Dynamic TCI State Activation for 5G Beam Management
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current wireless communication systems, particularly in 5G networks, face challenges in efficiently managing beamforming and beam indication due to the limited number of concurrent high-gain beams that can be formed, leading to reduced cell coverage and increased path loss at higher frequencies, which affects the Signal-to-Noise and Interference Ratio (SINR) and channel quality.
Innovation Solution
The method involves a User Equipment (UE) receiving a MAC-CE indicating multiple TCI state IDs for activating PDSCH, where the format of the MAC-CE depends on the number of TCI state IDs, allowing the UE to activate and manage multiple TCI states for receiving PDSCH, thereby enhancing beam management and coverage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If the number of concurrent high-gain beams is limited, then beamforming efficiency is maintained, but cell coverage is reduced and path loss increases at higher frequencies
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the beam management process by introducing multiple TCI states that can be independently activated. Each TCI state corresponds to a different beam configuration, allowing the system to divide the coverage area into multiple sectors and activate only the necessary beams for each sector, thereby reducing path loss and improving coverage without requiring all beams to be active simultaneously
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamic beam activation through MAC-CE signaling that can activate different combinations of TCI states based on real-time channel conditions. This dynamic approach allows the system to adapt the number and configuration of active beams to match actual communication needs, optimizing the balance between beamforming efficiency and coverage while minimizing path loss
2Productivity
If multiple TCI states are activated for receiving PDSCH, then beam management efficiency and coverage are improved, but the complexity of beam indication and MAC-CE format management increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the parameter of MAC-CE format based on the number of TCI states to be activated. Different numbers of TCI states correspond to different MAC-CE formats, allowing the system to optimize the signaling structure for each specific beam configuration scenario. This parameter-based format selection reduces complexity by avoiding unnecessary fields in the MAC-CE when fewer beams are activated
Data Source
AI summary
A method and apparatus are disclosed from the perspective of a UE (User Equipment). In one embodiment, the method includes the UE receiving a first MAC-CE (Medium Access Control-Control Element) including or indicating a plurality of TCI (Transmission Configuration Indication) state IDs (Identities) to be activated for receiving PDSCH (Physical Downlink Shared Channel), wherein format of the first MAC-CE depends on amount of the plurality of TCI state IDs. The method further includes the UE activating a plurality of TCI states associated with the plurality of TCI state IDs included or indicated in the first MAC-CE for receiving the PDSCH in response to reception of the first MAC-CE.