Time-Domain Resource Allocation for 5G NR Data Channels

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Next-generation/5G radio access networks (NR) require flexible frame structures to meet diverse usage scenarios such as enhanced mobile broadband (eMBB), massive machine-type communication (mMTC), and ultra-reliable and low latency communication (URLLC), while existing LTE/LTE-Advanced systems lack the necessary flexibility in allocating time-domain resources for downlink and uplink data channels.

Innovation Solution

The method involves allocating time-domain resources for downlink (PDSCH) and uplink (PUSCH) data channels using a slot or mini-slot as a unit, with symbol-level resource allocation information transmitted through higher layer signaling, enabling efficient multiplexing of different numerologies and scheduling units to support varied data transmission requirements.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If resource allocation is performed on a subframe basis in LTE/LTE-Advanced, then resource allocation is simple and standardized, but flexibility in meeting diverse usage scenario requirements is insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveflexibility in meeting usage scenario requirementsVSAvoidresource allocation complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the time-domain resource allocation from the traditional subframe basis to a more granular level, introducing separate indication fields for different time units (slot, mini-slot, subframe) and their corresponding resource allocation parameters. This segmentation allows flexible selection of appropriate time units for different usage scenarios without requiring complete redesign of the resource allocation mechanism.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces dynamic resource allocation by allowing the network to indicate different time units (slot, mini-slot, subframe) and their configurations through higher-layer signaling and dynamic indication fields. The resource allocation can be adapted in real-time based on traffic requirements, with dynamic adjustment of time unit selections and resource allocation parameters.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Adaptability or versatility

If flexible frame structures are introduced for different usage scenarios, then adaptability to diverse requirements is improved, but system complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesupport for diverse usage scenariosVSAvoidframe structure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent creates a universal resource allocation framework that can handle multiple usage scenarios (eMBB, mMTC, URLLC) through a common mechanism. The framework uses a unified set of indication fields and parameters that can be configured for different time units and scenarios, allowing the same system structure to serve multiple functions without requiring separate specialized mechanisms for each scenario.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent manages complexity by changing parameters rather than structure - using higher-layer signaling to configure time unit selections and resource allocation parameters, and using dynamic indication fields to adjust these parameters in real-time. This allows flexible adaptation to different scenarios through parameter adjustment without modifying the underlying system architecture.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Manufacturing precision

If symbol-level resource allocation is implemented, then resource allocation precision is improved, but signaling overhead increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveresource allocation precisionVSAvoidsignaling overhead
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the resource allocation indication into multiple hierarchical levels: higher-layer configuration parameters and dynamic indication fields. This segmentation allows precise resource allocation to be achieved through coordinated use of configured parameters and dynamic indications, rather than requiring all precision to be conveyed through a single signaling mechanism, thereby managing overhead.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent uses higher-layer signaling to pre-configure resource allocation parameters and time unit selections before actual data transmission. This preliminary configuration establishes a framework that reduces the amount of signaling needed during dynamic scheduling, as many parameters are predetermined and only need to be activated or adjusted through simpler dynamic indications.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentEP3534561B1Method and device for allocating data channel resource for next-generation wireless access network
Publication Date: 2023.07.26 KT CORP
  • EP3534561B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3534561B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3534561B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

Provided is a method for a base station to allocate a time interval resource to transceive a downlink data channel (PDSCH) or an uplink data channel (PUSCH). The method include allocating a time interval resource for each OFDM symbol on the basis of a slot or a mini-slot, transmitting, to a terminal, time interval resource configuration information including OFDM symbol allocation data for OFDM symbols used for data channel transception in the slot or the mini-slot, and transmitting, to the terminal, control information selecting one of the symbol allocation data included in the time interval resource configuration information.