Control Region Multiplexing in Wireless Communications
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Legacy wireless communication systems, such as 3GPP LTE, face challenges in efficiently communicating control data due to insufficient resources, particularly with advancements like multicarrier assignments and larger numbers of devices, which require additional resources for effective control data transmission.
Innovation Solution
A new control data region is defined within general data resources of a legacy network specification, allowing for the expansion of control resources by multiplexing control data with general data, and using techniques like frequency hopping to enhance interference mitigation and resource utilization.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the existing PDCCH control data region is used, then legacy network compatibility is maintained, but control data transmission capacity becomes insufficient for advanced features like multicarrier assignments and larger device numbers
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the resource block into a control data region and a general data region, allowing independent allocation and utilization of resources for different purposes. The control data region can be configured with different sizes (e.g., 1, 2, or 3 resource blocks) depending on the number of devices and transmission requirements, while the general data region accommodates remaining resources.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces dynamic configuration of the control data region size based on actual transmission needs. The base station can adaptively determine the control data region size according to the number of devices requiring control information and the type of transmission (unicast, multicast, or broadcast), allowing flexible resource allocation that evolves with network demands.
2Quantity of substance
If control data region size is increased to support more devices, then device coverage is improved, but available resources for general data communication are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic adjustment of the control data region size based on the number of devices and transmission type. For example, when few devices need control information, the control region can be smaller (1 resource block), maximizing general data resources. When many devices require control, the control region expands (2-3 resource blocks), ensuring adequate device coverage.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the parameter of control data region size dynamically. The base station determines the appropriate size (1, 2, or 3 resource blocks) based on transmission requirements, and this parameter can be reconfigured per transmission occasion to optimize the balance between control data capacity and general data availability.
3Reliability
If frequency hopping is applied to control data transmission, then interference mitigation is improved, but transmission complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies frequency hopping as a periodic action where the control data transmission frequency changes in a predetermined pattern across different time slots. The base station hops between different frequencies (e.g., first frequency and second frequency) in a periodic manner, which distributes interference over time and improves reliability without requiring complex real-time frequency selection.
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
Systems and methodologies are described that facilitate defining a new control region over resources allocated for communicating general non-control data in a legacy network specification. The new control region can comprise multiple control channels, which can be multiplexed together and/or with general data channels. Devices can receive control data over the new control region as well as information regarding the region, such as location of the region, location of specific resources, multiplexing schemes, frequency hopping patterns, and/or the like to appropriately decode relevant control data. This allows for expanded control resources to support multicarrier assignments, large numbers of devices being addressed, special operation modes, new downlink control information (DCI) formats, and/or the like.