PDCCH Repetition via Search Space Zero for NR-Light Coverage
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Solution Overview
Problem
Due to reduced capabilities, Physical Downlink Control Channel (PDCCH) coverage for NR-Light apparatus is deteriorated, necessitating reconfiguration for effective PDCCH detection, but specific configurations for NR-Light apparatus have not been adequately addressed.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus that utilize a Master Information Block (MIB) corresponding to a Synchronization Signal Block (SSB) to configure search space zero, indicating PDCCH repetition, with repeated transmission of Downlink Control Information (DCI) in multiple PDCCH monitoring occasions within slots, and utilize specific PDSCH time domain resource allocation tables to enhance PDCCH detection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If PDCCH detection is performed by NR-Light apparatus with reduced capabilities, then device complexity is reduced, but PDCCH coverage deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements PDCCH repetition by periodically transmitting the same DCI message across multiple PDCCH monitoring occasions. The NR-Light apparatus repeats PDCCH transmissions with a repetition factor K≥2, where each repetition occurs in subsequent monitoring occasions within the same slot or across slot boundaries. This periodic repetition enhances coverage reliability without increasing the complexity of the NR-Light apparatus itself.
2Reliability
If PDCCH repetition is configured for NR-Light apparatus, then PDCCH coverage is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces specific parameters for PDCCH repetition configuration including repetition factor K, monitoring occasion spacing, and slot offset parameters. The base station configures these parameters through RRC signaling to enable the NR-Light apparatus to perform repeated PDCCH detection. By changing these operational parameters rather than the fundamental apparatus architecture, coverage is improved while keeping complexity manageable.
Solution Approach 2:
The PDCCH repetition mechanism is designed to be universally applicable to NR-Light apparatus while maintaining compatibility with existing NR protocols. The same PDCCH structure and detection procedures are reused across multiple monitoring occasions, allowing the system to achieve enhanced coverage without requiring entirely new apparatus designs or complex specialized configurations.
3Reliability
If repeated transmission of DCI is performed in multiple PDCCH monitoring occasions, then PDCCH detection reliability is improved, but use of energy increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements partial repetition where the DCI message is transmitted K times with K≥2, providing just enough repetition to achieve the required coverage reliability for NR-Light apparatus. The repetition factor can be adjusted based on coverage requirements, avoiding excessive transmissions that would unnecessarily consume energy. The base station and apparatus work together to determine the appropriate repetition level.
Data Source
AI summary
The present application relates to a user equipment, a base station, and a method for PDCCH repetition. The base station transmits a MIB corresponding to a SSB to the user equipment. The MIB includes a configuration of search space zero. The user equipment receives the MIB corresponding to the SSB from the base station. The user equipment determines that the configuration of search space zero indicates a PDCCH repetition.