Aligning ECP and NCP Slots via Cyclic Prefix Puncturing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current wireless communication systems face challenges in aligning slots allocated to extended cyclic prefix (ECP) symbols with those allocated to normal cyclic prefix (NCP) symbols due to sub-carrier spacing, leading to misalignment issues that affect signaling efficiency and latency.
Innovation Solution
A method that involves detecting misalignment between NCP and ECP slots, puncturing a portion of the cyclic prefix (CP) of ECP symbols, and aligning the startpoints of ECP slots with those of NCP slots within a slot boundary, using sub-carrier spacing to ensure proper alignment and efficient data transmission.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If different sub-carrier spacing is used for NCP and ECP symbols, then data transmission flexibility is improved, but slot misalignment occurs between NCP and ECP slots
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by dynamically adjusting the sub-carrier spacing (SCS) configuration for different symbol types. Specifically, it configures a first SCS value for NCP symbols and a second SCS value for ECP symbols, allowing the system to adapt transmission parameters to different channel conditions and data requirements while maintaining proper slot alignment through coordinated parameter selection
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamics by making the SCS configuration flexible and adaptable rather than fixed. The system can dynamically select appropriate SCS values for NCP and ECP symbols based on current transmission needs, enabling the slot structure to adapt to varying data transmission requirements while maintaining alignment through coordinated configuration
2Adaptability or versatility
If slot misalignment between NCP and ECP slots occurs, then data transmission flexibility is improved, but signaling efficiency deteriorates and latency increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent resolves this contradiction by carefully selecting and coordinating SCS parameter values for different symbol types. By configuring appropriate first and second SCS values for NCP and ECP symbols respectively, the system maintains slot alignment that ensures efficient signaling and reduced latency while still allowing flexible data transmission through different symbol configurations
3Adaptability or versatility
If slot misalignment between NCP and ECP slots occurs, then data transmission flexibility is improved, but latency increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent addresses this contradiction by coordinating the selection of SCS parameter values for NCP and ECP symbols. This coordinated parameter configuration ensures that slot boundaries remain aligned, preventing timing offsets that would increase latency, while still maintaining transmission flexibility through the ability to use different symbol types with appropriate SCS values
Data Source
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AI summary
In an embodiment, to avoid a misalignment between NCP and ECP symbols caused by an SCS, at least a portion of a CP of at least one ECP symbol is punctured, and at least one startpoint of at least one ECP slot carrying the at least one punctured ECP symbol is aligned with at least one startpoint of at least one NCP slot carrying at least one NCP symbol. In another embodiment, a symbol control channel is scheduled within an initial control part of a slot before any other symbols are scheduled, and NCP symbols and ECP symbols are scheduled in a remaining data part of the slot that is after the initial control part. In another embodiment, either endpoints or startpoints of NCP and ECP uplink symbols are aligned by extending the ECP uplink symbol or an ECP guard period.