Uplink Collision Handling in Enhanced Coverage Mode UEs
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Solution Overview
Problem
In cellular communication networks, particularly in 3GPP LTE systems, Machine Type Communications (MTC) devices and non-stationary UEs face challenges with low energy consumption and limited power, leading to insufficient coverage in areas with poor link budgets, resulting in collisions during repeated signal transmissions to enhance coverage.
Innovation Solution
Implementing an enhanced coverage mode where UEs repeatedly transmit signals across multiple subframes to accumulate energy without increasing transmission power, using techniques like time domain repetition and resource block allocation to minimize collisions between uplink control and data signals.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If transmission power is increased to improve coverage, then link budget is improved, but energy consumption increases which is not acceptable for MTC UEs with limited power
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies periodic action by repeatedly transmitting the same uplink signal across multiple subframes. This repetition accumulates energy at the receiver over time, effectively improving coverage and link budget without requiring the UE to increase its transmission power, thus maintaining low energy consumption per transmission while achieving reliable communication in poor coverage areas.
2Reliability
If signals are repeatedly transmitted over multiple subframes to accumulate energy, then link budget is improved, but collisions between different channels occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by dividing the repeated signal transmissions into separate logical groups based on channel type (e.g., control channels vs. data channels). Each channel type is assigned specific repetition patterns and resource allocations, allowing the system to accumulate energy across multiple subframes while minimizing collisions through structured resource separation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies dynamics by enabling flexible configuration of repetition parameters and resource allocations based on channel conditions and UE capabilities. The system can dynamically adjust the number of repetitions, subframe patterns, and resource block assignments to optimize performance while avoiding collisions, adapting to varying coverage requirements and traffic conditions.
3Area of stationary object
If MTC UEs are deployed in areas with poor coverage, then network coverage is extended, but transmission reliability deteriorates due to insufficient power
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies periodic action through repeated signal transmissions across multiple subframes, which accumulates energy at the receiver and improves transmission reliability in poor coverage areas. This allows MTC UEs to maintain reliable communication in extended coverage zones without requiring increased transmission power.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical approach of increasing transmission power with a signal processing approach using time-domain repetition and energy accumulation. Instead of mechanically boosting power, the system uses repeated transmissions and receiver-side energy combining to achieve the same effect, enabling reliable communication in poor coverage areas with limited power resources.
Data Source
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AI summary
An eNodeB (eNB), user equipment (UE) and method for operating in enhanced coverage (EC) modes are generally described. The UE may determine whether or not a physical uplink control channel (PUCCH) signal and an uplink signal allocated to different resources in a particular subframe overlap. The uplink signal may comprise another PUCCH signal or a physical uplink shared channel (PUSCH) signal. The PUCCH signals may comprise a scheduling request or acknowledgement response/retransmission request. The UE may select one of the overlapping signals and transmit the selected signal on a resource allocated to the other signal instead of on a resource allocated to the one of the overlapping signals. The other signal may or may not be transmitted dependent on whether it is a PUCCH or PUSCH signal.