Wireless communication base station apparatus and pilot signal disposing method

A base station device is provided with features in which multicast data can be prevented from deterioration in the accuracy of channel estimation due to interference of a unicast data pilot signal when multicast data and unicast data are multiplexed for transmission. In this device, a unicast pilot signal generating unit (105-1) generates a unicast data pilot signal, a multicast pilot signal generating unit (105-2) generates a multicast data pilot signal, a disposing unit (106) disposes a unicast data symbol, a multicast data symbol, the unicast data pilot signal, and the multicast pilot signal at either position on a two-dimensional plane comprised of a frequency axis and a time axis to output them to an IFFT unit (107). In this case, the disposing unit (106) disposes the multicast data pilot signal at a position on the two-dimensional plane comprised of the frequency axis and the time axis where the unicast data pilot signal does not interfere with it.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates to a radio communication base station apparatus and a pilot mapping method.

BACKGROUND ART

In recent years, in mobile communication, various kinds of information such as images and data as well as speech are subjected to transmission. Following this trend, it is expected that demands further increase for high reliability and high speed transmission. However, when high speed transmission is performed in mobile communication, the influence of delayed waves by multipath is not negligible, and transmission performance degrades due to frequency selective fading.

Multicarrier communication such as the OFDM (Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiplexing) scheme has attracted attention as one of counter techniques for frequency selective fading. In multicarrier communication, data is transmitted using a plurality of subcarriers of transmission rates suppressed to such an extent that frequency selective fading does not occur. Particularly, with the OFDM scheme, the frequencies of a plurality of subcarriers where data is mapped are orthogonal to each other, so that the OFDM scheme has the highest frequency efficiency in multicarrier communication and implements multicarrier communication with relatively simple hardware configurations. Therefore, the OFDM scheme has attracted attention as a communication method to be employed in cellular scheme mobile communication, and has been studied in various ways. Further, according to the OFDM scheme, to prevent intersymbol interference (ISI), the tail end of each OFDM symbol is attached to the head of that OFDM symbol as a CP (Cyclic Prefix). By this means, on the receiving side, it is possible to prevent ISI as long as the delay time of delay waves stays within the time length of a CP (hereinafter “CP length”).

By the way, recently, studies on multicast communication are underway. Multicast communication is not one-to-one communication such as unicast communication, but is one-to-many communication. That is, in multicast communication, one radio communication base station apparatus (hereinafter simply “base station”) transmits the same data to a plurality of radio communication mobile station apparatuses (hereinafter simply “mobile stations”) at the same time. By this multicast communication, in the mobile communication system, for example, distribution services of music data and video image data and broadcast services such as television broadcast are realized. Further, services using multicast communication may have to be provided in a relatively wide communication area which cannot be covered by a single base station, and, in this case, multicast communication covers the entirety of the wide communication area by transmitting the same data from a plurality of base stations. That is, multicast data is the same between a plurality of cells. Thus, in multicast communication, the same multicast data is transmitted from a plurality of base stations at the same time, and, consequently, a mobile station nearby the cell boundary receives mixed multicast data comprised of multicast data from a plurality of base stations.

Here, in a mobile station located nearby the cell boundary, if the OFDM scheme is employed in multicast communication, when a plurality of the same OFDM symbols transmitted at the same time from a plurality of base stations are received within the CP length, these OFDM symbols are combined and received in a state their received power is amplified. To correct the channel fluctuation (phase fluctuation and amplitude fluctuation) of the combined signals by channel estimation, channel estimation values for these combined signals are necessary. Therefore, in multicast communication using the OFDM scheme, for a pilot used to calculate channel estimation values, the same pilot needs to be transmitted from a plurality of base stations at the same time, as in the case of multicast data. That is, multicast data pilots need to be common between a plurality of cells.

On the other hand, in unicast communication, a plurality of base stations transmit respective data (unicast data) (see Non-Patent Document 1). That is, unicast data differs between multiple cells. Here, unicast data refers to, for example, control data needed to transmit user data from a mobile station. By this means, for the pilot used to calculate channel estimation values in unicast communication, different pilots need to be transmitted from a plurality of base stations as in the case of unicast data. That is, unicast data pilots need to be different between multiple cells.

Further, studies are underway on the method of mapping pilots upon multiplexing and transmitting multicast data and unicast data (see Non-Patent Document 2). Further, while multicast communication employs a mode of communication in which information is transmitted only to specific mobile stations subscribing services such as news groups, broadcast communication employs a mode of communication in which information is transmitted to all mobile stations as in today's television broadcast and radio broadcast. However, the multicast communication is the same as the broadcast communication in that one base station transmits the same data to a plurality of mobile stations at the same time. Therefore, this document describes an MBMS (Multimedia Broadcast/Multicast Service) combining multicast and broadcast. Further, in this document, broadcast is used for explanation instead of multicast.

DISCLOSURE OF INVENTION

Problem to be Solved by the Invention

However, unicast data pilots differ between multiple cells, and therefore are transmitted with relatively high power to reduce interference of unicast data pilots between cells.

On the other hand, as described above, multicast data pilots are common between multiple cells, so that multicast data pilots do not interfere with each other between cells. Therefore, multicast data pilots are transmitted with relatively low power.

Depending on the mapping of these pilots, unicast data pilots may interfere with multicast data pilots and consequently degrades the accuracy of channel estimation for multicast data performed using multicast data pilots.

It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a base station and pilot mapping method for preventing degradation of accuracy in channel estimation for multicast data due to interference from unicast data pilots.

Means for Solving the Problem

The base station of the present invention that multiplexes in the time domain and transmits a first multicarrier signal and a second multicarrier signal, the first multicarrier signal and the second multicarrier signal being respectively comprised of first data (unicast data) that varies between a plurality of cells and second data (multicast data) that is the same between the plurality of cells, employs a configuration having: a generating section that generates a first pilot for the first data (unicast data pilot) and a second pilot for the second data (multicast data pilot); and a mapping section that maps the second pilot (multicast data pilot) in a position where in which the first pilot (unicast data pilot) does not interfere with the second pilot in a two-dimensional plane representing comprised of a frequency domain and a time domain.

Further, the pilot mapping method of the present invention in a radio communication base station apparatus that multiplexes in the time domain and transmits a first multicarrier signal and a second multicarrier signal, the first multicarrier signal and the second multicarrier signal being respectively comprised of first data (unicast data) that varies between a plurality of cells and second data (multicast data) that is the same between the plurality of cells, employs a method including mapping the second pilot (multicast data pilot) in a position where the first pilot (unicast data pilot) does not interfere with the second pilot (multicast data pilot) a two-dimensional plane representing a frequency domain and a time domain.

Advantageous Effect of the Invention

According to the present invention, it is possible to prevent degradation of accuracy in channel estimation for second data (multicast data) due to interference from first data pilots (unicast data pilots).

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

Embodiments of the present invention will be explained below in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. Further, although a case will be explained with the following explanation where the OFDM scheme is used as an example of a multicarrier communication scheme, the present invention is not limited to the OFDM scheme.

The base station according to the present embodiment that is used in a mobile communication system of the OFDM scheme, and time-domain-multiplexes an OFDM symbol in which unicast data is mapped on a plurality of subcarriers and an OFDM symbol in which multicast data is mapped on a plurality of subcarriers, and transmits the result to a mobile station.

FIG. 1illustrates a configuration of base station100according to the present embodiment.

Encoding section101encodes unicast data and outputs the result to modulating section102.

Modulating section102generates unicast data symbols by modulating the encoded unicast data and outputs the unicast data symbols to mapping section106.

Encoding section103encodes multicast data and outputs the result to modulating section104.

Modulating section104generates multicast data symbols by modulating the encoded multicast data and outputs the result to mapping section106.

Pilot generating section105is configured with unicast pilot generating section105-1and multicast pilot generating section105-2.

Unicast pilot generating section105-1generates unicast data pilots and outputs these pilots to mapping section106.

Multicast pilot generating section105-2generates multicast data pilots and outputs these pilots to mapping section106.

Mapping section106maps the unicast data symbols, the multicast data symbols, the unicast data pilots and the multicast data pilots in arbitrary positions in a two-dimensional plane comprised of the frequency domain and the time domain, and outputs the result to IFFT (Inverse Fast Fourier Transform) section107. The frequency domain is associated with a plurality of subcarriers forming an OFDM symbol, and the time domain is associated with a plurality of OFDM symbols transmitted in order. That is, mapping section106maps the unicast data symbols, the multicast data symbols, the unicast data pilots and the multicast data pilots in arbitrary positions of a plurality of subcarriers in a plurality of OFDM symbols. In this case, mapping section106maps unicast data symbols and multicast data symbols on different subcarriers of OFDM symbols, thereby time-domain-multiplexing the unicast data symbols and the multicast data symbols. Mapping processing will be described later in detail.

By performing an IFFT for a plurality of subcarriers on which unicast data symbols, multicast data symbols, unicast data pilots and multicast data pilots are mapped, IFFT section107acquires a time domain signals, that is, generates OFDM symbols that are a multicarrier signals. After the processing in mapping section106, IFFT section107generates an OFDM symbol in which unicast data symbols and unicast data pilots are frequency-domain-multiplexed, an OFDM symbol in which multicast data symbols and multicast data pilots are frequency-domain-multiplexed, an OFDM symbol in which multicast data symbols and unicast data pilots are frequency-domain-multiplexed and an OFDM symbol comprised of only multicast data symbols. Further, these OFDM symbols are time-domain-multiplexed by the processing in mapping section106and outputted to CP attaching section108.

CP attaching section108attaches the same symbol as the tail end of each OFDM symbol to the head of that OFDM symbol as a CP.

Radio transmitting section109performs transmitting processing such as D/A conversion, amplification and up-conversion on the OFDM symbols with CPs, and transmits the results from antenna110to a mobile station.

Next, mapping processing in mapping section106will be explained in detail. In a two-dimensional plane representing the frequency domain and the time domain, mapping section106maps multicast data pilots in positions where the unicast data pilots do not interfere with the multicast data pilots. Mapping examples 1 to 5 will be explained below. An example will be explained in the following explanations where one OFDM symbol is comprised of nineteen subcarriers f1to f19. Further, an example will be explained where one subframe is comprised of eight OFDM symbols #1to #8. Further, in the following explanations, an OFDM symbol comprised of unicast data symbols (u) is referred to as a “unicast OFDM symbol” and an OFDM symbol comprised of multicast data symbols (m) is referred to as a “multicast OFDM symbol.”

In the present mapping example, unicast data pilots are mapped in arbitrary positions of a plurality of subcarriers forming a unicast OFDM symbol, and multicast data pilots are mapped in arbitrary positions of a plurality of subcarriers forming a multicast OFDM symbol that is not adjacent to that unicast OFDM symbol in the time domain.

Further, in the present mapping example, out of a plurality of subcarriers forming a multicast OFDM symbol, multicast data pilots may be preferably mapped on the subcarriers in the same frequencies as subcarriers on which unicast data pilots are mapped in the unicast OFDM symbol.

To be more specific, as shown inFIG. 2, when unicast data pilots (PLu) are mapped on subcarriers f2, f10and f18in unicast OFDM symbol #1, it may be preferable to map multicast data pilots (PLm) on subcarriers f2, f10and f18of multicast OFDM symbol #3that is not adjacent to unicast OFDM symbol #1.

Thus, in the time domain, by mapping multicast data pilots in positions one OFDM symbol or more apart from the unicast data pilots, it is possible to map multicast data pilots in positions where the unicast data pilots do not interfere with the multicast data pilots. Therefore, it is possible to prevent degradation of channel estimation accuracy for multicast data due to interference by unicast data pilots.

Further, mapping unicast data pilots and multicast data pilots on subcarriers in the same frequencies, in channel estimation for multicast data using multicast data pilots, it is possible to use a channel estimation value acquired from unicast data pilots as a reference. Therefore, the present mapping example is especially useful in a case where the received power of multicast data pilots in a mobile station is low due to a large cell radius and channel estimation with sufficient accuracy is not possible with multicast data pilots alone.

Further, in a case where unicast data pilots (PLu) are mapped on subcarriers f6and f14in multicast OFDM symbol #5as shown inFIG. 2in order to increase channel estimation accuracy for unicast data, it is preferable to map multicast data pilots (PLm) on subcarriers f6and f14in multicast OFDM symbol #7that is not adjacent to multicast OFDM symbol #5.

In the present example, unicast data pilots are mapped in arbitrary positions of a plurality of subcarriers forming a unicast OFDM symbol, and, out of a plurality of subcarriers forming a multicast OFDM symbol, multicast data pilots are mapped on subcarriers in different frequencies from the subcarriers on which the unicast data pilots are mapped in the unicast OFDM symbol.

Further, in the present mapping example, it may be preferable to map multicast data pilots on subcarriers in the multicast OFDM symbol that is adjacent in the time domain to the unicast OFDM symbol including unicast data pilots.

To be more specific, as shown inFIG. 3, in a case where unicast data pilots (PLu) are mapped on subcarriers f2, f10and f18in unicast OFDM symbol #1, it is preferable to map multicast data pilots (PLm) on subcarriers f6and f14in multicast OFDM symbol #2that is adjacent to unicast OFDM symbol #1.

Thus, in the frequency domain, by mapping multicast data pilots on subcarriers in different frequencies from subcarriers on which unicast data pilots are mapped, it is possible to map multicast data pilots in positions where the unicast data pilots do not interfere with the multicast data pilots. Therefore, it is possible to prevent degradation of accuracy in channel estimation for multicast data due to interference from unicast data pilots.

Further, by mapping unicast data pilots and multicast data pilots on subcarriers in OFDM symbols that are adjacent in the time domain, in a mobile station, the unicast data pilots and the multicast data pilots can be received within a period of two symbols, so that it is possible to reduce the time required to receive pilots, and, as a result, reduce power consumption related to receive pilots.

Further, in a case where unicast data pilots (PLu) are mapped on subcarriers f6and f14in multicast OFDM symbol #5as shown inFIG. 3in order to increase channel estimation accuracy for unicast data, it is preferable to map multicast data pilots (PLm) on subcarriers f2, f10and f18in multicast OFDM symbol #6that is adjacent to multicast OFDM symbol #5.

The present setting example is a combination of mapping example 1 and mapping example 2. That is, in the present setting example, unicast data pilots are mapped in arbitrary positions of a plurality of subcarriers forming a unicast OFDM symbol, and, out of a plurality of subcarriers forming a multicast OFDM symbol that is not adjacent to the unicast OFDM symbol in the time domain, multicast data pilots are mapped on subcarriers in different frequencies from subcarriers on which the unicast data pilots are mapped.

To be more specific, as shown inFIG. 4, in a case where unicast data pilots (PLu) are mapped on subcarriers f2, f10and f18in unicast OFDM symbol #1, multicast data pilots (PLm) are mapped on subcarriers f6and f14in multicast OFDM symbol #3that is not adjacent to unicast OFDM symbol #1.

Thus, in the time domain and the frequency domain, by mapping multicast data pilots in positions apart from unicast data pilots, it is possible to map the multicast data pilots in positions where the unicast data pilots do not interfere with the multicast data pilots.

Further, in a case where unicast data pilots (PLu) are also mapped on subcarriers f6and f14in multicast OFDM symbol #5as shown inFIG. 4in order to improve the accuracy of channel estimation for unicast data, multicast data pilots (PLm) are mapped on subcarriers f2, f10and f18in multicast data symbol #7that is not adjacent to multicast OFDM symbol #5.

In the present mapping pattern, out of a plurality of subcarriers forming a multicast OFDM symbol, multicast data pilots are mapped on subcarriers in the same frequencies as subcarriers on which multicast data pilots are mapped in another base station for an adjacent cell, and, out of a plurality of subcarriers forming a unicast OFDM symbol, unicast data pilots are mapped on subcarriers in different frequencies from subcarriers on which multicast data pilots are mapped in the multicast OFDM symbol.

FIG. 5Aillustrates a mapping example at a base station of cell #1, andFIGS. 5B and 5Cillustrate mapping examples at other base stations of cell #2and cell #3, respectively. Here, a case will be assumed and explained where base station100(FIG. 1) is the base station of cell #1.

In the present setting examples, assume that the mapping positions for multicast data pilots are the same in the same subframes between a plurality of base stations of adjacent cells. For example, as shown inFIGS. 5A to 5C, in subframe #1, base stations of cells #1to #3map multicast data pilots (PLm) on subcarriers f6and f14in multicast OFDM symbol #2. That is, out of a plurality of subcarriers f1to f19forming a multicast OFDM symbol, the base station of cell #1(FIG. 5A) maps multicast data pilots (PLm) on subcarriers f6and f14that are the same frequencies as subcarriers f6and f14on which multicast data pilots are mapped in other base stations of cells #2and #3(FIGS. 5B and 5C).

Further, in a case where multicast data pilots (PLm) are mapped as described above, as shown inFIG. 5A, out of a plurality of subcarriers f1to f19forming unicast OFDM symbol #1, the base station of cell #1maps unicast data pilots (PLu) on subcarriers f2, f10and f18in different frequencies from subcarriers f6and f14on which multicast data pilots are mapped in multicarrier OFDM symbol #2. The same applies to the base stations of cell #2and cell #3(FIGS. 5B and 5C).

As described above, when multicast data pilots are mapped in the same positions between a plurality of base stations of adjacent cells, each base station maps unicast data pilots on subcarriers in different frequencies from the subcarriers on which multicast data pilots are mapped, so that it is possible to prevent multicast data pilots from interference from unicast data pilots.

Further, by adopting this mapping in adjacent cells, it is possible to prevent multicast data pilots from interference by the unicast data pilots of other cells between these cells.

Therefore, in all of a plurality of adjacent cells, it is possible to prevent degradation of accuracy in channel estimation due to interference from unicast data pilots.

Further, inFIGS. 5A to 5C, to prevent interference from unicast data pilots (PLu) between cells, out of a plurality of subcarriers f1to f19forming unicast OFDM symbol #1, subcarriers on which unicast data pilots (PLu) are mapped are different between cells. To be more specific, when the base station of cell #1maps unicast data pilots (PLu) on subcarriers f2, f10and f18in unicast OFDM symbol #1(FIG. 5A), the base station of cell #2maps unicast data pilots (PLu) on subcarriers f8and f16in unicast OFDM symbol #1(FIG. 5B) and the base station of cell #3maps unicast data pilots (PLu) on subcarriers f4and f12in unicast OFDM symbol #1(FIG. 5C).

Further, for example, as shown inFIGS. 5A to 5C, in a case where multicast data pilots (PLm) are mapped on subcarriers f2, f10and f18in multicast OFDM symbol #6, to enhance channel estimation accuracy for unicast data, the base station of cell #1may map unicast data pilots (PLu) on subcarriers f6and f14in multicast OFDM symbol #5(FIG. 5A). The base stations of cell #2and #3perform the same processing as above (FIGS. 5B and 5C).

In the present mapping example, out of a plurality of subcarriers forming a multicast OFDM symbol, multicast data pilots are mapped on subcarriers in the same frequencies every time, and, out of a plurality of subcarriers forming a unicast OFDM symbol, unicast data pilots are mapped on subcarriers in different frequencies from the subcarriers on which the pilots multicast data pilots are mapped in the multicast OFDM symbol, and the subcarriers on which unicast data are mapped are changed over time.

In the present mapping example, the mapping positions for multicast data pilots are the same in all subframes. That is, out of a plurality of subcarriers forming a multicast OFDM symbol, multicast data pilots are mapped on subcarriers in the same frequencies every time. For example, as shown inFIGS. 6A to 6C, multicast data pilots (PLm) are mapped on subcarriers f6and f14in multicast OFDM symbol #2in all of subframes #1to #3.

Further, when multicast data pilots (PLm) are mapped as above, in subframe #1, as shown inFIG. 6A, out of a plurality of subcarriers f1to f19forming unicast OFDM symbol #1, unicast data pilots (PLu) are mapped on subcarriers f2, f10and f18in different frequencies from subcarriers f6and f14on which multicast data pilots are mapped in multicast OFDM symbol #2. Similarly, in subframe #2, as shown inFIG. 6B, unicast data pilots (PLu) are mapped on subcarriers f8and f16in unicast OFDM symbol #1. In subframe #3, as shown inFIG. 6C, unicast data pilots (PLu) are mapped on subcarriers f4and f12in unicast OFDM symbol #1.

As described above, in a case where mapping positions for multicast data pilots are the same in all subframes, in the frequency domain, by mapping unicast data pilots on subcarriers in different frequencies from subcarriers on which multicast data pilots are mapped, it is possible to prevent the multicast data pilots from interference by the unicast data pilots. Therefore, in all subframes, it is possible to prevent degradation of accuracy in channel estimation for multicast data due to interference from the unicast data pilots.

Further, in the present mapping example, subcarriers on which unicast data pilots varies every subframe, so that it is possible to improve the accuracy in interpolation for a channel estimation value for unicast data, in the frequency domain.

Further, for example, as shown inFIG. 6A, in subframe #1, in a case where multicast data pilots (PLm) are mapped on subcarriers f2, f10and f18in multicast OFDM symbol #6, to improve the accuracy in channel estimation for unicast data, unicast data pilots (PLu) may be mapped on subcarriers f6and f14in multicast OFDM symbol #5. The same applies to subframes #2and #3(FIGS. 6B and 6C).

In a case where the OFDM scheme is used in multicast communication as above, a mobile station receives a combination of a plurality of the same multicast OFDM symbols transmitted from a plurality of base stations at the same time. Therefore, frequency selective fading of multicast data is more significant than that of unicast data. Therefore, in the frequency domain, more multicast data pilots are needed than unicast data pilots.

On the other hand, interference by multicast data does not occur between cells, and, consequently, the received SIR (Signal to Interference Ratio) of multicast data in a mobile station is higher than the received SIR of unicast data. Therefore, in a base station, it is possible to reduce transmission power for multicast data. The same applies between multicast data pilots and unicast data pilots.

Therefore, according to the present embodiment, more multicast data pilots are mapped in the frequency domain than unicast data pilots. Further, with the present embodiment, when the number of multicast data pilots mapped in the frequency domain becomes large, the transmission power of each pilot for multicast data becomes low.

FIG. 7illustrates a configuration of base station300according to the present embodiment. Further, inFIG. 7, the same components as inFIG. 1(Embodiment 1) will be assigned the same reference numerals and explanations will be omitted.

Multicast pilot generating section105-2generates multicast data pilots and outputs them to transmission power control section301.

Transmission power control section301controls transmission power for multicast data pilots and outputs the multicast data pilots after the transmission power control to mapping section302. Transmission power control section301reduces the transmission power for multicast data pilots when the number of multicast data pilots mapped on a plurality of subcarriers forming a multicast OFDM symbol becomes large. For example, when five multicast data pilots are mapped on a plurality of subcarriers forming a multicast OFDM symbol, transmission power control section301controls the transmission power of each of the five multicast data pilots to a three-fifth of the transmission power in a case where three multicast data pilots are mapped.

As shown inFIG. 8, mapping section302maps more multicast data pilots (PLm) on a plurality of subcarriers forming multicast OFDM symbol #2than unicast data pilots (PLu) mapped on a plurality of subcarriers forming unicast OFDM symbol #1. Further, althoughFIG. 8shows a mapping example where the number of multicast data pilots increases from three to five based on mapping example 1 of Embodiment 1 (FIG. 2), the present embodiment can be implemented with any of mapping examples 1 to 5 of Embodiment 1.

As described above, according to the present embodiment, it is possible to improve the accuracy in channel estimation for multicast data without increasing the total transmission power for transmitting pilots.

Embodiments of the present invention have described above.

Further, by replacing “multicast” used in the above embodiments with “broadcast,” it is possible to implement the present invention in the same way as above in a mobile communication system where broadcast data and unicast data are multiplexed. Further, by replacing “multicast” used in the above embodiments with “MBMS,” it is possible to implement the present invention in the same way as above in a mobile communication system where MBMS data and unicast data are multiplexed.

Further, CP may be referred to as “GI,” which means a guard interval. Further, a subcarrier may be referred to as a “tone.”

Further, a base station and a mobile station may be referred to as “Node B” and “UE,” respectively.

Although a case has been described with the above embodiments as an example where the present invention is implemented with hardware, the present invention can be implemented with software.

Furthermore, each function block employed in the description of each of the aforementioned embodiments may typically be implemented as an LSI constituted by an integrated circuit. These may be individual chips or partially or totally contained on a single chip. “LSI” is adopted here but this may also be referred to as “IC,” “system LSI,” “super LSI,” or “ultra LSI” depending on differing extents of integration.

Further, the method of circuit integration is not limited to LSI's, and implementation using dedicated circuitry or general purpose processors is also possible. After LSI manufacture, utilization of an FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array) or a reconfigurable processor where connections and settings of circuit cells in an LSI can be reconfigured is also possible.

The disclosure of Japanese Patent Application No. 2006-075504, filed on Mar. 17, 2006, including the specification, drawings and abstract, is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

Industrial Applicability

The present invention is applicable to the mobile communication system or the like.