Beam Switching Gap Allocation for 5G NR Subcarrier Spacing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current wireless communication systems, particularly in 5G NR, face challenges in beam switching due to insufficient cyclic prefix (CP) length at higher frequency ranges with larger subcarrier spacing (SCS), which can lead to inadequate time for beam switching between user equipment (UE) and base stations (BS).
Innovation Solution
The introduction of a dynamically configured beam switching gap, separate from the CP, which can take one or more symbols, allowing for efficient switching between beams based on UE and BS capabilities and SCS, enabling explicit or implicit allocation to accommodate higher frequency ranges and larger SCS.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If larger subcarrier spacing (SCS) is used at higher frequency ranges, then spectral efficiency is improved, but cyclic prefix (CP) length becomes insufficient for beam switching
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the time domain resources by introducing a separate beam switching gap that is distinct from the cyclic prefix. This allows the CP to maintain its original function of handling multipath propagation while the beam switching gap specifically accommodates beam switching operations, resolving the conflict between maintaining adequate switching time and preserving spectral efficiency with larger SCS
Solution Approach 2:
The beam switching gap acts as an intermediary time resource between data transmission intervals. It provides the necessary transition time for beam switching without interfering with the data transmission efficiency achieved through larger SCS, effectively mediating between the conflicting requirements of fast beam switching and high spectral efficiency
2Reliability
If beam switching time is increased to accommodate higher frequency ranges, then communication reliability is improved, but transmission time is increased
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by making the beam switching gap configurable and adaptable to specific communication conditions. The gap duration can be adjusted based on frequency range, beam switching capabilities, and traffic requirements, allowing optimal balance between reliability and time loss for different scenarios rather than using a fixed approach
Data Source
AI summary
Certain aspects of the present disclosure provide techniques for beam switching gaps. A base station (BS) can send an allocation to a user equipment (UE) including an at least one symbol beam switching gap based, at least in part, on a subcarrier spacing (SCS) of the UE. The UE and BS can then communicate using the allocation. The allocation may also be based on reported capability of the UE. The allocation may also be based on capability of the BS. The beam switching gap can be allocated explicitly or implicitly.