NR-PDCCH REG Grouping for Flexible Numerology
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Solution Overview
Problem
Future radio communication systems, such as LTE Rel. 14 and 5G, face challenges in maintaining communication quality and throughput due to the need for flexible numerologies and frequencies, which existing LTE systems are not equipped to handle effectively, leading to signal transmission and reception issues.
Innovation Solution
The system configures NR-PDCCH candidates using NR-CCE sets, grouping multiple NR-REGs for transmission and allowing the user terminal to perform channel estimation and demodulation on a per NR-REG group basis, enabling flexible precoding and beamforming to improve signal accuracy and reduce overhead.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If existing LTE transmission methods are used for future radio communication systems with flexible numerologies and frequencies, then device complexity is reduced, but communication quality deteriorates and signal transmission fails
Solution Approach 1:
The control channel is segmented into multiple REGs (Resource Element Groups) that can be independently configured and mapped to different physical resources. This segmentation allows the system to adapt to various numerologies and frequency configurations while maintaining reliable transmission through flexible REG grouping and mapping strategies.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamic configuration of control channel parameters including variable aggregation levels, flexible REG-to-RE mapping, and adaptive precoding/beamforming. These dynamic adjustments enable the system to optimize communication quality for different numerologies and frequency conditions while maintaining adaptability.
2Adaptability or versatility
If control channels are configured with fine granularity (smaller REG units) for future systems, then adaptability to different configurations improves, but receiving process complexity increases and channel estimation fails
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple fine-grained REGs are merged into larger REG groups for channel estimation purposes. This merging reduces the complexity of the receiving process by allowing channel estimation to be performed on aggregated groups rather than individual REGs, while still maintaining the fine granularity benefits for adaptive configuration.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces intermediate structures (REG groups, control resource sets) that mediate between the fine-grained REG configuration and the receiving processes. These intermediaries simplify channel estimation and demodulation by providing appropriate aggregation levels, reducing receiving process complexity while preserving configuration flexibility.
3Ease of operation
If existing LTE control channel mapping is used for future systems, then ease of operation is maintained, but throughput decreases due to inadequate reference signal support
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes key parameters including the number and distribution of reference signals within REG groups, the aggregation level of control channels, and the mapping patterns between REGs and physical resources. These parameter changes enable enhanced throughput through improved channel estimation accuracy while maintaining operational simplicity through standardized configuration procedures.
Solution Approach 2:
The control channel design implements multi-functionality by supporting both legacy LTE operations and future flexible numerology configurations through a unified REG-based framework. This universality allows the same basic structure to serve multiple purposes, maintaining ease of operation while enabling throughput improvements through optimized reference signal usage.
Data Source
Figure 1A~1D
Figure 2
Figure 3A~3B
AI summary
The present invention is designed to reduce the deterioration of communication quality and so on even when communication is performed by applying different configurations than in existing LTE systems. A receiving section that receives a downlink control channel, and a control section that controls receipt of the down link control channel, are provided, the downlink control channel is transmitted using downlink control channel elements including a plurality of resource element groups (REGs), and the control section controls receiving processes per REG group comprised of a plurality of REGs.