Uplink Channel Waveform Selection for Efficient UE Multiplexing

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing wireless communication systems face inefficiencies in uplink channel transmission due to the use of a single waveform, which can limit the reuse ability of transmitters and receivers, and the inefficiency varies based on channel type, link-budget, and available power.

Innovation Solution

The system allows for the selection of different waveforms for different uplink channels based on channel type and number of UEs, using techniques like OFDM and SC-FDM, and ensures symmetry between uplink and downlink subframes to optimize channel structure.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If a single waveform (e.g., OFDM) is used for all uplink channels, then the system structure is simple and easy to implement, but transmission efficiency is reduced due to waveform mismatch with different channel types

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetransmission efficiencyVSAvoidwaveform selection complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system dynamically selects waveforms based on channel type, link-budget conditions, and available power. Different waveforms (OFDM, SC-FDM, DFT-s-OFDM) are assigned to different uplink channels (PUSCH, PUCCH, SRS, URLCC) according to real-time requirements, making the waveform selection adaptive rather than static

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the waveform parameter (modulation scheme) based on channel characteristics and transmission conditions. By adjusting the waveform type according to link-budget and power availability, the system optimizes transmission efficiency for each specific channel while managing complexity through standardized selection criteria

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Productivity

If different waveforms are selected for different channels based on channel type and link-budget, then transmission efficiency is improved, but the complexity of waveform management and selection increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvechannel transmission efficiencyVSAvoidwaveform management complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

Different waveform qualities are assigned to different local channels based on their specific requirements. PUCCH uses SC-FDM for control reliability, PUSCH uses OFDM for data efficiency, and SRS uses DFT-s-OFDM for channel sounding, optimizing each channel's local performance characteristics

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The system manages waveform complexity by establishing clear parameter-based selection rules that change waveform types according to channel type, link-budget conditions, and power availability, transforming complex waveform management into a systematic parameter-driven process

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Productivity

If uplink and downlink subframes have different channel structures to optimize specific functions, then channel performance is improved, but the reuse ability of transmitters and receivers is limited

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvechannel performanceVSAvoidtransmitter receiver reuse ability
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces dynamic waveform selection for uplink channels, allowing the system to adapt between symmetric and asymmetric configurations based on traffic requirements. This dynamic approach enables transmitters and receivers to be reused across different subframe types while maintaining optimized channel structures when needed

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentEP3491765B1Uplink channel multiplexing and waveform selection
Publication Date: 2026.04.08 QUALCOMM INC
  • EP3491765B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3491765B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3491765B1 patent drawingFigure 3A~3B

AI summary

Methods, systems, and devices for wireless communication are described that provide for uplink channel multiplexing and waveform selection. Uplink channels to be transmitted from one or more user equipment (UEs) to a base station are multiplexed together or separately into an uplink subframe. Each UE is capable of using different waveforms to transmit different channels. Reference signals are communicated according to an RS pattern, which is symmetric across uplink and downlink channels.