PDCCH Limit Handling for Multi-Cell Scheduling in 5G NR

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Current wireless communication systems face challenges in efficiently managing PDCCH limits for multiple cells scheduling one cell, particularly in 5G NR, which can lead to complexity and inefficiencies in resource utilization.

Innovation Solution

The implementation of methods and apparatus for determining PDCCH limits based on the number of BDs and CCEs for multiple cells scheduling one cell, allowing for flexible control resource utilization through self-scheduling and cross-carrier scheduling.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Speed

If multiple cells schedule one cell in 5G NR, then transmission speed and flexibility are improved, but transmission complexity and PDCCH limit management difficulty increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetransmission speedVSAvoidtransmission complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
SpeedVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the PDCCH limit management by introducing a reference scheduling cell concept that divides the multiple scheduling cells into a reference cell and other scheduling cells. The UE separately determines PDCCH candidates for the reference cell and other cells, managing complexity through structured segmentation of the scheduling process.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces a new dimension of reference cell indexing to organize multiple scheduling cells. By assigning reference cell indices and using this indexing system, the patent transforms the complex multi-cell scheduling problem into a more manageable structured framework with clear reference points.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Adaptability or versatility

If multiple cells schedule one cell, then resource utilization flexibility is improved, but PDCCH limit management complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveresource utilization flexibilityVSAvoidPDCCH limit management complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent enables dynamic PDCCH candidate determination where the UE adaptively identifies PDCCH candidates based on the reference scheduling cell and other scheduling cells. The system dynamically adjusts which cells schedule which targets based on reference cell configurations, providing flexible resource utilization while maintaining manageable complexity through structured dynamics.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The reference scheduling cell acts as an intermediary that mediates between multiple scheduling cells and the UE. By introducing this reference cell concept, the patent creates a structured intermediary layer that simplifies the management of PDCCH limits while maintaining the flexibility of multi-cell scheduling arrangements.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Adaptability or versatility

If PDCCH candidates are determined for multiple scheduling cells, then scheduling flexibility is improved, but the number of blind decodings and CCEs increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvescheduling flexibilityVSAvoidnumber of blind decodings and CCEs
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies local quality by determining PDCCH candidates specifically for the reference scheduling cell and separately for other scheduling cells. This localized approach allows the UE to manage blind decodings and CCEs more efficiently by treating the reference cell and other cells differently, optimizing resource usage while maintaining scheduling flexibility.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Data Source

PatentEP4094397B1Techniques for physical downlink control channel (PDCCH) limits for multiple cells scheduling one cell in a wireless communication system
Publication Date: 2026.02.18 QUALCOMM INC
  • EP4094397B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4094397B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4094397B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

Aspects described herein relate to physical downlink control channel (PDCCH) limits for multiple cells scheduling one cell in fifth generation new radio (5G NR). In an example, the aspects may include determining a PDCCH limit corresponding to at least one of a number of blind detections (BDs) and a number of control channel elements (CCEs) used for decoding PDCCH candidates for a first cell that schedules a second cell, and at least a third cell that schedules the second cell, wherein the third cell is the same cell as the second cell or the third cell is different from the second cell; and receiving one or more PDCCH transmissions from the first cell and the third cell based on the PDCCH limit.