Multiple TCI State Configuration for Simultaneous Downlink Reception
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional 3GPP 5G NR networks do not support simultaneous downlink transmissions from multiple transmission and reception points (TRPs) due to the lack of discussion on configuring user equipment (UE) with multiple transmission configuration indication (TCI) states and reference signal resources.
Innovation Solution
User equipment (UE) is configured with multiple TCI states and RS resources, allowing it to determine and report its capability for simultaneous reception of multiple RS resources, and apply these states for simultaneous downlink reception.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the network configures the UE with multiple TCI states and RS resources for simultaneous downlink reception from multiple TRPs, then the network performance and flexibility are enhanced, but the device complexity and configuration overhead increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the downlink reception capability into multiple independent TCI states, where each TCI state can be independently configured and activated. This allows the UE to handle multiple TRPs separately through distinct TCI state configurations, making the complex multi-TRP reception manageable through modular state management
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces dynamic activation and deactivation of TCI states through MAC CE commands and DCI indicators. The UE can dynamically switch between different TCI state combinations based on current channel conditions and network requirements, enabling flexible adaptation without permanent complex configuration
2Reliability
If the UE supports simultaneous reception of multiple RS resources from different TRPs, then the downlink transmission reliability is improved, but the processing complexity and capability requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the reception processing into separate TCI state handling units, where each TCI state manages a specific TRP's signal characteristics. This segmentation allows the UE to process multiple TRP signals through independent state management rather than monolithic complex processing
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces TCI states as intermediary structures that mediate between the physical TRP signals and the UE's processing capabilities. Each TCI state acts as a virtual container that organizes QCL relationships and signal parameters, simplifying the intermediate processing step between raw signals and higher-layer protocols
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple TCI states are configured with different QCL-Info and RS resources, then the beam management flexibility is enhanced, but the signaling overhead and configuration management increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent designs TCI states as universal configurations that can represent different beam scenarios through a common structure. Each TCI state uses the same QCL-Info framework but with different parameter values, allowing the system to handle diverse beam management cases without creating separate configuration mechanisms for each scenario
Solution Approach 2:
The patent performs preliminary configuration of TCI states through RRC signaling before actual downlink reception. The network pre-configures multiple TCI states with different QCL-Info and RS resource associations, so that during actual operation, only simple activation commands are needed rather than transmitting full configuration details repeatedly
Data Source
AI summary
Apparatus and methods are provided for simultaneous DL transmissions. In one novel aspect, performing simultaneous DL transmissions with multiple TCI states is provided. A UE can be configured, by a BS, with a plurality of TCI states. After being configured with the TCI states, the UE can determine multiple TCI states for simultaneous DL transmissions and transmit a report to the BS to inform the BS of that the multiple TCI states are for simultaneous DL transmissions. Then, the UE applies the multiple TCI states for simultaneous DL transmissions.