MAC Control Element Signaling for Multi-TRP TCI State Mapping
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current MAC control elements in NR 3GPP Rel-15 are inadequate for mapping multiple TCI states to a single codepoint in the DCI Transmission Configuration Indication field, limiting their applicability in NR 3GPP Rel-16 enhancements with multiple-TRPs.
Innovation Solution
The proposed solution involves transmitting a MAC control element message that maps multiple TCI states to a single codepoint in the DCI Transmission Configuration Indication field, allowing for flexible configuration and dynamic selection based on DMRS ports and CDM groups, enabling efficient operation with multiple transmission points.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If current MAC control elements in NR 3GPP Rel-15 are used, then the system maintains compatibility with existing standards, but the capability to map multiple TCI states to a single codepoint is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The MAC control element is segmented into multiple fields, each representing a specific function or parameter. The TCI state indication field is divided to accommodate multiple TCI states, with each state represented by a separate indication mechanism within the MAC CE structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an additional dimension to the MAC control element by incorporating multiple TCI state indications within a single codepoint mapping. This allows the system to transition from a one-to-one mapping (Rel-15) to a one-to-many mapping capability, effectively adding a layer of multiplicity to the control structure.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple TCI states are mapped to a single codepoint, then flexibility in TCI state management is improved, but the MAC control element structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The MAC control element is designed with multi-functionality to handle both single and multiple TCI state mappings. The same MAC CE structure can accommodate different numbers of TCI states depending on configuration requirements, making it a universal solution that works for both Rel-15 compatibility and Rel-16 multi-TRP scenarios.
Solution Approach 2:
The MAC control element structure is made dynamic by allowing the number of TCI states per codepoint to be configurable. This enables the system to adapt the level of multiplicity based on actual network requirements, transitioning between simpler and more complex configurations as needed.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the MAC control element is designed for multiple TCI states, then support for multiple-TRPs is enabled, but the signaling overhead increases
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple TCI state indications are merged into a single MAC control element message. Instead of sending separate MAC CEs for each TCI state, the patent combines multiple state indications within one unified structure, reducing the total number of signaling messages required.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses efficient copying mechanisms where TCI state information is replicated across multiple codepoints when applicable. This allows the same TCI state to be referenced by multiple codepoints without requiring separate full duplications of the state information, thereby reducing redundancy.
Data Source
AI summary
A method, wireless device and network node are disclosed. According to one embodiment, a network node is configured to transmit within a medium access control, MAC, control element, CE, message, an indication of a plurality KJ of Transmission Configuration Indication, TCI, states that are mapped to a single codepoint, j, in a downlink control information, DCI, Transmission Configuration Indication, TCI, field, Kj and j being integers, and transmit within the MAC CE message, the number Kj of TCI states being mapped to the codepoint j. In another embodiment, a wireless device is configured to receive within a MAC CE message from the network node, an indication of a plurality Kj of TCI states that are mapped to a single codepoint, j, in a DCI TCI field, and receive within the MAC CE message, the number Kj of TCI states mapped to the codepoint j.