NR PUCCH Coverage Extension via Dynamic Format Selection
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
The challenge in extending uplink control channel (PUCCH) coverage for future wireless communication systems, particularly in new radio (NR) systems, where existing solutions do not provide sufficient coverage and flexibility, especially when operating with analog/hybrid beamforming architectures.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a technique that allows for the selection between Short PUCCH and Long PUCCH based on subframe types, with Long PUCCH being available for bi-directional UL and UL-only subframes, enabling flexible multiplexing and increased coverage by configuring multiple UL control symbols per subframe and supporting RF beam switching.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a single PUCCH format is used for all subframe types, then device complexity is reduced, but PUCCH coverage and adaptability are insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic PUCCH format selection where the UE determines whether to use short or long PUCCH format based on the subframe type. This dynamic adaptation allows the system to optimize PUCCH coverage for different subframe configurations (downlink-only, uplink-only, bi-directional) without requiring multiple fixed formats, thereby improving adaptability while keeping device complexity manageable through rule-based selection
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the duration parameter of PUCCH format based on subframe type. Short PUCCH format is used for downlink-only subframes while long PUCCH format is used for uplink-only and bi-directional subframes. This parameter change enables coverage extension by adjusting PUCCH transmission duration to match the specific requirements of each subframe type
2Productivity
If multiple UL control symbols are configured per subframe, then PUCCH coverage and multiplexing capacity are enhanced, but overhead increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the PUCCH transmission opportunities within a subframe by configuring multiple UL control symbols. This segmentation allows different UEs to transmit PUCCH at different symbol positions within the same subframe, thereby increasing multiplexing capacity and coverage without requiring dedicated subframes for each UE, thus managing overhead efficiently
Solution Approach 2:
The patent makes UL control symbols serve multiple functions: they can be used for PUCCH transmission, for RF beam switching, and for supporting both short and long PUCCH formats within the same subframe structure. This multi-functionality increases productivity and coverage while minimizing the increase in overhead by maximizing the utility of each control symbol
3Adaptability or versatility
If RF beam switching is supported within subframes, then coverage is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs RF beam switching at predetermined UL control symbol positions within subframes. By pre-configuring the timing and positions of beam switching opportunities, the system enables beamforming adaptability for coverage extension without requiring complex real-time beam management, thereby reducing device complexity while maintaining beamforming flexibility
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3~4
AI summary
Methods, apparatuses, and computer programs for NR PUCCH coverage extension are disclosed. A plurality of slots to be allocated for a user equipment may be determined by a base station. One or more control data blocks in one or more of the slots may be mapped to at least one of: a short physical uplink control channel and a long physical uplink control channel based on a type of the one or more slots, wherein the type of the slots includes one of: an uplink-only slot; a bi-directional, uplink slot; and a bi-directional, downlink slot. The plurality of slots may be allocated to the user equipment, and uplink control information on the one or more control data blocks may be received from the user equipment.