Multi-TRP TCI State Configuration for Low-Latency Beam Switching

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current multi-TRP systems in NR/5G communication face issues with large signaling overhead and latency in beam switching operations, leading to reduced system capacity and communication performance.

Innovation Solution

Implementing a configuration of transmission configuration indicator (TCI) states with associated reference signals and configuration parameters to optimize beam management, reducing signaling overhead and improving latency in multi-TRP systems.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If beam indication is signaled for per control resource set (CORESET) of each TRP, per physical uplink control channel (PUCCH) resource, per physical uplink shared channel (PUSCH), and per physical downlink shared channel (PDSCH), then beam switching capability is comprehensive, but signaling overhead increases and beam switch latency increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvebeam switching capabilityVSAvoidsignaling overhead

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of information

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines beam indication for multiple channels (PUCCH, PUSCH, PDSCH) and multiple TRPs into a unified TCI state framework. Instead of separate beam indications for each channel and TRP, a single TCI state configuration can indicate multiple beam directions, thereby reducing the number of MAC CE signaling commands needed while maintaining comprehensive beam switching capability across all channels and TRPs.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The TCI state configuration is designed to serve multiple functions simultaneously: it provides beam indication for downlink channels (PDSCH, PDCCH), uplink channels (PUSCH, PUCCH), and reference signals, while supporting multiple TRPs. This multi-functional approach eliminates the need for separate beam indication mechanisms for each channel type, thereby reducing overall signaling overhead.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Adaptability or versatility

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvebeam switching capabilityVSAvoidbeam switch latency

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements preliminary configuration of TCI states through higher-layer signaling (RRC or MAC CE) before actual beam switching is needed. Multiple TCI states are pre-configured with beam direction information for different TRPs and channels, allowing the system to quickly switch between pre-configured beams without requiring extensive real-time signaling, thereby reducing beam switch latency while maintaining comprehensive beam switching capability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

3Adaptability or versatility

If large number of medium access control (MAC) control element (CE) signaling commands are used to switch beams of all downlink (DL) channels, uplink (UL) channels and reference signals, then beam switching coverage is complete, but system capacity is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvebeam switching coverageVSAvoidsystem capacity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the beam indication functionality across multiple channels and TRPs into a unified TCI state framework. A single TCI state can indicate beam directions for multiple channels simultaneously, and a single MAC CE command can activate multiple TCI states. This consolidation dramatically reduces the number of MAC CE signaling commands required while maintaining complete beam switching coverage for all DL and UL channels and reference signals.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

4Measurement precision

If TCI states are configured with multiple reference signals and configuration parameters, then beam switching accuracy is improved, but configuration complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvebeam switching accuracyVSAvoidconfiguration complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the beam configuration into modular TCI states, where each TCI state contains a specific set of reference signals and configuration parameters for a particular beam direction or TRP. This segmentation allows the system to configure multiple independent TCI states with different levels of detail, enabling accurate beam switching while managing configuration complexity through modular organization. The UE can process each TCI state independently based on activation indications.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Data Source

PatentUS12621828B2Apparatus and method of wireless communication

Publication Date: 2026.05.05 GUANGDONG OPPO MOBILE TELECOMMUNICATIONS CORP LTD

AI summary

An apparatus and a method of wireless communication are provided. The method by a user equipment (UE) includes being configured, by a base station, with a configuration of one or more transmission configuration indicator (TCI) states, wherein each TCI state includes one or more reference signals for a reception of downlink channels or signals and/or for a transmission of uplink channels or signals, and in each TCI state, being provided with at least one of configuration parameters.