Flexible UE Processing Time Signaling in 5G NR
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current 5G New Radio (NR) communication systems lack flexibility in signaling user equipment (UE) processing time capabilities, particularly in aggressive mode, which limits throughput and carrier aggregation, leading to suboptimal performance in varying subcarrier spacings and transmission scenarios.
Innovation Solution
Implementing flexible signaling schemes that allow UE to indicate its processing time capabilities in terms of N1 and N2 symbols, enabling operation in aggressive mode with specific throughput and carrier aggregation limitations, and dynamically switching between aggressive and baseline modes through RRC or DCI configurations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If UE operates in aggressive mode with reduced processing time, then throughput and spectral efficiency are improved, but reliability and error rate worsen due to insufficient processing time
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically switches between aggressive mode and baseline mode based on channel conditions, traffic type, and UE capability. The network can configure the UE to operate in aggressive mode when conditions permit (improving throughput) and switch to baseline mode when reliability is prioritized, making the processing time adaptive rather than fixed
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces configurable parameters (N1 and N2 processing times) that can be adjusted based on operating conditions. The UE reports its capability to support different processing time values, and the network configures appropriate parameters through RRC signaling, allowing the system to optimize between throughput and reliability by changing these timing parameters
2Adaptability or versatility
If signaling for UE processing time capability is made flexible to support multiple modes, then adaptability to different scenarios is improved, but device complexity and signaling overhead increase
Solution Approach 1:
The capability signaling is segmented into multiple independent components: UE reports its capability to support aggressive mode, specifies minimum processing time values (N1, N2) for different scenarios, and indicates supported subcarrier spacings. This segmentation allows the network to selectively configure only the relevant parameters needed for each operating scenario, reducing unnecessary signaling
Solution Approach 2:
The UE provides detailed capability information only when necessary - specifically when it supports aggressive mode operation. For UEs that only support baseline mode, simpler signaling is used. This partial action approach avoids excessive signaling for UEs that don't require the full flexibility
3Productivity
If UE reports detailed capability information for aggressive mode operation, then network scheduling efficiency is improved, but information overhead and processing burden increase
Solution Approach 1:
The UE reports detailed capability information locally - specifically indicating minimum processing times (N1, N2) only for the specific scenarios where aggressive mode is applicable (certain subcarrier spacings, specific traffic types). This localized reporting provides the network with precise scheduling information where needed without generating excessive overhead for all possible scenarios
Data Source
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AI summary
Techniques and examples of flexible signaling of capability of use equipment (UE) processing time in wireless communications are described. Accordingly, a UE establishes wireless communication with a network node of a wireless network. The UE also determines whether the UE is capable of operating in a second mode in addition to a first mode. The UE then transmits to the network node a report indicating capability of the UE to operate in the second mode and a condition with respect to a throughput associated with operating in the second mode. The UE performs a task in less time in the second mode than in the first mode.