MIMO Downlink Control Information Antenna Port Indication
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Solution Overview
Problem
In MIMO wireless communication systems, user equipment may fail to receive downlink signals properly when a new MIMO transmission scheme is introduced, as the control information format defined for existing schemes is not sufficient for normal signal reception.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus for transmitting downlink signals in MIMO systems, where a new data indicator is used to specify antenna ports, and modulation and coding schemes are configured for each transport block, with UE-specific reference signals provided for demodulation, enabling efficient configuration of downlink control information for new MIMO transmission schemes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a new MIMO transmission scheme is introduced, then system capacity and transmission efficiency are improved, but compatibility with existing control information formats deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The control information is segmented into multiple transport blocks, with each block carrying specific control data for different antenna ports. This segmentation allows the system to support new MIMO schemes with multiple antenna ports while maintaining a structure compatible with existing control information formats.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extends the control information structure by adding a new dimension - the transport block index dimension. Instead of a single control information block, multiple transport blocks are used, where each block corresponds to specific antenna ports. This dimensional extension enables support for new MIMO schemes without breaking compatibility with existing formats.
2Reliability
If multiple antenna ports are used for downlink transmission, then signal reliability and capacity are improved, but complexity of control information configuration increases
Solution Approach 1:
The control information structure is designed to be universal, where the same DCI format and transport block structure can serve multiple antenna ports. The plurality of transport blocks uses a unified configuration approach that can adapt to different numbers of antenna ports, reducing the need for separate complex configurations for each port.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses a copying approach where the control information structure for one antenna port is replicated and adapted for multiple ports through multiple transport blocks. Each transport block contains control information that is essentially a copy of the base format, modified only by the transport block index and associated parameters, thereby simplifying the overall configuration complexity.
3Device complexity
If existing DCI formats are used for new MIMO schemes, then device complexity is reduced, but ability to properly indicate antenna ports and configure transport blocks deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces dynamic characteristics to the DCI format by enabling the system to adaptively configure multiple transport blocks based on the number of antenna ports and transmission requirements. The DCI format dynamically adjusts its content and structure through the transport block index and associated parameters, allowing it to properly indicate antenna ports and configure transport blocks for new MIMO schemes while maintaining a familiar format that devices can handle with minimal complexity.
Data Source
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AI summary
A method and apparatus for transmitting a downlink signal in a multiple input multiple output (MIMO) wireless communication system is disclosed. A method for receiving a downlink signal from a base station to a user equipment in a multiple input multiple output (MIMO) system, which supports dual layer transmission based on first and second antenna ports, comprises receiving downlink control information (DCI) through a downlink control channel; and receiving downlink data through a downlink data channel, the downlink data including one or more of a first transport block and a second transport block, wherein the downlink control information includes a new data indicator (NDI) for each of the first and second transport blocks, and if the first transport block is disabled and the second transport block is enabled, the new data indicator for the first transport block indicates an antenna port through which the second transport block is received.