PUCCH Resource Multiplexing for HARQ-ACK Feedback Latency
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current 3GPP New Radio (NR) specifications do not adequately address the multiplexing of uplink resources, particularly for carrying multiple HARQ-ACK feedbacks and other UCI, which can lead to latency issues and alignment challenges between the evolved NodeB and User Equipment.
Innovation Solution
The proposed solution involves multiplexing multiple HARQ-ACK feedbacks and other UCI on PUCCH or PUSCH resources within a single slot, using mechanisms such as dynamic HARQ-ACK feedback and UCI multiplexing procedures defined in Section 9.2.5 of TS38.213 V15.2.0, to ensure efficient resource allocation and reduced latency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If multiple HARQ-ACK feedbacks are transmitted separately on different PUCCH resources, then each feedback can be transmitted independently, but resource allocation becomes complex and latency increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple HARQ-ACK feedbacks into a single PUCCH transmission by multiplexing them together. The UE determines a single PUCCH resource to carry multiple HARQ-ACK feedbacks corresponding to different PDSCHs, rather than transmitting each feedback separately on different resources. This merging approach reduces the number of separate transmissions and associated latency while maintaining reliable feedback delivery.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent makes a single PUCCH resource capable of carrying multiple HARQ-ACK feedbacks simultaneously. The PUCCH format and resource allocation are designed to accommodate multiple feedback messages, allowing one resource to serve multiple functions. This multi-functionality enables efficient resource utilization and reduces overall transmission time.
2Reliability
If multiple PUCCH resources are allocated for different HARQ-ACK feedbacks, then each feedback has dedicated resources, but resource allocation complexity and alignment challenges increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple PUCCH resource allocations into a single resource determination process. The UE identifies one PUCCH resource that can accommodate multiple HARQ-ACK feedbacks, eliminating the need for complex multi-resource allocation and reducing alignment challenges between gNodeB and UE.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent designs the PUCCH resource allocation mechanism to be universal, where a single resource can handle multiple feedback types. The PUCCH format selection and resource configuration are designed to work with multiple HARQ-ACK feedbacks, simplifying the overall resource management while ensuring reliable transmission.
3Productivity
If HARQ-ACK feedbacks are transmitted in separate slots, then resource allocation is simpler, but latency increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple HARQ-ACK feedbacks that would traditionally be transmitted in separate slots into a single simultaneous transmission. By multiplexing multiple feedbacks in one PUCCH within a single slot, the patent reduces the overall time required for feedback transmission while maintaining efficient resource utilization.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent enables continuous feedback transmission by allowing multiple HARQ-ACK feedbacks to be sent in the same slot rather than waiting for separate slots. This continuous action approach eliminates idle time between feedback transmissions, reducing latency while keeping resource allocation efficient.
Data Source
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AI summary
A device of a New Radio (NR) User Equipment (UE), a method and a machine readable medium to implement the method. The device includes a Radio Frequency (RF) interface, and processing circuitry coupled to the RF interface, the processing circuitry to: determine that the UE is configured with a feature of multiple Physical Uplink Control Channel (PUCCH) resources with HARQ-ACK feedback within a slot; determine a Physical Uplink Control Channel (PUCCH) resource to carry Hybrid Automatic Repeat Request Acknowledgment (HARQ-ACK) feedback in response to a scheduled Physical Downlink Shared Channel (PDSCH) resource; and encode for transmission to a NR evolved NodeB (gNodeB) the PUCCH resource, the PUCCH resource to carry the HARQ-ACK feedback and: another PUCCH resource carrying Uplink Control Information (UCI) other than HARQ-ACK feedback, and a scheduled Physical Uplink Shared Channel (PUSCH) resource.