PUCCH Resource Scaling for Unlicensed mmWave Coverage
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing radio access technology (RAT) systems, including 5G and new radio (NR) systems, face challenges in providing sufficient Physical Uplink Control Channel (PUCCH) structure for coverage in various deployment scenarios, particularly in unlicensed mmWave bands where high carrier frequencies and large subcarrier spacings restrict PUCCH coverage and strict power spectral density (PSD) limitations can make PUCCH a bottleneck for system coverage.
Innovation Solution
The proposed solution involves determining the size or allocation of PUCCH resources based on information received from the communication network, including a physical uplink control channel resource set indication and subcarrier spacing. This information is used to scale the PUCCH resource allocation proportionally to the subcarrier spacing, ensuring similar coverage or transmission power across different subcarrier spacings, and to compensate for variations in UE-specific EIRP limitations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If PUCCH transmission is performed in unlicensed mmWave bands with large subcarrier spacings, then system capacity and speed are improved, but PUCCH coverage is restricted and becomes a bottleneck for system coverage
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the PUCCH resource allocation flexible and adaptive to different subcarrier spacings. The network configures multiple PUCCH resource sets with different parameters, and the UE dynamically selects appropriate resources based on the actual subcarrier spacing used, allowing the system to optimize between capacity and coverage requirements
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes key parameters including subcarrier spacing, cyclic prefix length, and PUCCH resource allocation to adapt to different deployment scenarios. By adjusting these parameters based on whether the system prioritizes capacity or coverage, the patent resolves the contradiction between improved system capacity and maintained PUCCH coverage
2Object-affected harmful factors
If strict power spectral density limitations are enforced, then interference to other systems is reduced, but PUCCH transmission power is constrained making coverage difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the PUCCH transmission into different resource sets with different power and spectral characteristics. By dividing PUCCH resources into multiple configurations, the system can select appropriate segments that comply with PSD limitations while maintaining sufficient coverage through alternative resource allocations
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates universal PUCCH resource configurations that can serve multiple functions - some optimized for coverage under strict PSD limits, others for capacity when conditions allow. This multi-functionality enables the system to adapt to varying interference conditions while maintaining reliable PUCCH operation
3Reliability
If PUCCH resource allocation is scaled proportionally to subcarrier spacing, then equivalent coverage is maintained across different subcarrier spacings, but resource allocation complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-configuring multiple PUCCH resource sets with different parameters before actual transmission. The network provides the UE with a pool of pre-defined resource configurations, eliminating the need for complex real-time calculations and simplifying the allocation process while maintaining coverage equivalence
4Adaptability or versatility
If multiple PUCCH resource sets with different configurations are configured, then adaptability to different deployment scenarios is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by configuring different PUCCH resource sets with specialized parameters optimized for specific deployment scenarios (e.g., some for coverage-enhanced scenarios, others for capacity-oriented scenarios). The UE selects the appropriate local configuration based on current conditions, achieving high adaptability without requiring all configurations to be equally complex
Data Source
AI summary
In accordance with an example embodiment of the present invention, a method comprising: determining, by a user equipment of a communication network, information received from a communication network comprising a physical uplink control channel resource set indication and an indication of subcarrier spacing used for a physical uplink control channel; based on the information, determining at least one of a size or allocation of at least one physical uplink control channel resource associated with the physical uplink control channel resource set; and transmitting control information associated with the physical uplink control channel to the communication network using at least the determined at least one of size or allocation of the at least one physical uplink control channel resource.