Configurable MCS Tables for Higher Order Modulation Signaling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current wireless communication systems face inefficiencies in signaling channel conditions and modulation schemes, particularly when supporting higher order modulation orders, as existing techniques either increase overhead or reduce the number of available modulation and coding combinations, impacting network efficiency.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of configurable parameter tables that map channel measurements to CQI and MCS indices, allowing for flexible configuration of table sizes and bit allocation, along with the use of bitmaps to select applicable entries, enables efficient signaling of higher order modulation parameters without increasing control information overhead.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If existing signaling techniques are used for higher order modulation, then the number of available modulation and coding combinations is increased, but control information overhead increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the modulation and coding scheme signaling into multiple parts: a base table providing standard MCS combinations, and additional tables providing higher order modulation combinations. The base table uses a fixed number of bits (e.g., 5 bits) for signaling, while additional tables are selectively activated only when higher order modulation is needed, thus segmenting the overhead requirement based on actual need.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamic table selection where the base station can switch between different MCS tables based on channel conditions and UE capability. The UE is configured with a primary MCS table and can be dynamically switched to alternative tables (e.g., for 1024-QAM or 4096-QAM) when conditions warrant, making the signaling overhead dynamic rather than static.
2Productivity
If control information overhead is reduced, then spectral efficiency is improved, but the number of available modulation and coding combinations is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a universal MCS signaling framework where a single base table serves multiple purposes: it provides standard modulation and coding schemes for general use, and also serves as a foundation that can be complemented by alternative tables when higher order modulation is required. This multi-functional approach allows the same signaling mechanism to adapt to different spectral efficiency requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent performs preliminary configuration where the UE is pre-configured with the base MCS table and potentially alternative tables. This preliminary setup allows the system to maintain reduced overhead for normal operation while having the capability to access additional modulation combinations when needed, preparing the system in advance rather than requiring full overhead always.
3Adaptability or versatility
If configurable parameter tables are implemented, then signaling flexibility is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements self-service mechanisms where the UE autonomously determines which MCS table to use based on configuration received from the base station and current channel conditions. The UE can independently select between the base table and alternative tables without requiring complex coordination, reducing the signaling complexity while maintaining flexibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the parameter of table selection based on modulation order requirements. Instead of maintaining fixed complex signaling structures, the system dynamically changes which table is active based on the modulation order being used (e.g., switching to alternative tables when 1024-QAM or 4096-QAM is configured), simplifying the device complexity by using standard tables for standard operations.
Data Source
AI summary
Methods, systems, and devices for wireless communications are described that provide for configuration of one or more parameter tables that provide mapping between channel measurements and a channel quality indicator (CQI), one or more tables that provide mapping between a modulation and coding scheme (MCS) index and a modulation order and coding rate, or any combinations thereof. A base station may provide configuration information to a user equipment (UE) that indicates a table size for one or more CQI or MCS tables, and a number of bits that are to be transmitted in control information to indicate an index value for the CQI and/or MCS tables. Alternatively, an existing CQI or MCS table may have entries that are modified based on a modulation order that is supported by the UE, and the base station may provide configuration information that indicates the modified entries.