Uplink DC Carrier Location Reporting for 5G NR Carrier Aggregation
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Solution Overview
Problem
In 5G NR networks, the UE's reporting of direct current (DC) carrier locations for bandwidth parts (BWPs) is inconsistent, especially in cases of intra-band UL carrier aggregation, leading to inefficiencies and increased signaling complexity due to varying UE capabilities and power amplifier architectures.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus for determining DC carrier locations based on UE capability indications, using extended DC location reporting to identify default or specific BWP and component carrier positions, reducing the need for additional signaling and optimizing network scheduling.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If the UE reports DC carrier location for each BWP in intra-band UL CA, then the network can accurately determine DC location, but the signaling complexity and overhead increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the parameter of DC carrier location determination from BWP-based to CC-based. Instead of requiring the UE to report DC location for each BWP configuration, the network determines DC location based on the CC configuration, which has fewer parameters and thus reduces signaling complexity while maintaining location accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the DC carrier location determination into two independent parts: CC configuration (which determines the overall DC location) and BWP configuration (which is independent). This segmentation allows the network to determine DC location based on CC rather than requiring detailed BWP-level reporting, reducing signaling overhead.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the UE uses multiple power amplifier architectures in intra-band UL CA, then the system flexibility improves, but the DC location determination becomes inconsistent
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces CC configuration as an intermediary that mediates between the UE's power amplifier architecture and the network's DC carrier location determination. The CC configuration serves as a stable reference that remains consistent regardless of whether the UE uses single-PA or multi-PA architecture, thereby ensuring reliable DC location determination while maintaining system flexibility.
3Device complexity
If the UE indicates the same DC carrier for all UL BWPs, then the signaling overhead is reduced, but the network scheduling efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the approach from BWP-level DC location indication to CC-level DC location determination. This parameter change allows the network to maintain scheduling efficiency by having a unique DC location per CC while avoiding the need for repeated DC location reporting for each BWP, thus reducing signaling overhead.
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus comprising: means for determining one or more uplink direct current (DC) carriers needed for a radio band combination (BC); means for determining locations of each DC carrier of the radio band combination, wherein said means comprise means for determining a location of at least one DC carrier of the radio band combination according to locations of bandwidth part (BWP) carriers; means for including an indicator about the location of the at least one DC carrier in an extended DC location reporting in a UE capability indication; and means for signalling indicators about the determined location of each DC carrier in a UE capability indication.