PUCCH Repetition Factor Signaling for Dynamic 5G NR Uplink Adaptation
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Solution Overview
Problem
The semi-static configuration of the PUCCH repetition factor in 5G NR fails to adapt to instantaneous changes in radio channel conditions, leading to reduced spectral utilization and inadequate coverage for user equipment.
Innovation Solution
Dynamically adjust the PUCCH repetition factor using target information such as PRI fields in DCI, MAC CE, or group common PDCCH, allowing flexible adaptation to channel conditions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a larger PUCCH repetition factor is configured to improve coverage area and transmission reliability, then uplink coverage and transmission reliability are improved, but spectral utilization rate decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic adjustment of the PUCCH repetition factor through multiple mechanisms: (1) Using a scaling factor field in DCI to dynamically scale the RRC-configured repetition factor; (2) Using MAC CE to activate/deactivate repetition transmission; (3) Using group common PDCCH to indicate repetition factor for multiple UEs. This dynamic approach allows the system to adapt the repetition factor to instantaneous channel conditions, improving spectral utilization while maintaining reliability when needed.
2Reliability
If a semi-static PUCCH repetition factor is configured through RRC to ensure transmission reliability, then transmission reliability is improved, but adaptability to instantaneous channel conditions deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses RRC signaling to pre-configure a baseline PUCCH repetition factor based on large-scale propagation properties. This preliminary configuration ensures reliable transmission under typical conditions. Then, dynamic mechanisms (DCI scaling factor, MAC CE activation) allow rapid adaptation to instantaneous channel changes without requiring frequent RRC reconfiguration, thus maintaining both reliability and adaptability.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements feedback mechanisms where the base station monitors channel conditions and sends dynamic indications (scaling factors in DCI, activation commands in MAC CE) to adjust the repetition factor. This closed-loop feedback allows the semi-static RRC configuration to be supplemented with dynamic adjustments, resolving the contradiction between reliability and adaptability.
3Area of stationary object
If a larger PUCCH repetition factor is used to extend coverage area, then coverage area is improved, but system capacity to carry more UEs deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
By implementing dynamic adjustment mechanisms (DCI scaling factor, MAC CE activation), the system can allocate repetition resources flexibly. UEs with good channel conditions can use smaller repetition factors, freeing up resources for other UEs, while UEs with poor channel conditions receive larger repetition factors. This dynamic resource allocation extends coverage to needy UEs without proportionally reducing system capacity.
Data Source
AI summary
Embodiments of the present application provide a method for determining a physical uplink control channel (PUCCH) repetition factor, and a user equipment (UE) and base station, comprising: determining a PUCCH repetition factor according to received target information; said target information comprises first information or second information, said first information comprises a PUCCH resource indicator (PRI) field in downlink control information (DCI), said second information comprises control information carried by the DCI, a media access control control element (MAC CE), or a group common physical downlink control channel (PDCCH). The embodiments of the present application enable a dynamic indication process of the PUCCH repetition factor.