UCI Resource Element Allocation on PUSCH for NR Waveforms
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing resource element (RE) allocation for uplink control information (UCI) on the Physical Uplink Shared Channel (PUSCH) in Next Generation Radio (NR) networks is inadequate, as it does not effectively balance punctured bits across code blocks and lacks unified allocation rules for different waveforms, such as CP-OFDM and DFT-S-OFDM.
Innovation Solution
The proposed solution involves the User Equipment (UE) encoding UCI and allocating REs on PUSCH using rules that include using same logical patterns for both CP-OFDM and DFT-S-OFDM waveforms, distributing REs across the time and frequency domains, and dynamically calculating HARQ-ACK REs to ensure balanced allocation and frequency diversity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If UCI REs are allocated using existing methods in NR networks, then UCI transmission is supported, but punctured bits are not balanced across code blocks and frequency diversity is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by distributing UCI REs to specific resource elements based on their frequency location. Different code blocks are assigned to different frequency ranges, ensuring that punctured bits are balanced across all code blocks. The base station selectively punctures only those REs that carry UCI information while preserving other REs for data transmission, thereby maintaining local quality balance in the puncturing pattern.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from time-domain distribution to frequency-domain distribution by allocating UCI REs across different frequency subcarriers. This dimensional change enables frequency diversity gain, as UCI information is spread across multiple frequency components rather than concentrated in time, improving robustness against frequency-selective fading and balancing punctured bits across code blocks.
2Adaptability or versatility
If separate allocation rules are used for CP-OFDM and DFT-S-OFDM waveforms, then waveform-specific optimization is achieved, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent establishes a universal UCI RE allocation framework that works for both CP-OFDM and DFT-S-OFDM waveforms. The base station receives UCI information and determines RE allocation using a unified procedure that adapts to the active waveform type. This universal approach eliminates the need for separate allocation rules for different waveforms, reducing system complexity while maintaining waveform-specific performance through flexible parameter configuration.
3Ease of operation
If UCI REs are concentrated in specific time or frequency resources, then allocation simplicity is maintained, but frequency diversity is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent distributes UCI REs across the frequency dimension by allocating them to different subcarriers and resource blocks. This frequency-domain spreading provides frequency diversity, ensuring that UCI transmission remains robust even if certain frequency components experience fading or interference. The allocation maintains simplicity through systematic patterns while achieving diversity through frequency distribution.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments UCI REs across multiple frequency resources rather than concentrating them in a single location. By dividing the UCI information across multiple REs distributed in frequency, the system achieves both allocation simplicity through structured segmentation and frequency diversity through spatial separation in the frequency domain.
Data Source
AI summary
Apparatus and methods are provided for RE allocation for UCI on PUSCH. In one novel aspect, the UE encodes UCI for transmission on PUSCH in a NR network. The UE allocates UCI REs onto the PUSCH following one or more UCI RE allocation rules including (a) using same logical allocation patterns for both CP-OFDM waveforms and DFT-S-OFDM waveforms, (b) distributing the UCI REs across a time domain of the PUSCH, and (c) distributing the UCI REs across a frequency domain for CP-OFDM or across a virtual-time domain for DFT-S-OFDM. In one embodiment, the HARQ-ACK REs are distributed across the time domain as much as possible. In another embodiment, the allocation of the HARQ-ACK REs further involves calculating the number of HARQ REs dynamically for the HARQ ACK. The number of HARQ REs is based on a weighting parameter, which is either configured or obtained through system information.