5G NR Control Channel REG Bundling for Joint Channel Estimation
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
The 5G NR mobile communications system faces challenges in channel estimation performance due to limited resource overheads for demodulation reference signals, which affects the coverage and reliability of control channels.
Innovation Solution
The method involves determining and using control channel elements (CCEs) that correspond to multiple resource element groups (REGs), forming REG sets or bundles, to improve channel estimation precision by allowing joint channel estimation using multiple DMRSs within these sets, thereby enhancing resource reuse efficiency between control and data channels.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If DMRS resource overhead is reduced in 5G NR, then resource efficiency is improved, but channel estimation precision deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple REGs into REG sets and bundles multiple CCEs into CCE groups, allowing joint channel estimation across multiple DMRS resources. This merging approach enables the system to achieve reliable channel estimation with fewer individual DMRS resources by pooling estimation results from multiple bundled resources.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extends channel estimation from single-REG dimension to multi-REG set dimension by forming REG bundles in time-frequency space. This dimensional extension allows the system to leverage correlations across multiple REGs to compensate for reduced DMRS overhead in each individual REG.
2Device complexity
If DMRS resources are limited to only those within the same PRB/REG, then resource allocation is simplified, but channel estimation performance deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes DMRS resources universal across multiple REGs and CCEs by allowing joint channel estimation using DMRS from different REGs within the same REG set. This multi-functionality enables a single DMRS resource to serve multiple CCEs, improving channel estimation precision without proportionally increasing DMRS overhead.
3Measurement precision
If control channel uses more DMRS resources, then channel estimation precision is improved, but resource overhead increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies partial action by allowing selective joint channel estimation across REG sets based on channel conditions and coverage requirements. For cell-edge users requiring higher coverage, the system can activate joint estimation across more REGs, while for cell-center users, standard single-REG estimation suffices, optimizing the balance between precision and overhead.
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure relates to communication methods and communication apparatus. One example method includes determining a quantity and a position of control channel element (CCE) used by a control channel of user equipment, where each of the CCE corresponds to a plurality of resource element groups (REGs), the plurality of REGs form at least one REG bundle, and any REG bundle in the at least one REG bundle includes a plurality of resource blocks (RBs) that are consecutive or adjacent in at least one of time domain or frequency domain, and receiving, from a network device, the control channel by using the CCE.