5G NR PUCCH Resource Sets for Flexible Initial Access
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
In the 5G New Radio (NR) system, terminals face challenges in identifying a Physical Uplink Control Channel (PUCCH) resource during initial access due to limited higher layer signaling, which restricts flexible allocation of resources for ACK/NACK signals before Radio Resource Control (RRC) connection setup.
Innovation Solution
A method is introduced where a base station determines a PUCCH resource set and indicates it to a terminal using higher layer signaling (e.g., RMSI), and dynamically selects a candidate resource using DCI, allowing flexible allocation even with limited signaling bits, such as 4 bits, by configuring associations between higher layer signaling values and PUCCH resource sets for each parameter related to initial access.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a UE-specific higher layer signal (RRC signaling) is used to indicate a PUCCH resource set, then the PUCCH resource can be identified for DL data transmission after RRC connection setup, but the method cannot be used during initial access before RRC connection setup is completed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-configuring multiple PUCCH resource sets and their associations with higher layer signaling values before initial access. The base station prepares multiple candidate resource sets with different parameters (time resources, frequency resources, format types) and establishes predetermined associations between RMSI indication values and these resource sets. This allows the terminal to directly determine the appropriate PUCCH resource during initial access without requiring RRC connection setup first, thereby extending the applicability of PUCCH resource identification to the initial access phase while maintaining reliability through the pre-established associations.
2Quantity of substance
If limited higher layer signaling bits (e.g., 4 bits in RMSI) are used to indicate PUCCH resources, then signaling overhead is reduced, but flexible allocation of PUCCH resources is restricted
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by dividing the PUCCH resource configuration into multiple separate resource sets, where each set is associated with specific higher layer signaling values. Instead of using a single large indication field, the system segments the resource allocation into multiple smaller sets that can be independently configured and indicated by the limited 4-bit RMSI signaling. This segmentation allows efficient use of limited signaling bits while maintaining flexibility through the structured organization of multiple resource sets with different parameters.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies dimensionality change by introducing multiple dimensions of PUCCH resource parameters (time resources, frequency resources, format types) that can be independently configured within each resource set. Instead of allocating resources along a single dimension, the system creates a multi-dimensional resource space where each dimension can be optimized independently. This allows the limited 4-bit signaling to efficiently allocate resources across multiple dimensions, significantly increasing allocation flexibility without increasing signaling overhead.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple PUCCH resource sets are configured with different parameters, then flexible allocation during initial access is enabled, but the complexity of resource management increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent reduces management complexity through preliminary action by pre-establishing clear associations between higher layer signaling values and specific PUCCH resource sets. The base station configures multiple resource sets with different parameters before initial access and creates predetermined mapping relationships between RMSI indication values and these resource sets. This preliminary configuration eliminates the need for complex dynamic selection and management during initial access, as the terminal can directly determine the appropriate resource set based on the received signaling value, thereby maintaining adaptability while reducing operational complexity.
4Device complexity
If a single PUCCH resource is allocated, then resource allocation is simple, but it cannot support diverse communication scenarios and different PUCCH formats
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies universality by creating a multi-functional PUCCH resource allocation framework where multiple resource sets with different parameters (time, frequency, format types) are configured and associated with higher layer signaling values. This universal structure allows the same allocation mechanism to support diverse communication scenarios including different PUCCH formats (Format 0, Format 1, Format 2, etc.), different resource types (initial access, scheduled transmission, etc.), and different communication requirements. The terminal can universally apply the association between signaling values and resource sets across various scenarios, maintaining simplicity while achieving versatility.
Data Source
AI summary
In a base station (100), a controller (101) determines one set from among a plurality of sets, each of which including one or more candidates for a resource for an uplink (UL) control channel during initial access, and determines one candidate from among the one or more candidates for the resource, which is included in the determined set. A transmitter (114) indicates the determined set to a terminal (200) by higher layer signaling, and indicates the determined candidate by dynamic signaling. A receiver (116) receives a UL control signal, using the resource corresponding to the determined candidate in the determined set. In the base station, the association between a value to be indicated by the higher layer signaling and the plurality of sets is configured for each of one or more parameters relating to the initial access.