Flexible Pucch Symbol Configuration for 5G Uplink

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional wireless communication systems face challenges in meeting the requirements for uplink control channels, particularly in 5G New Radio (NR) access technologies, leading to unpredictable latency and inefficiencies in transmitting time-sensitive information.

Innovation Solution

The method involves transmitting uplink information in a combination of long and short burst portions of slots, using different resource blocks, and incorporating a physical uplink control channel to enhance resource allocation and reduce latency.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If uplink control information is transmitted using conventional single-burst methods, then device complexity is reduced, but latency becomes unpredictable and reliability deteriorates for time-sensitive information

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvereliability of uplink control channelVSAvoidcomplexity of transmission structure
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments uplink control information transmission into multiple independent bursts (first burst in short burst portion, second burst in long burst portion) within a slot. Each burst can be independently transmitted and received, ensuring that if one burst is lost or delayed, the other can still deliver the time-sensitive information, thereby improving reliability without requiring a completely complex retransmission protocol

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs preliminary action by transmitting the first uplink control information in the short burst portion before the long burst portion. This early transmission ensures that time-sensitive information is delivered as quickly as possible, while the subsequent long burst provides a backup transmission opportunity, resolving the contradiction between reliability and timing constraints

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

2Loss of time

If uplink information is transmitted only in long burst portions, then resource allocation is simplified, but latency increases for time-sensitive communications

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvelatency of uplink transmissionVSAvoidefficiency of resource utilization
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of timeVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides the transmission opportunity into two segments: a short burst portion for urgent time-sensitive information and a long burst portion for less time-critical data. This segmentation allows the system to reduce latency for critical communications by using the short burst, while maintaining overall resource efficiency through the long burst for non-urgent traffic

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements dynamic resource allocation where the transmission burst length is adapted based on the urgency and type of uplink control information. Time-sensitive information triggers short burst transmission for minimal latency, while other information can utilize the longer burst format, creating a dynamic system that balances latency reduction with resource efficiency

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Adaptability or versatility

If flexible burst configuration is implemented, then adaptability for different communication scenarios is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveflexibility of uplink transmissionVSAvoidcomplexity of transmission configuration
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies local quality by assigning different transmission characteristics to different portions of the slot: the short burst portion is optimized for low-latency, time-sensitive control information with simplified processing, while the long burst portion handles other uplink control information with more robust processing. This localized optimization provides adaptability for different communication scenarios without requiring the entire system to be complex

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The patent creates a universal transmission framework where a single slot structure can accommodate both short and long bursts, serving multiple functions: urgent control information, non-urgent control information, and potential data transmissions. This multi-functional design enhances adaptability across different 5G NR scenarios (eMBB, URLLC, mMTC) without requiring separate dedicated structures for each scenario

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

Data Source

PatentEP3556039B1Pucch design with flexible symbol configuration
Publication Date: 2023.01.18 QUALCOMM INC
  • EP3556039B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3556039B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3556039B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

Aspects of the disclosure relate to communication systems, apparatus and methods which enable or support flexible symbol configurations for uplink channels. In one example a method includes performing transmitting first uplink information from a subordinate entity to a scheduling entity in a long burst portion of one or more slots, and transmitting second uplink information from the subordinate entity to the scheduling entity in a combination of long burst and short burst portions of the one or more slots. Each of the one or more slots includes a portion that carries a physical downlink control channel. The second uplink information is transmitted in a physical uplink control channel.