Dynamic Control Channel Repetition Adjustment for Wireless Reliability

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing wireless communication systems face inefficiencies due to static control channel configurations, leading to radio link failures (RLF) when channel conditions change, and result in inefficient use of communication resources.

Innovation Solution

The system dynamically adjusts the number of repetitions for the downlink control channel by transmitting an adjustment indication to the user equipment (UE), allowing it to monitor the control channel based on an updated number of repetitions, thereby improving channel decoding flexibility.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If the number of repetitions for the downlink control channel is statically configured, then the system achieves simple configuration and operation, but the reliability deteriorates when channel conditions change

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecontrol channel decoding reliabilityVSAvoidcontrol channel configuration complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements dynamic adjustment of the number of repetitions for the downlink control channel by introducing a mechanism where the network device can update the repetition count through RRC reconfiguration or MAC CE signaling. This allows the system to adapt to changing channel conditions (improving reliability) while maintaining a relatively simple base configuration (managing complexity). The dynamic parameter adjustment enables the control channel to flex between static and adaptive modes based on operational needs.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Reliability

If the number of repetitions is increased to improve decoding reliability, then the reliability improves, but the use of communication resources deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecontrol channel decoding reliabilityVSAvoidcommunication resource consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the parameter of repetition count dynamically based on channel conditions. When channel quality is good, the system uses fewer repetitions to conserve resources. When channel quality deteriorates, the system increases repetitions to maintain decoding reliability. This parameter adaptation resolves the contradiction by making resource consumption conditional rather than fixed, allowing the system to achieve reliability only when necessary.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The system implements feedback mechanisms through channel quality indicators (CQI) and automatic repeat request (ARQ) protocols that inform the network device about decoding success or failure. This feedback loop enables the network to adjust the repetition count appropriately - increasing repetitions only when decoding failures occur or channel conditions warrant it, thereby avoiding unnecessary resource consumption while maintaining reliability when needed.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

3Adaptability or versatility

If the control channel configuration is adjusted dynamically, then the adaptability improves, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecontrol channel configuration adaptabilityVSAvoidcontrol channel management complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces dynamic adjustment capabilities for the control channel repetition count through standardized signaling mechanisms (RRC reconfiguration and MAC CE). This dynamic feature allows the system to adapt to varying channel conditions and traffic requirements while leveraging existing protocol frameworks to manage the complexity. The adaptability is achieved through controlled parameter changes rather than complete configuration overhauls.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

4Productivity

If the number of repetitions is decreased to optimize resource usage, then the productivity improves, but the reliability deteriorates under poor channel conditions

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecommunication resource efficiencyVSAvoidcontrol channel decoding reliability
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The system dynamically changes the repetition count parameter based on real-time channel assessments. When channels are good, fewer repetitions are used to maximize resource efficiency and productivity. When channels deteriorate, the system automatically increases repetitions to maintain reliable decoding. This conditional parameter adjustment ensures that productivity gains do not come at the expense of reliability under adverse conditions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Data Source

PatentUS20250126618A1Control channel adjustment for connected state
Publication Date: 2025.04.17 QUALCOMM INC
  • US20250126618A1 patent drawing
  • US20250126618A1 patent drawing
  • US20250126618A1 patent drawing

AI summary

Methods, systems, and devices for control channel adjustment for a connected state are described. In some examples, a user equipment (UE) may receive a control message from a base station, the control message indicating a number of repetitions for a downlink control channel (e.g., a narrowband physical downlink control channel (NPDCCH)) for the UE. In such examples, the UE may be in a connected state and may receive an indication to adjust the number of repetitions for the downlink channel for the UE from a first number of repetitions to a second number of repetitions. In some examples, the UE may monitor one or more transmission time intervals (TTIs) for the downlink control channel for the UE based on the second number of repetitions, where a number of the one or more TTIs may correspond to the second number of repetitions.