LTE Multi-Subframe HARQ Feedback Aggregation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Multi-subframe scheduling in LTE systems poses challenges in managing HARQ ACK/NACK feedback, particularly when UEs use the same PUCCH resource across multiple subframes, leading to potential conflicts with single-subframe assignments for other UEs.

Innovation Solution

Implementing a system where HARQ processes are split into groups and used differently across subframes, with aggregated ACK/NACK feedback collected and processed to prevent resource conflicts, allowing for efficient retransmission of codewords without interfering with single-subframe scheduling.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If the UE uses the same PUCCH resource in every subframe of the multi-subframe assignment, then the feedback transmission is simplified, but the eNB must avoid reusing the corresponding PDCCH CCE in those subframes for single-subframe assignments to other UEs, leading to resource conflicts

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovePUCCH resource usageVSAvoidPDCCH CCE reuse
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The invention divides the feedback transmission into two separate resources: a first PUCCH resource for aggregated ACK/NACK feedback and a second PUCCH resource for individual codeword feedback. This segmentation allows the eNB to reuse PDCCH CCE resources for single-subframe assignments while maintaining simplified feedback transmission for multi-subframe assignments through the first PUCCH resource.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Reliability

If the eNB avoids reusing PDCCH CCE resources for single-subframe assignments during multi-subframe assignment subframes, then resource conflicts are prevented, but the utilization of available PDCCH resources is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveresource conflict preventionVSAvoidPDCCH resource utilization
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The invention introduces a first PUCCH resource as an intermediary for aggregated ACK/NACK feedback. This intermediary allows the eNB to maintain normal PDCCH CCE resource allocation for single-subframe assignments while still providing reliable feedback transmission for multi-subframe assignments, thus preventing resource conflicts without reducing overall PDCCH resource utilization.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Quantity of substance

If aggregated ACK/NACK feedback is received for multiple codewords in a single subframe, then feedback overhead is reduced, but the complexity of processing and identifying individual codeword status increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefeedback overheadVSAvoidfeedback processing complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Quantity of substanceVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The invention segments the feedback information into two parts: aggregated ACK/NACK feedback for multiple codewords transmitted on a first PUCCH resource, and individual codeword feedback transmitted on a second PUCCH resource. This segmentation reduces the overall feedback overhead by aggregating where possible, while maintaining manageable processing complexity by separating individual codeword status information.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Data Source

PatentEP3484083A1Communication system
Publication Date: 2019.05.15 NEC CORP
  • EP3484083A1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3484083A1 patent drawingFigure 2a~2b
  • EP3484083A1 patent drawingFigure 3a~3b

AI summary

A communication system is provided in which a communication node can allocate resources, for another communication node, within a number of consecutive subframes using a single control message. The other communication node receives codewords transmitted over using the allocated resources, aggregates ACK/NACK feedback for the received codewords and transmits the aggregated ACK/NACK feedback to the communication node for use in controlling subsequent transmission of new codewords or retransmission of previous codewords.