CCE-to-REG Mapping for Reliable 5G NR Control Channel Estimation
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Solution Overview
Problem
The 5G NR mobile communications system faces challenges in channel estimation due to limited resource overhead for demodulation reference signals, which affects control channel coverage and reliability.
Innovation Solution
The method involves forming REG sets or bundles to utilize available DMRSs for joint channel estimation, improving precision by correlating channel conditions in time and frequency domains, and optimizing CCE-to-REG mapping to enhance resource reuse efficiency between control and data channels.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If DMRS resource overhead is reduced in 5G NR, then resource efficiency is improved, but channel estimation performance deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple DMRS resources from different PRBs into a unified channel estimation process. By grouping PRBs and allowing cross-PRB DMRS utilization, the system merges scattered reference signal resources to achieve better channel estimation performance while maintaining low per-PRB overhead.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent enables DMRS resources to serve multiple functions and multiple PRBs simultaneously. A single DMRS resource can be used for channel estimation across multiple PRBs, making the reference signal resource more versatile and reducing the total quantity needed.
2Device complexity
If DMRS resources are limited to local PRB only, then resource allocation is simplified, but channel estimation performance deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces dynamic configurability in DMRS resource utilization. The system can adaptively determine whether to use local-only or cross-PRB DMRS based on channel conditions, allowing the resource allocation strategy to change dynamically rather than being fixed.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the parameter of DMRS resource scope from fixed local-PRB-only to configurable cross-PRB. By introducing a parameter that controls the extent of PRB grouping and DMRS sharing, the system can adjust resource allocation complexity and performance trade-offs.
3Productivity
If CCE-to-REG mapping is optimized for resource reuse, then resource efficiency is improved, but mapping complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the control resource into CCEs and further segments them into REGs, creating a hierarchical structure. This segmentation allows for systematic mapping patterns that improve resource reuse while keeping the mapping rules structured and manageable through defined relationships between segments.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extends the CCE-to-REG mapping from a single-dimension approach to multi-dimensional mapping across time and frequency resources. By utilizing multiple dimensions for resource allocation, the system achieves better resource reuse efficiency through more flexible positioning and distribution of control channel elements.
Data Source
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AI summary
This application provides a communication method and a communication apparatus. The method includes: determining a quantity and a position of a control channel element CCE used by a control channel of user equipment, where each of the CCE corresponds to a plurality of resource element groups REGs, the plurality of REGs form at least one REG set, and any REG set in the at least one REG set includes a plurality of resource blocks RBs that are consecutive or adjacent in time domain and/or frequency domain; and sending, by the network device, the control channel to the user equipment by using the CCE. According to the communication method and the communication apparatus provided in this application, channel estimation precision can be improved.