Adaptive Subcarrier Spacing for PRACH Transmission Reliability

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current subcarrier spacing configurations in 5G wireless communication networks, such as those for new radio (NR) communications, do not provide the desired level of speed or customization for efficient operations, particularly in scenarios like random access channel (RACH) procedures, leading to inefficiencies and potential failures in transmission.

Innovation Solution

Implementing adaptive subcarrier spacing configurations, where user equipment (UE) can adjust subcarrier spacings for repeated PRACH transmissions based on initial transmission failures, and receiving configurations from the network for RACH procedures, allowing for different subcarrier spacings for various steps and subframes, enhancing transmission reliability and efficiency.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If fixed subcarrier spacing configuration is used for PRACH transmissions, then device complexity is reduced, but transmission reliability deteriorates when initial transmissions fail

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetransmission reliabilityVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements dynamic subcarrier spacing adjustment where the UE changes subcarrier spacing based on transmission outcomes. The UE monitors PRACH transmission success and adapts subcarrier spacing for retransmissions, transforming a static configuration into a dynamic adaptive system that responds to channel conditions and transmission results.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the subcarrier spacing parameter adaptively based on transmission success. When PRACH transmission fails, the UE modifies the subcarrier spacing parameter for subsequent retransmissions, exploring different parameter values to improve transmission reliability without requiring complex protocol changes.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Reliability

If adaptive subcarrier spacing configuration is implemented, then transmission reliability improves, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveRACH procedure reliabilityVSAvoidUE complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The UE performs self-service by autonomously monitoring its own PRACH transmission success and independently deciding when to adjust subcarrier spacing for retransmissions. This self-service approach improves reliability without requiring complex network coordination or additional signaling infrastructure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the UE monitors transmission outcomes and uses this feedback to adjust subcarrier spacing for subsequent transmissions. This closed-loop feedback system enables adaptive optimization of transmission parameters based on actual channel conditions and transmission success rates.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

3Productivity

If single subcarrier spacing is used for all PRACH transmissions, then ease of operation is maintained, but productivity decreases due to repeated failed transmissions

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveRACH procedure efficiencyVSAvoidoperation simplicity
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies parameter changes by modifying subcarrier spacing values based on transmission outcomes. This enables the system to adapt to different channel conditions and transmission scenarios, improving RACH procedure efficiency by reducing failed retransmissions while maintaining operational simplicity through automated parameter adjustment.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

4Productivity

If fixed subcarrier spacing configuration is used, then network entity complexity is reduced, but resource usage efficiency deteriorates due to unsuccessful retransmissions

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveresource usage efficiencyVSAvoidnetwork entity complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements dynamic subcarrier spacing configuration where the network entity receives and processes adaptive subcarrier spacing information from the UE. This dynamic approach improves resource usage efficiency by enabling successful transmissions through adaptive parameter selection, while the network entity complexity remains manageable through standardized processing procedures.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentUS12143256B2Adaptive subcarrier spacing configuration
Publication Date: 2024.11.12 QUALCOMM INC
  • US12143256B2 patent drawing
  • US12143256B2 patent drawing
  • US12143256B2 patent drawing

AI summary

Methods and apparatuses for adaptive subcarrier spacing in wireless communication networks are described. For example, the described aspects include transmitting, from the UE to a network entity, a first PRACH transmission with a first subcarrier spacing; determining, by the UE, that the first PRACH transmission to the network entity is not successful; and transmitting, from the UE, a second PRACH transmission with a second subcarrier spacing in response to determining that the first PRACH transmission is not successful, wherein the first subcarrier spacing is different from the second subcarrier spacing.