PUCCH Frequency Hopping Patterns for Pre-Configuration Reliability
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Solution Overview
Problem
In wireless communication systems, particularly in 5G NR, there is a lack of coverage enhancement for Physical Uplink Control Channel (PUCCH) transmissions before dedicated PUCCH resource configuration, leading to high failure probabilities of HARQ-ACK messages during random access procedures due to signal attenuation in non-terrestrial networks and other coverage-limited scenarios.
Innovation Solution
Implementing an enhanced frequency hopping pattern with repetition for PUCCH transmissions prior to dedicated PUCCH resource configuration, which includes intra-slot or inter-slot frequency hopping, to increase frequency diversity and improve demodulation reference signal bundling, thereby enhancing coverage and reliability of HARQ-ACK messages.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional PUCCH transmission without frequency hopping is used before dedicated configuration, then device complexity is low and ease of operation is maintained, but coverage is limited and reliability of HARQ-ACK messages deteriorates due to signal attenuation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the frequency parameter by implementing frequency hopping patterns that switch between different frequency resources for PUCCH repetitions. The frequency hop amount is determined by higher-layer parameters, allowing the system to adapt frequency resources dynamically to overcome signal attenuation and improve reliability in coverage-limited scenarios.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies periodic action through repeated PUCCH transmissions with frequency hopping at regular intervals. The frequency hopping pattern creates periodic frequency switches between repetitions, allowing the receiver to combine multiple copies transmitted at different frequencies, thereby improving reliability without requiring complex real-time adaptation.
2Reliability
If frequency hopping is implemented for PUCCH before dedicated configuration, then frequency diversity is improved and coverage is enhanced, but demodulation reference signal bundling capability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by configuring frequency hopping only for specific PUCCH repetitions while maintaining reference signal bundling within localized groups. The demodulation reference signals are bundled within each frequency hop instance, while frequency hopping occurs between different repetition instances, thus preserving measurement precision locally while achieving coverage enhancement globally.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the PUCCH transmission into multiple repetitions with frequency hopping between segments. Each segment maintains its own reference signal bundling, and the overall transmission benefits from frequency diversity across segments. This segmentation allows simultaneous achievement of frequency diversity and reference signal bundling within each segment.
3Reliability
If enhanced frequency hopping pattern with repetition is used, then coverage and reliability are significantly improved, but system complexity increases due to additional configuration parameters and signaling
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements universality by designing the frequency hopping pattern to serve multiple functions simultaneously: it provides frequency diversity for coverage enhancement, enables reference signal bundling within hops, and uses higher-layer parameters that can be configured once and applied to multiple PUCCH transmissions. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate configurations for each transmission.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses self-service by determining the frequency hop amount autonomously based on higher-layer parameters without requiring dynamic signaling for each PUCCH repetition. The UE independently calculates frequency hop positions using configured parameters, reducing signaling overhead and system complexity while maintaining enhanced coverage and reliability.
Data Source
AI summary
Aspects are provided for enhancing a physical uplink control channel PUCCH) with frequency hopping for PUCCH repetition prior to dedicated PUCCH resource configuration. For example, the PUCCH may carry a HARQ ACK for Message 4 or Message B. An apparatus such as a user equipment (UE) receives an indication that a cell supports an enhanced physical uplink control channel (PUCCH) frequency hopping pattern for PUCCH with repetition prior to dedicated PUCCH resource configuration. The UE indicates at least one of a capability or a request of the UE for the enhanced PUCCH frequency hopping pattern. The UE receives downlink control signaling that indicates whether the enhanced PUCCH frequency hopping pattern is configured. The UE transmits a PUCCH with repetition and frequency hopping based on whether the enhanced PUCCH frequency hopping pattern is configured.