PRACH Repetition and CSI Reporting for NR Uplink Coverage

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Solution Overview

Problem

The challenge of maintaining adequate uplink coverage in NR systems, particularly at higher carrier frequencies, is exacerbated by path-loss, which affects the physical random access channel (PRACH) and channel state information (CSI) report on the physical uplink shared channel (PUSCH), leading to coverage loss and performance issues.

Innovation Solution

Implementing mechanisms for PRACH repetition, including configuration of starting positions, number of repetitions, and PRACH repetition windows through higher layer signaling, and enabling repetition of CSI reports on PUSCH through DCI formats and higher layer configurations to enhance coverage.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Speed

If higher carrier frequencies are used in NR systems, then data transmission speed and capacity are improved, but path-loss increases causing coverage loss

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedata transmission speedVSAvoidcoverage

Core Design Contradiction:

SpeedVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies periodic action by implementing PRACH repetition where the same preamble is transmitted multiple times at different occasions. This periodic transmission allows the base station to combine multiple received signals, effectively combating path-loss at higher frequencies while maintaining coverage reliability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #19Periodic action

2Reliability

If PRACH repetition is implemented to enhance coverage, then coverage is improved, but signaling complexity and configuration overhead increase

Engineering Contradiction:

ImprovecoverageVSAvoidsignaling complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses a unified higher layer parameter structure (prach-RepetitionWindow, prach-RepetitionNumber, prach-StartingPosition) that serves multiple functions: configuring PRACH repetition for coverage enhancement, defining repetition windows, and managing resource allocation. This multi-functional parameter design reduces overall signaling complexity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Reliability

If CSI report repetition on PUSCH is enabled for coverage enhancement, then transmission reliability is improved, but uplink resource consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetransmission reliabilityVSAvoiduplink resource consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements partial repetition by allowing the network to configure the number of CSI report repetitions dynamically through DCI formats. Instead of always transmitting full repetitions, the system can adjust the repetition count based on channel conditions and coverage requirements, optimizing resource consumption while maintaining sufficient reliability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #16Partial or excessive action

Data Source

PatentUS12513553B2Coverage for physical random access channel and repetition of CSI report on PUSCH for coverage enhancement

Publication Date: 2025.12.30 INTEL CORP

AI summary

Various embodiments herein relate to techniques that may improve coverage for a physical random access channel (PRACH). Additionally, some embodiments may relate to techniques for repetition of a channel state information (CSI) report on a physical uplink shared channel (PUSCH) for coverage enhancement. Other embodiments may be described and/or claimed.