TCI State Activation for Downlink and Uplink Beam Configuration
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Solution Overview
Problem
In 3GPP 5G new radio networks, there is a lack of clear indication for user equipment (UE) on whether downlink (DL) and uplink (UL) transmissions should share the same beam, which affects the configuration and activation of transmission configuration indication (TCI) states for efficient communication.
Innovation Solution
The proposed solution involves configuring multiple TCI states for both DL and UL transmissions, with a base station providing lists of TCI state identifications to the UE, allowing it to apply designated TCI states for either DL, UL, or both transmissions based on received DCI values, ensuring appropriate beam configuration for each transmission type.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If separate TCI state configuration is used for DL and UL transmissions, then beam flexibility is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the TCI state configuration into separate lists for downlink transmission and uplink transmission. The base station configures a first list of TCI states for DL and a second list of TCI states for UL independently, allowing separate beam management for each transmission direction while maintaining clear organizational structure through distinct lists.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a new dimension of separation by creating independent TCI state lists for different transmission directions (DL and UL). This dimensional separation allows the system to manage beams independently for each direction without increasing the complexity of individual list management, as each list operates in its own configuration space.
2Device complexity
If joint TCI state configuration is used for DL and UL transmissions, then device complexity is reduced, but beam adaptability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the unified TCI state configuration into separate lists for downlink and uplink transmissions. By segmenting the configuration space into a first list for DL and a second list for UL, the system achieves independent beam management for each direction while maintaining overall configuration simplicity through a structured approach.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent resolves the contradiction by introducing a directional dimension to the TCI state configuration. Instead of using a single unified list, the system creates separate lists for different transmission directions (DL and UL), enabling adaptability in each dimension while keeping the overall configuration manageable through clear separation.
3Productivity
If clear indication for beam sharing is provided, then communication efficiency is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the beam indication mechanism into separate TCI state lists for downlink and uplink transmissions. This segmentation provides clear indication for beam sharing or separation by allowing independent selection of TCI states for each direction, improving communication efficiency while maintaining manageable complexity through structured organization.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent resolves the contradiction by introducing a transmission direction dimension to the beam indication mechanism. By creating separate lists for DL and UL, the system provides clear indication for beam sharing decisions in each dimension without requiring a complex unified indication mechanism, as each list can be managed independently based on its specific requirements.
Data Source
AI summary
Apparatus and methods are provided for configuring TCI state activation and indication for DL transmission and UL transmission. In one novel aspect, list(s) associated with DL transmission, UL transmission or both DL transmission and UL transmission is/are provided. In particular, a UE can be configured with a plurality of TCI states. After being configured with the TCI states, the UE can receive a command that includes the list(s) associated with DL transmission, UL transmission or both DL transmission and UL transmission. The list(s) records a plurality of TCI state identifications. Accordingly, when the UE receives a value of a TCI field from a DCI and the value maps to designated TCI state identification(s) recorded on the list(s), the UE can apply designated TCI state(s) corresponding to the designated TCI state identification(s) for DL transmission, UL transmission or both DL transmission and UL transmission.