PDCCH Repetition Scheduling with Aligned Starting Subframes
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing wireless communication methods for Physical Downlink Control Channel (PDCCH) or Enhanced PDCCH (EPDCCH) in Machine-Type Communication (MTC) require hundreds of repetitions, leading to high resource blocking probability, increased UE detection complexity, and scheduling complexity due to unknown starting subframes and blind detection.
Innovation Solution
A method for transmitting and detecting PDCCH or EPDCCH repetitions with defined starting subframes and repetition numbers, using aligned subframe sets with integral index intervals to reduce resource blocking and detection complexity, and optionally dividing subframe sets for specific UE sets and cells to randomize interference.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If hundreds of PDCCH repetitions are transmitted to enhance MTC coverage, then coverage is improved, but resource blocking probability increases and scheduling complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the repetition transmissions by defining specific starting subframe sets for different repetition numbers. This segmentation allows the eNB to organize hundreds of repetitions into structured groups with predetermined starting positions, making scheduling manageable despite the large number of repetitions required for coverage enhancement.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-defining starting subframe sets before actual PDCCH transmissions occur. The eNB configures these starting subframe sets in advance, allowing UEs to know where to expect repetitions without requiring complex real-time scheduling decisions, thereby reducing scheduling complexity while maintaining coverage enhancement.
2Reliability
If hundreds of PDCCH repetitions are transmitted to enhance MTC coverage, then coverage is improved, but resource blocking probability increases
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting repetitions into distinct starting subframe sets, the patent reduces resource blocking because different repetition numbers can be scheduled in different subframe segments. This prevents one repetition from blocking others, allowing hundreds of repetitions to be transmitted with reduced mutual interference and lower overall blocking probability.
3Ease of operation
If blind detection is used to detect PDCCH starting subframes, then UE can detect repetitions, but detection complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by providing UEs with predetermined starting subframe sets before detection begins. Instead of blind detection across all possible subframes, UEs only need to monitor specific starting subframes within the configured sets, dramatically reducing detection complexity while maintaining full detection capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses copying by providing UEs with copies of the starting subframe set information through higher-layer signaling. UEs receive and store these predetermined starting subframe configurations, eliminating the need for complex blind detection algorithms and reducing processing complexity at the UE side.
4Adaptability or versatility
If starting subframes are not predefined, then scheduling flexibility is maintained, but scheduling complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by allowing the eNB to flexibly configure and update starting subframe sets through higher-layer signaling. While the sets are predetermined, they can be dynamically adjusted based on network conditions, maintaining scheduling flexibility. The eNB can modify the starting subframe configurations without changing the fundamental structure, adapting to varying traffic and coverage requirements.
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure provides a wireless communication method and an eNode B and user equipment therefor. The method comprises a step of transmitting multiple PDCCH or EPDCCH repetitions respectively in multiple successive downlink subframes with a transmission repetition number and a transmission starting subframe. The transmission starting subframe is selected from a first starting subframe set corresponding to the first repetition number or a second starting subframe set corresponding to the second repetition number. The subframe indexes of any two adjacent starting subframes in the first starting subframe set are offset by a same first index interval, the subframe indexes of any two adjacent starting subframes in the second starting subframe set are offset by a same second index interval, and the second index interval is an integral multiple of the first index interval.