Multi-Cell DCI Scheduling for Lower 5G NR Signaling Overhead
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Solution Overview
Problem
Legacy 5G NR systems lack efficient methods for joint scheduling of multiple physical downlink shared channels (PDSCHs) or physical uplink shared channels (PUSCHs) across multiple cells using a single DCI format, leading to high signaling overhead and redundant parameter repetitions.
Innovation Solution
Implement multi-cell scheduling using a single DCI format that includes modified DCIs (M-DCIs) for multiple cells, with common and cell-specific scheduling parameters, and employs techniques like MAC control elements or multiplexing in data channels to reduce signaling overhead.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If separate DCI formats are used for scheduling each cell individually, then scheduling flexibility is maintained, but signaling overhead increases and redundant parameter repetitions occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple separate DCI formats into a unified multi-cell DCI format that schedules PDSCH/PUSCH across multiple cells simultaneously. This merging approach eliminates redundant parameter repetitions and reduces overall signaling overhead while maintaining the ability to schedule multiple cells through a single control message.
Solution Approach 2:
The multi-cell DCI format serves multiple functions by simultaneously providing scheduling information for different cells and channel types (PDSCH and PUSCH) within a single control message. This universal format replaces the need for multiple separate DCI formats, reducing complexity while preserving scheduling flexibility.
2Device complexity
If multiple DCI formats are used for multi-cell scheduling, then scheduling flexibility is maintained, but signaling overhead increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple scheduling operations into a single DCI format, allowing the base station to schedule multiple cells and channel types simultaneously. This consolidation reduces the number of control signaling messages required, improving scheduling efficiency by reducing processing overhead and signal processing time.
Solution Approach 2:
The multi-cell DCI format includes pre-configured fields and parameters that allow the UE to efficiently interpret and process scheduling information for multiple cells in advance. This preliminary structuring of control information enables faster processing and more efficient resource allocation across multiple cells.
Data Source
AI summary
Methods and apparatuses for down-link control information (DCI) for multi-cell scheduling. A method includes receiving first information for a first number of sets of serving cells, a first physical downlink control channel (PDCCH) providing a first downlink control information (DCI) format on a first cell, and a second PDCCH providing a second DCI format on a second cell; determining: parameters for reception or transmission of first physical downlink shared channels (PDSCHs) or physical uplink shared channel (PUSCHs), respectively, on a first set of serving cells based on the first DCI format, and parameters for reception or transmission of a second PDSCH or PUSCH, respectively, on the second cell based on the second DCI format. The method further includes receiving the first PDSCHs or transmitting the first PUSCHs on the first set of serving cells and receiving the second PDSCH or transmitting the second PUSCH on the second cell.