Dynamic Slot Format Configuration for Uplink Coverage
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional Time Domain Division (TDD) in commercial New Radio (NR) deployments faces limitations such as reduced coverage, increased latency, and reduced capacity due to the allocation of limited time duration for uplink, which restricts the simultaneous existence of downlink and uplink.
Innovation Solution
The proposed solution involves a method where a terminal device receives a slot format configuration from a network device, which includes configuration parameter sets for resource block (RB) sets. The terminal device then determines a slot format based on received downlink control information (DCI) scrambled with a terminal-specific RNTI, giving it higher priority than DCI scrambled with a cell-specific C-RNTI, allowing for enhanced uplink coverage and configuration flexibility.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If time domain resources are split between downlink and uplink in conventional TDD, then downlink and uplink can be separated in time, but uplink coverage is reduced, latency increases, and capacity is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the resource block sets into multiple groups (first RB set, second RB set, third RB set) with different slot format configurations. This allows different portions of the spectrum to have different uplink/downlink allocations, enabling some segments to prioritize uplink capacity while others maintain downlink dominance, thus resolving the contradiction between time domain stability and uplink productivity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces dynamic slot format indication through DCI messages that can change the slot format configuration on a per-slot or per-subslot basis. This dynamic adjustment allows the system to adaptively optimize uplink capacity when needed while maintaining overall time domain structure, resolving the contradiction between stable resource allocation and productive flexibility
2Stability of the object's composition
If time domain resources are split between downlink and uplink in conventional TDD, then downlink and uplink can be separated in time, but uplink coverage is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by configuring different slot formats for different resource block sets. Specifically, the first RB set can have a slot format optimized for uplink coverage (more uplink symbols, different reference signal configurations) while other RB sets maintain conventional configurations. This localized optimization allows uplink coverage enhancement in specific frequency regions without disrupting the overall time domain structure
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces frequency domain differentiation by applying different slot format configurations to different resource block sets across the frequency spectrum. This adds a frequency dimension to the time domain resource allocation, allowing uplink coverage to be enhanced in specific frequency regions while maintaining conventional time division elsewhere, thus resolving the contradiction without compromising overall system stability
3Stability of the object's composition
If time domain resources are split between downlink and uplink in conventional TDD, then downlink and uplink can be separated in time, but latency increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs dynamic slot format indication through DCI messages that can rapidly reconfigure slot formats to prioritize uplink when needed. This dynamic adjustment reduces uplink latency by allowing faster access to uplink resources without waiting for the next predetermined uplink slot, while maintaining overall time domain structure stability through controlled reconfiguration
Solution Approach 2:
The patent configures multiple slot format options in advance through RRC signaling, preparing different uplink-optimized configurations that can be quickly activated when uplink latency reduction is needed. This preliminary preparation allows rapid switching to low-latency configurations without extensive real-time processing, resolving the contradiction between stable allocation and time loss
4Productivity
If slot format configuration is made flexible with multiple RB sets, then uplink capacity and coverage are improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables the terminal device to autonomously determine which slot format configuration to apply based on DCI indications and pre-configured RB set mappings. The device self-manages the complexity by automatically selecting the appropriate configuration for each RB set without requiring complex external control, thus achieving high uplink capacity while keeping device complexity manageable through automated decision-making
Data Source
AI summary
Embodiments of the present disclosure relate to methods, devices, and computer readable medium for communication. According to embodiments of the present disclosure, a network device transmits a slot configuration to a terminal device. The slot format configuration comprises a plurality of configuration parameter sets for a plurality of resource block (RB) sets on a carrier, wherein one configuration parameter set corresponds to one RB set, The network device also transmits downlink control information (DCI) to the terminal device. The terminal device determines a slot format of the plurality of RB sets which is specified to the terminal device based on the DCI. In this way, it provides enhanced uplink coverage and improved configuration flexibility.