Dynamic Modulation Order Control for Uplink Control Channel
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current wireless communication technologies, such as LTE and NR, face challenges in optimizing modulation order for the physical uplink control channel, leading to suboptimal coverage and spectrum efficiency, especially for UEs at cell edges or centers, due to statically configured modulation orders.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus for dynamically controlling the modulation order of the physical uplink control channel based on a UE's link budget, where the base station sends a signaling message to the UE to adjust the modulation order from QPSK to π/2 BPSK or higher orders like 8PSK/16-QAM, optimizing between coverage and spectrum efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a statically configured modulation order (e.g., QPSK) is used for the physical uplink control channel, then coverage is maintained for UEs at cell edges, but spectrum efficiency deteriorates for UEs closer to the base station
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic modulation order adjustment by allowing the UE to autonomously select from a set of configured modulation orders (e.g., QPSK, 8PSK, 16-QAM) based on real-time link budget conditions. This transforms the static modulation configuration into a dynamic adaptation mechanism, enabling UEs near the base station to use higher-order modulations for improved spectrum efficiency while cell-edge UEs maintain robust QPSK for coverage reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the modulation order parameter based on link budget evaluation. The UE monitors its link budget status and autonomously selects an appropriate modulation order from a pre-configured set provided by higher layers. This parameter adaptation allows the system to optimize between coverage and spectrum efficiency without requiring dynamic base station signaling for each modulation change.
2Productivity
If higher order modulation (e.g., 16-QAM, 64-QAM) is used to improve spectrum efficiency, then data rate increases, but coverage deteriorates for UEs at cell edges
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by allowing different UEs to use different modulation orders appropriate to their specific channel conditions. UEs closer to the base station with better link budgets can utilize higher-order modulations like 16-QAM or 64-QAM for improved spectrum efficiency, while cell-edge UEs with poorer link budgets maintain use of more robust QPSK. This localized adaptation ensures each UE operates at its optimal performance point.
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables dynamic modulation order selection where UEs can transition between different modulation schemes based on their instantaneous link budget conditions. This dynamic behavior allows the network to achieve higher overall spectrum efficiency without compromising cell-edge coverage, as each UE adapts its modulation order to its specific radio conditions.
3Reliability
If lower order modulation (e.g., BPSK, QPSK) is used to improve coverage for cell-edge UEs, then link reliability increases, but spectrum efficiency deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a dynamic modulation order selection mechanism where UEs autonomously choose from a pre-configured set of modulation orders based on their link budget conditions. This allows cell-edge UEs to maintain reliable QPSK connections while UEs with better conditions can switch to higher-order modulations, achieving system-wide optimization without sacrificing individual link reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables parameter adaptation by allowing UEs to change their modulation order based on link budget evaluation. Cell-edge UEs maintain use of robust lower-order modulations for reliable communication, while the mechanism permits other UEs to utilize higher-order modulations, thus resolving the contradiction between link reliability and spectrum efficiency at the system level.
Data Source
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AI summary
Various aspects of the present disclosure generally relate to wireless communication. In some aspects, a user equipment (UE) may receive, while the UE is using a first modulation order for a physical uplink control channel, a signaling message that identifies a second modulation order, for the physical uplink control channel. The UE may provide the physical uplink control channel using the second modulation order. In some aspects, a base station may provide, while a UE is using a first modulation order for a physical uplink control channel, a signaling message that identifies a second modulation order, for the physical uplink control channel. The base station may receive the physical uplink control channel using the second modulation order. Numerous other aspects are provided.