PDCCH TCI State Switching for Multi-TRP and SFN Reception

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Solution Overview

Problem

The existing unified TCI state framework in Rel-17 does not support multiple transmission reception point (M-TRP) operations and Single Frequency Network (SFN) operations for PDCCH transmission, limiting the effectiveness of S-DCI based M-TRP transmission.

Innovation Solution

An enhanced scheme for S-DCI based multi-TRP operation in the unified TCI state framework, where at least one TCI state of a plurality of TCI states is dynamically indicated to a terminal device, and the device determines which TCI state to use based on the association of a CORESET with SFN mode or repetition mode.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a single TCI state is indicated in the unified TCI state framework, then the framework provides a baseline for transmission, but it cannot support multiple transmission reception point (M-TRP) operations or Single Frequency Network (SFN) operations for PDCCH transmission

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesupport for M-TRP and SFN operationsVSAvoidTCI state indication complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the single TCI state indication into multiple TCI state indications. Specifically, it introduces separate first TCI state indication for PDCCH transmission and second TCI state indication for PDSCH transmission. This segmentation enables independent configuration of TCI states for different channels, thereby supporting M-TRP and SFN operations while maintaining clear functional separation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent adds a new dimension to the TCI state framework by introducing a second TCI state indication alongside the existing first TCI state indication. This dimensional expansion allows the system to handle multiple TCI states simultaneously for different channels (PDCCH and PDSCH), enabling M-TRP and SFN operations without disrupting the existing unified TCI state baseline.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Productivity

If the same TCI state is used for both PDCCH and PDSCH, then the unified TCI state framework is maintained, but S-DCI based M-TRP transmission effectiveness is limited

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveS-DCI based M-TRP transmission effectivenessVSAvoidseparate TCI state configuration
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the TCI state configuration into separate first and second TCI state indications that can be independently configured and applied to PDCCH and PDSCH respectively. This segmentation enables S-DCI based M-TRP transmission by allowing different TCI states to be used for different channels, thereby improving transmission effectiveness while maintaining manageable configuration complexity through clear functional separation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

3Adaptability or versatility

If multiple TCI states are indicated for PDCCH and PDSCH, then M-TRP operation is enabled, but the determination of which TCI state to apply becomes complex

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveM-TRP operation capabilityVSAvoidTCI state selection and application
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies local quality by associating specific TCI states with specific channels: the first TCI state indication is locally applied to PDCCH transmission while the second TCI state indication is locally applied to PDSCH transmission. This localized application simplifies the determination process by establishing clear rules for each channel, making M-TRP operation easier to implement despite having multiple TCI states available.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces dynamic TCI state indication mechanisms where the first and second TCI state indications can be dynamically configured and updated independently for PDCCH and PDSCH. This dynamic approach enables flexible M-TRP operation while simplifying UE determination through clear dynamic signaling rules that adapt to changing transmission conditions without requiring complex static configurations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentUS20260058782A1Applying of TCI states in transmission and reception
Publication Date: 2026.02.26 NOKIA TECHNOLOGIES OY
  • US20260058782A1 patent drawing
  • US20260058782A1 patent drawing
  • US20260058782A1 patent drawing

AI summary

Embodiments of the present disclosure relate to methods, apparatuses and computer readable storage media for applying of transmission configuration indicator (TCI) states in transmission and reception. An apparatus receives an indication related to at least one TCI state of a plurality of TCI states including a first TCI state and a second TCI state. The apparatus determines whether at least one control resource set (CORESET) is associated with a single frequency network (SFN) mode and/or a repetition mode. Then, the apparatus monitors the at least one CORESET based on the first and/or second TCI state according to the association of the at least one CORESET with the SFN and/or repetition mode.