PRACH Configuration Segmentation for RedCap Terminals

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing communication systems face challenges in efficiently managing random access signals for terminals with varying capabilities, particularly in scenarios where multiple types of Reduced Capability NR Devices (eRedCap, RedCap, and non-RedCap) access a cell, leading to increased complexity and cost in testing and power consumption.

Innovation Solution

A method is introduced where a base station indicates a reduced number of PRACH configurations to terminals, allowing them to appropriately transmit random access signals by preferentially selecting configurations based on their type, thereby reducing complexity and power consumption.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If multiple PRACH configurations are provided for different terminal types, then all terminal types can appropriately transmit random access signals, but terminal complexity and testing burden increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecompatibility with different terminal typesVSAvoidterminal complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the terminal population into different types (eRedCap, RedCap, non-RedCap) and provides differentiated PRACH configuration sets for each type. This segmentation allows each terminal type to use only the configurations relevant to its capabilities, reducing the testing burden while maintaining compatibility across all terminal types.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies local quality by providing different numbers and types of PRACH configurations to different terminal types based on their specific capabilities. For example, eRedCap terminals receive a different configuration set compared to non-RedCap terminals, optimizing each local context rather than applying a uniform configuration set to all terminals.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

2Adaptability or versatility

If multiple PRACH configurations are provided for different terminal types, then appropriate random access signal transmission is enabled, but power consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecompatibility with different terminal typesVSAvoidpower consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

By segmenting terminal types and providing differentiated PRACH configuration sets, terminals only need to process and test the configurations relevant to their type. This reduces the computational power required for testing and selecting appropriate configurations, thereby reducing overall power consumption while maintaining adaptability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements partial action by providing terminals with only the subset of PRACH configurations they need based on their type, rather than providing all possible configurations to every terminal. This reduces the processing load and power consumption required for configuration evaluation and selection.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #16Partial or excessive action

3Reliability

If multiple test items are required for different terminal types, then appropriate random access signal transmission is achieved, but testing cost and time increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improverandom access signal transmission reliabilityVSAvoidtesting time
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the testing requirements by terminal type, so that each terminal type undergoes testing only on the PRACH configurations relevant to its capabilities. This segmentation maintains transmission reliability for each terminal type while significantly reducing the total number of test items and testing time required across the entire terminal population.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Data Source

PatentEP4665065A1Terminal, base station, and communication method
Publication Date: 2025.12.17 PANASONIC INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY CORP OF AMERICA
  • EP4665065A1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4665065A1 patent drawingFigure 2~3
  • EP4665065A1 patent drawingFigure 4

AI summary

A terminal including: a reception circuit that receives information which is directed to a terminal of a first number of types and relates to a second number of settings for a random access signal, the second number being smaller than the first number; and a transmission circuit that transmits the random access signals on the basis of the information.