PUCCH Format Selection for Carrier Aggregation Payloads

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current wireless communication systems face inefficiencies in transmitting control information and managing resources for uplink control information, particularly in carrier aggregation systems, where the existing PUCCH formats are inadequate for handling increased payload sizes and resource overhead.

Innovation Solution

The introduction of a new PUCCH format, PF4, which allows for a larger payload size and flexible resource allocation, enabling efficient transmission of uplink control information across multiple cells by varying the number of SC-FDMA symbols and applying different coding rates based on subframe configurations, and the option to transmit through specific secondary cells.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Quantity of substance

If existing PUCCH formats are used, then resource management is simple, but payload size capacity is insufficient for carrier aggregation beyond 5 cells

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovePUCCH payload sizeVSAvoidPUCCH format complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Quantity of substanceVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the PUCCH transmission into multiple formats (Format 1a/1b for small payloads, Format 2 for medium payloads, and Format 3 for large payloads in carrier aggregation). This segmentation allows the system to select the appropriate format based on payload size, resolving the contradiction between increasing payload capacity and maintaining format simplicity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces dynamic PUCCH format selection based on the actual payload size and carrier aggregation configuration. The system dynamically adapts the PUCCH format (1a/1b, 2, or 3) according to the number of cells and payload requirements, enabling flexible expansion of payload capacity without fixing a single complex format.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Reliability

If PUCCH resources are allocated for all cells, then control information transmission is comprehensive, but resource overhead increases significantly

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecontrol information transmission reliabilityVSAvoidresource overhead
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the PUCCH resources for multiple cells into a unified transmission structure. Instead of allocating separate resources for each cell, the system combines ACK/NACK information from multiple cells into a single PUCCH Format 3 transmission, reducing overall resource overhead while maintaining comprehensive coverage.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The PUCCH Format 3 is designed as a universal structure that can handle control information from multiple cells simultaneously. This multi-functional format serves multiple cells with a single transmission, improving resource efficiency while ensuring reliable transmission of control information across all aggregated cells.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Adaptability or versatility

If fixed PUCCH format is used, then implementation is simple, but adaptability to varying UCI coding rates and payload sizes is poor

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveadaptability to payload sizesVSAvoidimplementation complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the key parameter of PUCCH format selection based on payload size and coding rate requirements. By dynamically adjusting which format (1a/1b, 2, or 3) is used, the system adapts to varying UCI coding rates and payload sizes while maintaining relatively simple implementation through established modulation and coding techniques.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Data Source

PatentEP3972168B1Method for transmitting control information, and apparatus therefor
Publication Date: 2024.09.04 LG ELECTRONICS INC
  • EP3972168B1 patent drawingFigure 1~1(b)
  • EP3972168B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3972168B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The present invention relates to a wireless communication system. More specifically, the present invention relates to a method for transmitting control information and an apparatus therefor, the method comprising the steps of: detecting one or more PDSCHs on a plurality of cells, wherein the plurality of cells are divided into a first cell set having PCell and a first SCell, and a second cell set having one or more second SCells; and as feedback for the one or more PDSCHs, transmitting HARQ-ACK information over PUCCH, wherein when the one or more PDSCHs are detected only in the first cell set, the HARQ-ACK information contains only a HARQ-ACK response for the first cell set, and when the one or more PDSCHs are detected at least in the second cell set, the HARQ-ACK information contains HARQ-ACK responses for both the first and the second cell sets.