eRedcap 概述
3GPP release18 标准对标LTE 的Cat1bis的NR演进,在release17的Redcap UE的基础上,提出支持rel18的Redcap UE,也称为eRedcap UE,实现进一步降低数据速率(不超过10Mbps),降低终端成本的要求。
在参考文献[1],3GPP 38.865,“Study on further NR Redcap UE complexity reduction” 中,各个公司从3个方面提出了进一步降低数据速率和成本的方法:
(1)Reduction of Bandwidth to 5MHz in FR1,包括 RF bandwidth or BB bandwith or restrictied bandwidth of PDSCH and PUSCH
(2)Reduction of Peak Data Rate in FR1
(3)Relax of Process Timeline for PDSCH and/or PUSCH and/or CSI
最终rel18 协议采用了其中的两种方案:
(1)FG 48-1: Redcap UE with reduced peak data rate and reduced baseband bandwidth in FR1 (reduction BW3 + reduction PR1 )
这种UE需要对协议标准和基站部署进行一定的修改,但是可以获得更大的复杂度的降低
射频带宽:20MHz;
基带带宽:PDSCH/PUSCH:5MHz(SCS 15Hz: 25PRBs; SCS 30KHz: 12PRBs)
峰值速率:
主要可以降低复杂度的部分是:
LDPC decoding + HARQ buffer + UL processing block
Post FFT data buffering + Receive processing block
(2)FG 48-2 Redcap UE with reduced peak data rate without reduced baseband bandwidth in FR1 (only reduction PR1 )
这种UE 对gNB的调度和标准规定的影响最小,可实现快速部署。
射频带宽:20MHz;
基带带宽:20MHz;
峰值速率:
主要可以降低复杂度的部分是:
LDPC decoding + HARQ buffer + UL processing block
38.331 中对 eRedcap UE的能力指示如下:
FG 48-1 和 FG 48-2 差异
eRedcap 协议分析
总结
从上述协议介绍看,eRedcap UE 主要时针对PDSCH/PUSCH的bit级处理做了复杂度的减少,与Rel17 同等条件(相同的RX 和QAM调制)相比较,减少~8% (BW+PR),或者减少~4%(PR only),复杂度的减少并不多。
考虑到对LTE Cat1bis的演进,以及未来双模的支持,eRedcap更有可能支持 1Rx,而其UL可以获得比Cat1bis更高的速率。
下图来自Qalcomm的白皮书“Undderstanding the benefits of LTE Cat1bis technology”, 这里针对eRedcap给出的 Rx 大小为1T/1R,上行UL 峰值速率为10Mbps
Before the end of 2023, 3GPP will freeze Rel-18 standards, among which is NR eRedCap. As described above, eRedCap is designed specifically for resource-constrained IoT devices.
NR eRedCap will extend support for similar channel bandwidths of up to 20 MHz and provide data rates of around 10 Mbps using the same single-antenna architecture used by Cat 1bis.
That sets out a clear continuity path for applications that require simple RF design and Cat 1-like data rates.
When eRedCap devices roll out, LTE will become their fallback technology, enabling operation in Cat 1bis mode on LTE.
参考文献
[1] 38.865
[2] 38.306-i00
[3] 38.331-i00
[4] 38.213-i10
[5] 38.214-i10
[6] R1-2310329
[7] R1-2310617
[8] Qualcomm, whitepaper of understanding the benefits of LTE cat1bis technology