Uplink Control Information Carrier Switch for Latency Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current wireless communication systems face challenges in efficiently transmitting uplink control information across different component carriers, leading to latency and reliability issues, particularly in time-sensitive applications like Enhanced Industrial Internet of Things (IIOT) and ultra-reliable low-latency communication (URLLC) traffic.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of an uplink control information carrier switch mechanism allows user equipment (UE) to dynamically select and transmit uplink control information on a different carrier than the one used for data reception, enabling earlier feedback transmission and improving reliability by allowing PUCCH feedback on any component carrier within the uplink control channel group.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of time
If uplink control information is transmitted on the primary component carrier only, then transmission reliability is maintained, but feedback latency increases and resource utilization is inefficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic carrier selection for PUCCH transmission by introducing a carrier indicator field in DCI that dynamically indicates whether to use the primary or secondary component carrier for feedback transmission. This dynamic switching allows the system to adapt carrier usage based on real-time conditions, reducing feedback latency when the primary carrier is congested while maintaining reliability through the secondary carrier option.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the parameter of transmission carrier by utilizing both primary and secondary component carriers for PUCCH transmission based on carrier aggregation configuration. The system transitions from a fixed carrier parameter to a flexible parameter that can be changed based on resource availability and feedback timing requirements, enabling earlier feedback transmission without compromising reliability.
2Adaptability or versatility
If PUCCH transmission is restricted to primary component carrier, then system simplicity is maintained, but adaptability to different carrier conditions deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies multi-functionality by enabling the carrier indicator field to serve multiple purposes: it indicates both the downlink carrier for data reception and the uplink carrier for feedback transmission. This universal indication mechanism allows a single field to control carrier selection flexibility without requiring separate control mechanisms, thereby improving adaptability while limiting complexity increase.
Solution Approach 2:
The carrier indicator field acts as an intermediary mechanism that mediates between the base station's scheduling decisions and the UE's transmission actions. By incorporating this intermediary field in the DCI, the system achieves carrier aggregation flexibility and adaptability to different carrier conditions without requiring complex autonomous decision-making at the UE end.
3Productivity
If feedback transmission is delayed until primary carrier is available, then transmission reliability is ensured, but time sensitivity deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables preliminary feedback transmission by allowing the UE to transmit HARQ-ACK on the secondary component carrier before the primary carrier becomes available for feedback. The base station prepares for this by configuring carrier aggregation and including carrier indicator information in advance, enabling the UE to perform preliminary feedback actions that reduce overall feedback latency while maintaining reliability through proper carrier coordination.
Data Source
AI summary
Aspects relate to component carriers that are associated with an uplink control channel group. In some examples, data may be communicated on one of the component carriers and feedback for the data may be communicated on another one of the component carriers.