Multi-DCI Multi-TRP Operation: CRS Matching and HARQ Coordination

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing multi-DCI based multi-TRP operations in 5G NR networks face challenges in CRS rate matching patterns, default HARQ-ACK feedback modes, default TCI states for AP-CSI-RS, default PUCCH beams and pathloss RS, and conflicts between multi-DCI and single-DCI configurations.

Innovation Solution

The proposed solutions include designing CRS rate matching patterns, determining default HARQ-ACK feedback modes, selecting default TCI states for AP-CSI-RS, and resolving conflicts between multi-DCI and single-DCI configurations through explicit or implicit CORESETPoolIndex configurations, blind detection capabilities, and specific HARQ-ACK and PUCCH settings.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If multi-DCI based multi-TRP operation is implemented to improve network capacity and reliability, then system robustness and throughput are enhanced, but configuration complexity and potential conflicts between multi-DCI and single-DCI modes increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvenetwork reliabilityVSAvoidconfiguration complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the multi-TRP operation into distinct modes (single-DCI and multi-DCI) with separate configuration procedures. Each mode has its own specific parameters and settings, allowing the system to handle complexity through modular configuration rather than a monolithic approach. This segmentation enables independent optimization of each mode while maintaining overall system reliability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements dynamic switching between single-DCI and multi-DCI modes based on network conditions and UE capabilities. The configuration is not static but adapts to different operational scenarios, allowing the system to maintain reliability while managing complexity through flexible, condition-based mode selection rather than fixed configuration.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Productivity

If CRS rate matching patterns are designed for multi-DCI operation to improve resource utilization, then spectral efficiency is enhanced, but processing complexity and signaling overhead increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvespectral efficiencyVSAvoidprocessing complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent establishes CRS rate matching patterns in advance through pre-defined configurations and signaling. The rate matching behavior is determined beforehand based on DCI format and TRP configuration, rather than being calculated in real-time during data transmission. This preliminary setup reduces processing complexity during actual operation while maintaining high spectral efficiency through optimized resource allocation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

3Loss of time

If default HARQ-ACK feedback modes and TCI states are specified for multi-DCI operation to improve response time, then feedback efficiency is enhanced, but configuration management complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefeedback response timeVSAvoidconfiguration management complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of timeVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent enables the UE to self-determine default HARQ-ACK feedback modes and TCI states based on pre-configured parameters and detected DCI information. Rather than requiring explicit network signaling for every configuration detail, the UE autonomously selects appropriate settings from available options based on the multi-DCI operation context. This self-service approach reduces feedback response time while managing configuration complexity through UE-side intelligence.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Data Source

PatentEP4133864B1Designs for multi-DCI based multi-TRP operation
Publication Date: 2025.08.13 APPLE INC
  • EP4133864B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4133864B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4133864B1 patent drawingFigure 3A~3C

AI summary

Various user equipment (UE) operations performed when the UE is in multiple Downlink Control Information (multi-DCI) based multiple transmission and reception point (multi-TRP) configuration. The operations receiving, from one of the first or second gNBs, one or more cell reference signal (CRS) rate matching patterns, wherein the one or more CRS rate matching patterns comprise an indication of a control resource set (CORESET) pool for each of the one or more CRS rate matching patterns and applying the one or more CRS rate matching patterns to a CORESET for a Physical Downlink Shared Channel (PDSCH) based on the indication of the CORESET pool.