Network Numerology Timing With Flexible SCS and CP Selection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing 5G NR technologies face limitations in supporting large bandwidth signals in higher frequency bands, particularly in mmW and THz bands, due to insufficient subcarrier spacing (SCS) and cyclic prefix (CP) options, leading to issues like inter-carrier interference and fixed symbol durations that do not accommodate diverse applications requiring variable symbol durations and higher sampling frequencies.
Innovation Solution
Introduce additional SCS options, CP designs, and mixed radix DFT/FFT size options, along with photonic-based oscillators for generating higher sampling frequencies, allowing for flexible CP usage and variable symbol durations, and enabling more granular configuration of frame structures to support diverse applications and higher bandwidths.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If additional SCS options and mixed radix DFT/FFT size options are introduced, then the flexibility and bandwidth support are improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the DFT/FFT processing into multiple stages with different radix values (e.g., radix-2, radix-4, radix-8). This allows the system to handle large bandwidth signals by breaking down the transform into smaller, more manageable operations, thereby supporting higher SCS options without proportionally increasing overall complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces dynamic selection of numerology configurations including variable SCS options (15 kHz, 30 kHz, 60 kHz, 120 kHz, 240 kHz) and mixed radix DFT/FFT sizes. The system can adaptively choose the appropriate configuration based on channel conditions, bandwidth requirements, and application needs, providing flexibility without requiring all configurations to be simultaneously active.
2Adaptability or versatility
If variable symbol durations are implemented, then the adaptability to diverse applications is improved, but the system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies different CP durations (normal CP and extended CP) to different OFDM symbols within the same frame structure. Normal CP is used for typical data transmission, while extended CP is applied specifically to symbols experiencing severe multipath conditions. This localized adaptation allows the system to handle diverse applications without reconfiguring the entire frame structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent designs a universal frame structure that can accommodate multiple SCS options and CP configurations within the same basic framework. The same frame structure template can be used across different frequency bands and application scenarios by simply adjusting the numerology parameters, rather than requiring separate frame structures for each case.
3Speed
If higher sampling frequencies are used, then the bandwidth support is improved, but the loss of energy increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the sampling frequency parameter adaptively based on the operating conditions. For lower bandwidth applications, the system uses standard sampling frequencies (e.g., 30.72 MHz), while for higher bandwidth applications requiring mmW and THz bands, the system transitions to higher sampling frequencies (e.g., 61.44 MHz, 122.88 MHz). This parameter adaptation allows the system to achieve high bandwidth support only when necessary, minimizing energy consumption during normal operation.
Data Source
AI summary
By defining more SCS options and Discrete Fourier Transform (“DFT”) options for transmissions in future networks, there arises cause to select from among the options, with aspects of the channel as guidance for the selection. In addition, new CP designs may be defined for use with the new SCS options and the new DFT options along with methods of selecting a CP design appropriate to a particular situation. The new CP designs may be shown to have smaller CP overhead when compared to the known CP designs used for known combinations of an SCS option with an FFT size option. New sampling frequency design options and new system basic timing options may also be defined, along with methods of making appropriate selections from among these options. Control signaling using higher layers may be used to distribute configuration options that include multiple SCS options, CP duration options, sampling frequency options and DFT size options per sub-band. Later, layer 1 signaling may be used to specify a particular option from among the multiple options.