Mixed-Numerology PHY Modulation Mapping for Interference Control

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing wireless communication systems face challenges in efficiently managing mixed Orthogonal Frequency-Division Multiplexing (OFDM) waveform numerologies in adjacent partitions, leading to inter-numerology interference and SNR degradation, which limits data rates and spectral efficiency, especially in scenarios with varying signal-to-noise ratios.

Innovation Solution

The solution involves mapping lower order modulation for resources near partition edges and higher order modulation for resources closer to the center, along with dynamic re-transmission of codewords using different modulation schemes based on signal quality, to optimize communication performance.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If higher order modulation is used for resources near partition edges, then data rates are improved, but inter-numerology interference increases and SNR degrades

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedata rateVSAvoidinter-numerology interference
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies local quality by using different modulation orders for different spatial locations within the same partition. Specifically, resources closer to the center of the partition use higher order modulation (e.g., 64-QAM) while resources near partition edges use lower order modulation (e.g., QPSK). This localized differentiation optimizes performance by matching modulation complexity to the actual channel conditions at each location, reducing interference vulnerability at edges while maximizing throughput at centers.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

2Productivity

If mixed numerologies are used in adjacent partitions, then spectral efficiency is improved, but inter-numerology interference occurs

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvespectral efficiencyVSAvoidinter-numerology interference
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements parameter changes by dynamically adjusting the modulation order parameter based on the resource's position within the partition and the signal-to-noise ratio conditions. The modulation order is changed from a uniform system-wide parameter to a localized parameter that varies by resource location, allowing the system to adapt to mixed numerology environments while mitigating interference effects through appropriate modulation selection.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Reliability

If dynamic re-transmission with different modulation schemes is implemented, then communication reliability is improved, but system complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecommunication reliabilityVSAvoidsystem complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies dynamics by enabling flexible, dynamic re-transmission of codewords using different modulation schemes based on channel conditions. Instead of a static modulation approach, the system can dynamically switch between modulation orders (e.g., from 64-QAM to QPSK) for re-transmissions, allowing adaptation to varying SNR conditions while maintaining reliable communication. This dynamic behavior is managed through coordinated signaling between transmitter and receiver.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentUS12389426B2Physical (PHY) layer solutions to support use of mixed numerologies in the same channel
Publication Date: 2025.08.12 INTERDIGITAL PATENT HOLDINGS INC
  • US12389426B2 patent drawing
  • US12389426B2 patent drawing
  • US12389426B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A wireless transmit/receive unit (WTRU) may receive assignment information for receiving a first codeword using a first modulation and coding scheme (MCS) in a first set of resource blocks (RBs), and a second codeword using a second, different MCS in a second set of RBs. The first and second sets of RBs may be in a first time interval in a first bandwidth part using a first subcarrier spacing. The WTRU may receive, in symbols of the first time interval in the first bandwidth part, the first codeword using the first MCS in the first set of RBs and the second codeword using the second, different MCS in the second set of RBs. At least a portion of the first codeword and at least a portion of the second codeword may be received in at least a first symbol in the symbols in the first time interval.