Multi-Cell PUCCH Format Selection for HARQ-ACK and CSI
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional wireless communication systems face limitations in efficiently transmitting uplink control information, particularly in enhanced carrier aggregation scenarios, where simultaneous transmission of HARQ-ACK and periodic CSI is desired, and there is a need for dynamic switching and resource allocation of uplink control channels across multiple serving cells.
Innovation Solution
The method and apparatus enable simultaneous transmission of HARQ-ACK and periodic CSI through a Physical Uplink Control Channel (PUCCH), dynamically selecting the uplink control format based on the size of the uplink ACK information and serving cell group, and dynamically or semi-statically allocating resource regions for the PUCCH.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If conventional PUCCH transmission methods are used in enhanced carrier aggregation scenarios, then system compatibility is maintained, but the capability to simultaneously transmit HARQ-ACK and periodic CSI is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges HARQ-ACK and periodic CSI into a single PUCCH transmission by multiplexing them in the time domain using orthogonal cover codes. This allows both types of control information to be transmitted simultaneously over the same physical channel resources, enhancing adaptability without proportionally increasing device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The PUCCH channel is designed to perform multiple functions: it can transmit HARQ-ACK, periodic CSI, or both simultaneously depending on configuration. This multi-functionality is achieved through configurable formats (e.g., format 2, 3, 4) that adapt to different transmission needs, allowing a single channel structure to serve multiple purposes.
2Productivity
If dynamic switching of uplink control formats is implemented, then transmission efficiency is improved, but processing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic format switching where the PUCCH format (2, 3, or 4) is selected based on real-time conditions such as the number of serving cells, payload size, and simultaneous transmission requirements. This dynamic adaptation optimizes transmission efficiency for different scenarios while the network provides guidance through RRC configuration to manage complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses feedback mechanisms where the network configures appropriate PUCCH formats based on UE capabilities and traffic patterns. The UE reports channel conditions and transmission requirements, and the network adjusts the format configuration accordingly, creating a feedback loop that optimizes efficiency without requiring complex autonomous decision-making at the UE.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple serving cells are supported, then network capacity is increased, but resource allocation complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the uplink control resources by introducing the concept of PUCCH resource sets and groups. For multiple serving cells, the system divides the control information into different resource pools, with each cell or cell group having designated PUCCH resources. This segmentation prevents resource conflicts and simplifies allocation management in multi-cell scenarios.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an additional dimension of resource organization through PUCCH resource sets indexed by higher-layer parameters. Instead of managing resources in a single dimension, the system creates a multi-dimensional resource space where resources are organized by set index, cell index, and format type, making multi-cell resource allocation more manageable and scalable.
Data Source
AI summary
A method includes configuring serving cells for UE, the serving cells including at least six serving cells configurable for the UE; receiving PUCCH format configuration information for transmitting uplink control information associated with the configured serving cells, the PUCCH format configuration information including configuration information of PUCCH format 4; determining a total number of HARQ-ACK bits, SR bits, and periodic CSI bits to be transmitted in a subframe, selecting, at least based on the determined total number, a PUCCH format to transmit at least one of HARQ-ACK, SR, and periodic CSI, the selected PUCCH format being one of PUCCH formats including the PUCCH format 4 and PUCCH format 3; and transmitting the uplink control information associated with the configured serving cells in the subframe using the selected PUCCH format, the uplink control information associated with the configured serving cells including the at least one of HARQ-ACK, SR, and periodic CSI.