ePDCCH PRB Pair Allocation for Low-Cost UE Control and Data

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing wireless communication systems face inefficiencies in resource utilization for low-cost User Equipments (UEs), particularly in LTE technology, where the residual resources of Enhanced Physical Downlink Control Channel (ePDCCH) PRB pairs are not effectively utilized for data transmission, leading to resource wastage.

Innovation Solution

A method for wireless communications that includes transmitting a control channel using a first portion of resources in a PRB pair and indicating whether the remaining resources are available for data transmission, allowing for efficient utilization of leftover resources in ePDCCH PRB pairs.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If residual resources of ePDCCH PRB pairs are reserved for control channel transmission, then control channel reliability is improved, but resource utilization efficiency deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecontrol channel reliabilityVSAvoidresource utilization efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements dynamic resource allocation where the base station determines whether residual resources in ePDCCH PRB pairs are used for control or data transmission based on real-time conditions. The indication signal dynamically switches the function of residual resources between control channel and data channel, allowing the system to adapt between reliability and efficiency requirements根据不同场景

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies partial action by using only the necessary portion of PRB pairs for control channel transmission. The residual resources that would otherwise be wasted are partially utilized for data transmission when control channel requirements are met, achieving optimal balance between control reliability and resource efficiency

Inventive Principle:
Principle #16Partial or excessive action

2Productivity

If residual resources of ePDCCH PRB pairs are used for data transmission, then resource utilization efficiency is improved, but control channel reliability may deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveresource utilization efficiencyVSAvoidcontrol channel reliability
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements feedback mechanism where the base station sends indication signals to UEs about the usage status of residual resources. This feedback loop allows the system to monitor and adjust resource allocation, ensuring control channel reliability requirements are met while maximizing data transmission opportunities when conditions permit

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

3Productivity

If indication signals are transmitted to UEs about residual resource availability, then resource allocation efficiency is improved, but signaling overhead increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveresource allocation efficiencyVSAvoidsignaling overhead
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the resource allocation information into targeted indication signals sent only to relevant UEs about their specific PRB pair residual resources. This segmented approach provides necessary information for efficient resource allocation while minimizing unnecessary signaling overhead by avoiding blanket notifications to all UEs

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Data Source

PatentEP3917062B1Methods and apparatus for managing control and data transmissions for low cost user equipments
Publication Date: 2026.03.11 QUALCOMM INC
  • EP3917062B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3917062B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3917062B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

Certain aspects of the present disclosure relate to methods and apparatus for managing control and data transmissions for low cost UEs. In certain aspects, multiplexing of a control channel and data channel may be allowed in a Physical Resource Block (PRB) pair of a subframe. An indication may be provided to the UE regarding whether a portion of resources of the PRB pair not used to transmit the control channel is available for transmitting the data channel. In alternative aspects, control and data may be scheduled in different subframes, such that there is no need to multiplex them in a subframe or a PRB pair in a same subframe.