Cyclic Prefix Distribution for Wireless Throughput

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Solution Overview

Problem

Wireless communications systems face reduced throughput due to the use of cyclic prefixes where the subcarrier spacing exceeds half of the symbol length, leading to inefficient resource allocation and data transmission.

Innovation Solution

Modifying the cyclic prefix lengths to repurpose a portion of the special cyclic prefix for data and reference signals, allowing for additional symbols in special slots, and redistributing communication resources to optimize resource allocation based on subcarrier spacing.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a cyclic prefix is used with subcarrier spacing exceeding half of the symbol length, then intersymbol interference is mitigated, but throughput is reduced due to inefficient resource allocation

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveintersymbol interference mitigationVSAvoidthroughput
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The cyclic prefix is segmented into two distinct parts: a first cyclic prefix with a first length and a second cyclic prefix with a second length. The first cyclic prefix maintains the traditional function of mitigating intersymbol interference, while the second cyclic prefix is repurposed to carry additional data or reference signals. This segmentation allows the system to preserve reliability benefits while improving throughput by utilizing previously wasted resources.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The second cyclic prefix is given multiple functions: it continues to provide some protection against intersymbol interference while simultaneously serving as a carrier for additional data or reference signals. This multi-functionality transforms a previously single-purpose resource into a dual-purpose element, thereby improving spectral efficiency and throughput without sacrificing the essential protective function.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Reliability

If the cyclic prefix length is extended to cover the entire symbol duration, then complete protection against intersymbol interference is achieved, but resource allocation efficiency decreases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveprotection against intersymbol interferenceVSAvoidresource allocation efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

Rather than using a single extended cyclic prefix covering the entire symbol duration, the patent divides the cyclic prefix protection into two segments: a first cyclic prefix that provides the necessary protection and a second cyclic prefix that can be repurposed. This segmentation eliminates the need to extend the cyclic prefix across the full symbol duration, thereby improving resource allocation efficiency while maintaining adequate protection.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the parameter distribution of the cyclic prefix by introducing two different lengths instead of one uniform length. The first cyclic prefix has a length optimized for interference mitigation, while the second cyclic prefix has a reduced length that allows for alternative uses. This parameter change optimizes both protection effectiveness and resource efficiency.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Productivity

If additional symbols are added to special slots, then data transmission capacity increases, but cyclic prefix management complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedata transmission capacityVSAvoidcyclic prefix management complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces dynamic cyclic prefix management where the second cyclic prefix can be dynamically allocated for different purposes (data or reference signals) depending on the specific transmission requirements. This dynamic approach allows the system to adapt to different scenarios and add symbols flexibly without requiring a complete redesign of the cyclic prefix management structure, thereby controlling complexity while improving capacity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies different qualities to different parts of the cyclic prefix structure. The first cyclic prefix maintains traditional properties optimized for interference mitigation, while the second cyclic prefix has modified properties that enable flexible allocation for additional data or signaling. This local differentiation allows additional symbols to be added without uniformly increasing complexity across the entire structure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Data Source

PatentUS12057980B2Cyclic prefix distribution
Publication Date: 2024.08.06 QUALCOMM INC
  • US12057980B2 patent drawing
  • US12057980B2 patent drawing
  • US12057980B2 patent drawing

AI summary

Methods, systems, and devices for wireless communications are described. A wireless device may identify, for an initial slot of a periodic interval, a number of symbols included in the initial slot and a length of cyclic prefixes used for the symbols included in the initial slot based on a subcarrier spacing that is configured for wireless communication. The length of a first set of cyclic prefixes may be based on a length of a cyclic prefix calculated for an initial symbol of the initial slot at the configured subcarrier spacing. The wireless device may perform communications based on the determined number of symbols and length of cyclic prefixes included in the initial slot. Performing communications may include allocating resources based on a length of the cyclic prefixes used for the symbols included in the initial slot.