PDCCH REG Bundle Layout for Joint DMRS Channel Estimation
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Solution Overview
Problem
The limited availability of reference signals in 5G NR systems for channel estimation of control channels hinders effective channel estimation performance, leading to coverage issues and reduced transmission reliability of control information.
Innovation Solution
The method involves determining and utilizing REG sets or bundles that are consecutive or adjacent in time and/or frequency domains to enhance channel estimation precision by leveraging available DMRSs for joint channel estimation, improving resource reuse efficiency of control and data channels.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If DMRS is used for control channel demodulation in 5G NR, then resource overhead is reduced, but channel estimation performance deteriorates due to limited reference signal availability
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple DMRS resources from different REGs into a unified channel estimation process. By merging DMRS signals across multiple resource element groups, the system achieves better channel estimation performance while maintaining low reference signal overhead, directly resolving the technical contradiction between reduced overhead and estimation precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent enables DMRS to serve multiple functions: it acts as both the demodulation reference signal for control channels and as a basis for joint channel estimation across multiple REGs. This multi-functionality allows the limited DMRS resources to provide both low overhead and improved channel estimation precision simultaneously.
2Measurement precision
If REG sets are made consecutive or adjacent in time-frequency domain, then channel estimation precision is improved through joint estimation, but resource flexibility is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces dynamic REG set configuration where the network can flexibly determine whether REGs are consecutive or non-consecutive based on channel conditions and service requirements. This dynamic approach allows the system to optimize for channel estimation precision when needed while maintaining resource allocation flexibility for other scenarios, resolving the contradiction between precision improvement and flexibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the parameter of REG arrangement from fixed to variable, allowing REG sets to be configured as either consecutive or non-consecutive in time-frequency domain. This parameter change enables the system to adapt between different operational modes, achieving both improved channel estimation precision and maintained resource flexibility depending on specific network conditions.
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.