PUCCH HARQ Detection Using Service-Specific Bias Values

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Solution Overview

Problem

In 5G networks, the detection of uplink control channels for hybrid automatic repeat request (HARQ) is prone to mis-detection, particularly in ultra-reliable low latency communications (URLLC), leading to unnecessary retransmissions or missed retransmissions, which waste network resources and compromise reliability.

Innovation Solution

Employing biased detectors in PUCCH formats 0 and 1 that utilize service-specific bias values for HARQ-ACK and HARQ-NACK detection, minimizing mis-detection probabilities for both eMBB and URLLC services.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If conventional detectors are used for HARQ detection in 5G networks, then the detection process is simple and fast, but mis-detection errors occur frequently leading to unnecessary retransmissions or missed retransmissions

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveHARQ detection accuracyVSAvoiddetector complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies local quality by introducing service-specific bias values that are tailored to different service types (eMBB and URLLC). Instead of using a uniform detection threshold for all services, the system adjusts the bias value locally according to the specific service requirements, thereby improving detection accuracy for each service type without unnecessarily increasing overall system complexity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the detection parameter by introducing a bias value that is added to the correlation result before making the HARQ decision. This parameter change allows the system to adjust the detection threshold dynamically based on service type, reducing mis-detection errors while maintaining a relatively simple detector structure

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Reliability

If service-specific bias values are used for HARQ detection, then mis-detection errors are reduced, but the processing complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedata transmission reliabilityVSAvoiddetection processing complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies preliminary action by pre-configuring service-specific bias values that are determined in advance based on service type. These bias values are prepared beforehand and stored for quick retrieval during HARQ detection, avoiding the need for complex real-time calculations and reducing processing complexity while maintaining high reliability

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces a simple parameter change mechanism where a pre-determined bias value is added to the correlation result. This single parameter adjustment significantly reduces mis-detection errors without requiring complex processing, as the bias value selection is based on pre-established service type classification

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Productivity

If bias values are applied for both eMBB and URLLC services, then network resource utilization is improved by reducing unnecessary retransmissions, but the system complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvenetwork resource utilizationVSAvoidsystem complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies local quality by implementing service-specific bias values that are tailored to the unique requirements of eMBB and URLLC services. Each service type receives a customized bias value that optimizes its detection accuracy, reducing mis-detection errors and unnecessary retransmissions for each service type individually, thereby improving overall network resource utilization without requiring a complete system redesign

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies universality by creating a unified bias value mechanism that serves multiple service types (eMBB and URLLC) through a common detection framework. The same basic detection process is used for all services, with only the bias value parameter varying by service type, allowing the system to handle multiple services efficiently without proportionally increasing complexity

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

Data Source

PatentEP4038784B1Method to decode uplink control channel for ultra reliable low latency applications
Publication Date: 2026.02.18 TELEFONAKTIEBOLAGET LM ERICSSON (PUBL)
  • EP4038784B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4038784B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4038784B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A method, system and apparatus are disclosed. In one or more embodiments, a network node is configured to communicate with a wireless device (WD). The network node configured to, and/or comprising a radio interface and/or comprising processing circuitry configured to determine if a detected sequence meets one of an acknowledgement (ACK) criterion and negative-acknowledgement (NACK) criterion using at least one bias value where the at least one bias value is based at last in part on a type of service associated with the detected sequence.