PUCCH Carrier Switching via DCI for Low-Latency Uplink Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
In current wireless communication systems, the transmission of physical uplink control channels (PUCCH) is constrained to a single carrier, leading to potential delays in ultra-reliable low-latency communication services due to slot configurations, which can be addressed by dynamically switching PUCCH carriers to optimize transmission.
Innovation Solution
A method is introduced where a network node indicates a carrier for PUCCH transmission using a predefined bit field in downlink control information (DCI), allowing PUCCH to switch between multiple configured carriers, with mechanisms to manage UE capabilities and gNodeB scheduling to ensure efficient carrier switching without increasing DCI overhead.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If PUCCH transmission is constrained to a single carrier, then device complexity is reduced, but transmission flexibility and latency performance deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic carrier switching for PUCCH transmission by introducing a carrier indicator field in DCI that can dynamically indicate different carriers (e.g., primary cell or secondary cell) based on real-time scheduling needs. This allows the system to transition from a static single-carrier constraint to a dynamic multi-carrier flexible transmission mechanism, resolving the contradiction between transmission flexibility and device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the carrier selection process by dividing the carrier indicator field into specific bit allocations (e.g., 1 bit for carrier indication, additional bits for other control information). This segmentation allows the carrier switching function to be isolated and managed independently within the DCI structure, reducing the overall complexity impact while enabling flexible multi-carrier operation.
2Loss of time
If carrier switching is implemented, then transmission latency is reduced, but DCI overhead increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the carrier indication function with the existing DCI structure by integrating the carrier indicator field into the existing control information format. Instead of creating a separate carrier switching mechanism that would add overhead, the carrier indication is combined with existing DCI fields, allowing carrier switching without significant increase in DCI overhead while reducing transmission latency.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the parameter interpretation of existing DCI fields to include carrier indication capability. By reinterpreting existing fields or adding minimal bits to indicate carrier selection, the system achieves carrier switching functionality without proportionally increasing DCI overhead, thus reducing latency while maintaining efficient overhead utilization.
3Productivity
If multiple carriers are configured for PUCCH transmission, then spectral efficiency is improved, but scheduling complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-configuring multiple carriers (primary cell and secondary cell) with their respective parameters and capabilities before actual PUCCH transmission occurs. The network node and terminal device exchange configuration information in advance, establishing carrier lists and indicator mappings beforehand. This preliminary configuration enables fast carrier switching during transmission without complex real-time scheduling calculations, thus improving spectral efficiency while controlling scheduling complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
The present document relates to methods, systems, and devices related to digital wireless communication, and more specifically, to techniques related to determining whether to switch a carrier of control channel resources such as a physical uplink control channel (PUCCH) resource. One example method includes transmitting, by a network node, a carrier indicator message to a terminal, the carrier indicator message indicating a carrier via a predefined bit field in a control indicator field. The method can also include receiving, by the network node, a second message from the terminal on the carrier indicated in the carrier indicator message.