HARQ Feedback Configuration for Extended Carrier Aggregation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current broadband wireless communication networks face challenges in efficiently configuring HARQ feedback to accommodate the increased data rates and wider spectrum bands enabled by extended carrier aggregation schemes, particularly when dealing with large numbers of component carriers.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of HARQ feedback configuration techniques that allow user equipment (UE) to identify and use specific HARQ feedback configuration parameters, including PUCCH formats and resources, based on information provided in downlink scheduling commands, enabling efficient transmission of HARQ feedback even with enhanced carrier aggregation schemes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If extended carrier aggregation schemes are implemented to support wider spectrum bands and higher data rates, then peak data rate performance is improved, but the complexity of HARQ feedback configuration increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic HARQ feedback configuration where the eNB can adaptively select and signal different PUCCH formats (1a, 1b, 2, 3) based on the actual downlink scheduling conditions and feedback payload size. This dynamic adaptation allows the system to optimize feedback transmission efficiency for each specific scenario rather than using a fixed configuration, thereby managing complexity while supporting extended CA
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the PUCCH format parameter based on the feedback payload size and scheduling conditions. The eNB determines the appropriate PUCCH format and signals it to the UE through DCI formats, allowing the system to adjust the feedback transmission parameters dynamically. This parameter adaptation resolves the contradiction by enabling efficient feedback handling for varying numbers of component carriers without requiring a completely new feedback mechanism
2Productivity
If the number of component carriers is increased to accommodate larger data volumes, then data rate capacity is improved, but the HARQ feedback transmission overhead increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies partial action by selectively using different PUCCH formats based on the actual feedback payload requirements. For smaller payloads, more compact formats (1a, 1b) are used, while for larger payloads resulting from extended CA, more capacity-efficient formats (2, 3) are deployed. This selective application optimizes the feedback overhead by matching the transmission resource to the actual data volume
Solution Approach 2:
The patent makes the PUCCH resource configuration universal by designing a mechanism that can handle variable numbers of component carriers and feedback payloads through a single unified framework. The eNB signals the appropriate PUCCH format and resource allocation through existing DCI structures, allowing the same feedback mechanism to serve both traditional and extended CA scenarios without requiring separate dedicated resources for each case
3Productivity
If dynamic HARQ feedback configuration is implemented to optimize PUCCH resource usage, then feedback transmission efficiency is improved, but the signaling overhead in downlink control information increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the HARQ feedback configuration information with existing downlink control information structures. The PUCCH format indication and resource allocation are integrated into the DCI formats that are already transmitted for scheduling purposes. This merging approach allows dynamic feedback configuration without adding separate dedicated signaling messages, thereby minimizing the increase in downlink control overhead while maintaining feedback transmission efficiency
Data Source
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AI summary
HARQ feedback configuration techniques for broadband wireless communication networks are described. In one embodiment, for example, an apparatus may comprise a memory and logic for user equipment (UE), at least a portion of the logic implemented in circuitry coupled to the memory, the logic to identify a hybrid automatic repeat request (HARQ) bundling window associated with a received downlink (DL) scheduling command, identify one or more HARQ feedback configuration parameters based on HARQ feedback configuration information comprised in the DL scheduling command, the one or more identified HARQ feedback configuration parameters to include a physical uplink control channel (PUCCH) format for use in transmission of HARQ feedback for the HARQ feedback bundling window, the logic to generate the HARQ feedback for transmission to an evolved node B (eNB) according to the PUCCH format. Other embodiments are described and claimed.