PUCCH Resource Allocation for HARQ-ACK With Lower DCI Overhead

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Solution Overview

Problem

In 5G communication systems, optimizing the allocation of Physical Uplink Control Channel (PUCCH) resources to improve resource utilization and reduce bit overhead in downlink DCI is a challenge.

Innovation Solution

A method and device for allocating PUCCH resources by detecting PDCCH, analyzing PDSCH, and determining PUCCH resources for HARQ-ACK feedback, including implicit and explicit allocation based on CCE index, ARI, and HARQ-ACK feedback delay, with options for short and long PUCCH types.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of manufacture

If implicit PUCCH resource allocation based on CCE index is used, then resource allocation simplicity is improved, but resource utilization efficiency deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveresource allocation simplicityVSAvoidresource utilization efficiency

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements dynamic PUCCH resource allocation by introducing a multi-stage mechanism that adapts to different system conditions. The base station dynamically selects between implicit allocation (for simplicity) and explicit allocation (for efficiency) based on traffic load, channel conditions, and resource availability, thereby resolving the contradiction between allocation simplicity and resource utilization efficiency

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the allocation parameters by introducing multiple PUCCH resource sets with different configurations. Instead of using a fixed CCE-index-based allocation, the system can switch between different resource sets (first set for normal conditions, second set for optimized conditions) based on system state, improving resource utilization while maintaining allocation flexibility

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Productivity

If explicit PUCCH resource allocation is used, then resource utilization efficiency is improved, but bit overhead in DCI increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveresource utilization efficiencyVSAvoidbit overhead in DCI

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSLoss of information

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments PUCCH resources into multiple sets (first PUCCH resource set and second PUCCH resource set) with different allocation characteristics. By dividing the resource space and assigning different segments to different allocation modes, the system achieves high resource utilization through explicit allocation while managing DCI overhead through selective activation of specific resource sets

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies partial explicit allocation by using explicit PUCCH resource indication only when necessary (e.g., when resource utilization efficiency is critical), while relying on implicit allocation for routine operations. This partial application of explicit allocation minimizes DCI bit overhead while still achieving resource utilization improvements in critical scenarios

Inventive Principle:

Principle #16Partial or excessive action

3Adaptability or versatility

If multiple PUCCH resource sets are configured, then allocation flexibility is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveallocation flexibilityVSAvoiddevice complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent creates a universal PUCCH resource allocation framework where the same base station and UE can operate in multiple modes (implicit allocation, explicit allocation, short PUCCH, long PUCCH) by configuring multiple resource sets. This multi-functional design allows the system to adapt to different scenarios while using a unified resource management structure, achieving flexibility without proportionally increasing device complexity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentUS12557130B2Method and device for allocating uplink control channels

Publication Date: 2026.02.17 SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO LTD

AI summary

The present disclosure relates to a pre-5th-Generation (5G) or 5G communication system to be provided for supporting higher data rates Beyond 4th-Generation (4G) communication system such as Long Term Evolution (LTE). The present disclosure provides a method for allocating Physical Uplink Control Channel (PUCCH) resources, including: a User Equipment (UE) detects a Physical Downlink Control Channel (PDCCH) scheduling a Physical Downlink Shared Channel (PDSCH) in a configured control resource set; the UE analyzes the detected PDCCH, correspondingly receives PDSCH, and determines PUCCH resources feeding back Hybrid Automatic Repeat request-ACK (HARQ-ACK) information; the UE transmits the HARQ-ACK information by using the determined PUCCH resources. By adopting the method in the present disclosure, a method for allocating PUCCH resources is provided. An upper-limit resource utilization is improved. And a method for indicating PUCCH resources in Downlink Control Information (DCI) is put forward, thereby reducing bit overheads of DCI.