Downlink Control Channel Resource Multiplexing for 5G
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Solution Overview
Problem
In future radio communication systems, such as LTE Rel. 14 or 15 and 5G, there is a challenge in effectively utilizing radio resources due to the distinction between time fields for DL control and data channels, leading to unoccupied resources and inefficiencies in existing LTE systems.
Innovation Solution
The proposed solution involves an apparatus that receives downlink control information and controls the receipt of downlink and uplink data channels by mapping DL control information to candidate resources, allowing for the use of unoccupied DL control channel resources for DL data channel multiplexing, thereby improving resource efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a clear distinction is drawn between the time field for DL control channel and the time field for DL data channel within a TTI, then control channel reliability is improved, but radio resource utilization deteriorates due to unoccupied resources
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the DL control channel and DL data channel by allowing DL data channels to be multiplexed in the time field originally designated for DL control channels. When DCI is not detected in certain candidate resources, those resources are reused for DL data transmission, combining the functions of both channels in the same time-frequency resources.
Solution Approach 2:
The time field for DL control channel is given multi-functionality by enabling it to serve both as a control channel carrier and a data channel carrier. The same time resources can be used for PDCCH transmission when needed, or for PDSCH transmission when control information is not present, making the resource universal for both purposes.
2Reliability
If DL control information is mapped to candidate resources for DL control channel, then control information delivery is ensured, but resource efficiency deteriorates due to unoccupied DL control channel resources
Solution Approach 1:
The patent recovers unused DL control channel resources by identifying candidate resources where DCI is not detected and reallocating them for DL data transmission. Instead of leaving these resources idle or unoccupied, the system recovers them for productive data transmission, reducing resource waste.
Solution Approach 2:
The DL control channel resources serve themselves by automatically being reused for data transmission when not needed for control information. The system self-adjusts the resource allocation based on the presence or absence of DCI, allowing resources to serve dual purposes without external intervention.
3Ease of operation
If existing LTE systems use separate time fields for DL control and data channels, then channel separation and management are simplified, but resource overhead increases due to unoccupied resources
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces dynamic resource allocation where the function of time field resources changes based on whether DCI is present. The system dynamically switches between control channel mode and data channel mode in the same time field, making the resource allocation flexible and adaptive rather than static and fixed.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the operational parameters of the time field resources by adjusting their function based on DCI detection. When DCI is not detected in certain candidate resources, the parameter of resource usage changes from control channel to data channel, reducing overhead without complicating management.
Data Source
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AI summary
An apparatus comprises a receiving section that receives downlink control information, DCI, that is detected in at least one of a plurality of candidate resources for a downlink, DL, control channel; and a control section that determines that a DL data channel is mapped to a candidate resource, in which the DCI is not detected out of the plurality of candidate resources, when the candidate resource is in resource blocks assigned to the DL data channel an output apparatus that performs outputbased onDL data signal in the DL data channel.