PDSCH Piggybacked Downlink Control for Lower 5G Overhead

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing wireless communication systems face challenges in efficiently transmitting downlink control information (DCI) with high overhead and suboptimal processing timelines, particularly in next-generation networks like 5G.

Innovation Solution

The technique involves piggybacking DCI within the physical downlink shared channel (PDSCH) by splitting it into two portions, where the first portion is transmitted in the control region and the second portion is transmitted within the downlink traffic region, reducing control overhead and improving processing efficiency.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If downlink control information is transmitted using traditional time division multiplexing in the control region, then control information delivery is reliable, but control overhead increases and processing timeline efficiency deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveprocessing timeline efficiencyVSAvoidcontrol overhead
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the control region and data region by piggybacking downlink control information (DCI) within the physical downlink shared channel (PDSCH). Instead of transmitting DCI separately in the control region, the invention combines DCI transmission with data transmission in the same time-frequency resources, thereby reducing control overhead and improving processing efficiency.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The PDSCH is given multi-functionality by serving both as a data transmission channel and a control information transmission channel. The downlink control information is embedded within the PDSCH structure, allowing the same physical channel to carry both control and user data, thus reducing the need for dedicated control resources.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Loss of time

If control information is transmitted in a separate control channel, then control information is clearly demarcated and easily processed, but control overhead increases and processing timeline is extended

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveprocessing timelineVSAvoidcontrol channel structure
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of timeVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines control information transmission with data transmission by embedding DCI within the PDSCH. This merging eliminates the need for separate control channel structures and reduces the processing timeline by allowing simultaneous handling of control and data in the same channel.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The PDSCH acts as an intermediary that carries both control information and user data. By using the PDSCH as a mediator, the patent avoids the complexity of separate control channels while maintaining the ability to deliver control information effectively.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Productivity

If downlink control information is transmitted with high overhead in traditional channels, then all control information can be delivered, but network resource efficiency decreases and processing becomes less efficient

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvenetwork resource efficiencyVSAvoidcontrol information volume
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges control information transmission with data transmission in the PDSCH, thereby utilizing the same network resources for both purposes. This approach reduces the total volume of control information that needs to be transmitted separately, improving network resource efficiency.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The invention changes the transmission parameters by embedding DCI within the PDSCH structure rather than using traditional separate control channels. This parameter change allows control information to be transmitted more efficiently alongside data, reducing overall overhead and improving resource utilization.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Data Source

PatentEP3535888B1Downlink control information piggyback in physical downlink shared channel
Publication Date: 2026.01.21 QUALCOMM INC
  • EP3535888B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3535888B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3535888B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

Aspects of the disclosure relate to wireless communication systems configured to provide piggyback downlink control information within the physical downlink shared channel (PDSCH). A first downlink control information portion may be transmitted within the physical downlink control channel (PDCCH) and may include information indicating a size of a second downlink control information portion transmitted within the PDSCH.