MAC CE Framework for CSI-RS Activation and QCL Indication

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current MAC control elements (CEs) in NR wireless communication networks lack efficient signaling mechanisms for activating and managing CSI-RS resources, leading to high signaling overhead and inefficiencies in beam management and beam recovery procedures.

Innovation Solution

The implementation of a MAC CE framework that includes a bitmap-based activation/deactivation command for CSI-RS resources, allowing for simultaneous activation of multiple CSI-RS resources and updating of QCL references within a single MAC message, reducing the need for frequent RRC signaling and improving beam management efficiency.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If traditional MAC CE activation is used for CSI-RS resources, then activation control is achieved, but signaling overhead increases and beam management efficiency decreases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvebeam management efficiencyVSAvoidsignaling overhead

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the activation status indication and QCL reference indication into a single MAC CE structure. The MAC CE includes a first field for activation status and a second field for QCL reference, allowing both functions to be performed simultaneously in one signaling message, thereby reducing overall signaling overhead and improving beam management efficiency

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The MAC CE is designed to serve multiple purposes: it both activates/deactivates CSI-RS resources and indicates QCL references for beam management. This multi-functional design eliminates the need for separate signaling messages, reducing overhead while maintaining comprehensive control capabilities

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Adaptability or versatility

If multiple CSI-RS resources are configured, then beam management capability is improved, but the complexity of activation control increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvebeam management capabilityVSAvoidactivation control complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the activation control into a bitmap field where each bit corresponds to a specific CSI-RS resource. This allows multiple resources to be activated or deactivated independently through a single standardized structure, maintaining simplicity while supporting multiple resources

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces a new dimension to the MAC CE structure by adding a QCL reference indication field that operates independently from the activation bitmap. This allows the system to manage multiple CSI-RS resources with different QCL references simultaneously without increasing the fundamental complexity of the activation control mechanism

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Data Source

PatentEP3711179B1Medium access control (MAC) signaling for reference signal activation and quasi co-location indication in wireless communication networks

Publication Date: 2024.05.22 TELEFONAKTIEBOLAGET LM ERICSSON (PUBL)

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AI summary

Techniques are provided to control the activation of resource sets via medium access control (MAC) signaling. In some aspect, a radio network node generates a MAC message comprising a first field indicating whether a second field is present, or absent, in the MAC message, the second field identifying one or more resource sets among a plurality of resource sets which are to be activated or deactivated, and a third field comprising quasi co-location (QCL) information. The radio network node then transmits the MAC message to a wireless device.