5G NR Mini-Slot Frame Configuration for URLLC Latency
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Solution Overview
Problem
The nominal structure of 5G NR TDD subframes has self-blocking limitations that restrict the reliability and latency of ultra-reliable and low-latency communications (URLLC), making it challenging to achieve the required error probability and user plane latency for device-to-device (D2D) communications like V2V and V2X.
Innovation Solution
A new URLLC frame configuration is introduced, allowing for simultaneous uplink and downlink transmissions by using mini-slots within the subframes, enabling increased reliability and reduced latency through finer granularity of frequency and time resource utilization.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the nominal structure of 5G NR TDD subframes is used, then the system maintains standard compatibility and ease of operation, but the reliability and latency performance deteriorate due to self-blocking limitations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the traditional TDD subframe structure into mini-slots, which are further divided into smaller time units suitable for URLLC transmissions. This segmentation allows flexible allocation of time resources without being constrained by the rigid subframe boundaries, thereby improving reliability while maintaining manageable complexity through structured division.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces dynamic slot and mini-slot structures that can be adaptively configured based on traffic requirements. The slot structure includes flexible uplink-downlink switching capabilities and dynamic resource allocation, allowing the system to optimize for URLLC reliability in real-time without permanent structural complexity.
2Loss of time
If the nominal structure of 5G NR TDD subframes is used, then the system maintains standard compatibility, but the user plane latency increases due to self-blocking limitations
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the subframe into mini-slots and further into granular time units, the patent enables fine-grained resource allocation that reduces waiting time and allows URLLC data to be transmitted immediately when resources are available, thereby reducing user plane latency while maintaining adaptability through the hierarchical structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements preliminary resource reservation and pre-scheduling mechanisms within the flexible slot structure, allowing URLLC resources to be prepared in advance and allocated without delay, thus reducing latency while maintaining system adaptability through the structured framework.
3Reliability
If mini-slots are introduced for simultaneous uplink and downlink transmissions, then reliability and latency performance improve, but the frame structure complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the frame structure into hierarchical levels (subframes, slots, mini-slots, and time units) with clear boundaries and functions at each level. This structured segmentation improves reliability through flexible resource allocation while controlling complexity by maintaining regular patterns and standardized procedures at each hierarchical level.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies mini-slot structures selectively only where URLLC transmissions are required, rather than applying them universally throughout the entire frame structure. This partial application improves URLLC reliability where needed while avoiding unnecessary complexity in portions of the system where traditional structures suffice.
4Loss of time
If finer granularity of frequency and time resource utilization is implemented, then latency is reduced and reliability is enhanced, but the system complexity and difficulty of operation increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments time resources into standardized hierarchical units (subframes, slots, mini-slots, time units) with defined relationships and boundaries. This structured segmentation enables fine-grained resource control for reduced latency while maintaining ease of operation through consistent patterns and standardized allocation procedures at each level.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the temporal parameters of resource allocation by introducing variable slot durations, mini-slot configurations, and flexible subcarrier spacing. These parameter changes enable fine-grained control for low latency while maintaining operational simplicity through standardized parameter sets and configuration procedures.
Data Source
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AI summary
Methods and apparatus related to wireless communication, for example, to 5G New Radio (NR) device-to-device (D2D) (e.g., vehicle-to-vehicle (V2V) or vehicle-to-everything (V2X)) ultra-reliable and low-latency communications (URLLC) communication are provided. In aspects, a method of wireless communication by a user equipment (UE) may include transmitting data associated with a URLLC communication in a first set of one or more portions of a wireless communication structure having a plurality of portions, and re-transmitting the data associated with the URLLC communication in a second set of one or more portions of the wireless communication structure, wherein the first set is based on a first mini-slot structure, the second set is based on a second mini-slot structure, and a mini-slot structure is smaller than a slot structure.