Composite Control Channel Allocation for Flexible LTE Resource Signaling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current wireless communication systems face inefficiencies in resource allocation and signaling for shared channels, particularly in LTE UTRA/UTRAN specifications, due to limitations in time and frequency division multiplexing methods, which lead to excessive capacity and inadequate resource management for varying packet sizes and channel conditions.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a composite control channel with multiple control channel elements, each containing radio resource assignment information, allows for dynamic allocation and combination of resources based on channel conditions and user needs, using techniques like Chase combining and pre-defined combinations of control channel elements, along with embedded bit sequences for indicating resource allocation and type determination.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If time division multiplexing and frequency division multiplexing methods are used for control channel signaling, then control information can be transmitted over the downlink frame, but resource allocation efficiency deteriorates due to excessive capacity and inadequate resource management for varying packet sizes and channel conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The control channel is divided into multiple control channel elements (CCEs), where each CCE consists of a specific number of resource elements. This segmentation allows the system to allocate control information in flexible units rather than fixed block structures, enabling efficient resource utilization while adapting to varying packet sizes and channel conditions. The control channel signaling is segmented into multiple CCEs that can be dynamically combined and allocated.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamic resource allocation by allowing the control channel to adapt its structure based on channel conditions and traffic requirements. The number of CCEs allocated to a user, the aggregation level (number of CCEs per control message), and the mapping of CCEs to physical resources are all dynamically adjustable parameters that optimize resource efficiency while maintaining adaptability to varying conditions.
2Adaptability or versatility
If control information is transmitted over the first few symbols of the downlink frame, then signaling is concentrated, but resource flexibility deteriorates due to fixed allocation structures
Solution Approach 1:
The control channel elements are designed with universal structures that can serve multiple functions. Each CCE has a standardized composition of resource elements that can be used for different types of control information (uplink grants, downlink assignments, power control commands). This universal CCE structure provides flexibility in resource allocation while maintaining manageable complexity through standardization.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs parameter changes to achieve flexibility without excessive complexity. Key parameters such as aggregation level (number of CCEs per control message), resource element mapping patterns, and CCE-to-REG (resource element group) mapping are configurable parameters that can be adjusted based on channel conditions and traffic requirements, providing adaptability while maintaining a structured framework.
3Productivity
If fixed resource allocation structures are used, then implementation is simplified, but resource utilization efficiency deteriorates due to inability to accommodate varying packet sizes and channel conditions
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the control channel into standardized CCE units, the patent achieves a balance between flexibility and implementation simplicity. The segmented structure allows efficient resource utilization through dynamic allocation of CCE aggregates, while the standardized unit structure maintains implementation simplicity through reusable building blocks and systematic mapping procedures.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses configurable parameters (aggregation level, resource mapping patterns, CCE indexing) to achieve adaptive resource allocation. These parameter changes enable the system to optimize resource utilization for varying packet sizes and channel conditions while maintaining relatively simple implementation through standardized procedures and algorithms for parameter determination and application.
Data Source
AI summary
A method in a wireless communication device including receiving (410) a composite control channel including at least two control channel elements, each control channel element only contains radio resource assignment information, for example, a codeword, exclusively addressed to a single wireless communication entity. The device combines (420) at least two of the control channel elements, and decodes (430) the combined control channel elements.