PDCCH Repetition Monitoring During Search Space Set Switching

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing wireless communication systems face challenges in adequately receiving physical downlink control channel (PDCCH) repetitions due to search space (SS) set switching, leading to potential interruptions in data communications between base stations and user equipment.

Innovation Solution

The implementation of techniques and apparatuses that enable the user equipment (UE) to selectively monitor PDCCH candidates during SS set switching, allowing for the accommodation of PDCCH repetitions by switching between linked and unlinked monitoring occasions, ensuring continuous reception of downlink control information (DCI).

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If the UE monitors all PDCCH candidates during SS set switching, then the reception reliability of DCI is improved, but the complexity of monitoring and processing increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvereception reliability of DCIVSAvoidcomplexity of monitoring and processing

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments PDCCH candidates into two distinct groups: those associated with the first SS set group and those associated with the second SS set group. This segmentation allows the UE to apply different monitoring strategies to each group, reducing overall monitoring complexity while maintaining reliability through targeted monitoring of relevant candidates during switching transitions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements dynamic monitoring behavior that adapts based on the switching state. During SS set switching transitions, the UE dynamically adjusts which PDCCH candidates to monitor, switching between monitoring candidates from the first SS set group and candidates from the second SS set group. This dynamic approach optimizes resource usage and reduces complexity compared to static monitoring of all candidates.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Adaptability or versatility

If the UE switches between different SS set groups for PDCCH monitoring, then the adaptability to different communication scenarios is improved, but the risk of missing PDCCH repetitions increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveadaptability to different communication scenariosVSAvoidreception reliability of PDCCH

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies preliminary action by determining in advance which PDCCH candidates are associated with the first SS set group and which are associated with the second SS set group. This pre-establishment of associations allows the UE to smoothly transition between monitoring different candidate sets during switching without risking missed repetitions, as the mapping relationships are predetermined and known before switching occurs.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent uses the association relationship between PDCCH candidates and SS set groups as an intermediary mechanism. This association acts as a mediator that connects the switching behavior with the monitoring behavior, ensuring that when switching between SS set groups, the UE automatically monitors the appropriate PDCCH candidates maintained in the other group, thus preventing missed repetitions while maintaining adaptability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Reliability

If the UE monitors PDCCH candidates in both SS set groups simultaneously, then the reception reliability is improved, but the power consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvereception reliability of DCIVSAvoidpower consumption of UE

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements periodic action by alternating between monitoring PDCCH candidates associated with the first SS set group and candidates associated with the second SS set group based on the switching state. Instead of continuously monitoring all candidates simultaneously, the UE periodically switches its monitoring focus between the two groups, reducing power consumption while maintaining reliability through the repetition mechanism that ensures DCI availability in both groups.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #19Periodic action

Data Source

PatentEP4278801B1Physical downlink control channel repetition in the presence of search space set switching

Publication Date: 2026.03.11 QUALCOMM INC

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AI summary

Various aspects of the present disclosure generally relate to wireless communication. In some aspects, a user equipment (UE) may receive, from a base station, search space (SS) configuration information associated with switching between a first SS set group and a second SS set group. The UE may receive, from the base station, downlink control information associated with physical downlink control channel repetitions based at least in part on switching between the first SS set group and the second SS set group. Numerous other aspects are described.