PDSCH TCI State Activation via MAC CE Signaling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current wireless communication systems face challenges in efficiently transmitting and managing Transmission Configuration Indication (TCI) states, particularly in 5G networks, where accurate and efficient activation and deactivation of TCI states are crucial for optimal data transmission but are not adequately addressed by existing technologies.
Innovation Solution
The method involves a user equipment (UE) and base station (BS) configuration to receive and transmit Media-Access-Control Control-Element (MAC CE) messages that include sets of activated and deactivated TCI IDs, where activated TCI IDs are assigned to codepoints in Downlink Control Information (DCI), enabling the UE to receive downlink data channels based on specific TCI states.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If all TCI states are continuously transmitted and maintained in the system, then the availability and versatility of beam configurations is improved, but the system complexity and resource overhead increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the complete set of TCI states into multiple subsets, where each subset contains a limited number of activated TCI states. This segmentation allows the system to maintain versatility by having multiple subsets available while reducing complexity by limiting the number of active states in each subset. The UE can be configured with different subsets based on specific transmission scenarios.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamic activation and deactivation of TCI states through MAC CE signaling. The network can dynamically update which TCI states are activated in each subset based on current channel conditions and transmission requirements. This dynamic approach allows the system to adapt to changing conditions while maintaining a manageable number of active states at any given time.
2Reliability
If multiple TCI states are activated for multi-TRP transmission, then the reliability and robustness of data transmission is improved, but the difficulty of managing and tracking TCI state assignments increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces MAC CE signaling as an intermediary mechanism between the network and UE for managing TCI state assignments. The MAC CE provides a standardized interface for activating and deactivating TCI states, and for associating them with codepoints. This intermediary simplifies the management process by providing clear signaling protocols and reduces the difficulty of tracking which TCI states are active and how they are assigned.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent performs preliminary configuration of TCI state subsets and their associations with codepoints before actual data transmission. The network pre-configures multiple subsets of TCI states and establishes their mappings to codepoints in advance. This preliminary action reduces the complexity of real-time management during transmission, as the basic framework is already established and only selective activation/deactivation is needed during operation.
3Productivity
If TCI states are frequently updated to adapt to changing channel conditions, then the responsiveness and efficiency of data transmission is improved, but the signaling overhead and processing burden increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies partial action by updating only the necessary TCI states through MAC CE signaling rather than reconfiguring the entire TCI state set. When channel conditions change, the network can selectively activate or deactivate specific TCI states within the existing subsets, or update associations for specific codepoints. This partial update approach maintains transmission efficiency by quickly adapting to new conditions while minimizing signaling overhead compared to complete reconfiguration.
Data Source
AI summary
Aspects of the present disclosure include methods, apparatuses, and computer readable media for receiving at least one MAC CE including a set of activated TCI IDs associated with a first set of TCI states and excluding a set of deactivated TCI IDs associated with a second set of TCI state, wherein: the set of activated TCI IDs are assigned to a plurality of codepoints which indicates values of the first set of TCI states in DCI, receiving the DCI, and receiving downlink data channel based on at least one or more TCI states of the first set of TCI states assigned to a codepoint of a plurality of codepoints associated with the DCI.