Mixed-Numerology Subframe Layout for Lower UE Processing Load
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing 5G NR systems face challenges in efficiently supporting multiple numerologies within a single carrier bandwidth, leading to increased UE power consumption and processing time due to the need for simultaneous decoding of multiple numerologies, which is not feasible with current hardware.
Innovation Solution
A subframe structure is proposed where control information is transmitted using a predetermined subcarrier spacing different from the data symbols, allowing dynamic scheduling of numerologies without requiring UEs to decode multiple numerologies simultaneously, and using a smaller FFT size for control symbols to reduce processing burden.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If multiple numerologies are multiplexed within a single carrier bandwidth, then spectral efficiency and network capacity are improved, but UE power consumption and processing complexity increase due to simultaneous decoding requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The subframe is segmented into two distinct parts: a control information portion using a first subcarrier spacing and a data symbol portion using a second subcarrier spacing. This segmentation allows the UE to process control information with one numerology configuration while data transmission uses another, eliminating the need for simultaneous multi-numerology decoding and reducing power consumption.
Solution Approach 2:
Different subcarrier spacing configurations are applied to different portions of the subframe based on local requirements. The control information portion uses a first subcarrier spacing optimized for control signaling, while the data portion uses a second subcarrier spacing optimized for data transmission. This local differentiation allows efficient resource utilization without requiring the UE to handle multiple numerologies simultaneously across the entire subframe.
2Productivity
If multiple numerologies are multiplexed within a single carrier bandwidth, then network capacity and service diversity are improved, but UE processing time and hardware complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The subframe structure is divided into control information symbols and data symbols, each using different subcarrier spacings. This segmentation enables the network to support multiple numerologies for different services and users while the UE only needs to process one numerology at a time for control information, significantly reducing hardware complexity and processing time requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
Control information containing scheduling details for the data portion is transmitted first in the control information portion of the subframe. This preliminary transmission of control information allows the UE to be pre-configured with the appropriate numerology and processing parameters before the actual data transmission begins, reducing real-time processing complexity and hardware requirements.
3Device complexity
If control information and data symbols use the same subcarrier spacing, then system simplicity is maintained, but flexibility in dynamic scheduling between different numerologies is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies different subcarrier spacings to different portions of the subframe based on local requirements. The control information portion uses a first subcarrier spacing while the data portion uses a second subcarrier spacing, enabling flexible dynamic scheduling for different numerologies without requiring the entire system to operate with a single fixed configuration. This local differentiation maintains manageable complexity while achieving high adaptability.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically selects different subcarrier spacings for control information and data symbols based on scheduling requirements. This dynamic approach allows the network to adapt to different service requirements (e.g., eMBB, URLLC, mMTC) by configuring appropriate numerologies for different portions of the subframe, providing versatility without requiring complex reconfiguration of the entire system.
Data Source
AI summary
One embodiment is directed to a method comprising generating at least one symbol of a subframe for control information based on a first subcarrier spacing; generating at least one data symbol of the subframe based on a second subcarrier spacing; and transmitting the subframe comprising the at least one symbol for control information and at least one data symbol. Another embodiment is directed to a method comprising receiving a subframe comprising at least one symbol for control information and at least one data symbol; decoding the at least one symbol for control information based on a first subcarrier spacing; and obtaining from the decoded at least one symbol information regarding a second subcarrier spacing used on the at least one data symbol.