Overlapping Uplink Channel Handling in 5G NR User Equipment
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Solution Overview
Problem
In wireless communication systems, particularly in 5G NR, there is a challenge in handling overlapping uplink channels (PUCCHs) due to the limited processing capability of user equipment (UE), which can lead to difficulties in decoding downlink control information (DCI) and transmitting uplink control information (UCI) efficiently, resulting in potential data loss or errors.
Innovation Solution
The UE determines if the earliest symbol period of one uplink channel overlaps with another in a predetermined time period after receiving DCI, and based on this, it decides whether an unexpected event has occurred or transmits one of the channels, prioritizing higher priority UCI or combining them if the overlap allows, to manage partially overlapped PUCCHs effectively.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If the UE transmits multiple overlapping uplink channels simultaneously, then the communication capacity and information transmission efficiency are improved, but the UE processing capability is exceeded leading to decoding errors and data loss
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic adjustment of uplink channel transmission based on real-time processing capability assessment. The UE dynamically determines whether to transmit, drop, or combine overlapping channels by evaluating the time relationship between DCI reception and earliest uplink channel symbol, adapting the transmission strategy to current system conditions and processing loads
Solution Approach 2:
The patent establishes a predetermined time period threshold before uplink channel transmission to account for DCI processing requirements. This cushioning mechanism prevents processing overload by checking whether the earliest symbol of overlapping channels falls within the critical processing window, allowing the UE to proactively manage resource conflicts before they cause decoding errors
2Measurement precision
If the UE prioritizes decoding DCI to ensure control information accuracy, then the decoding reliability is improved, but the transmission timing of uplink channels may be delayed or conflicted
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary assessment of uplink channel overlap conditions before DCI decoding completion. By evaluating the time relationship between DCI reception and scheduled uplink channels in advance, the UE can prepare appropriate transmission strategies (transmit, drop, or combine) without delaying the actual uplink transmission timing, thus maintaining both decoding accuracy and transmission timing
3Loss of information
If the UE transmits all scheduled uplink channels without selection, then the information transmission completeness is improved, but the processing complexity and potential for errors increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple overlapping uplink channels into a single transmission when processing complexity would otherwise be excessive. By merging overlapping PUCCH or PUSCH channels, the UE reduces the number of simultaneous transmissions to manageable levels while preserving all necessary uplink control information, thus balancing information completeness with processing capability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts and prioritizes critical uplink control information from overlapping channels. When conflicts are detected, the UE identifies and preserves essential UCI elements while dropping or combining less critical transmissions, ensuring that the most important information is maintained even when full transmission is not feasible
Data Source
AI summary
A method of wireless communication of a UE is provided. The UE receives downlink control information (DCI) in a downlink control channel (DCCH), the DCI indicating a first uplink (UL) channel. The UE determines a second UL channel that has been scheduled prior to receiving the DCI. The UE determines that the first UL channel overlaps with the second UL channel in a time domain. The UE determines whether an earliest symbol period from the first UL channel and the second UL channel is within a predetermined time period from a last symbol period of the DCCH. The UE determines that an unexpected event has occurred or transmits one of the first UL channel and the second UL channel, when the earliest symbol period is within the predetermined time period.