PUCCH Repetition Mode for Coverage and Uplink Reliability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Wireless communication systems, particularly 5G and non-terrestrial networks, face challenges with large propagation delay, higher propagation loss, and limited coverage due to factors like weaker diffraction capability, necessitating coverage enhancement technologies for improved signal quality and reliability.
Innovation Solution
Implementing multiple repetitions of Physical Uplink Control Channel (PUCCH) transmissions with techniques such as DMRS bundling and hybrid automatic repeat-request (HARQ) to enhance coverage, using UE and base station configurations for repetition enhancement modes based on system information and reference signal measurements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If multiple repetitions of PUCCH transmissions are implemented, then signal quality and reliability are improved, but transmission time and latency increase
Solution Approach 1:
The PUCCH transmission is divided into multiple repetitions across different time slots, where each repetition carries the same control information. This segmentation allows the base station to receive multiple copies of the transmission, enabling better signal combining and improving reliability through diversity gain.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements periodic repetition of PUCCH transmissions at configured intervals. The UE transmits the same PUCCH multiple times according to a repetition configuration, creating periodic action that enhances signal quality through repeated exposure of the control information to the base station.
2Area of stationary object
If PUCCH transmissions are repeated across multiple slots, then coverage is enhanced, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The base station configures the repetition parameters and timing information in advance through system information blocks (SIB) before the actual transmissions occur. This preliminary configuration allows the UE to automatically execute the repetition procedure without complex real-time decision-making, reducing operational complexity while maintaining coverage enhancement.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces dynamic repetition configuration where the repetition number, timing, and resource allocation can be adjusted based on channel conditions and network requirements. This dynamic approach allows the system to adapt coverage enhancement to actual needs without implementing a fixed complex structure.
3Reliability
If repetition enhancement is applied to all PUCCH transmissions, then signal quality improves, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies repetition enhancement selectively based on local channel conditions. The UE determines whether to use repetition mode by evaluating reference signal received power (RSRP) measurements and comparing them against thresholds. This local quality approach ensures repetition is only applied when needed for coverage enhancement, avoiding unnecessary energy consumption in good channel conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the transmission parameter (repetition number) based on channel conditions. When the UE detects poor signal quality below a threshold, it switches to repetition mode with increased transmission repetitions. When signal quality is adequate, the UE uses single transmission mode, thereby adapting energy consumption to actual channel requirements.
Data Source
AI summary
Mechanisms are provided for a user equipment (UE) and a base station to support coverage enhancement of Physical Uplink Control Channel (PUCCH) transmissions by multiple repetitions to improve signal quality and reliability. A UE can be configured to determine, based on a reference signal measurement by the UE and a predetermined threshold, whether the UE is in a repetition enhancement mode to transmit a PUCCH transmission in a dedicated PUCCH resource set in a wireless system. In response to a determination of the UE in the repetition enhancement mode, the UE can transmit the PUCCH transmission in repetitions in the dedicated resource set according to a repetition enhancement configuration, which can be determined based on a system information (SI) received from the base station.