PUCCH Format Selection for UCI Payload Multiplexing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current wireless communication systems face challenges in efficiently transmitting large payloads of Uplink Control Information (UCI) due to high overhead in conventional Physical Uplink Control Channel (PUCCH) structures, especially in scenarios with Coordinated Multiple Point (CoMP) transmission and Carrier Aggregation, which limits cell coverage and increases UL overhead.
Innovation Solution
The solution involves using different channel structures for UCI transmission based on payload size, employing multiple PUCCH formats, and multiplexing UCI from multiple User Equipments (UEs) using Time Division Multiplexing (TDM) or Frequency Division Multiplexing (FDM) with Constant Amplitude Zero Auto-Correlation (CAZAC) sequences, and managing resources through Downlink Control Information (DCI) formats to minimize overhead.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If conventional PUCCH structures are used for UCI transmission, then the channel structure is simple, but the overhead becomes high and large payloads cannot be supported
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the PUCCH structure into multiple formats (Format 1 for small payloads, Format 3 for large payloads) based on the UCI payload size. This allows the system to use appropriate structural complexity matched to the actual transmission requirements, avoiding unnecessary overhead while supporting variable payload sizes.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces dynamic adaptation where the PUCCH format is selected based on the payload size, and resources can be dynamically allocated. This dynamic approach allows the system to optimize between structural simplicity and payload capacity according to actual transmission needs.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple PUCCH formats are introduced to support different payload sizes, then the flexibility improves, but the system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the PUCCH system into distinct formats (Format 1 for small payloads, Format 3 for large payloads) with different structural characteristics. Each format is optimized for specific payload ranges, providing flexibility while maintaining manageable complexity through clear format differentiation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes key parameters such as resource allocation, modulation schemes, and channel structure based on payload size. By adjusting these parameters through format selection, the system achieves adaptability without requiring a completely complex unified structure.
3Area of stationary object
If TDM or FDM is used to multiplex UCI from multiple UEs, then the coverage and capacity improve, but the overhead management becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple UCI transmissions from different UEs into a single PUCCH resource block using TDM or FDM multiplexing. This combining approach increases cell coverage and capacity by allowing multiple UEs to share resources efficiently, while the structured multiplexing methodology keeps overhead management systematic.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces DCI (Downlink Control Information) as an intermediary mechanism to manage and coordinate the multiplexed UCI transmissions. The DCI provides the necessary control information for resource allocation and multiplexing coordination, simplifying the overall resource management complexity.
4Quantity of substance
If large PUCCH resources are allocated to support maximum payload, then the capacity improves, but the UL overhead increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments PUCCH resources into different formats with varying resource allocation levels. Format 1 uses minimal resources for small payloads, while Format 3 allocates more resources for large payloads. This segmentation allows the system to match resource allocation to actual needs, avoiding unnecessary overhead when large capacity is not required.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies partial resource allocation where only the necessary PUCCH resources are allocated based on the actual UCI payload size. Instead of always allocating maximum resources, the system uses partial allocation (Format 1 for small payloads, Format 3 for large payloads), reducing UL overhead when maximum capacity is not needed.
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed is multiplexing transmissions of Uplink Control Information (UCI) signals having variable payloads from User Equipments (UEs). The UCI transmission uses a first format type if its size is less than or equal to a predetermined values and it uses a second format type if its size is greater than a predetermined value. When the first format type is used the UE multiplexing is through a first method while when the second format type is used the UE multiplexing is through a second method which is different than the first method. The structure of the second format type is the same as the structure used for the transmission of data information by UEs. The UEs can also be grouped and UCI transmission can be triggered through the reception of control signaling addressing a group of UEs and indicating UCI transmission by a sub-group of UEs in the group of UEs.