Cross-Carrier Reference Signal Scheduling Offset Determination
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing wireless communication systems face ambiguity and errors in signaling time offsets and thresholds for cross-carrier reference signals, particularly when different carriers use different numerologies.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus for determining and scheduling reference signals in wireless communication systems, which involves receiving indications of scheduling offset thresholds for multiple numerologies, determining the numerologies used by different carriers, and scheduling reference signals based on these thresholds to minimize ambiguity and errors.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If cross-carrier scheduling is implemented with different numerologies, then network flexibility and adaptability are improved, but ambiguity and errors in signaling time offsets and thresholds increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a reference signal as an intermediary element between the DCI and the scheduled data transmission. This reference signal provides a common timing reference that both the gNB and UE can use to interpret time offsets and thresholds consistently, even when different numerologies are employed on different carriers. The reference signal resolves the ambiguity by serving as a mediator that aligns the timing interpretations across carriers with different numerologies.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent dynamically adjusts timing parameters (time offsets and thresholds) based on the specific numerology configuration of each carrier. By changing these parameters according to the numerology being used, the system maintains accurate timing relationships despite the diversity of numerologies across carriers. This parameter adaptation allows the system to accommodate different numerologies while preserving signaling accuracy.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple numerologies are supported across carriers, then system versatility is improved, but complexity in determining and interpreting time offsets increases
Solution Approach 1:
The reference signal acts as a mediator that simplifies the complexity of handling multiple numerologies. Instead of directly managing complex timing relationships between DCI and scheduled resources across different numerologies, the system uses the reference signal as an intermediate reference point. This reduces the computational and signaling complexity by providing a unified timing reference that both gNB and UE can use consistently.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates an equipotential timing reference across carriers with different numerologies by using the reference signal. By establishing a common timing baseline that is independent of the specific numerology, the system equalizes the timing interpretation process across all carriers. This allows both gNB and UE to operate from the same timing reference level, reducing the complexity of navigating different numerology-specific timing relationships.
3Measurement precision
If timing thresholds are adjusted for different numerologies, then measurement precision is improved, but the number of signaling parameters and potential errors increase
Solution Approach 1:
The reference signal serves as an intermediary that reduces signaling overhead for timing information. Instead of explicitly signaling all timing parameters for each carrier and numerology combination, the system uses the reference signal's timing as an implicit reference. This intermediary approach allows the gNB and UE to derive timing relationships without requiring extensive explicit signaling, thus reducing the loss of information and signaling overhead while maintaining precision.
4Adaptability or versatility
If cross-carrier scheduling with different numerologies is implemented, then network adaptability is improved, but ambiguity in time offset interpretation increases
Solution Approach 1:
The reference signal acts as a clear intermediary reference that eliminates ambiguity in timing interpretation. By providing a explicitly defined timing reference point that both gNB and UE can identify, the system removes the ambiguity that would otherwise exist when interpreting time offsets across carriers with different numerologies. The intermediary reference signal makes the timing relationship explicit and unambiguous.
Data Source
AI summary
Various aspects of the present disclosure generally relate to wireless communication. In some aspects, a user equipment (UE) may receive, via a first carrier, an indication of an offset for scheduling a reference signal on a second carrier, wherein the offset indicates a duration between downlink control information (DCI), that schedules the reference signal, and the reference signal; determine a first numerology of the first carrier and a second numerology of the second carrier; and determine a time offset for the reference signal based at least in part on the offset and at least one of the first numerology, the second numerology, or both the first numerology and the second numerology. Numerous other aspects are provided.