BWP Switching Delays in New Radio Networks
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Solution Overview
Problem
Bandwidth Part (BWP) switching delays in New Radio (NR) networks cause interruptions and impact channel estimation and measurement times, particularly when sub-carrier spacing changes, leading to inefficiencies and potential data loss due to RF tuning/re-tuning and remapping of baseband resources.
Innovation Solution
Expressing BWP switching delays in units of slots rather than symbols to standardize interruption duration, allowing for more precise scheduling and minimizing disruptions, especially during transitions between different sub-carrier spacings, thereby avoiding collisions with Single Side Band measurements and optimizing data transmission.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If BWP switching is performed with fine-grained symbol-level timing, then scheduling flexibility is improved, but switching delays and interruptions increase due to RF tuning requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the BWP switching delay calculation with the slot boundary alignment, combining two previously separate timing considerations into a unified approach where the switching delay is automatically aligned to slot boundaries, reducing manual configuration complexity and improving scheduling efficiency
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces dynamic adjustment of BWP switching timing based on slot boundary conditions, allowing the switching delay to adapt to different slot configurations and subcarrier spacing values, thereby optimizing the balance between scheduling flexibility and switching delay across various operational scenarios
2Productivity
If BWP switching delay is reduced for faster reconfiguration, then productivity is improved, but measurement accuracy and channel estimation reliability deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary alignment of BWP switching to slot boundaries before actual switching occurs, ensuring that measurements and channel estimations are completed within intact slot structures, thereby maintaining measurement precision while enabling faster reconfiguration between slots
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the BWP switching process into distinct phases: measurement completion within current slot, switching execution at slot boundary, and resumption in next slot, allowing fast switching while preserving measurement integrity through clear phase separation
3Loss of time
If slot-level BWP switching is implemented, then switching delay is reduced and scheduling is simplified, but interruptions to other serving cells increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by allowing BWP switching to occur at slot boundaries specifically for the affected cell, while maintaining continuous operation for other serving cells, thereby localizing the switching event and minimizing ripple effects to other cells in the network
4Adaptability or versatility
If RF tuning is performed during BWP switching, then frequency adaptation is achieved, but data loss occurs due to transmission interruptions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs RF tuning and frequency adaptation in advance during the slot boundary transition period, before data transmission resumes in the next slot, ensuring frequency is properly adapted while minimizing the window for potential data loss
Solution Approach 2:
The patent rushes through the RF tuning operation during the slot boundary gap, completing frequency adaptation quickly within the brief transition period, thereby achieving necessary frequency changes while minimizing interruption duration and reducing risk of data loss
Data Source
AI summary
Methods, systems, and storage media are described for bandwidth part (BWP) switching delays for new radio (NR). Other embodiments may be described and/or claimed.