PUCCH Frequency Hopping Configuration for Reduced-Bandwidth UEs
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Solution Overview
Problem
In cellular communications, reduced-bandwidth user equipment (UEs) face challenges in coexisting with legacy UEs due to resource fragmentation and inefficient spectral/energy usage, particularly during initial access and random access procedures, where PUCCH transmissions for HARQ feedback and PUSCH require proper bandwidth management to avoid resource fragmentation.
Innovation Solution
The method involves dynamically configuring PUCCH frequency hopping for reduced-bandwidth UEs based on the size and location of initial bandwidth parts (BWP) to ensure efficient coexistence with legacy UEs, by enabling or disabling frequency hopping depending on the presence of non-RedCap UEs and the configuration parameters, thereby preventing resource fragmentation and optimizing resource utilization.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If frequency hopping is enabled for PUCCH transmissions in reduced-bandwidth UEs, then spectral efficiency is improved through frequency diversity, but resource fragmentation occurs when initial BWP size exceeds UE bandwidth capability
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic configuration of frequency hopping based on the relationship between initial BWP size and UE bandwidth capability. The gNB determines whether to enable or disable intra-slot frequency hopping for PUCCH transmissions by comparing the initial BWP configuration against the UE's maximum bandwidth capability, allowing the system to adapt between frequency diversity gain and resource continuity based on actual conditions
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the frequency hopping parameter (enabled/disabled) based on the initial BWP size and UE bandwidth capability. When the initial BWP exceeds the UE's bandwidth capability, the frequency hopping parameter is set to disabled to prevent resource fragmentation, otherwise it is enabled to achieve frequency diversity and improve spectral efficiency
2Device complexity
If separate initial BWPs are configured for reduced-bandwidth UEs and legacy UEs, then resource fragmentation is avoided, but network spectral efficiency and resource utilization deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the initial BWP universal by configuring it to be shared between reduced-bandwidth UEs and legacy UEs. Instead of creating separate BWPs for different UE types, the system uses a single initial BWP configuration that serves multiple UE categories, thereby improving network spectral efficiency and resource utilization while avoiding resource fragmentation through intelligent frequency hopping control
3Ease of operation
If PUCCH transmissions are configured without considering UE bandwidth capability, then configuration simplicity is maintained, but resource fragmentation and scheduling complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary assessment of the relationship between initial BWP size and UE bandwidth capability during the configuration phase. The gNB evaluates whether the initial BWP configuration is suitable for the UE's bandwidth capability before activating PUCCH transmissions, and pre-determines the frequency hopping parameter to prevent resource fragmentation and reduce scheduling complexity
Data Source
AI summary
Systems, devices and methods are described that support of physical uplink control channel (PUCCH) transmissions for reduced-bandwidth user equipments (UEs). One method performed by a UE includes receiving configuration information to be utilized to communicate with a base station, the configuration information including information indicating whether frequency hopping, associated with transmission of control information via PUCCH, is enabled or disabled; and transmitting control information via the PUCCH based on whether the frequency hopping is enabled or disabled. Other methods, devices, and systems for supporting PUCCH transmission for reduced-bandwidth UEs are included.