetitions are transmitted in a periodic manner with defined intervals and patterns. This periodic structure allows the system to distribute time resource consumption across multiple transmission opportunities rather than concentrating all repetitions in a single continuous block, thereby improving coverage while managing time resource usage more efficiently.
3Adaptability or versatility
If separate TDRA is configured for each slot to handle collisions, then collision handling capability is improved, but configuration complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies separate time domain resource allocation (TDRA) configurations specifically to slots where PUCCH repetitions may collide with other transmissions or channel conditions. Rather than uniformly configuring all slots, the system applies enhanced TDRA only where needed for collision handling, improving adaptability while minimizing overall configuration complexity through localized optimization.
Solution Approach 2:
The TDRA configuration mechanism serves multiple functions: it manages normal PUCCH transmissions, handles collisions with other uplink signals, and adapts to varying channel conditions. This multi-functional capability is achieved through a unified configuration framework that can dynamically adjust parameters based on the specific operational context, reducing the need for separate specialized configurations.
Data Source
AI summary
A UE configured for operation in a 5G NR network may decode RRC signalling from a generation gNB that includes a PUCCH-Config IE to configure the UE with a number of slots for PUCCH repetition. The UE may decode a DCI format scheduling dynamic PUCCH repetition per PUCCH resource when the DCI format indicates a PUCCH resource for the PUCCH repetition. The PUCCH resource may include a repetition number of slot and may be indicated by the DCI format comprising a starting symbol index and a number of symbols for repetition of the PUCCH within each of the slots of the number of slots. If the DCI indicates the PUCCH resource that includes the repetition number of slots, the DCI format schedules dynamic PUCCH repetition and the UE repeats the scheduled PUCCH transmission in accordance with the repetition number of slots per the PUCCH resource indicated by the DCI format, otherwise, the UE repeats the scheduled PUCCH transmission in accordance with a repetition number indicated by the PUCCH-Config IE. Each repetition of the PUCCH may have the same first symbol corresponding to the starting symbol index in each slot and the same number of consecutive symbols in each slot corresponding to the number of symbols.