Alternative DMRS Configuration for PDCCH Repetition Detection

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing wireless communication systems face challenges in accurately detecting the repetition number of a Physical Downlink Control Channel (PDCCH) message during random access procedures, particularly for user equipment (UE) that are unaware of multiple repetitions of the PDCCH communication.

Innovation Solution

The implementation of an alternative demodulation reference signal (DMRS) configuration for repetitions of a random access response PDCCH communication, which includes transmitting an indication of this alternative configuration to user equipment (UE). This configuration allows UE to correctly identify the number of repetitions and timing of the PDCCH communication, ensuring accurate detection of the random access response.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If multiple repetitions of PDCCH communication are transmitted for random access response, then the reliability of PDCCH detection is improved, but the complexity of detecting the repetition number increases for user equipment

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovePDCCH detection reliabilityVSAvoidUE detection complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies parameter changes by modifying the DMRS configuration parameters (such as scrambling code or sequence) based on the repetition number. This allows the UE to identify the repetition number through parameter detection rather than complex counting, thereby maintaining high reliability while reducing detection complexity. The DMRS configuration changes systematically with each repetition, providing a clear indicator for the UE.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces the DMRS as an intermediary element that carries implicit information about the repetition number. Instead of directly signaling the repetition number through complex control mechanisms, the system uses the DMRS configuration as a mediator to encode repetition information, which the UE can decode to determine the repetition number efficiently.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Measurement precision

If alternative DMRS configuration is used for repetitions, then the accuracy of random access response timing identification is improved, but the configuration complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetiming identification accuracyVSAvoidDMRS configuration complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs parameter changes by systematically varying DMRS configuration parameters (such as scrambling codes, sequence indices, or pattern identifiers) according to the repetition number. This creates a clear, detectable pattern that enables accurate timing identification while keeping the configuration manageable through standardized parameter mappings.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent segments the DMRS configuration into distinct patterns or sets corresponding to different repetition numbers. Each repetition uses a specific segment or pattern of DMRS configuration, allowing the UE to identify the repetition number by detecting which segment is present, thereby improving timing accuracy without requiring complex analysis of the entire signal.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

3Reliability

If repetitions of PDCCH are transmitted to ensure reliable delivery, then the success rate of random access response is improved, but the time consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improverandom access response success rateVSAvoidtime for multiple transmissions
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements feedback mechanisms where the UE detects the DMRS configuration to identify the repetition number and provides this information back to the network. This feedback allows the system to optimize subsequent transmissions, reducing unnecessary repetitions and minimizing time consumption while maintaining high success rates through initial reliable delivery.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces dynamic adjustment capabilities where the transmission parameters, including DMRS configuration and repetition patterns, can be adapted based on detected conditions. This allows the system to dynamically optimize the number of repetitions and timing parameters, reducing overall time consumption while ensuring reliable delivery through adaptive rather than fixed repetition strategies.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentUS12232183B2Alternative demodulation reference signal for repetitions of a random access response physical downlink control channel communication
Publication Date: 2025.02.18 QUALCOMM INC
  • US12232183B2 patent drawing
  • US12232183B2 patent drawing
  • US12232183B2 patent drawing

AI summary

Various aspects of the present disclosure generally relate to wireless communication. In some aspects, a user equipment (UE) may receive an indication of an alternative configuration associated with demodulation reference signals (DMRSs) for one or more repetitions of a physical downlink control channel (PDCCH) communication associated with a random access response message. The UE may receive at least one repetition of the PDCCH communication that includes a DMRS that uses the alternative configuration. Numerous other aspects are provided.