MIMO Control Channel Detection Using Segmented Antenna Ports

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Solution Overview

Problem

In LTE-A systems, the existing control channel detection methods face challenges in efficiently transmitting and receiving control channels due to high inter-cell interference and varying channel conditions, which can lead to failed receptions, especially when using frequency-selective or frequency diversity gain-oriented transmission modes.

Innovation Solution

A method and apparatus for wireless communication that allows terminals to receive and transmit control channels configured with different reference signals and transmission modes, specifically using enhanced physical downlink control channels (ePDCCH) with distinct antenna port sets for distributed and localized transmission modes, determined based on higher layer information and terminal identifiers.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If distributed transmission mode is used for control channel, then inter-cell interference is reduced and frequency diversity gain is achieved, but terminal complexity increases due to need to support multiple transmission modes

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecontrol channel reception reliabilityVSAvoidterminal complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The control channel resources are segmented into two distinct types: first resources for distributed transmission mode and second resources for localized transmission mode. The terminal is configured with separate antenna port sets for each resource type, allowing it to process different transmission modes independently without increasing overall complexity. This segmentation enables the terminal to handle multiple transmission modes by treating them as separate, manageable entities rather than a single complex system.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Quantity of substance

If frequency-selective gain-oriented transmission mode is used, then resource usage is reduced, but control channel reception fails when channel varies frequently

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveresource usageVSAvoidcontrol channel reception reliability
Core Design Contradiction:
Quantity of substanceVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The system dynamically adapts the transmission mode based on channel conditions. The base station can select either distributed transmission mode (first resource) or localized transmission mode (second resource) depending on the current channel state. When channel conditions are stable, frequency-selective gain-oriented localized mode is used to conserve resources. When channel conditions vary frequently, frequency diversity gain-oriented distributed mode is used to ensure reliable reception. This dynamic adaptation resolves the contradiction between resource efficiency and reception reliability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Device complexity

If single transmission mode is used for control channel, then terminal complexity is reduced, but system adaptability to different channel conditions deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveterminal complexityVSAvoidtransmission mode adaptability
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The terminal is designed with universal capability to support both distributed and localized transmission modes through a unified configuration mechanism. By receiving higher layer information that includes both first resource (distributed) and second resource (localized) configurations, along with corresponding antenna port sets, the terminal achieves multi-functionality. It can adapt to different channel conditions and transmission modes without requiring separate hardware or complex processing logic, thus maintaining low terminal complexity while achieving high system adaptability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentEP2777176B1Control channel detection method and apparatus of MIMO system
Publication Date: 2019.09.25 SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO LTD
  • EP2777176B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2777176B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2777176B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A control channel transmission/reception method and apparatus are provided. The control channel transmission method of a base station includes acquiring a criterion for sorting control channels, sorting the controls channels into at least two control channel sets based on the criterion, configuring the control channels by allocating at least one antenna port to each control channel set, and transmitting the control channels as configured.