Interactive parameterized 5g NR physical layer signal generation system

Abstract

The present invention belongs to the technical field of signal generation. Disclosed are an interactive parameterized 5G NR physical layer signal generation system, comprising: a user interface module, a protocol algorithm module and a management and control module, wherein the user interface module exchanges information with a microwave vector signal generator software platform by means of a remote control interface; the user interface module exchanges information with the protocol algorithm module by means of the management and control module; the protocol algorithm module exchanges information with a hardware processing circuit, and after a signal waveform is processed by the hardware processing circuit, 5G NR radio frequency signals in FR1 and FR2 frequency bands are formed; and the management and control module and the protocol algorithm module both detect parameter values and coupling relationships between parameters. The 5G NR physical layer signal generation system provided in the present invention has a clear hierarchical architecture, and integrates a conflict detection function, thereby improving the reliability and availability of the system.

Description

An interactive parameterized 5G NR physical layer signal generation system Technical Field

[0001] The present invention belongs to the field of signal generation technology, and in particular relates to an interactive parameterized 5G NR physical layer signal generation system. Background Art

[0002] In the development, production, and certification of 5G NR base stations and other communication equipment, communication performance testing based on physical layer protocols is a necessary step. Physical layer signal generation systems are essential testing methods. Current simulators and software-defined networks (SDNs) meet the test stimulus requirements for complex, realistic scenarios. Both academia and industry are conducting extensive research and practical applications in 5G NR physical layer signal simulation, which can be broadly categorized into simulators and software-defined networks. Simulators focus on implementing key communication processes and functions, while SDNs offer relatively weak support for physical layer functions. Both research areas rely on field testing or numerical calculations to verify accuracy, and both remain largely in the prototyping and verification phase, lacking strong evidence of commercial viability. Technical issues

[0003] Currently, commercially available 5G NR physical layer signal generation systems generally adhere to the data processing flows and algorithms of the 3GPP physical layer. These systems integrate software and hardware platforms to create stable, visual 5G NR physical layer signal generators. Mainstream solutions fall into two main categories. The first presents most system functions as nodes in a tree structure, with each node expanding step by step. Clicking a node in the tree displays the parameters for that node in a list and expands its child nodes within the tree. This type of solution features a large number of parameters within its interface, making it suitable for display on larger screens. Therefore, it is suitable for host-based testing (i.e., installing the system on a separate PC, using it to set parameters and control test instrumentation). This type of solution also supports integration into microwave test instruments, where the instrument interface displays software parameters, which can be quite crowded. The densely displayed parameters make manual click operations difficult. Furthermore, this solution does not support conflict detection during parameter setting, has no restrictions on parameter value ranges, and imposes no coupling constraints between parameters. In short, the first type of solution uses a tree-like directory structure for switching functions, but the parameter items are primarily arranged in lists, which is dense and difficult to navigate manually. The second type of solution addresses the first type's limitations in integrating into microwave test instruments and its dense parameter items by independently designing the system's functional hierarchy and parameter presentation. This eliminates the tree-like directory structure and presents the parameters as larger boxes and buttons. This type of solution presents system functions in a pop-up window format. Within each level of system function, different parameter categories are displayed via tabs, and the parameters within the tabs appear as pop-ups for the next level of setting functions. For example, in carrier configuration, clicking the Configure button in the carrier list brings up the system information parameter settings, as well as the time and phase parameter settings. In this type of solution's interface, the system is integrated into the microwave test instrument, and the parameter items are arranged in a more logical, less crowded format, making manual clickable operation possible. In short, while the second type of device offers improvements in parameter presentation, its operation requires switching back and forth between function windows, resulting in a less clear setup path and functional hierarchy. This excessive interface overlap increases the likelihood of setting errors, hindering system setup efficiency.

[0004] In summary, the two current mainstream 5G NR physical layer signal generation system solutions have the following areas that need improvement:

[0005] 1. Although a tree-like directory structure is used as a means of switching functions, the parameter item layout is too dense, making it inconvenient to manually click. If a sparse layout is used, although it is convenient for manual click operation, function switching depends on window switching, the interface is overly stacked, and the setting path and function hierarchy are not clear, affecting the efficiency of software setting.

[0006] 2. A clear, hierarchical system architecture is required during system design and development, guiding system planning and interface design from the top level. A clear signal generation system architecture can improve system operability and user experience, alleviating and avoiding issues such as excessive functional layer stacking and inefficient system setup.

[0007] 3. A parameterized system interface layout method is required during the system architecture design process to facilitate the system interface design and improve the system R&D efficiency. Technical Solutions

[0008] To solve the above problems, the present invention proposes an interactive parameterized 5G NR physical layer signal generation system, plans a clear hierarchical system architecture, designs a parameterized system interface, and constructs a general workflow of the system.

[0009] The technical solutions of the present invention are as follows:

[0010] An interactive parameterized 5G NR physical layer signal generation system includes a user interface module, a protocol algorithm module, and a management and control module. The user interface module includes six parts: general settings, tree directory structure, node settings, user / BWP settings, frame / scheduling settings, and output / power settings. The protocol algorithm module includes five parts: transmission / control channel processing, SSB / PRACH processing, reference signal processing, waveform generation, and antenna port mapping. The management and control module includes three parts: parameter definition, data processing, and service flow control.

[0011] The user interface module interacts with the microwave vector signal generator software platform through a remote control interface. The user interface module and the protocol algorithm module interact with each other through the management and control module. The protocol algorithm module interacts with the hardware processing circuit. After the signal waveform is processed by the hardware processing circuit, it forms a 5G NR RF signal in the FR1 and FR2 frequency bands.

[0012] The management and control module and the protocol algorithm module both detect parameter values ​​and the coupling relationship between parameters.

[0013] Furthermore, in the management and control module, the parameter definition part includes general / structure parameters, node parameters, user / BWP parameters, frame generation parameters, and output parameters; the data processing part includes uplink parameter data processing, downlink parameter data processing, parameter coupling relationship processing, waveform generation parameter data processing, and antenna port mapping data processing; the service process control part includes transmission / control channel process control, SSB / PRACH process control, reference signal process control, waveform generation process control, and antenna port mapping process control;

[0014] The parameter definition part establishes the correspondence between the system parameters and the parameters used in the protocol algorithm; the data processing part systematically manages the parameter validity and the coupling relationship between the parameters; the business process control part passes the system parameters set by the user to the protocol algorithm module, and converts some parameters according to the needs of the protocol algorithm module, thereby calling the relevant physical layer protocol algorithm function module to generate the physical layer baseband signal.

[0015] Furthermore, in the user interface module, the six parts of general settings, tree directory structure, node settings, user / BWP settings, frame / scheduling settings, and output / power and their corresponding parameters are presented on the system interface through four key elements: tree directory structure, current setting path, parameter setting main part, and property page; among them, the tree directory structure presents the structure when the current function node and the lower-level nodes are expanded. If the current node is the last-level node, the structure when the upper-level node and the current node are expanded is presented; the current setting path presents the path to the current function node, and this part is automatically updated according to the node selection; the parameter setting main part consists of a parameter set, a parameter table, and a schematic diagram. The parameter set consists of several parameter blocks containing parameter names and values. The parameter table is in tabular form. The parameter name includes the table title and the rows and columns in the table. The corresponding parameter values ​​are cells. The schematic diagram displays the setting results of some parameters in a graphical form; the property page is used to present parameter items of different channels / signal types, formats or processing steps contained in a certain last-level node.

[0016] Furthermore, the 5G NR physical layer signal generation system is integrated into the microwave vector signal generator. Based on the vector modulation architecture, it calls the protocol algorithm through the user interface parameter settings to generate the baseband signal. The specific process is as follows:

[0017] First, turn on the signal simulation switch of the 5G NR physical layer signal generation system in sequence. In the user interface module, set parameters related to the 5G NR physical layer signal generation, including general, node, user / BWP, frame / scheduling, and output / power categories. The parameters include link direction, subcarrier spacing, center frequency, number of users, number of BWPs, channel / signal resource allocation method, and filter type. Then, in the management and control module, obtain the initial parameter set, generate the initial tree directory structure, and set the path. The parameter set is passed to the protocol algorithm module to generate the physical layer signal and physical layer signal file. Finally, the parameter set is passed to the protocol algorithm module to generate the waveform data file.

[0018] During the signal generation process, when the user switches the function node, the current function node is obtained, the tree directory structure is updated, and the path is set; when the parameters are modified, the modified parameters are set, the parameter setting interface and parameter set are updated, and the system automatically determines whether the current parameters affect the tree structure. If it affects the tree structure, the tree structure is automatically updated. Beneficial effects

[0019] 1. The hierarchical architecture of the 5G NR physical layer signal generation system proposed in this paper clearly reveals the system's operating principles and provides a comprehensive top-level planning and design solution for the development of a stable and usable 5G NR physical layer signal generation system. It also integrates a conflict detection function, improving the system's reliability and availability.

[0020] The user interface of the 5G NR physical layer signal generation system proposed in this invention combines a tree-like directory structure and a relatively reasonable parameter layout. This not only facilitates function switching but also facilitates integration into microwave test instruments for manual point-and-click operation. This clear functional structure and layout help improve user operation fluency and optimize the user experience.

[0021] 3. The 5G NR physical layer signal generation system workflow proposed in this invention is closely integrated with the system architecture and user interface, explaining the transition of the system working state during user operation from a global perspective, which helps to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of system function research and development. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0022] FIG1 is an architecture diagram of an interactive parameterized 5G NR physical layer signal generation system according to the present invention.

[0023] FIG2 is a schematic diagram of the parameterization method of 5G NR in the user interface module of the present invention.

[0024] FIG3 is a flowchart of the working process of the 5G NR physical layer signal generation system of the present invention. Modes for Carrying Out the Invention

[0025] The present invention will be further described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings and specific embodiments:

[0026] This paper proposes an interactive, parameterized 5G NR physical layer signal generation system. It details the system architecture, user interface layout, system workflow, and physical layer signal processing. The system features visual parameter setting, data processing, and waveform generation capabilities, meeting the requirements of wireless communication testing based on the 3GPP protocol.

[0027] The entire system architecture comprises three modules: user interface, management and control, and protocol algorithm. The user interface consists of a tree-like directory structure, a current settings path, a parameter setting section, and property pages. The system workflow is defined based on the interaction between the user interface and protocol algorithm. The management and control module defines the backend parameter names for the 5G NR physical layer signal, handles the set of signal parameters, the value ranges of each parameter, and the coupling relationships between signal parameters, and establishes a mapping relationship between signal parameters and protocol algorithm parameters. Based on this mapping, the signal parameters required for testing are converted into corresponding algorithm parameters for channel / reference signal processing, waveform generation, antenna port mapping, and other types of processing. The required signal waveforms are generated by calling the corresponding channel and signal data processing functions. Conflict detection mechanisms are designed in the management and control module and the protocol algorithm module to indicate and handle possible invalid parameters, non-compliant parameters, and overlapping resource allocations. After processing by the hardware processing circuitry, the signal waveforms are generated into 5G NR RF signals in the FR1 and FR2 frequency bands, serving as standard stimulus for RF conformance testing of communication equipment.

[0028] The architecture of the proposed 5G NR physical layer signal generation system is shown in Figure 1. It consists of three modules: a user interface module, a protocol algorithm module, and a management and control module. The user interface module interacts with the microwave vector signal generator software platform via a remote control interface. Both the management and control module and the protocol algorithm module have conflict detection capabilities, capable of checking parameter values ​​and the coupling relationships between them. If a parameter exceeds a limit, is non-compliant, or does not meet constraints, a conflict indication is issued.

[0029] The user interface module provides users with parameter sets and parameter setting interfaces, which mainly include six parts: general settings, tree directory structure, node settings, user / BWP settings, frame / scheduling settings, and output / power settings. Each part of the interface has one or more sub-nodes or sub-interfaces.

[0030] In the user interface module, six sections, namely General Settings, Tree Directory Structure, Node Settings, User / BWP Settings, Frame / Scheduling Settings, and Output / Power, and their corresponding parameters, are presented on the system interface through four key elements: the tree directory structure, the current settings path, the parameter settings body, and the property page. Figure 2 illustrates the 5G NR parameterization approach. The first-level nodes in the tree directory structure are General Settings, Node Settings, User / BWP Settings, Frame / Scheduling Settings, and Output / Power Settings, respectively. Each first-level node contains one or more child nodes. Each node in the tree directory structure corresponds to a functional combination consisting of the current settings path, the parameter settings body, and the property page. The current settings path indicates the path to the current function node; the parameter settings body displays the parameters of the current function node based on the 3GPP protocol. If a function node contains parameters for different channel / signal types, formats, or processing steps, different property pages are used for presentation and configuration.

[0031] The protocol algorithm module is a collection of physical layer protocol functions. Based on the 3GPP protocol description and document generation process, it primarily includes five key components: transport / control channel processing, SSB / PRACH processing, reference signal processing, waveform generation, and antenna port mapping. The user interface module and the protocol algorithm module interact with each other through the management and control module. The protocol algorithm module also interacts with the hardware processing circuitry.

[0032] The management and control module consists of three parts: parameter definition, data processing, and business process control. The parameter definition section implements the naming of all system interface parameters and establishes the correspondence between system parameters and parameters used in the protocol algorithm. The parameter type section includes general / structure parameters, node parameters, user / BWP parameters, frame generation parameters, and output parameters. The data processing section systematically manages parameter validity and the coupling relationships between parameters, implementing management of parameter value range restrictions and coupling relationship constraints during the parameter setting process. This includes uplink parameter data processing, downlink parameter data processing, parameter coupling relationship processing, waveform generation parameter data processing, and antenna port mapping data processing. The business process control section passes user-set system parameters to the protocol algorithm module and performs some parameter conversions as required by the protocol algorithm module, thereby calling the relevant physical layer protocol algorithm function modules to generate the physical layer baseband signal. This includes transmission / control channel process control, SSB / PRACH process control, reference signal process control, waveform generation process control, and antenna port mapping process control.

[0033] The remote control interface implements the parsing and execution of standard SCPI commands of the instrument, thereby controlling and modifying the user interface parameters.

[0034] The present invention designs the layout of the user interface module in detail.

[0035] The general layout of the user interface module is shown in Figure 2. The left side of the interface is set up as a tree directory structure, showing the structure of the current function node and the lower nodes when expanded. If the current node is the last node, the structure of the upper node and the current node when expanded is shown. The tree directory of the user interface module has a maximum of three levels. In the tree directory structure, the selected node is highlighted with a box of a certain color. The top of the interface is set up as the current setting path, showing the path to the current function node. Clicking a node in the path automatically switches the system to the working state of that node, that is, the interface under that node.

[0036] The middle part of the interface is set as the main part of the parameter setting, which presents the parameter items of the current function. The user sets various parameters in this part. The parameter presentation methods include parameter sets, parameter tables, schematic diagrams, etc., among which the parameter sets present parameter names and values ​​in the form of parameter blocks; the parameter tables list parameters in the form of tables, with parameter names as table titles and corresponding parameter values ​​as cells; the schematic diagrams show the setting results of some parameters in the form of graphics, such as uplink and downlink time slot allocation diagrams, uplink and downlink subframe allocation diagrams, resource block position / power diagrams, etc. If a terminal node contains parameter items for different channels / signals or processing steps, several property pages of the function node will be presented on the right side of the interface. By switching the property pages, you can switch to present different parameter items. After selecting a property page, the property page is filled with a certain color and highlighted.

[0037] The 5G NR physical layer signal generation system of the present invention is integrated into a microwave vector signal generator. This signal generation system is based on a vector modulation architecture and generates baseband signals by calling a protocol algorithm through user interface parameter settings. The specific process is as follows:

[0038] First, turn on the signal simulation switch of the 5G NR physical layer signal generation system in sequence. In the user interface module, set different parameters related to 5G NR physical layer signal generation, such as general class, node class, user / BWP class, frame / scheduling class, output / power, etc., such as link direction, subcarrier spacing, center frequency, number of users, number of BWPs, channel / signal resource allocation method, filter type, etc.; then, in the management and control module, obtain the initial parameter set, generate the initial tree directory structure, and set the path; pass the parameter set to the protocol algorithm module to generate the physical layer signal and physical layer signal file; finally, pass the parameter set to the protocol algorithm module to generate the waveform data file;

[0039] During the signal generation process, when the user switches the function node, the current function node is obtained, the tree directory structure is updated, and the path is set; when the parameters are modified, the modified parameters are set, the parameter setting interface and parameter set are updated, and the system automatically determines whether the current parameters affect the tree structure. If it affects the tree structure, the tree structure is automatically updated.

[0040] The main working logic flow of the signal generation system is shown in Figure 3. The specific working logic steps are as follows:

[0041] 1) Get the initial parameter set, generate the initial tree directory structure and set the path.

[0042] 2) Determine whether the user clicks to shut down the system. If so, shut down the system; otherwise, execute step 3).

[0043] 3) Determine whether the signal generation switch is on. If the switch is on, execute step 4); otherwise, execute step 5).

[0044] 4) Process the parameter set, map the transfer parameter set to the protocol algorithm module, generate the physical layer signal, and execute step 5).

[0045] 5) Determine whether the user clicks to generate a waveform file. If yes, proceed to step 6); otherwise, proceed to step 7).

[0046] 6) Process the parameter set, map the transfer parameter set to the protocol algorithm module, generate a waveform data file, and execute step 7).

[0047] 7) Determine whether the user switches the tree directory node. If yes, execute step 8); otherwise, execute step 9).

[0048] 8) Get the current tree directory node, update the tree directory structure and set the path, and then go to step 9).

[0049] 9) Determine whether the user has modified the parameters. If so, proceed to step 10); otherwise, proceed to step 2).

[0050] 10) Obtain the modified parameters, update the user interface and parameter set, and execute step 11).

[0051] 11) Determine whether the tree directory structure is affected. If so, update the tree directory structure and execute step 2); otherwise, execute step 2 directly.

[0052] The proposed 5G NR physical layer signal generation system workflow illustrates how the system's operating state changes as user operations progress. By identifying user actions, such as turning on the signal generation switch, clicking to generate a file, switching tree nodes, and modifying parameters, the system promptly retrieves the system's parameter set, updates the user interface, tree structure, and setup path, and passes the parameter set to the protocol algorithm module to generate data and waveform files.

[0053] Of course, the above description is not a limitation of the present invention, and the present invention is not limited to the above examples. Changes, modifications, additions or substitutions made by technicians in this technical field within the essential scope of the present invention should also fall within the scope of protection of the present invention.

Claims

1. An interactive parameterized 5G NR physical layer signal generation system, characterized in that: It includes user interface module, protocol algorithm module, management and control module; the user interface module includes six parts: general settings, tree directory structure, node settings, user / BWP settings, frame / scheduling settings, and output / power settings; the protocol algorithm module includes five parts: transmission / control channel processing, SSB / PRACH processing, reference signal processing, waveform generation, and antenna port mapping; the management and control module includes three parts: parameter definition, data processing, and business process control; The user interface module exchanges information with the microwave vector signal generator software platform through the remote control interface; the user interface module and the protocol algorithm module exchange information through the management and control module; the protocol algorithm module exchanges information with the hardware processing circuit, and the signal waveform is processed by the hardware processing circuit to form a 5G NR RF signal in the FR1 and FR2 frequency bands; The management and control module and the protocol algorithm module both detect parameter values ​​and the coupling relationship between parameters.

2. The interactive parameterized 5G NR physical layer signal generation system according to claim 1, characterized in that: In the management and control module, the parameter definition part includes general / structure parameters, node parameters, user / BWP parameters, frame generation parameters, and output parameters; the data processing part includes uplink parameter data processing, downlink parameter data processing, parameter coupling relationship processing, waveform generation parameter data processing, and antenna port mapping data processing; The business process control part includes transmission / control channel process control, SSB / PRACH process control, reference signal process control, waveform generation process control, and antenna port mapping process control; The parameter definition part establishes the correspondence between the system parameters and the parameters used in the protocol algorithm; the data processing part systematically manages the parameter validity and the coupling relationship between the parameters; the business process control part passes the system parameters set by the user to the protocol algorithm module, and converts some parameters according to the needs of the protocol algorithm module, thereby calling the relevant physical layer protocol algorithm function module to generate the physical layer baseband signal.

3. The interactive parameterized 5G NR physical layer signal generation system according to claim 1, characterized in that: In the user interface module, the six parts of general settings, tree directory structure, node settings, user / BWP settings, frame / scheduling settings, and output / power and their corresponding parameters are presented on the system interface through four key elements: tree directory structure, current setting path, parameter setting main part, and property page; wherein the tree directory structure presents the structure when the current function node and the lower node are expanded, and if the current node is the last node, the structure when the upper node and the current node are expanded is presented; the current setting path presents the path up to the current function node, and this part is automatically updated according to the node selection; the parameter setting main part consists of a parameter set, a parameter table, and a schematic diagram, the parameter set consists of several parameter blocks containing parameter names and values, the parameter table is in a tabular form, the parameter name includes the table title and the rows and columns in the table, the corresponding parameter values ​​are cells, and the schematic diagram displays the setting results of some parameters in a graphical form; the property page is used to present parameter items of different channel / signal types, formats or processing steps contained in a certain last node.

4. The interactive parameterized 5G NR physical layer signal generation system according to claim 1, characterized in that: The 5G NR physical layer signal generation system is integrated into a microwave vector signal generator. Based on the vector modulation architecture, the protocol algorithm is called through the user interface parameter settings to generate the baseband signal. The specific process is as follows: First, turn on the signal simulation switch of the 5G NR physical layer signal generation system in turn. In the user interface module, set the parameters of different categories such as general class, node class, user / BWP class, frame / scheduling class, and output / power related to the 5G NR physical layer signal generation. The parameters include link direction, subcarrier spacing, center frequency, number of users, number of BWPs, channel / signal resource allocation method, and filter type. Then, in the management and control module, obtain the initial parameter set, generate the initial tree directory structure, and set the path. Pass the parameter set to the protocol algorithm module to generate the physical layer signal and generate the physical layer signal file. Finally, pass the parameter set to the protocol algorithm module to generate the waveform data file. During the signal generation process, when the user switches the function node, the current function node is obtained, the tree directory structure is updated, and the path is set; when the parameters are modified, the modified parameters are set, the parameter setting interface and parameter set are updated, and the system automatically determines whether the current parameters affect the tree structure. If the tree structure is affected, the tree structure is automatically updated.

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