Terminal RACH Switching by Power Thresholds to Limit Collisions

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Solution Overview

Problem

The efficiency of random access processing in 2-step Random Access Channel (RACH) procedures in 5G NR systems is compromised due to inadequate transmit power control and resource utilization, leading to potential collisions and degraded transmission quality of the PUSCH signal.

Innovation Solution

A method for the terminal to dynamically select between 2-step and 4-step RACH procedures based on transmit power control, where the terminal transmits both a PRACH preamble and a PUSCH only when both power values meet predetermined thresholds, otherwise falling back to the 4-step procedure to avoid collisions and ensure reliable communication.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Speed

If the terminal transmits both PRACH preamble and PUSCH in 2-step RACH procedure, then the random access processing speed is improved, but the transmission quality deteriorates when power values do not meet thresholds

Engineering Contradiction:
Improverandom access processing speedVSAvoidtransmission quality
Core Design Contradiction:
SpeedVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The terminal dynamically adjusts the random access procedure selection based on real-time power conditions. When both power values meet thresholds, the terminal uses 2-step RACH for fast access; when either power value fails to meet thresholds, the terminal falls back to 4-step RACH for reliable transmission. This dynamic adaptation resolves the contradiction between speed and reliability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The terminal changes the procedural parameter (2-step vs 4-step RACH) based on power threshold conditions. By monitoring power values and comparing them against thresholds, the terminal selects the appropriate RACH procedure to maintain transmission quality while optimizing access speed.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Productivity

If the terminal uses 2-step RACH procedure without power control, then the access efficiency is improved, but collisions increase and transmission quality degrades

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveaccess efficiencyVSAvoidcollisions
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The terminal implements feedback-based power control by monitoring its own power values and comparing them against thresholds. This feedback mechanism enables the terminal to adjust its transmission strategy (2-step vs 4-step RACH) to avoid collisions and maintain transmission quality while preserving access efficiency.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The system dynamically switches between 2-step and 4-step RACH procedures based on real-time power conditions. This dynamic behavior allows the terminal to maintain high access efficiency when conditions are favorable while avoiding collisions when power levels are insufficient.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Reliability

If the terminal falls back to 4-step RACH procedure, then the transmission reliability is improved, but the processing time increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetransmission reliabilityVSAvoidprocessing time
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The terminal dynamically selects the RACH procedure based on power threshold conditions. By using 2-step RACH when power conditions are met and 4-step RACH when they are not, the terminal minimizes unnecessary time loss while ensuring transmission reliability is maintained through appropriate procedure selection.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The terminal changes the procedural parameter (RACH type) based on power conditions. This parameter change allows the system to optimize the trade-off between reliability and processing time by selecting the appropriate procedure for current conditions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Data Source

PatentEP4443955B1Terminal and transmission method
Publication Date: 2025.07.09 PANASONIC INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY CORP OF AMERICA
  • EP4443955B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP4443955B1 patent drawingFigure 3
  • EP4443955B1 patent drawingFigure 4

AI summary

Provided is a terminal that makes it possible to improve the efficiency of random access processing. A control unit (209) in the terminal (200) uses channel quality as a basis to select either a first method for transmitting a random access signal including a preamble section and a data section or a second method for transmitting a random access signal that includes a preamble section and that does not include a data section. A transmission unit (217) transmits a random access signal on the basis of the selected method.