Multiple Slot Formats for Wireless Control Data
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional wireless communication systems require additional resources and processing to support separate control channels for additional data channels, which is inefficient.
Innovation Solution
Transmitting control information in slots using at least two different slot formats, allowing additional TFCI data for two different data channels to be sent on a single control channel, by alternating the allocation of bits for pilot data, power control data, and data rate information across slots.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If an additional control channel is added to support control information for an additional data channel, then the control information can be transmitted, but the system requires additional resources (processing, spreading codes) and increases device complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines control information for multiple data channels into a single control channel by using multiple slot formats within the same control channel framework. Different slots in the control channel frame use different formats to carry control information for different data channels, eliminating the need for separate control channels while maintaining all necessary control functions
Solution Approach 2:
The control channel is designed to serve multiple functions by implementing multiple slot formats within a single channel structure. The same control channel can carry control information for the primary data channel, additional data channels, and support various control functions (power control, channel estimation, data rate indication) through different slot formats, making it a universal control solution
2Device complexity
If control information for multiple data channels is transmitted on a single control channel using multiple slot formats, then resource usage is reduced, but the difficulty of detecting and measuring control information increases
Solution Approach 1:
The control channel frame is segmented into multiple slots, each with a specific format tailored to the type of control information it carries. This segmentation allows the receiver to process different control information types in an organized manner, reducing the overall complexity compared to handling all control information in a single undifferentiated channel
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically selects which slot format to use in each slot based on the current communication requirements. The slot formats can be adjusted to match the specific control information needs for different data channels, allowing flexible adaptation while maintaining a structured approach to control information extraction
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods for communicating control information in slots that use at least two different slot formats. In one embodiment, a method implemented in a wireless communication system includes providing at least two different slot formats, formatting control data in the slots of a control frame according to the at least two different slot formats, transmitting the control frame from a mobile station to a base station via a control channel, receiving the control frame, extracting data rate information from the control frame according to the at least two different slot formats, decoding the extracted control data, parsing the extracted data into separate data rate information and decoding data received via one or more data channels using the decoded control data. In one embodiment, the method is used to enable additional TFCI data corresponding to two different data channels to be transmitted on a single control channel.