PUCCH Carrier Switching for Latency Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current wireless communication systems face challenges in efficiently managing carrier switching for physical uplink control channels (PUCCH), leading to latency and resource inefficiencies in 5G and NR networks.
Innovation Solution
The proposed solution involves a method and apparatus for a user equipment (UE) and network cells to receive configuration messages indicating carrier switching for PUCCH, allowing the UE to transmit PUCCH signals on a second carrier instead of a first carrier based on a final repetition scheduled earlier in time, thereby reducing latency and conserving resources.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of time
If the UE transmits PUCCH signal repetitions on the first carrier according to the original scheduling, then the transmission follows the initial configuration, but the latency is increased and resources are not efficiently utilized when the second carrier becomes available earlier
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic carrier switching by allowing the UE to transition from a first carrier to a second carrier for PUCCH signal repetitions based on real-time scheduling conditions. The UE monitors the availability of the second carrier and switches carriers when the final repetition on the second carrier is scheduled earlier than on the first carrier, thereby dynamically adapting to reduce latency while managing complexity through defined switching criteria
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the carrier parameter dynamically during PUCCH signal transmission. The network configures the UE with multiple carriers and the UE selects which carrier to use based on scheduling timing parameters. This parameter change allows the system to optimize transmission timing by switching carriers, reducing the loss of time while maintaining manageable complexity through parameter-based decision making
2Adaptability or versatility
If the UE continues operating at full power to monitor and transmit on multiple carriers, then carrier switching flexibility is maintained, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements periodic action by allowing the UE to enter low-power states between PUCCH transmission opportunities. The UE only needs to be actively monitoring and capable of transmission when PUCCH repetitions are scheduled, rather than maintaining full operational power continuously. This periodic activation maintains carrier switching flexibility when needed while significantly reducing overall power consumption during idle periods
Solution Approach 2:
The UE autonomously determines when to switch carriers and when to enter low-power states based on scheduling information received from the network. The UE self-manages its power state transitions and carrier selection without requiring continuous network control, thereby maintaining adaptability for carrier switching while minimizing power consumption through self-directed low-power operation during appropriate intervals
Data Source
AI summary
Various aspects of the present disclosure generally relate to wireless communication. In some aspects, a user equipment (UE) may receive, from a network, a configuration message indicating to switch carriers for a physical uplink control channel (PUCCH). Accordingly, the UE may transmit one or more repetitions of a PUCCH signal on a second carrier rather than a first carrier based on a final repetition, of the one or more repetitions, on the second carrier being scheduled earlier in time than a final repetition on the first carrier. Numerous other aspects are described.