Panel Activation Signaling in User Equipment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current 3GPP specifications lack detailed signaling mechanisms for panel activation at user equipment (UE) in wireless communication systems, particularly for intra- and inter-transmission reception points, necessitating a standardized method for network node and UE communication regarding panel activation.
Innovation Solution
A method involving the transmission of synchronization signal blocks (SSBs) with multiple beams by network nodes to UEs, followed by panel activation requests, where UEs measure and activate panels based on received signals, and subsequently transmit physical random access channels (PRACH) using specific resource configurations to indicate panel activation, facilitating communication between network nodes and UEs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If 3GPP specifications are used for panel activation signaling, then communication standardization is achieved, but detailed signaling mechanisms for intra- and inter-transmission reception points are insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the panel activation process into distinct phases: SSB transmission phase, panel activation request phase, and PRACH transmission phase. Each phase uses specific signaling messages and resources, allowing detailed control of panel activation while maintaining overall standardization. The segmentation enables separate handling of intra-TRP and inter-TRP scenarios.
Solution Approach 2:
The network node transmits SSBs and panel activation requests before the UE actually activates panels. This preliminary signaling prepares the UE with necessary configuration information, beam measurements, and activation indications, enabling the UE to activate panels at the appropriate time with proper resource allocation already established.
2Reliability
If multiple PRACH resources are configured for panel activation indication, then panel state notification is enhanced, but resource configuration complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Different PRACH resources are assigned for different purposes: some PRACH resources are configured for initial access while others are specifically configured for panel activation indication. This local differentiation allows the system to use appropriate resources for each function, enhancing reliability of panel activation indication while keeping the configuration manageable through clear resource separation.
Solution Approach 2:
The PRACH resources serve multiple functions: they can be used for both initial random access and for indicating panel activation state. This multi-functionality reduces the need for completely separate signaling channels while maintaining reliable panel activation indication through the existing PRACH infrastructure.
3Measurement precision
If panel activation requests are transmitted separately from SSB, then beam synchronization is maintained, but signaling overhead increases
Solution Approach 1:
The signaling is segmented into SSB transmission for beam synchronization and separate panel activation requests for panel control. This segmentation allows beam measurements to be performed on SSBs without interference from activation requests, maintaining measurement precision while using dedicated resources for activation signaling.
Solution Approach 2:
The panel activation request is combined with the random access procedure, utilizing the existing RACH signaling framework. By merging panel activation indication with the random access mechanism, the system reduces overall signaling overhead compared to implementing a completely separate activation signaling channel.
Data Source
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Figure 3A~3B
AI summary
An example method, apparatus, and computer-readable storage medium are provided for panel activation at a user equipment. In an example implementation, the method may include a user equipment (UE) receiving a synchronization signal block (SSB) from a network node; receiving a panel activation request from the network node; measuring a plurality of beams received from the network node; activating one or more panels, the activating based at least on the panel activation request and/or the measuring; and transmitting, by the user equipment (UE): a first transmission of a physical random access channel (PRACH) using a first physical random access channel (PRACH) resource, a second transmission of the physical random access channel (PRACH) using a second physical random access channel (PRACH) resource configured for indicating the activating of one or more panels at the user equipment (UE), and wherein the first transmission and the second transmission are transmitted using a same transmit (Tx) beam from the user equipment (UE).