Title of Invention

DOWNLINK CONTROL CHANNEL, ALLOCATION METHOD IN MOBILE COMMUNICATION SYSTEM

Abstract There is disclosed a downlink control channel allocation method in a system in which a physical shared channel is used as a control channel, wherein a control channel is allocated by multiplexing one shared channel into both time and orthogonal codes by using a unit channel.
Full Text Description
DOWNLINK CONTROL CHANNEL ALLOCATION
METHOD IN MOBILE COMMUNICATION SYSTEM
Technical Field
The present invention relates to a channel allocation method in a CDMA (Code
Division Multiple Access) mobile communication system and, more particularly, to a
downlink control channel allocation method suitable for using a physical shared
channel as a control channel.
Background Art
In general, a downlink channel in a CDMA IMT-2000 system employs a method of
multiplying an orthogonal code such as an orthogonal variable spreading factor(OVSF)
or Walsh code to a transmission bit to spread it.
Lately, studies are being conducted to determine a transmission method of a new
data dedicated channel in order to increase a transmission rate of uplink in the IMT-
2000 system. In case of applying the enhanced data dedicated channel to uplink, a
downlink control channel has the following characteristics.
First, it is assumed that new signaling information (control signals) required for
operating an enhanced dedicated channel (E-DCH) is required for downlink. In this
case, the information can be considered in association with an automatic repeat request
(ARQ), scheduling and some other cases. Even though signal information requires
high reliability, such signaling information can be multiplexed through a shared
channel and transmitted to multiple terminals thanks to its small amount of data. Re-
quirement for a physical channel structure for an L1 signaling at downlink is as
follows.
- Preferably, the L1. signaling on downlink exists independently from a data
dedicated channel of downlink.
- Signaling of every user should be transmitted at every transmission time interval
(TT1).
- In order to reduce a delay phenomenon, signaling should be detected by a
terminal before deinterleaving.
Existing methods proposed for the downlink signaling are as follows.
A first method is to transmit signal information by using an existing downlink
data/control channel. Namely, in this method, the size of signaling information is not
so big that signaling information can be transmitted by changing a frame structure of a

downlink control channel or signaling information can be transmitted by using a
remaining space after a downlink, data channel is punctured. In addition, in this
method, signaling information can be also transmitted by increasing a transmission rate
of the downlink data channel.
A second method is to use an independent orthogonal code channel. In this
method, signaling information is transmitted to each terminal by using an independent
orthogonal code channel. In this case, an independent physical channel can be used for
transmission of a downlink L1 signaling. The physical channel can be used as a
dedicated channel of each terminal or as a shared channel for multiple terminals.
The method of using the independent orthogonal code channel can be divided into
a method of using a dedicated channel and a method of using a shared channel. In the
method for transmitting signaling information by using the dedicated channel, an in-
dependent orthogonal code channel is allocated to each terminal and signaling in-
formation is transmitted thereto.
The method of using the shared channel is divided into a method of using time-
division shared channel and a symbol-level orthogonal code division multiplexing
method.
The method of using a time-division shared channel is to time-divide one
orthogonal channel and allocates it to multiple users. Namely, one TT1 is divided by
the number of users and the divided time interval is allocated to each user to transmit
signal information. At this time, the number of bits differs depending on the size of
requested signaling information.
The symbol-level orthogonal code division multiplexing method is to transmit
signaling information by using an orthogonal signal in units of symbol. Namely, in
general, in the CDMA downlink, the orthogonal code channel uses a orthogonal signal
in units of chip, and in order to extend the orthogonal code channel, signaling in-
formation is transmitted by using the symbol-level orthogonal signal. In this case, the
orthogonal signal can be generally extended by using a Hadamard code, and data is
transmitted by using the Hadamard code which is able to support the number of a
maximum transmission users.
However, considering the downlink physical channel structure required for the ca
se where the data dedicated channel is applied to uplink, the related art signaling
transmitting method has the following problems.
1. The method of using existing downlink data/control channel
This method has such problems that an existing channel structure must be changed,

a quality of the existing channel can be degraded in case of using the data channel, and
it is difficult to secure a sufficient transmission space for transmitting signaling in-
formation.
2. The method of using the independent orthogonal code channel
1) Use of the dedicated channel
In spite of the flexible and easy channel allocation and operation, the method of
using the dedicated channel has the following problems: Because the orthogonal
channel of downlink is a critical resource, there is a high possibility that it can not be
used sufficiently. In addition, as the number of codes increase, a PAR (Peak to
Average Ratio) also increases considerably.
2) Use of the shared channel
- in case of using time-division multiplexing
The time-division multiplexing method in which time is divided has advantages
that the PAR does not increase and it can be easily implemented. However, it is disad-
vantageous in that it is difficult to flexibly allocated a signaling channel according to
change in the number of data, and thus, more signaling information is required. In
addition, it is difficult to flexibly allocated power according to a channel situation by
users (it is difficult to effectively use resources).
- in case of using symbol-level code-division multiplexing
The symbol-level code division multiplexing has an advantage in that because it
does not have a time delay, users can transmits signaling information simultaneously,
but if there are too many users, the length of the orthogonal code should be lengthened.
In addition, the more the number of users or the transmission rate increases, the more
orthogonal codes should be used, causing increase in the PAR
As for the orthogonal code, in order to maintain orthogonality, a channel must not
be changed during one period, but if the length of the code is lengthened, the or-
thogonality may be broken. In addition, if the length of the code is continuously
increased to increase available users, a problem arises that the length of the code
would exceed a transmission unit.
Moreover, in order to increase the transmission rate, a plurality of orthogonal codes
should be allocated to one user. Then, one user is to receive several orthogonal code
channels, complexity of a terminal increases.
Disclosure of Invention
Technical Problem
Therefore, a first object of the present invention is to provide a structure of

downlink control channel capable of improving transmission of a code channel and
allocation efficiency.
A second object of the present invention is to provide a structure of a downlink
control channel capable of maintaining a low PAR while supporting various
transmission rates by extending a Hadamard code in Sylvester method.
A third object of the present invention is to provide a method for efficiently
allocating a control channel by combining merits of time-division multiplexing and
symbol-level code division in a downlink control channel using an orthogonal code
channel.
A fourth object of the present invention is to provide an efficient power allocating
method in a structure of a new downlink control channel.
Technical Solution
To achieve at least the above objects in whole or in parts, there is provided a
structure of a control channel in a system using a physical shared channel as a control
channel for transmitting signaling information, wherein one shared channel is divided
by both time and symbol level of orthogonal codes by using a unit channel.
Preferably, a length of the unit channel is determined by a length of a basis
Hadamard code, a reference when the unit channel is initially generated.
Preferably, the length of the basis Hadamard code is extended to various lengths so
as to be used as a signaling channel.
Preferably, the basis Hadamard code is extended by Sylvester method.
To achieve at least these advantages in whole or in parts, there is further provided a
time-code division multiplexing method in a system using a physical shared channel as
a control channel for transmitting signaling information, including: classifying each
signaling information into groups according to characteristics; allocating the signaling
information of the classified groups at oode and time intervals; and individually
controlling power of each allocated code channel and transmitting each oode channel.
Preferably, the channel allocation with respect to each group is made by using a
Hadamard code.
Preferably, the length of the basis Hadamard code is extended to various lengths so
as to be used as a signaling channel. In this case, the basis Hadamard code can be
extended by Sylvester method.
Preferably, power of each code channel is controlled by an uplink transmission
power or transmission margin.
Additional advantages, objects, and features of the invention will be set forth in

part in the description which follows and in part will become apparent to those having
ordinary skill in the art upon examination of the following or may be learned from
practice of the invention. The objects and advantages of the invention may be realized
and attained as particularly pointed out in the appended claims.
Description of Accompanying Drawings
The invention will be described in detail with reference to the following drawings
in which like reference numerals refer to like elements wherein:
Figure 1 is a conceptual view showing signaling channel allocating method using
time-code division multiplexing technique in accordance with a preferred embodiment
of the present invention;
Figure 2 illustrates an extended tree of a Hadamard code for signaling;
Figure 3 illustrates an example of an initial reference matrix and an extension
matrix;
Figure 4 illustrates the number of cases obtained by combining codes of the length
of 12 and 24 during a specific transmission interval.
Figure 5 is a block diagram when a time-code division multiplexing technique is
applied to a CDMA system in accordance with the preferred embodiment of the
present invention; and
Figure 6 is a flow chart of the signaling channel allocating method using the time-
code division multiplexing technique in accordance with the preferred embodiment of
the present invention.
Mode for Invention
The present invention is implemented in a mobile communication system.
However, the present invention can be also applied to a communication system
operating according to a different standard.
Preferred embodiments of the present invention will now be described.
The present invention proposes a method for efficiently allocating a control channel
by combining merits of the time-division multiplexing and symbol-level code-division
in a downlink control channel using an independent orthogonal code channel.
In general, because it is advantageous to adjust, transmission power by units of
orthogonal code channel, if there are many orthogonal code channels, a power resource
can be efficiently allocated. Thus, if the number of orthogonal code channels increases,
a problem arises that the PAR increases. In case of the time-division multiplexing,
since there is only one orthogonal code channel, it is difficult to distribute bits and in-
dividually allocate power according to channel situation by users. Thus, in order to

solve such problems, the present invention proposes a new channel structure capable
of increasing a code channel by using a short Hadamard code and time-dividing it.
In addition, the present invention proposes a new channel structure capable of
maintaining a low PAR while supporting various transmission rates by putting an eye
on the fact that the Hadamard code can be extended by Sylvester method.
Moreover, the present invention proposes a method for individually allocating
power to the newly proposed channel structure for an effective use of power.
Ebwer of the transmission channel can be applied differently to every Hadamard
code channel.
In order to effectively distribute power in a downlink shared channel, charac-
teristics of the downlink channel of each user should be known. However, requesting
each user to report characteristics of a downlink channel through uplink for the small
amount of signaling information causes a severe channel waste, so a different
reference needs to be used. In general, in a system such as the E-DCH or the 3GPP2
Release-D, transmission power or a transmission power margin is to be reported for
scheduling, and the information (the transmission power or transmission power
margin) has a substantially close relation to propagation attenuation in downlink. Thus,
the present invention proposes using the information to determine downlink channel
power.
The time-code division multiplexing method will be described in detail as follows.
Control channel structure of time-code division multiplexing
Figure 1 is a conceptual view showing signaling channel allocating method using
time-code division multiplexing technique in accordance with a preferred embodiment
of the present invention.
As shown in Figure 1, dividing one transmission time interval (TTI) into M number
of sections forms a basic allocation unit of a control channel, which is defined as a unit
(basic) channel. A length of the unit channel is determined according to a length of the
Hadamard code, a reference of an initial generation. In this case, a short Hadamard
code becomes the initial generation basis in order to enhance transmission allocation
efficiency, which is defined as a basic Hadamard code.
If the basic Hadamard code is too short, the overall number of available orthogonal
codes can be limited, whereas, if the basic Hadamard code is too long, the or-
thogonality can be broken according to characteristics of a transport channel. Thus, the
basic Hadamard code should be allocated with a suitable length according to a
structure of a system and a service environment.

The basic Hadamard code can be extended to a new Hadamard code through
Sylvester method, and a length of the extended Hadamard oode is integer multiple of
the basic Hadamard code. Thus, basic Hadamard code channels (CHI~CHM) can be
respectively allocated to one unit channel or one extended Hadamard code channel
(CHM+1,..., CHK+1) can be allocated to several unit channels. One information
symbol is transmitted through such Hadamard code channel, and the number of
transmission bits can differ depending on a modulation method.
In the present invention, power of the transport channel, can be applied differently
to each Hadamard code channel. In order to efficiently distribute power in the
downlink shared channel, characteristics of downlink channel of each user should be
known. However, requesting each user to report characteristics of a downlink channel
to transmit a small amount of signaling information causes a severe channel waste, so
a different reference needs to be used. In general, in a system such as the E-DCH or
the 3GPP2 Release-D, transmission power or a transmission power margin is to be
reported for scheduling, a value of which, however, has a substantially close relation to
propagation attenuation in downlink. Thus, in the present invention, transmission
power or a transmission power margin of the terminal is used to determine downlink
channel power.
Orthogonal code channel structure and its generating and
extending method


If n = p+1 (p is a prime factor) and
(mod 4) in the initial reference matrix (H0), then the basic Hadamard code can be
generated by a quadratic residue method, and the generated basic Hadamard matrix (H0
) forms a circular Hadamard matrix as shown in Figure 3. At this time, the other
remaining matrixes except for the first row and column of H0 has a circulation
transition structure. In such a structure, if only one orthogonal code vector and an
offset are known for detection of the Hadamard code, every code channel can be
decoded and thus complexity of a terminal can be reduced.
First, if the initial reference matrix and the extension matrix are defined as shown in
Figure 3, first orderl extended matrix using them can be expressed by equation (2)
shown below:

A usable length of the code channel can be divided into two case of 12 and 24. If a
transmission interval with the length of 24 is assumed, two symbols can be transmitted
through a code channel with the length of 12 and one symbol can be transmitted
through a code channel with the length of 24.
If [+1,+1, +1, +1, +1, +1,..., +1] is selected as a code channel, the extended code
with the length of 24 cannot be used. Namely, in case of the code extended by one
Hadamard code cannot be used if an upper-level rode is used, and such a concept is as
shown in Figure 2. The number of unavailable codes has the same value as the
dimension of H . The number of cases of combining the codes 12 and 24 is as shown
in Figure 4.
With reference to Figure 4, although the number of transmission symbols are the
same with each other in every case, the number of code channels differs. In general, as
the number of code channels is reduced, the PAR is advantageously reduced. But if a
long code is used, a greater spread rate is used, so that an SNR gain of 3dB can be
obtained in case of transmitting a symbol by using the same power. Thus, a tactful
combination in consideration such trade-off can allow allocation of suitable signaling
channels to various users.
Figure 5 is a block diagram when the proposed downlink signaling channel is
applied to the CDMA system
With reference to Figure 5, when signaling information is received from each user

(terminal), a channel type selecting unit 10 classifies every signaling information into
certain groups according to each length of channel codes by using control information
of an upper layer. An actual orthogonal code and time section are allocated to the in-
formation of each classified group in a time-code division multiplexing units
11-1~11-n, modulated, and then, power-controlled in power controllers 12-1-1-12-1- l
and 12-k-1~ 12-k-lk by code channels. In this case, the power controllers differently
set power of a transport channel for each Hadamard code channel by using
transmission power or a transmission power margin reported from users (terminals) for
scheduling.
Thereafter, the respective power controlled code channels are combined in a
combining unit 13 and channelized according to an OVSF or a Walsh function in a
channelizing unit 14.
When the downlink control channel structure in accordance with the present
invention is applied to the 3GPP E-DCH system, transmission is made by units of TTI
and TTI is 2ms or 10ms. In this case, if it is assumed that a data symbol is band-spread
by a spreading factor (SF=64), the number of 3GPP symbols existing in one TTI is 120
(2ms) and 600 (10ms), respectively. If SF=64 and a code channel is generated on the
basis of a Hadamard code with a length of 12 or 20, 10 (2ms) and 50 (10ms) unit
channels are generated in the case that the length of the Hadamard code is 12, and 6
(2ms) and 30 (10ms) unit channels are generated in the case that the length of the
Hadamard code is 20. In this case, the number of data symbols transmittablc in one
TTI is 120 (2ms) and 600 (10ms), respectively. At this time, signaling information can
be allocated to the code channels with the length of 12 and 24 or 20 and 40 and used
according to characteristics of signaling information as requested.
If it is assumed that a symbol is band-spread by a spreading factor SF=128 for high
reliability, the number of 3GPP symbols existing in one TTI is 60 (2ms) and 300
(10ms), respectively. Thus, when a code channel is generated on the basis of a
Hadamard code with a length of 12 or 20, 5 (2ms) and 25 (10ms) unit channels are
generated in the case that the length of the Hadamard code is 12 and 3 (2ms) and 15
(10ms) unit channels are generated in the case that the length of the Hadamard code is
20. In this case, the number of data symbols transmittable during one TTI is 60 (2ms)
and 300 (10ms), respectively.
If an extended Hadamard code is used, 60 and 300 are not divided by the length of
24 or 40 without a remainder, so in this case, a method can be employed in which
sections of the code channel using 24 or 40 are defined to multiple sections and other

remaining sections uses an orthogonal code with the length of 12 or 20.
In the case of 3GPP2, transmission is made by units of frame, and as the frame unit,
5ms, 10ms and 20ms are considered. If SF= 128, then 48, 96 and 192 symbols are
transmitted during each frame interval, and in this case, if the unit channel with the
length of 12 is used, the oode channel (Hadamard code) can be extended to 24 and 48
or the like. Thus, like in the 3GPP, signaling information can be allocated to the code
channels with the length of 12, 24, 48 or the like for use according to characteristics of
each signaling information.
Channel allocation rule
Channel allocation can be determined by multiple references, and the number of si-
multaneous users, a transmission data rate of individual user, a channel situation of an
individual user, transmission power of a base station and an output PAR at a base
station transmission amp are the most critical references. The present invention
proposes the following channel allocation reference to effectively use power at a
viewpoint of a base station.
Users having the similiar geometrical or downlink channel characteristics are
classified to a group, and the same code channels are allocated to each user group and
a code channel is transmitted with optimum transmission power. A group requesting
low power or a high transmission rate is allocated to a short Hadamard code channel,
and a group requesting high power or a low transmission rate is allocated to a long
Hadamard code channel.
In this case, the group allocation is performed according to a requested SNR (Signal
to Noise Ratio) and a transmission rate of each user, and a detailed classification
reference is a selection factor of a system designer. Accordingly, in allocating a
channel with respect to a group, a long code channel is preferentially allocated to a
channel which has a high SNR and a low transmission rate. A detailed channel assign
rules are as follows.

, the 'k' number of basis Hadamard codes are allocated to a group g, and

bit is moved to the next group g+1


dimensionally and allocates transmission bits
4. Transmission power corresponding the group g is determined as

5. The above process is repeated for every group
wherein Nb is the total number of transmittable bits in one transmission TTI/Frame,
Ng is the number of transmission bits belonging to the group g, and Pg is total request
power for transmitting the bits belonging to the group g. In addition,

: average request power per bit of the group g, and Pth indicates a maximum power
limit for downlink transmission.
As shown in Figure 6, users having the similar geometrical or downlink channel
characteristics are grouped (step S10), and specific signature channels are allocated to
each group (step S11). Subsequently, K number of basic Hadamard codes are allocated
to the group g according to the number of transmission bits as shown in the assign rule
1 and P g, Ng and Pg,b for the group g are calculated according to the allocation rule 2.
Also. The group g is reconfigured according to the assign rule 2.
Thereafter, as shown in the assign rule 3, the base station checks whether the
average request power (

) per bit of the group g is larger than the maximum transmission power (Pth), and if the
average request power per bit is larger than the maximum transmission power, the base
station extends the basis Hadamard code n-dimensionally and then allocates
transmission bits.
Once the transmission bits are allocated, transmission power corresponding to the
group g, namely, transmission power of the extended Hadamard rode channel is
determined. This operation is repeatedly performed for every group at a step S12.
When the channels are allocated to every group and the transmission power of the
allocated channel is determined, the transmission step S13 is performed.
As so far described, the present invention has the following advantages.

That is, by combining the merits of the time-division multiplexing and the symbol-
level code division in the downlink control channel using the independent orthogonal
code channel, signaling information can be flexibly allocated to a control channel.
In addition, since the channel is generated by extending the basis Hadamard code
by Sylvester method, a low PAR can be maintained while supporting various
transmission rates, and especially, high transmission efficiency can be obtained by
using a small amount of power through the power controlling between individual
codes.
The foregoing embodiments and advantages are merely exemplary and are not to be
construed as limiting the present invention. The present teaching can be readily applied
to other types of apparatuses. The description of the present invention is intended to be
illustrative, and not to limit the scope of the claims. Many alternatives, modifications,
and variations will be apparent to those skilled in the art. In the claims, means-
plus-function clauses are intended to cover the structure described herein as
performing the recited function and not only structural equivalents but also equivalent
structures.

WE CLAIM :
1. A downlink control channel allocation method in a system in which a physical shared channel is
used as a control channel, wherein a control channel is allocated by multiplexing one shared channel
into both time and orthogonal codes by using a unit channel.
2. The method as claimed in claim 1. wherein a length of the unit channel is determined by a
length of an initially generated basis Hadamard code.
3. The method as claimed in claim 2, wherein the length of the basis Hadamard code determines
the number of available orthogonal codes and characteristics of a transport channel.
4. The method as claimed in claim 2, wherein the basis Hadamard code is extended to a new
Hadamard code by Sylvester method.
5. The method as claimed in claim 4, wherein a length of the extended Hadamard code is integer
multiple of the length of the basis Hadamard code.
6. A downlink control channel allocation method comprising :
multiplexing a shared channel into a plurality of unit channels in one transmission section ;
allocating variable orthogonal code channel to the multiplexed unit channels according to a size
of control information to be transmitted ; and
transmitting the control information through the allocated variable orthogonal code channel.
7. The method as claimed in claim 6, wherein the unit channel is a basic allocation unit of a
control channel.
8. The method as claimed in claim 6, wherein a length of the unit channel is determined by a
length of an initially generated basis Hadamard code.

9. The method as claimed in claim 8, wherein the length of the basis Hadamard code is determined
according to the number of available orthogonal codes and characteristics of a transport channel.
10. The method as claimed in claim 8, wherein the basis Hadamard code is extended to a new
Hadamard code by Sylvester method.
11. The method as claimed in claim 6, wherein the variable orthogonal code channel is a basis
Hadamard code channel or a Hadamard code channel extended from the basis Hadamard code channel.
12. The method as claimed in claim 11. wherein a length of the extended Hadamard code is integral
multiple of the length of the basis Hadamard code.
13. The method as claimed in claim 1 1, wherein the basis Hadamard code channel is allocated to
one unit channel or one extended Hadamard channel code is allocated to several unit channels.

There is disclosed a downlink control channel allocation method in a system in
which a physical shared channel is used as a control channel, wherein a control channel
is allocated by multiplexing one shared channel into both time and orthogonal codes by
using a unit channel.

Documents:

1220-KOLNP-2005-FORM-27.pdf

1220-kolnp-2005-granted-abstract.pdf

1220-kolnp-2005-granted-assignment.pdf

1220-kolnp-2005-granted-claims.pdf

1220-kolnp-2005-granted-correspondence.pdf

1220-kolnp-2005-granted-description (complete).pdf

1220-kolnp-2005-granted-drawings.pdf

1220-kolnp-2005-granted-examination report.pdf

1220-kolnp-2005-granted-form 1.pdf

1220-kolnp-2005-granted-form 18.pdf

1220-kolnp-2005-granted-form 3.pdf

1220-kolnp-2005-granted-form 5.pdf

1220-kolnp-2005-granted-gpa.pdf

1220-kolnp-2005-granted-reply to examination report.pdf

1220-kolnp-2005-granted-specification.pdf


Patent Number 226720
Indian Patent Application Number 1220/KOLNP/2005
PG Journal Number 52/2008
Publication Date 26-Dec-2008
Grant Date 24-Dec-2008
Date of Filing 23-Jun-2005
Name of Patentee LG ELECTRONICS INC.
Applicant Address 20, YOIDO-DONG, YONGDUNGPO-GU, SEOUL
Inventors:
# Inventor's Name Inventor's Address
1 YUK YOUNG-SOO SINTRI APT. 102-505, SINJEONG 3-DONG, YANGEHEON-GU, SEOUL 158-785
2 KIM-HAK-SEONG DAEWOO APT. 111-1501, BONGCHU 3-DONG, GWANAK-GU, SEOUL 151-053
3 WON SEUNG-HWAN JUGONG 6 DANJI APT. 622-201, BYULYANG-DONG, GWACHEON, GYEONGGI-DO, 427-708
4 AHN JOON-KUI GWANAK HYUNDAI APT. 108-1505, 407, SANGDO 5-DONG, DONGJAK-GU, SEOUL, 156-781
PCT International Classification Number H04B 7/26
PCT International Application Number PCT/KR2004/001143
PCT International Filing date 2004-05-14
PCT Conventions:
# PCT Application Number Date of Convention Priority Country
1 10-2003-0031446 2003-05-17 Republic of Korea