Uplink Spatial Relation and Power Control via Downlink TCI States
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Solution Overview
Problem
The introduction of new higher layer parameters for beam indication in 5G NR increases overhead, and existing methods for determining spatial relation and power control parameters for uplink signals are inefficient, particularly in high-frequency communications using analog beam-forming.
Innovation Solution
A wireless communication method that determines spatial relation and power control parameters for uplink signals without relying on higher layer parameters, using transmission configuration indicators, quasi-co-location assumptions, and downlink signal transmission parameters to align beam behavior and reduce overhead.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If new higher layer parameters (spatialRelationInfo) are introduced for beam indication in 5G NR, then spatial relation and power control for uplink signals can be determined, but the overhead of higher layer parameters increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the copying principle by reusing downlink transmission parameters (TCI states, QCL assumptions) to determine uplink spatial relation and power control parameters. Instead of introducing new higher layer parameters, the system copies existing downlink configuration information to configure uplink transmissions, thereby reducing parameter overhead while maintaining beam indication reliability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements universality by making downlink transmission parameters serve dual purposes: they continue to control downlink transmissions while also determining uplink spatial relation and power control parameters. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate uplink-specific parameter configurations, reducing overall signaling overhead
2Strength
If analog beam-forming is used for high-frequency communications, then antenna gain is improved, but implementation complexity increases due to finite phase control
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by transitioning from continuous phase control to discrete TCI state indexing. Instead of controlling individual phase shifter elements continuously, the system changes the control parameter to discrete TCI state indices that pre-defined beam patterns, thereby reducing implementation complexity while maintaining the antenna gain benefits of analog beam-forming
3Reliability
If beam alignment is achieved through massive MIMO training, then communication robustness is improved, but training overhead and time consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-configuring downlink TCI states and QCL assumptions before uplink transmissions are needed. The downlink beam alignment and parameter configuration are performed in advance, and these pre-configured parameters are then reused for uplink transmissions, eliminating the need for repeated beam training and reducing time consumption
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges downlink and uplink beam management procedures by using the same TCI states and spatial parameters for both directions. Instead of performing separate beam training for downlink and uplink, the system combines these procedures by reusing the downlink beam configuration for uplink, thereby reducing overall training overhead and time
Data Source
AI summary
Method, systems and devices for determining spatial relation and power control parameter for uplink signals. The method for use in a wireless terminal comprises determining at least one of at least one power control parameter or spatial relation for a first uplink signal on a first component carrier, and transmitting, to a wireless network node, the first uplink signal on the first component carrier based on at least one of determined at least one power control parameter or determined spatial relation.