PUCCH HARQ Resource Allocation in Dynamic TDD Networks

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Solution Overview

Problem

In dynamic Time Division Duplex (TDD) capable networks, inconsistencies in TDD configurations among user equipment (UE) lead to Physical Uplink Control Channel (PUCCH) Hybrid Automatic Retransmission Request (HARQ) resource conflicts, causing issues in determining received data due to different views on TDD configurations, especially when legacy UE and advanced UE coexist.

Innovation Solution

Implementing a method where Legacy UE always allocates PUCCH HARQ resources based on the TDD configuration in the System Information Block (SIB), while dynamic TDD capable UE allocates resources based on the downlink reference TDD configuration, ensuring only two TDD configurations are maintained in the system, and using blind detection for HARQ feedback on different PUCCH resources.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If dynamic TDD capable UE uses explicit signaling to obtain actual TDD configuration, then downlink resource utilization and network energy saving are improved, but PUCCH HARQ resource conflicts occur when different UE have inconsistent TDD configurations

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedownlink resource utilizationVSAvoidPUCCH HARQ resource allocation consistency

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the TDD configuration management into two independent parts: (1) a reference TDD configuration that all UEs use for PUCCH HARQ resource allocation, and (2) dynamic TDD configurations that are applied for actual data transmission. This segmentation allows different UEs to have different dynamic configurations while maintaining consistent resource allocation rules, thereby resolving the resource conflict problem while preserving downlink resource utilization benefits.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces a reference TDD configuration as an intermediary element that mediates between the explicit signaling dynamic configurations and the legacy UE configurations. This reference configuration serves as a common baseline that all UEs (both legacy and advanced) use for determining PUCCH HARQ resource allocation, ensuring consistency while allowing dynamic adaptation through the reference configuration mechanism.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Adaptability or versatility

If dynamic TDD capable UE and legacy UE coexist in the same cell, then network adaptability is improved, but TDD configuration inconsistency leads to resource conflicts

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvenetwork adaptabilityVSAvoidTDD configuration management complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent creates a universal reference TDD configuration that serves multiple functions simultaneously: it acts as the basis for legacy UE configuration, provides the foundation for advanced UE dynamic configurations, and serves as the common reference for PUCCH HARQ resource allocation for all UEs. This multi-functionality simplifies the coexistence mechanism while maintaining network adaptability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies different configuration qualities to different UE types: legacy UEs receive a single TDD configuration from SIB, while advanced UEs receive both a reference configuration and dynamic configurations through explicit signaling. The reference configuration provides consistent local quality for resource allocation across all UEs, while allowing advanced UEs to have enhanced local adaptability through dynamic configurations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

3Use of energy by moving object

If UE does not detect TDD configuration in explicit signaling due to bad radio channel quality or DRX, then device energy consumption is reduced, but eNB and UE have different views on TDD configuration causing resource conflicts

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedevice energy consumptionVSAvoidTDD configuration view consistency

Core Design Contradiction:

Use of energy by moving objectVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent performs preliminary action by establishing a reference TDD configuration that all UEs use for PUCCH HARQ resource allocation before any dynamic configuration changes occur. This pre-established reference configuration ensures that even when UEs miss dynamic configuration updates due to energy saving modes or poor channel conditions, they will still allocate resources consistently with the eNB based on the reference configuration, preventing resource conflicts.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentUS10178700B2Method and devices for solving resource conflict issues among dynamic TDD capable UE

Publication Date: 2019.01.08 TELEFONAKTIEBOLAGET LM ERICSSON (PUBL)

AI summary

A method for a device and a node for preventing data transmission configuration conflict between the device and the node is disclosed. The node transmits a control message which is received by the device. The device determines a first data transmission configuration from the received control message. The device then determines a second data transmission configuration from a candidate set of configurations wherein the candidate set of configurations is associated with the first data transmission configuration. The device then transmits data and wherein the node receives the data in accordance with the second data transmission configuration. A device and node implementing the method is also disclosed.