64 QAM Support for Coverage Enhanced MTC PDSCH
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current wireless communication systems, particularly in next-generation networks, face challenges in efficiently supporting diverse service types and frequency ranges up to 100 GHz, with limitations in modulation schemes for machine type communications, such as restricted use of 64 QAM in coverage enhancement modes, which affects spectral efficiency and data transmission capabilities.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of 64 Quadrature Amplitude Modulation (QAM) support in User Equipment (UE) devices, enabled through capability signaling and semi-static higher layer configuration, for the Physical Downlink Shared Channel (PDSCH), along with modifications in Modulation and Coding Scheme (MCS) tables and Downlink Control Information (DCI) design to accommodate higher modulation orders, specifically for unicast messages and coverage-enhanced modes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If 64 QAM modulation is used for PDSCH transmission in coverage enhanced modes, then spectral efficiency and data transmission capability are improved, but device complexity and configuration requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the modulation order parameter from traditional QPSK/16QAM to 64QAM for PDSCH transmission in coverage enhanced modes. This parameter change directly improves spectral efficiency and data transmission capability while the patent manages the associated complexity through capability signaling and configuration mechanisms
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces dynamic capability signaling between UE and network side, allowing the system to adaptively enable or disable 64QAM support based on device capabilities and network conditions. This dynamic approach manages configuration complexity while maintaining the ability to utilize 64QAM when beneficial
2Productivity
If larger transport block sizes are supported for 1.4 MHz bandwidth UEs, then data transmission efficiency is improved, but modulation complexity increases requiring 64 QAM
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the modulation order parameter to 64QAM specifically to enable support for larger transport block sizes (up to 2984 bits) in 1.4 MHz bandwidth UEs. This parameter change allows the system to achieve larger TBS without requiring increased bandwidth
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements preliminary capability signaling where UEs indicate their 64QAM support capability before actual data transmission. This preliminary action allows the network to configure appropriate modulation schemes in advance, managing complexity by preparing the system state before high-rate transmission begins
3Productivity
If 64 QAM is enabled for unicast PDSCH in coverage enhanced mode, then spectral efficiency increases, but compatibility with existing systems decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes 64QAM support dynamic and optional rather than mandatory. UEs can signal their capability to support 64QAM, and the network can configure this feature on a per-UE basis. This dynamic approach maintains compatibility with legacy systems while enabling spectral efficiency improvements for capable devices
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies 64QAM modulation selectively to specific UEs and specific PDSCH transmissions rather than universally. This local application allows legacy UEs to continue using QPSK/16QAM while advanced UEs can utilize 64QAM for unicast PDSCH, maintaining system compatibility while achieving spectral efficiency gains where applicable
Data Source
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AI summary
Technology for a user equipment (UE), configured for coverage enhanced (CE) machine type communication (MTC) is disclosed. The UE can encode, at the UE, a UE capability message for transmission to a next generation node B (gNB) or evolved Node B (eNB), wherein the UE capability message includes a capability to support communication using a modulation and coding scheme (MCS) that includes 64 quadrature amplitude modulation (QAM). The UE can decode, at the UE, a higher layer signaling message to configure the UE to operate in a CE mode A. The UE can decode, at the UE, data received in a physical downlink shared channel (PDSCH) transmission to the UE that is modulated using a 64 QAM.