MTC Frequency Hopping for 20 dB Coverage
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Solution Overview
Problem
Machine Type Communication (MTC) terminals face challenges in achieving improved coverage and maintaining low power consumption, especially in environments with metal shielding or underground installations, where existing LTE coverage is inadequate, and require technologies that enhance coverage by 20 dB without compromising data transmission rates or increasing costs.
Innovation Solution
The method involves using frequency hopping and repetition transmission patterns at the base station to transmit system information, control information, and data to MTC terminals, with specific frequency hopping patterns generated using cell and terminal identifiers, and adaptive management of transmission channels to optimize coverage and power efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If coverage improvement technology is applied to MTC terminals, then coverage is improved by 20 dB, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the coverage improvement technology into two parts: network-side technologies (frequency hopping patterns, repetition transmission) and terminal-side technologies (single receive RF chain, reduced bandwidth). This segmentation allows the terminal to implement only essential functions while the network provides the majority of coverage enhancement, reducing terminal device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent designs the MTC terminal to support both normal coverage and coverage enhancement modes using the same basic hardware structure. The terminal can adaptively switch between modes based on network configuration, making the device universally applicable without requiring separate hardware for different coverage scenarios.
2Ease of manufacture
If bandwidth is reduced to lower cost, then manufacturing cost decreases, but data transmission rate decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic bandwidth adaptation where the terminal can operate with reduced bandwidth (e.g., 1.4 MHz) for cost reduction, but the network can dynamically allocate wider bandwidth resources when high data rate is needed. The terminal supports flexible bandwidth configuration based on service requirements and network conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the bandwidth parameter from a fixed value to an adjustable parameter. The terminal is designed to support multiple bandwidth configurations, allowing it to operate at lower bandwidth for cost reduction in typical MTC scenarios, while being capable of higher bandwidth operation when application requirements demand faster data transmission rates.
3Ease of manufacture
If single receive RF chain is used to reduce cost, then manufacturing cost decreases, but downlink coverage deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses repetition transmission where the same downlink data is transmitted multiple times through frequency hopping. The single receive RF chain terminal can decode the data from any one of the repeated transmissions, effectively compensating for the lack of multiple receive chains and maintaining downlink coverage without increasing terminal cost.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements periodic repetition transmission of downlink data at different frequency locations. This periodic transmission allows the single receive RF chain terminal to capture the signal at least once during the repetition period, compensating for the reduced receive capability and maintaining adequate downlink coverage.
Data Source
AI summary
A method of performing a downlink machine type communication from a base station to a MTC (machine type communication) terminal includes, at the base station, transmitting at least one of a system information—the system information excluding a Master Information Block (MIB)—, a control information and data to the MTC terminal using a system bandwidth having a predetermined size. The base station performs frequency hopping using a frequency hopping pattern in a unit of narrow band on the at least one of the system information—the system information excluding a Master Information Block (MIB)—, the control information and the data to transmit to the MTC terminal, and the narrow band is less than the system bandwidth.