NB-IoT NPUSCH OCC Multiplexing for NTN Uplink Scheduling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing wireless communication systems face limitations in flexibility and efficiency, particularly in the context of Non-Terrestrial Networks (NTN) for Narrowband Internet of Things (NB-IOT), where uplink capacity enhancement is needed to support multiple user equipment (UEs) with varying characteristics, and efficient orthogonal cover code (OCC) multiplexing is required to optimize resource allocation.
Innovation Solution
The system employs semi-static OCC configuration with dynamic DCI indication for OCC index, utilizing additional RNTIs and repurposing DCI fields to signal OCC parameters, ensuring efficient multiplexing and scheduling of NPUSCH transmissions, even in limited-bit DCI formats.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If existing wireless communication structures are used, then system simplicity is maintained, but communication flexibility and efficiency are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic OCC index indication through DCI format N0, allowing the system to adapt OCC configuration in real-time based on channel conditions and traffic requirements. The OCC index is dynamically selected and indicated to the UE through downlink control information, enabling flexible resource allocation while maintaining a relatively simple overall system structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the OCC configuration parameters dynamically by introducing OCC index indication in DCI format N0. The OCC length and OCC index are configurable parameters that can be adjusted according to system requirements, allowing the same physical channel structure to support multiple multiplexing scenarios without fundamentally changing the communication protocol stack.
2Productivity
If OCC multiplexing is implemented to support multiple UEs, then uplink capacity is enhanced, but scheduling complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the uplink resources by introducing OCC-based multiplexing, where different UEs are assigned different OCC indices to transmit on the same physical resources. This segmentation allows multiple UEs to share the same time-frequency resources with orthogonal codes, enhancing uplink capacity while keeping the scheduling mechanism manageable through structured resource allocation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent makes the DCI format N0 universal by designing it to handle both traditional resource allocation and OCC index indication in a unified manner. The same DCI structure supports multiple functions including resource assignment, OCC configuration, and UE scheduling, reducing the need for separate signaling mechanisms and managing complexity through multi-functionality.
3Loss of information
If DCI fields are repurposed to indicate OCC parameters, then signaling efficiency is improved, but interpretation complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the OCC index indication with the existing DCI format N0 structure by repurposing available bits within the DCI fields. Instead of introducing separate signaling messages, the OCC parameters are combined with resource allocation information in a unified DCI structure, improving signaling efficiency while concentrating the interpretation logic in a single place.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary interpretation layer where the repurposed DCI fields are systematically mapped to OCC parameters through defined rules. This intermediary mapping layer simplifies the detection process by providing clear interpretation guidelines, reducing the complexity burden despite the non-standard field usage.
Data Source
AI summary
An internet of things (IOT) non-terrestrial network (NTN) device user equipment (UE) is described. The UE includes receiving circuitry configured to receive configurations on orthogonal cover code (OCC) multiplexing support and OCC multiplexing factor for narrowband internet of things (NB-IOT) narrowband physical uplink shared channel (NPUSCH) in a higher layer signaling. The receiving circuitry is also configured to receive a separately configured orthogonal cover code radio network temporary identifier (OCC-RNTI) and/or a number of repetitions table for a repetition number field in downlink control information (DCI) format 0 and to receive a DCI format N0 for a NPUSCH transmission with an OCC index indication. The UE also includes transmitting circuitry configured to transmit an NPUSCH with OCC multiplexing with the provided OCC multiplexing factor and the indicated OCC index on a schedule resource.