Multi-TCI State Signaling for Multi-TRP Beam Management
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Solution Overview
Problem
The communication system in wireless networks, particularly in 5G New Radio (NR) systems, faces challenges in efficiently managing beam management and channel state information when multiple Transmission Reception Points (TRPs) are involved, especially with the introduction of the unified Transmission Configuration Indicator (TCI) state framework.
Innovation Solution
The proposed solution involves a method for communicating based on an indicated Transmission Configuration Indicator (TCI) state, where a user equipment (UE) receives an RRC configuration for multiple TCI fields, a MAC Control Element (CE) to activate TCI states, and a DCI message indicating a first TCI state. The UE then performs downlink or uplink transmissions based on the indicated TCI state.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If multiple TCI states are configured for multi-TRP operation, then beam management flexibility and communication reliability are improved, but system complexity and overhead increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the TCI state management into distinct components: RRC configuration layer for defining multiple TCI states, MAC CE layer for activation/deactivation selection, and DCI layer for final TCI state indication. This segmentation allows the system to handle multiple TCI states systematically without overwhelming complexity, as each layer manages a specific aspect of TCI state handling.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies preliminary action by using RRC configuration to pre-define multiple TCI states and their associated parameters before actual communication begins. The MAC CE then activates specific TCI states from these pre-configured options. This preliminary setup reduces the need for complex real-time configuration and enables faster beam switching and more reliable multi-TRP operation.
2Adaptability or versatility
If TCI states are activated and deactivated dynamically, then beam management flexibility is improved, but processing time and latency increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses preliminary action by pre-configuring multiple TCI states through RRC signaling before dynamic beam switching is needed. When beam switching is required, the system only needs to activate different pre-configured TCI states via MAC CE rather than configuring everything from scratch, significantly reducing processing time while maintaining flexibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamics by enabling the system to transition between different TCI states dynamically based on current communication needs. The MAC CE layer provides dynamic activation/deactivation of TCI states, and the DCI layer provides dynamic indication of which TCI state to use for current transmissions, allowing adaptive beam management without excessive latency.
3Measurement precision
If multiple DCI fields are used to indicate TCI states, then beam indication precision is improved, but signaling overhead increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the beam indication function across multiple layers: RRC configuration defines the beam options, MAC CE activates the relevant beams, and DCI specifies the final beam selection. This segmentation allows precise beam indication through coordinated action across layers rather than requiring all precision information to be transmitted simultaneously in a single message, reducing overall overhead.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies preliminary action by having RRC configuration and MAC CE pre-establish the set of available TCI states and their associations with beams before the actual beam indication is needed. This preliminary setup reduces the amount of information that needs to be signaled in the DCI, as only the final selection from pre-defined options needs to be indicated, thereby reducing signaling overhead while maintaining precision.
Data Source
AI summary
A method performed by a user equipment (UE) for communicating based on an indicated Transmission Configuration Indicator (TCI) state is provided. The method receives, from a base station (BS), a Radio Resource Control (RRC) configuration for configuring multiple Transmission Configuration Indicator (TCI) fields. The method receives, from the BS, a Medium Access Control (MAC) Control Element (CE) activating at least one TCI state associated with the multiple TCI fields. The method receives, from the BS, a downlink control information (DCI) message including multiple DCI fields that is associated with the received RRC configuration and that indicates at least one first TCI state among the activated at least one TCI state. The method performs, based on the indicated at least one first TCI state, at least one downlink reception or at least one uplink transmission.