Fallback DCI Aggregated Transmission Scheduling in 5G NR
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Solution Overview
Problem
The 3GPP Release 15 NR technical specifications do not clearly specify whether 'fallback' DCI formats 0_0 and 1_0 can schedule aggregated transmissions, leading to inconsistencies in data and control procedures for scheduling shared channel transmissions in 5G NR wireless communications.
Innovation Solution
The specification allows scheduling of aggregated transmissions by fallback DCIs 0_0 and 1_0, regardless of search-space type, by determining the uplink/downlink configuration and applying slot aggregation for PDSCH or PUSCH based on DCI formats, and updating the handling procedures in 3GPP TS 38.213 and 38.214 to enable consistent scheduling across multiple slots.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If fallback DCI formats 0_0 and 1_0 are used for scheduling, then device complexity is reduced and ease of operation is improved, but scheduling reliability and consistency across multiple slots deteriorates due to specification ambiguities
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the interpretation parameters of fallback DCI formats 0_0 and 1_0 by explicitly defining their behavior for aggregated transmissions. It specifies that these formats can schedule PDSCH/PUSCH across multiple slots when the aggregation factor is indicated, transforming the ambiguous parameter interpretation into a defined scheduling mechanism that maintains both simplicity and reliability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent enables fallback DCI formats to self-configure for aggregated transmissions by incorporating the aggregation factor indication directly within the format structure. This allows the DCI formats to automatically adapt to multi-slot scheduling without requiring additional complex signaling or configuration procedures
2Measurement precision
If fallback DCI formats are restricted to single-slot scheduling, then scheduling precision is improved, but productivity and resource utilization deteriorate due to inability to perform aggregated transmissions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces dynamic scheduling capability to fallback DCI formats by enabling the aggregation factor to be indicated within the DCI structure itself. This allows the scheduling duration to be dynamically adjusted based on transmission needs while maintaining the simplicity of fallback formats, transforming static single-slot scheduling into dynamic multi-slot scheduling
Solution Approach 2:
The patent makes fallback DCI formats universal by enabling them to handle both single-slot and multi-slot scheduling through the aggregation factor indication. This multi-functionality allows the same simplified DCI formats to serve diverse scheduling requirements without losing their ease of operation or precision
3Productivity
If fallback DCI formats are extended to support aggregated transmissions, then productivity and resource utilization are improved, but device complexity and procedure complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the aggregation factor indication directly into the fallback DCI format structure, combining the scheduling command and the duration specification into a single unified message. This integration eliminates the need for separate signaling procedures and reduces overall system complexity while enabling aggregated transmissions
4Ease of manufacture
If fallback DCI formats have ambiguous aggregation behavior, then ease of manufacture and implementation are improved, but measurement precision and scheduling accuracy deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent resolves the ambiguity by changing the parameter definition of the aggregation factor in fallback DCI formats. It explicitly defines how the aggregation factor is indicated and interpreted, transforming the uncertain parameter behavior into a precisely defined scheduling parameter that maintains implementation simplicity
Data Source
AI summary
In a general aspect, a User Equipment (UE) in a cellular communications network receives a Radio Resource Control (RRC) signaling message from a base station communicatively coupled to the UE over a communications channel. The UE accesses a search space in the RRC signaling message. The UE identifies a fallback Downlink Control Information (DCI) Information Element (IE) included in the search space. The UE determines whether an aggregation factor is indicated in the fallback DCI IE for shared channel communications with the base station, over multiple slots in the communications channel. The UE determines an uplink/downlink (UL/DL) configuration for transmission on the communications channel. The UE schedules an aggregated transmission over multiple slots in the communications channel based on the aggregation factor and the uplink/downlink configuration.