Expanded UpPTS Configuration for Flexible PUSCH and PUCCH Scheduling

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing LTE and LTE-A networks face challenges in efficiently utilizing the two symbol period UpPTS for uplink transmissions such as PUSCH and PUCCH, particularly in TDD radio frame structures, due to limitations in data structure and demodulation reference signal configurations.

Innovation Solution

The proposed solution involves identifying and mapping subsets of modulation symbols of a nominal PUSCH configuration to the UpPTS, utilizing a six symbol period for demodulation reference signals, and providing network access devices with indications for data and reference signal structures through RRC configurations or dynamic DCI, allowing for flexible scheduling and resource allocation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If the two symbol period UpPTS is used for uplink transmissions in LTE/LTE-A networks, then pilot signals can be transmitted from UEs to base stations, but the utilization efficiency of the UpPTS for data transmissions such as PUSCH and PUCCH is limited

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveUpPTS utilization efficiencyVSAvoidflexibility in scheduling and resource allocation
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies dynamics by enabling the UpPTS duration to be configurable between two symbol periods and six symbol periods through RRC parameters. This dynamic adjustment allows the system to adapt the UpPTS length based on traffic conditions and scheduling requirements, thereby improving both utilization efficiency and flexibility simultaneously

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the parameter of UpPTS symbol period duration from a fixed two symbol period to a variable parameter that can be configured as either two or six symbol periods. This parameter change enables more flexible resource allocation and improves the versatility of the UpPTS for different types of uplink transmissions

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Productivity

If the data structure and demodulation reference signal configuration are optimized for PUSCH transmissions in UpPTS, then communication efficiency is improved, but the complexity of configuration and scheduling increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecommunication efficiencyVSAvoidconfiguration and scheduling complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies universality by designing a unified configuration mechanism that handles both two symbol period and six symbol period UpPTS using the same RRC parameters and scheduling procedures. This multi-functional approach allows the system to support different UpPTS durations without requiring separate configuration sets, thereby improving communication efficiency while controlling complexity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies preliminary action by pre-configuring the UpPTS parameters including data structure and demodulation reference signal configuration through RRC signaling before actual transmissions occur. This preliminary configuration establishes the framework in advance, simplifying real-time scheduling and improving communication efficiency without adding runtime complexity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentEP3430759B1Techniques for communicating in an expanded uplink pilot time slot
Publication Date: 2025.10.29 QUALCOMM INC
  • EP3430759B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3430759B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3430759B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

Techniques for wireless communication are described. One method includes identifying a data structure associated with an uplink pilot time slot (UpPTS) and a demodulation reference signal structure associated with the UpPTS, where the UpPTS occurs during a portion of a subframe, and communicating with a second device based at least in part on the data structure and the demodulation reference signal structure.