Sub-PRB Resource Allocation for MTC Uplink Efficiency
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current LTE systems face limitations in spectral efficiency for Machine Type Communication (MTC) devices with poor channel conditions, as they rely on maximum transmit power and coarse resource allocation, which does not adequately support finer-grained resource allocation needed for improved PUSCH link performance.
Innovation Solution
The method enables sub-Physical Resource Block (sub-PRB) resource allocation, allowing for a more granular allocation of resources by modifying the repetition number indication field in the Downlink Control Information (DCI) and defining new rules for calculating the number of subframes required for PUSCH transmission, enabling more efficient use of bandwidth and power.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the UE uses maximum transmit power and coarse resource allocation (1 PRB), then the transmission reliability is improved, but the spectral efficiency deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the Physical Resource Block (PRB) into smaller sub-PRBs, allowing resource allocation at a finer granularity. This segmentation enables the system to allocate resources more efficiently while maintaining reliability, as the UE can use smaller resource units with appropriate power levels rather than always using maximum power across the entire PRB bandwidth.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces new parameters including sub-PRB allocation granularity, modified repetition number indication fields in DCI, and updated PUSCH transmission parameters. These parameter changes enable the system to balance between transmission reliability and spectral efficiency by allowing flexible resource allocation and power control at the sub-PRB level.
2Reliability
If the UE increases the number of repetitions for PUSCH, then the transmission reliability is improved, but the transmission time and energy consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the repetition configuration dynamic by introducing a repetition number indication field in the DCI that can be adjusted based on actual channel conditions and sub-PRB allocation requirements. This dynamic adjustment allows the system to optimize between reliability and transmission time rather than using fixed repetition counts.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent modifies the repetition number indication field in DCI to support sub-PRB allocation scenarios, enabling flexible repetition configurations that adapt to different transmission requirements. This parameter change allows the system to reduce unnecessary repetitions while maintaining reliability through more precise resource allocation.
3Productivity
If the resource allocation granularity is decreased from 1 PRB to sub-PRB, then the spectral efficiency is improved, but the DCI structure complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the PRB into sub-PRBs and introduces corresponding indication fields in the DCI to specify the allocated sub-PRBs. This segmentation approach, while increasing some structural complexity, enables significantly improved spectral efficiency through finer-grained resource allocation and power control.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces specific parameter changes to the DCI structure, including modified repetition number indication fields and sub-PRB allocation fields. These controlled parameter changes enable sub-PRB allocation functionality while managing the complexity through standardized parameter extensions rather than fundamental structural redesign.
4Reliability
If the UE transmits with maximum power, then the link performance is improved, but the power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by allowing different power levels for different sub-PRBs within a PRB. The UE can transmit at maximum power for sub-PRBs requiring high reliability while using lower power for sub-PRBs with better channel conditions, thereby improving overall link performance while reducing total power consumption compared to uniform maximum power transmission.
Data Source
Figure 1A
Figure 1B
Figure 2A
AI summary
The present disclosure provides a method executed by user equipment, the method comprising: receiving downlink control information (DCI), the DCI comprising a repetition number; determining a number of subframes required to transmit a physical uplink shared channel (PUSCH) (N) according to the repetition number, a number of allocated resource units, and time occupied by each resource unit; and transmitting the PUSCH in the determined N subframes. The time occupied by each resource unit is expressed by: a number of uplink slots occupied by each resource unit, or a number of uplink subframes occupied by each resource unit. In addition, the present disclosure further provides corresponding user equipment and a base station.