Flexible PUCCH Resource Allocation for TDD-FDD Carrier Aggregation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current wireless communication systems, such as LTE, face challenges in efficiently managing HARQ bits and resource allocation in TDD-FDD joint carrier aggregation, leading to suboptimal throughput and latency due to rigid HARQ timing and resource configuration.

Innovation Solution

Implementing flexible PUCCH resource allocation and HARQ timing strategies, allowing for multiple PUCCH configurations and subframe-specific resource block allocations, enabling efficient use of resources and reducing latency by aligning HARQ bit transmissions with FDD and TDD carrier schedules.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If rigid HARQ timing and resource configuration are used in TDD-FDD joint carrier aggregation, then system complexity is reduced, but throughput and latency performance deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovethroughputVSAvoidHARQ timing and resource configuration complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements dynamic HARQ timing and PUCCH resource allocation that adapts to TDD and FDD carrier configurations. The system dynamically selects HARQ timing relationships and PUCCH resource blocks based on the specific carrier aggregation scenario, enabling flexible adjustment of timing parameters and resource assignments to optimize throughput while managing complexity through structured adaptation rules

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes key parameters including HARQ timing offsets, PUCCH resource block assignments, and subframe configurations based on the TDD-FDD carrier aggregation mode. By adjusting these parameters dynamically according to traffic conditions and carrier properties, the system achieves improved throughput and latency performance without requiring complete system redesign

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Loss of time

If flexible PUCCH resource allocation and multiple PUCCH configurations are implemented, then latency is reduced, but resource allocation complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovelatencyVSAvoidresource allocation complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of timeVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments PUCCH resource allocation into multiple configurations, each optimized for specific TDD or FDD carrier scenarios. By dividing the resource allocation into distinct configurations (e.g., first PUCCH configuration for TDD carrier, second PUCCH configuration for FDD carrier), the system reduces latency for each specific case while managing overall complexity through modular organization of allocation rules

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent establishes preliminary PUCCH resource configurations and HARQ timing relationships in advance for different carrier aggregation scenarios. By pre-defining resource blocks and timing parameters for various TDD-FDD combinations, the system minimizes latency during actual operation while maintaining manageable complexity through structured preconfiguration

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

3Productivity

If subframe-specific resource block allocations are used, then radio resource utilization efficiency is improved, but configuration complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveradio resource utilization efficiencyVSAvoidconfiguration complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies subframe-specific resource block allocations where different resource blocks are assigned to different subframes based on TDD or FDD carrier requirements. By optimizing resource allocation locally for each subframe rather than using uniform allocation, the system improves radio resource utilization efficiency while managing configuration complexity through pattern-based allocation rules

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Data Source

PatentEP3108705B1TDD and FDD joint carrier aggregation in LTE-advanced
Publication Date: 2020.11.18 BLACKBERRY LTD
  • EP3108705B1 patent drawingFigure 1~3
  • EP3108705B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3108705B1 patent drawingFigure 4A

AI summary

In some implementations, a method in a user equipment (UE) for supporting time division duplex (TDD) and frequency division duplex (FDD) joint carrier aggregation (CA) includes receiving a Physical Uplink Control Channel (PUCCH) resource allocation from an evolved NodeB (eNB). The PUCCH resource allocation includes a first PUCCH configuration for a first subframe and a second PUCCH configuration for a second subframe, and the second PUCCH configuration is different than the first PUCCH configuration. The UE transmits a first group of Hybrid Automatic Repeat reQuest (HARQ) bits based on the first PUCCH configuration in the first subframe. The UE transmits a second group of HARQ bits based on the second PUCCH configuration in the second subframe.