DCI Waveform Indication for DRX Adaptability
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Solution Overview
Problem
High-frequency wireless communication systems, such as those operating beyond 52.6 GHz, face performance degradation due to high path loss and nonlinear radio frequency components, which affect waveform stability and coverage, particularly for New Radio (NR) systems.
Innovation Solution
The method involves using Downlink Control Information (DCI) to indicate the appropriate waveform type for User Equipment (UE) during Discontinuous Reception (DRX) Active Times, allowing for dynamic or semi-static switching between waveforms like DFT-s-OFDM, SC-QAM, or CP-SC to optimize performance across varying frequencies and use cases.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a single waveform type is used for downlink transmission, then device complexity is reduced, but adaptability to different frequency ranges and use cases deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic waveform indication by transmitting DCI messages that carry waveform indicators to UEs, allowing the network to switch between different waveform types (e.g., CP-OFDM, DFT-s-OFDM) based on current channel conditions, frequency range, and service requirements. This dynamic adaptation resolves the contradiction by enabling waveform flexibility without requiring UEs to support all waveform types simultaneously, thus maintaining manageable device complexity while achieving high adaptability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the waveform parameter dynamically through DCI signaling. The network can indicate different waveform types (single-carrier or multi-carrier) via DCI messages, allowing the system to adapt to different frequency ranges (sub-6 GHz, mmWave) and use cases (eMBB, URLLC, mMTC) without changing the underlying UE hardware capabilities, thereby resolving the contradiction between complexity and adaptability.
2Adaptability or versatility
If waveform switching is implemented dynamically, then adaptability to different conditions is improved, but device complexity and processing overhead increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by configuring UEs with multiple waveform capabilities in advance through RRC signaling before actual data transmission. The UE is pre-configured to support both single-carrier and multi-carrier waveforms, and the network pre-establishes the waveform indication mechanism through DCI formats. This preliminary configuration reduces real-time processing complexity during actual waveform switching operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces DCI messages as an intermediary mechanism between the network and UE for waveform indication. Instead of direct complex waveform negotiation, the network sends simplified DCI messages containing waveform indicators that the UE can process efficiently. This intermediary approach reduces UE processing complexity while maintaining full waveform switching capability.
3Use of energy by moving object
If DCI-based waveform indication is used during DRX Active Time, then power consumption is reduced, but latency in waveform switching increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by sending waveform indication DCI messages before the DRX Active Time period begins. The network transmits the waveform indicator during the DRX inactive period, allowing the UE to prepare and switch waveforms in advance. When the DRX Active Time starts, the UE is already configured with the correct waveform, eliminating switching latency during the active period while maintaining power-saving benefits during inactive periods.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent provides beforehand cushioning by introducing a time offset between the waveform indication DCI and the actual downlink transmission. This offset allows the UE sufficient processing time to decode the DCI, determine the waveform type, and configure its receiver accordingly before the actual data transmission begins, thus cushioning against any potential latency issues while maintaining power-efficient DRX operation.
4Adaptability or versatility
If multiple waveform types are supported, then system flexibility and coverage are improved, but processing overhead and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses DCI messages as an intermediary to manage multiple waveform types. Instead of requiring complex UE-side waveform selection logic, the network sends clear waveform indicators through DCI, and the UE simply follows the indication. This intermediary approach allows the system to support multiple waveform types (CP-OFDM, DFT-s-OFDM, SC-QAM, CP-SC) without increasing UE processing complexity, as the decision-making burden remains at the network side.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamic waveform indication where the network can switch between different waveform types based on real-time conditions. The UE is configured to support multiple waveforms but only actively processes the one indicated by the current DCI message. This dynamic approach allows the system to maintain support for diverse waveforms while keeping actual processing complexity low, as the UE only needs to handle the currently indicated waveform type.
Data Source
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AI summary
Apparatuses, methods, and systems are disclosed for waveform indication using Downlink Control Information ("DCI"). One apparatus (700) in a mobile communication network includes a processor (705) and a transceiver (725) that monitors (905) for DCI outside a Discontinuous Reception ("DRX") DRX Active Time, where the DCI contains a waveform indicator. The processor (705) determines (910) a waveform type for a next occurring DRX Active Time, and the transceiver (725) receives (915) a downlink transmission on a physical downlink channel during the next occurring DRX Active Time using the determined waveform.