DCI Format Segmentation for Coverage Enhancement
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Solution Overview
Problem
The increasing number of user equipment (UEs) and data/control information in wireless communication systems poses a challenge due to limited resources, necessitating an efficient method for transmitting and receiving uplink/downlink data and control information using limited radio resources.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus for a user equipment (UE) and base station (BS) to determine a coverage enhancement (CE) mode, decode downlink (DL) grant control information (DCI) in specific formats, and transmit/receive physical channels accordingly, optimizing resource usage by varying the DCI format based on the CE mode.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If the BS transmits more data and control information to serve increasing numbers of UEs, then the service coverage and throughput are improved, but the limited radio resources are depleted faster
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the downlink control information into two distinct formats: DCI format 1 for normal coverage UEs and DCI format 1A for coverage enhancement UEs. This segmentation allows the system to efficiently allocate radio resources by matching the control information format to the specific coverage requirements of each UE, thereby serving more UEs without proportionally increasing overall resource consumption.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamic selection of DCI formats based on the coverage enhancement mode of each UE. The base station dynamically determines which DCI format to transmit based on real-time assessment of UE coverage requirements, enabling flexible and efficient use of radio resources that adapts to varying service conditions and UE capabilities.
2Device complexity
If the BS uses a unified DCI format for all UEs, then the system complexity is reduced, but coverage enhancement for specific UEs cannot be optimized
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by tailoring the DCI format to the specific coverage requirements of each UE. Instead of using a uniform approach, the system provides localized optimization by selecting DCI format 1A specifically for UEs in coverage enhancement mode, while using DCI format 1 for normal coverage UEs, thereby achieving both complexity management and coverage optimization.
3Adaptability or versatility
If low-cost UEs use legacy system protocols, then compatibility is maintained, but communication efficiency in enhanced coverage modes is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent achieves universality by designing DCI format 1A to be compatible with legacy UE architectures while providing enhanced coverage functionality. Low-cost UEs can continue to use the familiar DCI format structure and processing methods, maintaining compatibility with existing protocols, while the format itself provides improved coverage through optimized resource allocation and transmission parameters.
Data Source
AI summary
A method for a user equipment (UE) in a wireless communication system includes determining a coverage enhancement (CE) mode, wherein the CE mode is determined as one of a plurality of predetermined CE modes, wherein the plurality of predetermined CE modes comprise CE mode A and CE mode B; receiving downlink control information (DCI) related to scheduling a data channel, wherein a format of the DCI is related to the CE mode; and communicating the data channel based on the DCI. Further, determining the CE mode includes based on information related to indicating the CE mode being received, determining the CE mode as identical to the CE mode indicated based on the information.