Uplink Reference Resource Selection for 5G Beam Association

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Solution Overview

Problem

In 5G networks, the absence of configuration for PUCCH-spatialrelationinfo and pathlossReferenceRS parameters leads to uplink performance degradation due to the inability of User Equipment (UE) to associate receive and transmit beams correctly, especially in scenarios with UE mobility.

Innovation Solution

The implementation of fallback mechanisms for downlink reference resource selection, where the UE selects a synchronization signal block (SSB) in which it successfully decodes the master information block (MIB) as the reference resource for PUCCH beam setting and SRS power control, ensuring robustness in frequency range 2 and improving power control for both frequency range 1 and 2.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Device complexity

If the network does not configure PUCCH-spatialrelationinfo and pathlossReferenceRS parameters, then the device complexity is reduced, but the uplink performance degrades due to inability to associate receive and transmit beams correctly

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconfiguration complexityVSAvoiduplink performance

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The UE autonomously selects a downlink reference resource from available SSBs or CSI-RS resources without network configuration. The UE identifies resources where it successfully decoded MIB and uses these resources for both beam determination and pathloss estimation, enabling self-service operation when network configuration is absent

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The UE performs preliminary identification of suitable downlink reference resources during initial cell access or configuration phases. By pre-selecting resources where MIB decoding was successful, the UE prepares fallback options before uplink transmission is needed, ensuring rapid beam association without real-time network intervention

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

2Adaptability or versatility

If the UE autonomously selects downlink reference resources without network configuration, then the adaptability is improved, but the measurement precision may degrade

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefallback capabilityVSAvoidpathloss estimation accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The UE changes the reference resource selection parameter from network-configured values to autonomously selected values based on MIB decoding success. This parameter change enables adaptation to unconfigured scenarios while maintaining functional operation through alternative resource identification criteria

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Ease of operation

If critical parameters are not configured by the network, then the ease of operation is improved, but the uplink performance degrades due to incorrect beam association

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveoperation simplicityVSAvoidbeam association accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses successfully decoded MIB as an intermediary indicator to identify suitable downlink reference resources. The MIB decoding success serves as a mediator that connects the absence of explicit parameter configuration with the selection of appropriate reference resources for beam association and pathloss estimation

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentUS10959210B2Downlink reference resource selection for uplink transmissions

Publication Date: 2021.03.23 INTEL CORP

AI summary

Embodiments of the present disclosure describe configuration of spatial and power control parameters for uplink transmissions. Other embodiments may be described and claimed.