Uplink Control Multiplexing Across Component Carriers for Load Balancing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing wireless communication systems face challenges in efficiently multiplexing uplink control information (UCI) in multicarrier communication systems, particularly in scenarios involving carrier aggregation and dual connectivity, leading to increased load on primary component carriers and suboptimal resource utilization.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of advanced UCI multiplexing mechanisms that allow for the distribution of UCI across multiple component carriers, including the use of secondary component carriers for PUCCH transmissions, dynamic resource allocation, and adaptive timing alignment through random access procedures, thereby reducing the load on primary carriers and optimizing resource utilization.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If UCI is multiplexed only on primary component carrier, then control channel transmission is simplified, but carrier aggregation resource utilization becomes suboptimal and primary carrier load increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments UCI transmission across multiple component carriers rather than concentrating all control information on the primary carrier. Secondary carriers are divided into PUCCH-capable and PUCCH-less types, with different UCI multiplexing strategies applied to each segment, thereby distributing the control channel load and improving overall resource utilization while maintaining manageable complexity through structured segmentation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a new dimension to UCI transmission by utilizing the carrier dimension in carrier aggregation systems. Instead of solely relying on the primary carrier for all UCI transmissions, the system distributes control information across multiple frequency carriers, transforming a single-carrier control channel problem into a multi-carrier resource optimization problem, thereby improving resource utilization efficiency.
2Productivity
If secondary carriers are used for PUCCH transmissions, then resource utilization improves, but timing alignment complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by differentiating timing alignment requirements based on specific carrier characteristics. PUCCH-capable secondary carriers maintain conventional timing alignment mechanisms, while PUCCH-less secondary carriers employ alternative timing reference strategies. This localized approach allows each carrier type to use the most appropriate timing alignment method, improving resource utilization without uniformly increasing system-wide complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces timing alignment intermediaries such as downlink reference signals and synchronization signals that mediate the timing relationship between uplink transmissions on secondary carriers and the network. These intermediary reference signals provide a common timing reference that simplifies the timing alignment process across multiple carriers, reducing the complexity burden while enabling improved resource utilization.
3Productivity
If UCI is distributed across multiple carriers, then resource utilization efficiency improves, but control signaling overhead increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic UCI multiplexing strategies where the distribution of control information across carriers is not fixed but adapts based on channel conditions, traffic load, and carrier availability. The system can dynamically select which carriers carry PUCCH transmissions and which carry only PUSCH with multiplexed UCI, thereby optimizing resource utilization while minimizing control signaling overhead through adaptive, condition-based decision-making.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes key parameters of UCI transmission including modulation schemes, coding rates, and resource allocation patterns based on carrier characteristics and system state. By adjusting these parameters dynamically, the system achieves improved resource utilization efficiency while controlling signaling overhead through optimized transmission parameters rather than simply increasing the quantity of control signals.
Data Source
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AI summary
A wireless device receives message(s) comprising: configuration parameters for a periodic resource allocation indicating a first plurality of uplink resources of an uplink data channel of a cell; and offset parameter(s) for determining a number of UCI resources. A downlink control information is received comprising: an uplink grant indicating uplink radio resources of the uplink data channel of the cell; and an offset indicator value. A first transport block and first UCI(s) are transmitted via the uplink radio resources. The uplink radio resources comprise first resources of the first UCI(s). A first number of the first resources are determined based on the offset indicator value. A second transport block and second UCI(s) are transmitting via one of the first uplink resources. The one of the uplink resources comprise second resources of the second UCI(s). A second number of the second resources are determined based on the offset parameter(s).