TCI State Mapping Across DCI Formats for Flexible NR Scheduling
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing 5G NR system faces challenges in flexible TCI state activation and codepoint to TCI state mapping, particularly with DCI format 1_1 having a fixed 3-bit TCI field that does not adapt to different CORESETs, limiting the flexibility in choosing TCI states for downlink scheduling.
Innovation Solution
The proposed solution involves configuring wireless devices to monitor multiple DCI formats with a TCI field and using single or separate MAC CEs to activate and map TCI states to codepoints, allowing for flexible TCI state selection for different DCI formats, such as DCI format 1.1 and/or 1.2, enabling more efficient activation and mapping of these states for enhanced Mobile Broadband (eMBB) data transmission.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a fixed 3-bit TCI field is used in DCI format 1_1, then the device complexity is reduced and ease of operation is improved, but the adaptability to different CORESETs and flexibility in TCI state selection deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces dynamic TCI field length adjustment in DCI format 1_2, where the TCI field can be configured to have different lengths (0, 1, 2, or 3 bits) based on the number of codepoints needed for different CORESETs. This dynamic configuration allows the system to adapt the TCI field size to the specific requirements of each CORESET, resolving the contradiction between fixed structure simplicity and adaptive flexibility.
2Adaptability or versatility
If separate MAC CEs are used for TCI state activation for each DCI format, then the adaptability and flexibility in TCI state selection are improved, but the device complexity and signaling overhead increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a universal MAC CE structure that can handle TCI state activation for multiple DCI formats (1_1 and 1_2) with different codepoint requirements. The MAC CE is designed to accommodate variable TCI field lengths and can activate TCI states for both DCI formats using a single signaling mechanism, thereby reducing device complexity while maintaining adaptability through flexible interpretation of the activation command.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the TCI field length is variable (0, 1, 2, or 3 bits) in DCI format 1_2, then the adaptability to different codepoint requirements is improved, but the ease of operation and processing complexity deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements parameter changes by allowing the TCI field length in DCI format 1_2 to be dynamically configured based on the number of codepoints required for different CORESETs. The system can set the TCI field length to 0, 1, 2, or 3 bits depending on whether 1, 2, 4, or 8 codepoints are needed, respectively. This parameter adjustment resolves the contradiction by enabling adaptability while managing processing complexity through standardized configuration procedures.
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods for TCI state activation and codepoint to TCI state mapping are provided. A method performed by a wireless device for activating TCI states includes one or more of: being configured to monitor a plurality of DCI formats with the TCI field for PDSCH reception; receiving a single MAC CE to activate TCI states and map activated TCI states to the TCI field codepoints of the DCI formats; and receiving separate MAC CEs to activate TCI states and map activated TCI states to the TCI field codepoints of each of the plurality of DCI formats. As such, TCI states for downlink scheduling can be more flexibly chosen for each DCI format by using separate MAC CEs. Additionally, default TCI state definitions might be provided when state activation and state to TCI field codepoint mapping to multiple DCI formats are provided by either a single or different MAC CEs.