Unified TCI-State Extension for 5G Multi-TRP Beam Switching

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing wireless communication networks face challenges in efficiently managing beam management for multi-transmission and reception points (TRPs) in 5G networks, leading to inefficiencies in coverage and capacity, particularly in transitioning between single-TRP and multi-TRP modes.

Innovation Solution

A unified transmission configuration indication (TCI) framework is extended to support multi-TRP operations, allowing up to 4 TCI-states per TCI codepoint, with flexible switching between single-TRP and multi-TRP modes, and efficient component carrier group-based TCI-state indication for mixed modes, reducing signal overhead and memory consumption.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If the unified TCI framework is extended to support multi-TRP operations with up to 4 TCI-states per TCI codepoint, then beam management flexibility and coverage are improved, but signaling overhead and system complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvebeam management flexibilityVSAvoidsystem complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the TCI state management by introducing separate indication mechanisms for different TRP modes. Single-TRP and multi-TRP operations are handled through distinct configuration approaches, where multi-TRP uses up to 4 TCI-states per codepoint while single-TRP uses traditional 1-to-1 mapping. This segmentation allows the system to maintain flexibility for multi-TRP without forcing single-TRP devices to handle unnecessary complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements dynamic mode switching between single-TRP and multi-TRP operations. The system can adaptively select the appropriate TRP mode based on current network conditions and device capabilities. This dynamic approach allows the system to optimize beam management flexibility when multi-TRP is beneficial while reducing complexity when single-TRP suffices, thereby resolving the contradiction between adaptability and system complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Adaptability or versatility

If the system supports switching between single-TRP and multi-TRP modes, then adaptability and coverage are improved, but control complexity and signaling overhead increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemode switching capabilityVSAvoidsignaling overhead

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of information

Solution Approach 1:

The patent creates a universal TCI framework that handles both single-TRP and multi-TRP modes through a unified interface. The same TCI codepoint structure and indication mechanisms are used across both modes, with the difference being the number of TCI-states associated with each codepoint (1 for single-TRP, up to 4 for multi-TRP). This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate signaling mechanisms, thereby reducing overall signaling overhead while maintaining mode switching capability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Productivity

If up to 4 TCI-states are associated with a single TCI codepoint for multi-TRP operation, then capacity and coverage are improved, but memory consumption and processing requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvenetwork capacityVSAvoidmemory consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements preliminary configuration of TCI states through RRC signaling before actual multi-TRP operation. The network pre-configures up to 4 TCI-states for each codepoint and provides this information to the UE in advance. This preliminary action allows the UE to prepare the necessary beam management information in memory before it is actually needed for transmission, optimizing memory usage by only storing what is configured rather than allocating fixed large buffers.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

4Productivity

If component carrier group-based TCI-state indication is implemented for mixed sTRP and mTRP modes, then efficiency and capacity are improved, but control mechanism complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecommunication efficiencyVSAvoidcontrol mechanism complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the control mechanisms for single-TRP and multi-TRP modes into a unified component carrier group-based indication system. Instead of maintaining separate control paths for different TRP modes, the system combines them into a single framework where TCI-states are indicated at the component carrier group level. This merging reduces the number of separate control mechanisms needed, thereby reducing overall control complexity while maintaining the efficiency benefits of mode-specific optimization.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Data Source

PatentUS20260019221A1UNIFIED TCI FRAMEWORK EXTENSION FOR mTRP-BASED OPERATION IN WIRELESS COMMUNICATION

Publication Date: 2026.01.15 APPLE INC

AI summary

Processes and systems for a unified transmission configuration indication (TCI) framework extension for multi-transmission and reception point (TRP) operation in wireless communication networks. For a unified TCI-state extension from sTRP to mTRP the system is configured to support switching between a single TRP (sTRP) mode operation and an mTRP mode operation. For a unified TCI-state extension from sTRP to mTRP the system is configured to support up to 4 TCI-states for association with a single TCI codepoint.