HARQ-ACK Resource Allocation for Multi-Carrier Multiplexing

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current wireless communication systems face limitations in transmitting HARQ-ACK signals in response to multiple Component Carriers (CCs), leading to increased peak-to-average power ratio (PAPR), degraded channel estimation, and insufficient multiplexing capacity, especially when multiple HARQ-ACK signals are transmitted simultaneously.

Innovation Solution

A method for a UE to transmit HARQ-ACK information by selecting resources based on the value of HARQ-ACK bits, allowing combinations of resources from multiple DL CCs for a single HARQ-ACK signal transmission, and adapting modulation and resource allocation to increase multiplexing capacity without increasing PAPR, while minimizing interference and resource usage.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If multiple HARQ-ACK signals are transmitted simultaneously in response to multiple Component Carriers, then the multiplexing capacity is increased, but the peak-to-average power ratio (PAPR) increases and interference is degraded

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemultiplexing capacityVSAvoidinterference and PAPR

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines multiple HARQ-ACK signals into a single uplink transmission by mapping them to the same physical resource blocks. Instead of transmitting separate signals for each Component Carrier, the method merges the acknowledgment information from multiple DL CCs into one unified PUCCH or PUSCH transmission, thereby maintaining multiplexing capacity while avoiding the interference and PAPR issues associated with simultaneous transmissions

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent enables a single uplink transmission resource to serve multiple Component Carriers simultaneously. The same physical resource blocks can be used to convey HARQ-ACK information for multiple DL CCs, making the transmission mechanism universal and multi-functional. This approach allows the system to handle multiple carriers without requiring separate dedicated resources for each, thus improving efficiency while controlling interference

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Reliability

If separate PUCCH resources are allocated for each DL CC, then the reliability of HARQ-ACK transmission is improved, but the resource utilization is insufficient and multiplexing capacity is limited

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveHARQ-ACK transmission reliabilityVSAvoidmultiplexing capacity and resource utilization

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the resource allocation for multiple DL CCs into shared uplink resources. Instead of allocating separate PUCCH resources for each downlink carrier, the method combines the resource usage so that a single set of uplink resource blocks can carry HARQ-ACK information for multiple DL CCs. This merging approach maintains reliability through proper signal processing while significantly improving resource utilization and multiplexing capacity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Adaptability or versatility

If multiple HARQ-ACK signals are transmitted simultaneously, then the response coverage for multiple Component Carriers is improved, but the reception reliability is degraded due to interference

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveresponse coverageVSAvoidreception reliability

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent converts the potential harm of simultaneous transmissions into a benefit by using constructive interference principles. Instead of treating multiple simultaneous signals as harmful interference to be avoided, the method combines them in a controlled manner where the signals add constructively at the receiver. This approach allows the system to achieve broad response coverage across multiple Component Carriers while maintaining reception reliability through proper resource alignment and signal combining techniques

Inventive Principle:

Principle #22Blessing in disguise (Convert harm into benefit)

Data Source

PatentEP2406911B1Transmission of acknowledgement signals in a communication system

Publication Date: 2023.03.01 SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO LTD

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AI summary

Methods and apparatus are described for a User Equipment (UE) to transmit a variable number of HARQ-ACK bits in response to the reception of Transport Blocks (TBs) in multiple DownLink (DL) Component Carriers (CCs). The resources for the transmission of an HARQ-ACK signal in response to the reception of TBs in each DL CC are determined from the resources used for the transmission of the respective Scheduling Assignment (SA) in that DL CC. In order to increase the multiplexing capacity of HARQ-ACK bits in a single HARQ-ACK signal, the UE may use more than one of the resources determined from the resources used for the transmission of the SA in each DL CC. The UE may also adapt the parameters for the transmission of HARQ-ACK bits depending on their number.