Adapting Data Subcarrier Spacing to SSB Numerology
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Solution Overview
Problem
In wireless communications systems, the subcarrier spacing (SCS) of data and synchronization signal blocks (SSBs) are often scaled differently, leading to inefficiencies in frequency division multiplexing (FDM) due to mixed numerologies, resulting in increased complexity and latency, particularly in systems like 5G New Radio (NR) with wider bandwidths.
Innovation Solution
The SCS of data is automatically adapted to match the SCS of SSBs during SSB transmission, allowing for concurrent transmission using the same numerology, thereby enabling efficient FDM by dynamically configuring the subcarrier spacing based on the presence of SSBs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If data and SSB use different SCS (mixed numerologies), then frequency division multiplexing can be performed, but processing complexity and latency increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies homogeneity by making the data SCS equal to the SSB SCS during SSB transmission occasions. This eliminates mixed numerologies and ensures that both data and SSB use the same subcarrier spacing, thereby reducing processing complexity while maintaining FDM capability through time-domain separation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent dynamically adjusts the data SCS based on whether SSB transmission is occurring. When SSB transmission is detected, the data SCS is changed to match the SSB SCS; otherwise, the default data SCS is used. This dynamic adaptation resolves the contradiction by adjusting parameters in real-time based on system conditions.
2Productivity
If data and SSB use different SCS (mixed numerologies), then frequency division multiplexing can be performed, but latency increases
Solution Approach 1:
By using the same SCS for both data and SSB during transmission occasions, the patent eliminates the need for complex numerology switching and processing, thereby reducing latency in data transmission and SSB reception operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The dynamic adjustment of data SCS to match SSB SCS during transmission occasions reduces processing delays associated with handling mixed numerologies, thereby reducing overall system latency while maintaining FDM functionality.
3Device complexity
If data SCS is dynamically adapted to match SSB SCS, then processing complexity is reduced, but system adaptability decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent maintains system adaptability by dynamically switching between two operational modes: using matched SCS during SSB transmission occasions to reduce complexity, and using default data SCS during non-SSB occasions to maintain flexibility. This dynamic approach preserves both simplicity and adaptability.
Solution Approach 2:
The system periodically alternates between different SCS configurations based on SSB transmission patterns. During SSB occasions, matched SCS is used; during non-SSB periods, default data SCS is used. This periodic switching maintains both processing efficiency and system versatility.
Data Source
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Figure 3A~3C
AI summary
Subcarrier spacing (SCS) for data may be adapted or dynamically configured based on the occurrence or presence of a synchronization signal block (SSB) transmission. For example, during SSB transmission, the SCS of data may be automatically switched from some default data SCS to a second SCS (e.g., the SCS of the SSB) to allow for frequency division multiplexing (FDM) of data and SSB where the data and SSB use the same numerology. As such, communicating devices (e.g., a base station and a user equipment (UE)) may identify some location or configuration for a SSB, and may determine a second subcarrier spacing (e.g., a subcarrier spacing associated with the SSB) such that the SCS of data may be adapted to the second subcarrier spacing during the FDM of the SSB and the data. The SSB and data may thus be contemporaneously transmitted or received using the second SCS.