PUCCH Transmission via Analog Beamforming in 5G Terminals
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Solution Overview
Problem
In next-generation mobile communication systems, particularly in 5G networks, there is a need for efficient methods to configure and transmit physical uplink control channels (PUCCH) using analog beamforming with multiple antennas, especially when new cells or base station structures are defined, and to manage packet loss and control message transmission during multiple connections.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus for configuring and transmitting PUCCH in next-generation mobile communication systems, involving the use of signaling radio bearers (SRB) and data radio bearers (DRB) to manage RRC connection suspension and resumption, and employing beam-based communication to optimize signal transmission and reception, including the selection of specific uplink and downlink beams for efficient PUCCH transmission.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If analog beamforming technology is used with multiple antennas for PUCCH transmission, then transmission distance and signal quality are improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the beamforming process into analog beamforming for spatial signal directionality and digital signal processing for control channel modulation. The PUCCH transmission is divided into resource allocation (time/frequency/beam) and actual signal transmission, allowing complex beamforming to be managed through structured resource configuration rather than monolithic complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent adds a beam direction dimension to the traditional time-frequency resource allocation for PUCCH. By introducing spatial beamforming as a third dimension (after time and frequency), the system achieves improved signal quality without proportionally increasing overall system complexity, as beams can be selected from predefined directions rather than requiring continuous spatial control.
2Reliability
If continuous beam measurement is performed to ensure optimal signal transmission, then transmission reliability is improved, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces continuous beam measurement with periodic or event-triggered measurement. Beam measurements are performed at specific intervals or when connection status changes (suspension/resumption events), rather than continuously monitoring beam quality. This periodic approach maintains transmission reliability through timely beam optimization while significantly reducing power consumption by keeping the measurement function inactive between events.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses existing reference signals and downlink beam information to infer optimal uplink beam directions, rather than requiring dedicated continuous measurement resources. The terminal leverages already-transmitted downlink signals to determine appropriate beams for PUCCH transmission, making the beam selection process self-service and eliminating the need for separate continuous measurement operations.
3Adaptability or versatility
If RRC connection suspension and resumption mechanisms are implemented for multiple connections, then network adaptability is improved, but control message transmission complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the essential control message transmission function into a dedicated signaling radio bearer (SRB) that operates independently from data bearers. By separating control signaling from data transmission, the system can manage connection suspension and resumption through simplified control messages without the complexity of data bearer management. The SRB handles only the necessary control information exchange, reducing overall control message transmission complexity while maintaining network adaptability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements preliminary configuration of SRB0 and SRB1 before connection suspension occurs. The signaling bearers are pre-established with appropriate resources and beam configurations, so that when suspension and resumption events happen, the terminal and network can quickly switch between bearers without reconfiguring everything from scratch. This preliminary setup reduces the complexity of control message transmission during dynamic connection changes.
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure relates to a communication method and system for converging a 5th-Generation (5G) communication system for supporting higher data rates beyond a 4th-Generation (4G) system with a technology for Internet of Things (IoT). The present disclosure may be applied to intelligent services based on the 5G communication technology and the IoT-related technology, such as smart home, smart building, smart city, smart car, connected car, health care, digital education, smart retail, security and safety services. A method for operating a terminal is provided. The method includes receiving a first radio resource control (RRC) message including information for RRC connection suspension, maintaining a signaling radio bearer (SRB) 0 and suspending a data radio bearer (DRB) and at least one other SRB based on the first RRC message, transmitting, to a base station, a second RRC message for requesting RRC connection resumption through the SRB0, receiving, from the base station, a third RRC message for the RRC connection resumption through an SRB1, and resuming an SRB2 and the DRB based on the third RRC message.