PUCCH Repetition Mapping Across Multiple Beams for Blockage Resilience
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Solution Overview
Problem
In NR Release 15, PUCCH repetitions use the same transmitting beam, leading to all repetitions being blocked if one is obstructed, particularly at high carrier frequencies, compromising transmission robustness.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a spatial relation information set activated by MAC CE for PUCCH resources, allowing multiple beams for PUCCH repetitions, with methods to determine beam usage and ensure adequate time gaps for switching.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the same transmitting beam is used for all PUCCH repetitions, then the device complexity is reduced and ease of operation is improved, but the reliability deteriorates because all repetitions may be blocked if one beam is obstructed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the spatial relation information into a set of multiple spatial relations, where each spatial relation corresponds to a different transmitting beam. This allows the UE to select different beams for different PUCCH repetitions, thereby improving transmission robustness against blockages while maintaining manageable complexity through structured configuration.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces dynamic beam selection for PUCCH repetitions by configuring multiple spatial relations and enabling the UE to switch between different transmitting beams based on transmission requirements. This dynamic approach enhances reliability by adapting to varying channel conditions and avoiding persistent blockages on a single beam.
2Reliability
If multiple beams are configured for PUCCH repetitions, then the reliability is improved by avoiding blockages, but the device complexity increases due to multiple spatial relation configurations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-configuring a set of spatial relations through higher layer signaling (RRC) before actual PUCCH transmission. This allows the UE to have multiple beam options ready in advance, enabling reliable beam selection during transmission without complex real-time configuration, thus improving ease of operation while maintaining reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent incorporates feedback mechanisms where the gNB can activate specific spatial relations via MAC CE based on channel conditions and UE performance. This feedback-driven approach simplifies operation by allowing the network to manage beam selection based on observed transmission quality, reducing the operational burden on the UE while ensuring reliable transmission.
Data Source
AI summary
Apparatus and methods of Physical Uplink Control Channel (PUCCH) repetition using multiple beams are disclosed. The apparatus includes: a receiver that receives a configuration data indicating a spatial relation information set for a Physical Uplink Control Channel (PUCCH) resource that is configured with a preset number of repetitions, wherein the spatial relation information set is activated for the PUCCH resource by a Medium Access Control (MAC) Control Element (CE); and a transmitter that transmits each of the PUCCH repetitions in multiple time intervals according to a mapping between the spatial relation information set and each repetition.