MCS Table Signaling for 1024QAM NR Throughput Gains

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Solution Overview

Problem

The NR communication system supports only up to 256QAM modulation, leading to low data throughputs in high signal-to-noise ratio scenarios, affecting communication efficiency.

Innovation Solution

Implementing a method and apparatus for transmitting MCS indication information that supports 1024QAM modulation by providing specific MCS and CQI tables, allowing higher-order modulation and coding schemes, including MCS levels corresponding to a modulation order of 10, and CQI levels for 1024QAM, to enhance data throughput in high signal-to-noise ratio environments.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If 256QAM modulation is used as the highest-order scheme in NR system, then system compatibility and backward compatibility are maintained, but data throughput in high signal-to-noise ratio scenarios is limited

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedata throughputVSAvoidmodulation order support
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements dynamic MCS table selection where the terminal can switch between legacy MCS table (up to 256QAM) and 1024QAM MCS table based on channel conditions and capability. The network configures multiple MCS tables and indicates which table to use through DCI signaling, allowing the system to adaptively select higher modulation orders when conditions permit while maintaining compatibility when needed.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the modulation order parameter from the fixed maximum of 256QAM to support variable modulation orders including 1024QAM (modulation order 10). By introducing configurable MCS tables with different modulation schemes and code rates, the system can adjust the modulation order parameter dynamically based on signal-to-noise ratio and channel quality, thereby increasing data throughput in high SNR scenarios.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Productivity

If 1024QAM modulation is supported, then data throughput in high signal-to-noise ratio scenarios is increased, but system complexity and configuration overhead are increased

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedata throughputVSAvoidMCS table configuration
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent performs preliminary configuration by pre-defining multiple MCS tables (legacy MCS table and 1024QAM MCS table) with different modulation schemes and code rates. The network configures these tables in advance through RRC signaling before actual data transmission, so that during data transmission, the terminal can quickly select from pre-configured tables based on DCI indications without complex real-time calculations, thereby reducing runtime complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces DCI (Downlink Control Information) as an intermediary mechanism that carries MCS table indication and MCS level information. This intermediary signaling layer simplifies the interaction between network and terminal by providing a standardized interface for selecting from pre-configured MCS tables, reducing the complexity of direct configuration management while enabling flexible adaptation to different channel conditions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Adaptability or versatility

If multiple MCS tables are configured for different modulation schemes, then adaptability to different channel conditions is improved, but signaling overhead and configuration complexity are increased

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvechannel condition adaptationVSAvoidsignaling overhead
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of information

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the MCS configuration into separate, independently configurable tables (legacy MCS table for up to 256QAM, and 1024QAM MCS table for higher order modulation). Each table contains modulation schemes and code rates appropriate for specific channel conditions. This segmentation allows the network to configure and activate only the necessary tables based on terminal capability and channel characteristics, reducing overall signaling overhead compared to configuring all possible combinations in a single large table.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Data Source

PatentEP4216465B1Modulation and coding scheme (MCS) indication information transmission method and apparatus, and communication device
Publication Date: 2026.04.22 VIVO MOBILE COMM CO LTD
  • EP4216465B1 patent drawingFigure 1~3
  • EP4216465B1 patent drawingFigure 4~6
  • EP4216465B1 patent drawingFigure 7

AI summary

This application discloses a method and apparatus for transmitting MCS indication information and a communication device, and pertains to the field of communication technologies. In a case that the method for transmitting MCS indication information is performed by a first communication device, the method includes: in a case that a second communication device is capable of supporting 1024QAM, transmitting first indication information, second indication information, and third indication information to the second communication device; where the first indication information is used to indicate an MCS table used for the second communication device to perform data transmission, and the MCS table includes an MCS level corresponding to a modulation scheme with a modulation order of 10; the second indication information is used to indicate a CQI table used for the second communication device to perform CQI feedback, and the CQI table includes a CQI level corresponding to the 1024QAM modulation scheme; and the third indication information is used for determining, according to the MCS table, an MCS level corresponding to a channel received or transmitted by the second communication device.