Uplink Control Transmission in Unlicensed 5G Second-Slot PUSCH

Solution Overview

Problem

In wireless communication systems operating in unlicensed bands, efficient transmission of uplink control information is hindered by the need for channel sensing operations, which can lead to incomplete or delayed transmission of uplink control signals due to varying channel availability.

Innovation Solution

The method involves transmitting uplink control information in the second slot of a subframe where the uplink data channel is transmitted, utilizing a partial PUSCH mode that allows for efficient mapping of control information based on channel quality and starting position, ensuring transmission regardless of immediate channel sensing results.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Object-affected harmful factors

If channel sensing operations are performed before uplink transmission in unlicensed bands, then collision avoidance with other systems is improved, but transmission delay and reliability of uplink control information deteriorate due to varying channel availability

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecollision avoidanceVSAvoidtransmission reliability

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The uplink subframe is divided into two independent slots: first slot for data transmission and second slot for control information transmission. This segmentation allows control information to be transmitted independently of channel sensing timing, ensuring reliable delivery while maintaining collision avoidance in the data portion.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Channel sensing and clear channel assessment are performed in advance before the uplink transmission opportunity. The UE determines channel availability beforehand, and if the channel is clear, both data and control information are transmitted together in their respective slots, eliminating the need for additional sensing delays at transmission time.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

2Productivity

If uplink control information is transmitted in the first slot with data channel, then transmission efficiency is improved, but reliability deteriorates when channel access procedure changes the transmission symbol

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetransmission efficiencyVSAvoidcontrol information transmission reliability

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The uplink subframe is divided into two independent slots: first slot for data transmission and second slot for control information transmission. This segmentation allows control information to be transmitted independently of channel sensing timing, ensuring reliable delivery while maintaining collision avoidance in the data portion.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The second slot acts as an intermediary guarantee for control information transmission. Even if the first slot transmission is affected by channel access procedure changes, the control information is reliably transmitted in the second slot, which is specifically designated for this purpose and less susceptible to timing variations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Adaptability or versatility

If uplink data channel transmission symbol is changed according to channel access procedure, then adaptability to unlicensed band conditions is improved, but transmission timing stability of control information deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvechannel access adaptabilityVSAvoidtransmission timing stability

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDuration of action of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The uplink subframe is divided into two independent slots: first slot for data transmission and second slot for control information transmission. This segmentation allows control information to be transmitted independently of channel sensing timing, ensuring reliable delivery while maintaining collision avoidance in the data portion.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The first slot transmission timing is made dynamic and adaptive to channel access procedure results, while the second slot maintains stable and predictable timing for control information. This dynamic-static separation allows the system to adapt to unlicensed band conditions while ensuring reliable control information delivery with stable timing.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentUS12538306B2Method and apparatus for transmission of uplink control information in wireless communication system

Publication Date: 2026.01.27 SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO LTD

AI summary

The disclosure relates to a communication technique for combining an IoT technology with a 5G communication system for supporting a higher data transmission rate than that of a beyond-4G system, and a system therefor. The disclosure may be applied to intelligent services (for example, smart homes, smart buildings, smart cities, smart cars or connected cars, health care, digital education, retail businesses, security and safety related services, and the like) based on 5G communication technologies and IoT-related technologies. In addition, the disclosure provides a method and apparatus for power control of an IAB node in a wireless communication system.