PUCCH Polarization Selection in Non-Terrestrial Networks

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Solution Overview

Problem

There is a need to improve the performance of uplink control channels in non-terrestrial networks, particularly in terms of polarization multiplexing schemes, to enhance communication services for terminals such as airplanes and drones.

Innovation Solution

A method and apparatus that utilize polarization types for uplink control channels by transmitting system information, receiving capability reports, and indicating polarization types for use in uplink control channels based on these reports, using signaling and resource blocks to configure the channels.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If polarization multiplexing is applied to uplink control channels in non-terrestrial networks, then the communication capacity and performance are improved, but the system complexity and configuration requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveuplink control channel performanceVSAvoidpolarization multiplexing configuration
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The terminal autonomously determines its polarization type based on its capability report and the satellite's indication, without requiring complex manual configuration. The system enables itself to select appropriate polarization modes (linear or circular) based on pre-configured capability information, reducing operational complexity while maintaining improved uplink control channel performance

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the polarization parameter of the uplink control channel from a fixed state to a dynamically selectable state with multiple options (linear polarization, circular polarization). By introducing capability reports and indication mechanisms, the system allows flexible parameter selection that adapts to different terminal types and channel conditions, thereby improving performance without requiring overly complex fixed configurations

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Adaptability or versatility

If polarization capability reporting and indication mechanisms are implemented, then the adaptability of the system is improved, but the signaling overhead and processing requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepolarization supportVSAvoidsignaling overhead
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of information

Solution Approach 1:

The terminal prepares and reports its polarization capability information in advance through a capability report mechanism. This preliminary action allows the satellite to know the terminal's supported polarization types before actual communication, enabling efficient indication and selection without requiring extensive real-time signaling or trial-and-error processes

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The polarization configuration process is segmented into distinct stages: capability reporting by the terminal, indication by the satellite, and final selection by the terminal. This segmentation allows each stage to handle specific information efficiently, reducing overall signaling overhead compared to a monolithic configuration approach

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

This approach enables terminals to multiplex uplink control information bits using various constant amplitude zero auto correlation sequences, orthogonal cover codes, and polarizations, providing additional differentiation even with the same cyclic shift and orthogonal cover code.

Implementation Method 1

transmitting, to a user equipment (UE), system information including information on polarization types supported by the satellite

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetic radiation: Electromagnetic Induction

Implementation Method 2

receiving a physical uplink control channel (PUCCH) transmitted from the UE using a polarization according to the indicated polarization type

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPolarization: Polarisation

Data Source

PatentEP4648518A2Method and device for improving performance of uplink control channel in non-terrestrial network
Publication Date: 2025.11.12 HYUNDAI MOTOR CO LTD
  • EP4648518A2 patent drawingFigure 1A
  • EP4648518A2 patent drawingFigure 1B
  • EP4648518A2 patent drawingFigure 2A

AI summary

As a technology for improving the performance of an uplink control channel in a non-terrestrial network, provided may be a method of a satellite, the method comprising the steps of: transmitting, to a user equipment (UE), system information including information on a polarization type supportable by the satellite; receiving, from the UE, a polarization capability report including information on a polarization type supportable by the UE; indicating, to the UE, a polarization type usable by the UE on the basis of the received polarization capability report; and receiving a physical uplink control channel (PUCCH) transmitted from the UE by using polarization of the indicated polarization type.