PUCCH and SRS Frequency Multiplexing in Single-Subframe LTE

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Solution Overview

Problem

In the LTE system, the existing method of time division multiplexing between Physical Uplink Control Channel (PUCCH) and Sounding Reference Signal (SRS) is not applicable in new LTE systems where the PUCCH occupies only the last symbol of a subframe, posing a challenge for their transmission.

Innovation Solution

A data transmission method and apparatus that configure and transmit PUCCH and SRS using different frequency-domain resources within the same subframe, with the PUCCH mapped to the last symbol and SRS also mapped to the last symbol, allowing for efficient resource utilization by determining and sending configuration information to user equipment (UE) for proper resource allocation and demodulation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If the PUCCH and SRS are transmitted using time division multiplexing in the last symbol of a subframe, then both signals can be transmitted simultaneously, but frequency-domain resource utilization becomes insufficient and resource conflicts occur

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetransmission efficiencyVSAvoidfrequency-domain resource utilization
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The patent transitions from time-domain multiplexing to frequency-domain multiplexing by allocating different frequency resources (subcarriers) for PUCCH and SRS within the same time symbol. This dimensional shift from time to frequency allows both signals to coexist without resource conflicts while improving frequency-domain resource utilization.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent segments the frequency-domain resources by dividing the available subcarriers into distinct regions: one region for PUCCH transmission and another region for SRS transmission. This segmentation prevents resource conflicts and enables simultaneous transmission of both signals in the last symbol of the subframe.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Productivity

If the PUCCH occupies multiple symbols in a subframe, then the existing time division multiplexing method can be applied, but the new single-symbol structure improves transmission efficiency

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetransmission efficiencyVSAvoidsignal multiplexing complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the temporal parameter of PUCCH transmission from occupying multiple symbols to occupying only the last symbol of the subframe. This parameter change simplifies the signal structure and enables more efficient resource allocation when combined with frequency-domain multiplexing for SRS.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Data Source

PatentEP3343810B1Data transmission method, data transmission apparatus, base station, and user equipment
Publication Date: 2021.03.03 HUAWEI TECH CO LTD
  • EP3343810B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3343810B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3343810B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The present invention discloses a data transmission method applied to a base station and user equipment. The base station determines configuration information of a PUCCH and configuration information of an SRS, and sends the configuration information of the PUCCH and the configuration information of the SRS to the UE in a cell. The UE determines, according to the configuration information of the PUCCH, a frequency-domain resource for transmitting the PUCCH, and determines, according to the configuration information of the SRS, a frequency-domain resource for transmitting the SRS. The base station receives, according to the configuration information of the PUCCH, a subcarrier that carries the PUCCH and that is sent by the UE, and demodulates the subcarrier to obtain the PUCCH, and the base station receives, according to the configuration information of the SRS, a subcarrier that carries the SRS and that is sent by the UE, and demodulates the subcarrier to obtain the SRS. Based on the data transmission method disclosed in the present invention, the PUCCH and the SRS are multiplexed on a single-symbol structure, so that the PUCCH and the SRS are transmitted between the UE and the base station, and utilization of frequency-domain resources is improved. The present invention further discloses a base station and user equipment.