Msg3 Coverage Enhancement via PRACH-TDRA Mapping
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current 5G wireless communication systems face challenges in enhancing coverage, particularly for Msg3 physical uplink shared channel (PUSCH) transmissions, especially in scenarios with reduced capabilities or extreme coverage limitations, where existing methods may not adequately support diverse use cases and coverage enhancement requirements.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a user equipment (UE) and base station (BS) configuration that enables the determination of PRACH resources and time domain resource allocation (TDRA) tables to adjust the number of repetitions for PUSCH transmissions, allowing for flexible coverage enhancement modes, including CE Mode A and CE Mode B, to improve coverage while maintaining efficient network operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the number of repetitions for PUSCH transmission is increased to enhance coverage, then coverage is improved, but transmission time and network operation complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the repetition configuration adjustable based on UE capability and coverage requirements. The system can dynamically select between different TDRA tables (first TDRA table with repetitions for CE Mode A, second TDRA table without repetitions for CE Mode B), allowing the transmission parameters to adapt to varying conditions rather than being fixed, thus resolving the contradiction between coverage enhancement and transmission time.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the parameter of repetition number based on coverage requirements and UE capability. By configuring different TDRA tables with different repetition numbers (first TDRA table with repetitions, second TDRA table without), the system adjusts the transmission parameter to match the specific coverage scenario, enabling coverage enhancement when needed while maintaining efficiency when repetitions are not required.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple TDRA tables are configured to support different coverage modes, then adaptability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies universality by designing a system where a single UE can support multiple coverage modes (CE Mode A with repetitions, CE Mode B without repetitions) through configurable TDRA tables. The UE can be configured with both the first TDRA table (with repetitions) and the second TDRA table (without repetitions), allowing it to adapt to different coverage scenarios using the same device, thus achieving multi-functionality without requiring separate devices for each mode.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the TDRA configuration into distinct tables (first TDRA table for CE Mode A with repetitions, second TDRA table for CE Mode B without repetitions). This segmentation allows the system to manage different coverage modes separately while maintaining overall organization. Each table is independently configured and selected based on the specific coverage requirement, making the complexity manageable through structured organization rather than a monolithic configuration.
3Reliability
If PRACH resources are mapped to specific TDRA tables to enable coverage enhancement, then coverage capability is improved, but system configuration complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces PRACH resources as an intermediary mechanism to select between different TDRA tables. The gNB configures PRACH resources (first set for CE Mode A, second set for CE Mode B) that map to specific TDRA tables. This intermediary mapping mechanism simplifies the configuration by using PRACH resources as a bridge to select the appropriate TDRA table, rather than requiring direct complex configuration of multiple tables. The UE determines which TDRA table to use based on the selected PRACH resource, making the system configuration more manageable.
Data Source
AI summary
Methods and apparatuses for coverage enhancement of Msg3. A method for operating a user equipment includes receiving a system information block (SIB) that provides information mapping physical random access channel (PRACH) resources to enable or disable repetitions for a physical uplink shared channel (PUSCH) transmission in a random access procedure and a first time domain resource allocation (TDRA) table. An entry of the first TDRA table indicates a number of repetitions of a PUSCH transmission. The method further includes determining a PRACH resource for transmission of a PRACH, determining, based on the PRACH resource, a TDRA table from between the first TDRA table or a predetermined second TDRA table. No entry of the second TDRA table indicates a number of repetitions for a PUSCH transmission. The method further includes receiving a first grant scheduling transmission of a first PUSCH and transmitting the first PUSCH.