HARQ-ACK Feedback Multiplexing in Wireless Uplink Carrier Aggregation

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Solution Overview

Problem

There is a need for an efficient method to transmit Hybrid Automatic Retransmission Request Acknowledgment (HARQ-ACK) feedback information for multicast and unicast physical downlink shared channels (PDSCH) in wireless communication systems, particularly in scenarios involving uplink carrier aggregation and supplementary uplink carriers, to ensure accurate and reliable transmission with minimal resource usage.

Innovation Solution

The method involves determining the appropriate uplink serving cell or carrier for transmitting HARQ-ACK information based on explicit or implicit indications, utilizing power control parameters, and ensuring proper timing and resource allocation to multiplex HARQ-ACKs for multicast and unicast PDSCHs, while avoiding conflicts and optimizing transmission performance.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If HARQ-ACK feedback for multicast and unicast PDSCH is transmitted using separate resources, then transmission reliability is improved, but resource usage and system complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetransmission reliabilityVSAvoidsystem complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines HARQ-ACK feedback for both multicast and unicast PDSCH into a single PUCCH resource. The base station configures a unified PUCCH resource that can carry acknowledgment information for multiple downlink channels, thereby reducing resource overhead and simplifying system complexity while maintaining reliable feedback transmission through proper multiplexing of acknowledgment bits

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

2Measurement precision

If PUCCH resource is configured for HARQ-ACK transmission, then feedback accuracy is improved, but resource conflict increases when multiple PDSCHs are received

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefeedback accuracyVSAvoidresource conflict
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements dynamic resource selection where the UE determines which PUCCH resource to use based on the timing relationship between received PDSCHs and available PUCCH opportunities. When multiple PDSCHs are received, the system dynamically selects appropriate PUCCH resources based on slot offsets and timing configurations, avoiding static resource allocation conflicts while maintaining accurate feedback transmission

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Reliability

If power control parameters are optimized for HARQ-ACK transmission, then uplink coverage is improved, but power consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveuplink coverageVSAvoidpower consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent optimizes power control parameters specifically for HARQ-ACK transmission by adjusting pathloss reference signals and power offset values. The base station configures appropriate pathlossReferenceSignal and p0-PUCCH parameters that ensure sufficient uplink coverage for acknowledgment transmission while minimizing unnecessary power consumption through optimized power levels matched to actual channel conditions

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Data Source

PatentEP4111622B1Method and apparatus for transmitting and receiving hybrid automatic retransmission request acknowledgement information in a wireless communication system
Publication Date: 2025.06.25 SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO LTD
  • EP4111622B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4111622B1 patent drawingFigure 2a
  • EP4111622B1 patent drawingFigure 2b

AI summary

The present disclosure relates to a communication method and system for converging a 5th-Generation (5G) communication system for supporting higher data rates beyond a 4th-Generation (4G) system with a technology for Internet of Things (IoT). The present disclosure may be applied to intelligent services based on the 5G communication technology and the IoT-related technology, such as smart home, smart building, smart city, smart car, connected car, health care, digital education, smart retail, security and safety services. The present disclosure relates to a method and an apparatus for transmitting hybrid automatic retransmission request acknowledgement (HARQ-ACK) feedback information.