MTC Physical Downlink Control Channel Start Symbol Configuration

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Solution Overview

Problem

Narrowband Machine Type Communication (MTC) devices in LTE networks face challenges in obtaining start Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiplexing (OFDM) symbols for Physical Downlink Shared Channels (PDSCH) and Enhanced Physical Downlink Control Channels (EPDCCH) due to their inability to read broadband Physical Control Format Indicator Channel (PCFICH) information, limiting their data transmission and mobility.

Innovation Solution

The solution involves configuring a Machine Type Communication (MTC) Physical Downlink Control Channel (MPDCCH) to carry resource allocation and control information for PDSCHs, allowing narrowband MTC UEs to obtain start OFDM symbols for SIB1 transmissions based on the Master Information Block (MIB), and using preconfiguration, MIB, SIB, or RRC signaling to determine these symbols.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If narrowband MTC UEs use broadband PCFICH to obtain start OFDM symbol information, then they can decode PDSCH and EPDCCH, but narrowband MTC UEs cannot read broadband PCFICH information due to bandwidth limitations

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveability to decode PDSCH and EPDCCHVSAvoidbandwidth compatibility

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces SIB1 as an intermediary carrier that transports start OFDM symbol information. Instead of narrowband UEs directly reading broadband PCFICH, the information is mediated through SIB1 which can be received by narrowband UEs. The base station configures and transmits this information in SIB1, which then serves as the source for narrowband UEs to obtain the necessary control information.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Productivity

If LTE network uses existing signaling channels for MTC, then system complexity is maintained, but MTC devices in poor coverage areas experience very low data transmission rates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedata transmission rateVSAvoidpenetration loss in poor coverage areas

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the transmission parameters for MTC services by introducing dedicated MTC Physical Downlink Control Channels (MPDCCH) and configuring specific resource allocations for MTC UEs. The start OFDM symbol information is specifically tailored for MTC devices through SIB1 configuration, allowing optimized transmission parameters that improve data rates in poor coverage conditions while maintaining separate control channels that avoid interference with conventional devices.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Data Source

PatentEP3177068B1Method for configuring start symbol of physical channel, base station and user equipment

Publication Date: 2022.04.06 SHARP KK

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AI summary

The present disclosure provides a base station. The base station comprises: a transmitting unit configured to transmit a Machine Type Communication (MTC) Physical Downlink Control Channel (M-PDCCH) and Physical Downlink Shared Channels (PDSCHs). A start Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiplexing (OFDM) symbol of a PDSCH carrying First System Information Broadcast (SIB1) is preconfigured. Respective start OFDM symbols of the M-PDCCH and other PDSCHs are configured via the SIB1. The present disclosure also provides a User Equipment (UE) and associated methods.