Multi-TRP Beam Indication Using TCI State Mapping
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current 5G NR networks lack support for configuring multiple transmission configuration indicator (TCI) states that correspond to multiple transmission and reception points (TRPs), which limits the network's ability to efficiently manage beam updates for multi-TRP operations.
Innovation Solution
A next-generation NodeB (gNB) configures user equipment (UE) with multiple TCI states corresponding to multiple TRPs and provides a mapping configuration for these TCI states to various wireless network channels. The UE then maps the TCI states to the corresponding TRPs and updates the beam used for transmission or reception based on the TCI state corresponding to each TRP.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If multiple TCI states corresponding to multiple TRPs are configured, then beam update management for multi-TRP operations is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the TCI state configuration into multiple activated TCI states, each corresponding to different TRPs. The UE processor manages these segmented TCI states individually, mapping each to its corresponding TRP and using them for separate beam updates. This segmentation allows independent management of multiple beams without requiring a completely new complex system.
Solution Approach 2:
The gNB performs preliminary action by pre-configuring multiple TCI states and their corresponding TRP mappings before actual communication begins. The UE receives and stores these pre-configured TCI states, so when beam updates are needed, the UE can directly use the pre-mapped TCI states without performing complex real-time calculations or configurations.
2Productivity
If multiple TCI states are configured for multi-TRP operations, then throughput is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The UE processor performs self-service by automatically mapping received TCI states to corresponding TRPs based on the TCI configuration without requiring manual intervention. The beam selection process is automated through the mapping mechanism, where the UE independently determines which beam to use based on the mapped TCI states, reducing operational complexity despite having multiple configurations.
3Reliability
If TCI states are mapped to multiple TRPs, then reliability of wireless channels is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The TCI configuration and mapping mechanism serve multiple functions: they configure beam directions, identify TRPs, and manage multiple simultaneous communication paths. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate dedicated mechanisms for each function, thereby limiting the increase in device complexity while achieving improved reliability through multi-TRP operations.
Data Source
AI summary
A user equipment (UE) is configured to use multiple beams for transmission or reception. The UE receives, from a base station, at least one medium access control (MAC) control element (CE) that indicates multiple activated transmission configuration indicator (TCI) states, receives, from the base station, at least one downlink control information (DCI) indicating a subset of TCI states of the multiple activated TCI states, wherein the MAC CE and the DCI are part of a TCI configuration, and wherein the subset of TCI states corresponds to multiple transmission and reception points (TRPs) of a wireless network, maps the subset of TCI states to the corresponding multiple TRPs based on the TCI configuration and selects a beam used for transmission or reception based on one mapped TCI state of the mapped subset of TCI states.