CP-OFDM and DFT-s-OFDM Switching Through Reinterpreted DCI Fields

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing wireless communication systems face challenges in dynamically switching between different waveforms to optimize performance for various communication scenarios, particularly in next-generation radio access technologies like NR, which require enhanced mobile broadband, massive machine type communications, and ultra-reliable low latency communications.

Innovation Solution

A method and device for dynamic waveform switching in wireless communication systems, allowing for dynamic configuration of CP-OFDM and DFT-s-OFDM waveforms through DCI format 0_0, 0_1, and 0_2, with specific field reinterpretation and bit-width adjustments to support flexible waveform selection based on DCI fields.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If dynamic waveform switching is implemented to optimize performance for various communication scenarios, then system adaptability and performance are improved, but DCI overhead and system complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvewaveform adaptabilityVSAvoidDCI overhead
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges waveform indication with existing DCI formats (0_0, 0_1, 0_2) by reinterpreting existing fields rather than adding separate indication fields. The SRS resource indicator field in DCI format 0_0 and the time domain resource assignment field in DCI formats 0_1 and 02 are reinterpreted to carry waveform indication information, combining multiple functions into existing structures and avoiding additional overhead.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent makes existing DCI fields multi-functional by enabling them to indicate both resource allocation and waveform selection simultaneously. The same DCI fields serve dual purposes: traditional resource scheduling functions plus waveform indication, allowing a single field to perform multiple functions and reducing the need for separate indication mechanisms.

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

2Adaptability or versatility

If waveform switching is supported through separate indication fields, then waveform selection flexibility is improved, but DCI message length and processing overhead increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvewaveform selection flexibilityVSAvoidDCI overhead
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of information

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines waveform indication with resource allocation indication by reinterpreting existing DCI fields. Instead of adding separate waveform indication fields, the patent makes existing fields (SRS resource indicator in DCI 0_0, time domain resource assignment in DCI 0_1 and 02) serve dual purposes, thereby merging multiple indication functions into unified field structures.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the interpretation parameters of existing DCI fields based on higher-layer configuration. When waveform switching is enabled, the same fields are reinterpreted to include waveform indication information. This parameter change approach allows the system to flexibly switch between different indication modes without changing the physical structure of DCI messages.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Adaptability or versatility

If bit-width adjustments are made to support different waveforms, then waveform indication capability is improved, but DCI field interpretation complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvewaveform indication capabilityVSAvoidfield interpretation complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent dynamically changes the interpretation parameters of DCI fields based on higher-layer configuration and waveform switching status. When waveform switching is enabled, the bit-width and interpretation rules of existing fields are adjusted to accommodate waveform indication. This allows the same field structure to support multiple functions with different interpretation modes, reducing the need for additional fields while maintaining flexibility.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces higher-layer configuration as an intermediary that controls the interpretation mode of DCI fields. The higher-layer parameters enable or disable waveform switching and determine how existing fields should be interpreted, acting as a mediator between the fixed DCI structure and the need for flexible waveform indication. This intermediary layer simplifies the complexity by providing a unified control mechanism.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentEP4598224A1Device and method for dynamic waveform switching in wireless communication system
Publication Date: 2025.08.06 LG ELECTRONICS INC
  • EP4598224A1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4598224A1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4598224A1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A method of operating a user equipment (UE) in a wireless communication system is provided. The method includes receiving, from a base station (BS), downlink control information (DCI) related to a dynamic indication for one waveform of a first waveform or a second waveform, based on a first bit-width for the first waveform and a second bit-width for the second waveform being different for each field within the DCI, determining a bit-width of each field as a maximum value of the first bit-width and the second bit-width; based on the first waveform being indicated by the DCI and the second bit-width being determined for each field, decoding only least significant bits (LSBs) of a number corresponding to the first bit-width for each field, and performing an uplink transmission based on the determined waveform.