Initial Access PUCCH Resource Signaling Under RMSI Bit Limits
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Solution Overview
Problem
In the 5G New Radio (NR) system, existing methods for allocating Physical Uplink Control Channel (PUCCH) resources during initial access are inflexible due to limited payload size in RMSI, preventing optimal configuration of parameters for ACK/NACK transmission before RRC connection setup.
Innovation Solution
A method allowing flexible allocation of PUCCH resources during initial access by using higher layer signaling to indicate a set of candidates and dynamic signaling to select a specific candidate, associating parameter values with multiple sets for each PUCCH format, enabling more precise configuration even with limited RMSI bits.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of time
If higher layer signaling (RMSI) is used to indicate PUCCH resource parameters during initial access, then the configuration can be provided before RRC connection setup, but the payload size limitation prevents flexible and precise configuration of multiple parameters
Solution Approach 1:
The PUCCH resource configuration is segmented into two parts: (1) a set of candidate parameters indicated by higher layer signaling (RMSI) during initial access, and (2) a specific parameter selected from the candidate set by dynamic signaling (DCI) for the actual ACK/NACK transmission. This segmentation allows early configuration while maintaining precision through subsequent selection.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the traditional single-stage mechanical indication system (where all parameters are indicated by higher layer signaling) with a two-stage system combining higher layer signaling and dynamic signaling. This substitution enables both early configuration and precise parameter selection without being constrained by RMSI payload size limitations.
2Device complexity
If a single PUCCH resource is configured during initial access, then the configuration process is simple, but the system lacks adaptability to different transmission scenarios and requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces dynamics into the PUCCH resource configuration by allowing the base station to select different candidates from the configured set based on real-time transmission requirements. The dynamic signaling mechanism enables the system to adapt to different scenarios (e.g., different ACK/NACK payload sizes, different channel conditions) while maintaining a manageable configuration structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent enables parameter changes by configuring multiple candidate parameters (such as different time resources, frequency resources, or format parameters) in the higher layer signaling, allowing the system to adapt to varying transmission requirements by selecting appropriate candidates through dynamic signaling without increasing initial configuration complexity.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple PUCCH resource candidates are configured for different scenarios, then the system gain adaptability, but the payload size requirement for higher layer signaling increases beyond available RMSI bits
Solution Approach 1:
The configuration information is segmented such that the set of candidate parameters (providing adaptability) is transmitted in higher layer signaling within available payload constraints, while the specific parameter selection (refining adaptability for specific scenarios) is transmitted through dynamic signaling with smaller payload requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent adds a temporal dimension to the parameter indication by using two different signaling stages (higher layer signaling for candidate sets, dynamic signaling for specific selection). This dimensional approach allows the system to provide comprehensive adaptability while distributing the payload requirements across different signaling layers with different bit availability.
4Reliability
If UE-specific higher layer signaling is used to indicate PUCCH resources, then the method works for DL data transmission after RRC connection setup, but the method cannot be used during initial access before RRC connection setup completion
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a universal PUCCH resource indication mechanism that functions across both initial access and post-connection phases. By using higher layer signaling to configure candidate sets during initial access (when UE-specific signaling is not yet available) and then using dynamic signaling for parameter selection in both phases, the system achieves universal applicability while maintaining reliability through the two-stage approach.
Data Source
AI summary
In a base station (100), a controller (101) determines one set from among a plurality of sets, each of which including one or more candidates for a resource for an uplink (UL) control channel during initial access, and determines one candidate from among the one or more candidates for the resource, which is included in the determined set. A transmitter (114) indicates the determined set to a terminal (200) by higher layer signaling, and indicates the determined candidate by dynamic signaling. A receiver (116) receives a UL control signal, using the resource corresponding to the determined candidate in the determined set. In the base station, the association between a value to be indicated by the higher layer signaling and the plurality of sets is configured for each of one or more parameters relating to the initial access.