PUCCH Spatial Relation Activation for Reliable UCI
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing systems face challenges in enhancing the reliability of Physical Uplink Control Channel (PUCCH) transmissions in New Radio (NR) networks, particularly in diverse deployment scenarios and for Ultra-Reliable Low Latency Communications (URLLC) services, due to limitations in spatial relation configurations and HARQ-ACK/NACK feedback mechanisms.
Innovation Solution
The proposed solution involves activating multiple spatial relations for PUCCH resources using MAC CE, associating these relations with DL TCI states and CORESETs, and dynamically indicating spatial relations in DCI, allowing flexible and efficient PUCCH transmissions across different symbols or slots.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If multiple spatial relations are activated for PUCCH resources using MAC CE, then PUCCH reliability is enhanced, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the spatial relation configuration into multiple independent spatial relations that can be individually activated and applied to different PUCCH resources. Each spatial relation can be configured separately with its own parameters, allowing the system to divide the complex task of multi-spatialrelation configuration into manageable segments. This enables enhanced reliability through multiple spatial relations while controlling complexity through structured segmentation of the configuration process.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces dynamic activation of spatial relations through MAC CE signaling, allowing the network to dynamically select and activate specific spatial relations based on current channel conditions and deployment scenarios. This dynamic mechanism enables the system to adapt to varying reliability requirements without requiring all spatial relations to be configured simultaneously, thereby managing device complexity while maintaining the ability to enhance reliability when needed.
2Adaptability or versatility
If spatial relations are dynamically indicated in DCI, then flexibility of PUCCH transmissions is improved, but specification complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the DCI structure universal by incorporating spatial relation indication capability into the existing DCI format, allowing the same DCI structure to serve multiple functions: traditional PUCCH scheduling and now enhanced multi-spatial-relation activation. This multi-functionality approach enables flexible PUCCH transmissions across diverse deployment scenarios (eMBB, URLLC, V2X) without requiring separate specification paths for each scenario, thereby managing specification complexity while improving adaptability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes parameter changes within the DCI structure to indicate different spatial relations dynamically. By modifying existing DCI parameters or adding new indication fields that can take on different values corresponding to different spatial relations, the system achieves flexible adaptation to various transmission scenarios. This parameter-based approach allows the specification to remain relatively stable while providing the flexibility needed for diverse deployment cases through controlled parameter variation.
3Ease of manufacture
If existing RRC and MAC CE frameworks are used without significant modifications, then ease of manufacture is improved, but adaptability to diverse deployment scenarios is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces MAC CE as an intermediary mechanism between the existing RRC framework and the need for enhanced adaptability. MAC CE serves as a flexible intermediary that can activate and indicate spatial relations without requiring fundamental changes to the RRC structure. This intermediary approach allows the system to maintain the simplicity of existing RRC frameworks while gaining the adaptability needed for diverse deployment scenarios through the MAC CE activation mechanism, effectively bridging the gap between implementation simplicity and scenario adaptability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent adds another dimension to the existing RRC and MAC CE frameworks by introducing spatial relation indication as a new layer of control. Instead of modifying the fundamental structure of RRC or MAC CE, the system adds a new dimensional aspect (spatial relation configuration and activation) that operates alongside the existing frameworks. This dimensional addition enables adaptability to diverse deployment scenarios while maintaining the simplicity of the original frameworks, as the new dimension can be activated without redesigning the foundational structures.
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods of PUCCH reliability are provided. In some embodiments, a method performed by a wireless device includes: receiving an activation command to activate a first and a second spatial relation; optionally determining the first and the second spatial relation based on one or more Downlink TCI states; transmitting the UCI according to the first spatial relation in a first set of symbols or slots; and transmitting the UCI according to the second spatial relation in a second set of symbols or slots. In this way, fewer changes to the specifications are required. The existing RRC configuration for spatial relations and MAC CE activation might be used. Spatial relations might be selected by the MAC CE. Also, the existing DCI can be used where a PUCCH resource is selected by PRI bits. Since MAC CE is used to select spatial relations, different combinations can be selected dynamically.