Uplink Downlink Scheduling Timing Alignment 5G Numerology

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Solution Overview

Problem

In next-generation 5G radio access networks, the ambiguity in defining the timing relationship between user equipment and base station based on different numerologies for uplink and downlink channels leads to challenges in scheduling uplink signals and downlink data channels, particularly due to varying subcarrier spacings and scheduling intervals.

Innovation Solution

The proposed method involves configuring scheduling information for user equipment to schedule uplink and downlink channels based on supported numerologies, using timing relationship configuration information that includes slot indexing and timing gap information, allowing for flexible scheduling units such as mini-slots and slot aggregation to align with different numerologies, thereby overcoming ambiguity in timing relationships.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If multiple numerologies with different subcarrier spacings are supported to meet diverse usage scenario requirements, then the adaptability and versatility of the system are improved, but the timing relationship definition becomes ambiguous and scheduling complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesupport for multiple numerologiesVSAvoidscheduling complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies local quality by configuring different timing relationship parameters (K1, K2, K3 values) for different numerologies and channel types. Each numerology (e.g., 15kHz, 30kHz, 60kHz subcarrier spacing) has its own specific timing offset configurations, allowing the system to optimize timing relationships locally for each numerology rather than using a universal timing scheme. This resolves the ambiguity by providing numerology-specific timing parameters while maintaining overall system adaptability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements dynamics by making timing relationship parameters configurable and adaptable based on the specific numerology being used. The system dynamically selects appropriate K1, K2, K3 values according to the numerology configuration, allowing timing relationships to adjust automatically to different subcarrier spacings and scheduling intervals. This dynamic adaptation eliminates timing ambiguity while preserving the ability to support multiple numerologies for diverse usage scenarios.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Adaptability or versatility

If flexible scheduling units like mini-slots and slot aggregation are introduced to align with different numerologies, then the adaptability is improved, but the device complexity and difficulty of detecting and measuring timing relationships increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvescheduling flexibilityVSAvoidtiming relationship detection
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDifficulty of detecting and measuring

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies segmentation by dividing the scheduling time domain into different units (mini-slots, slots, slot aggregations) that can be selectively used based on the numerology and usage scenario requirements. Each scheduling unit type has defined timing relationship parameters that simplify detection within that specific unit type. This segmentation approach allows flexible adaptation to different numerologies while providing clear, unit-specific timing rules that reduce detection complexity compared to a unified ambiguous timing scheme.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

3Measurement precision

If numerology-specific timing relationships are configured to eliminate ambiguity, then the measurement precision and reliability are improved, but the device complexity increases due to multiple timing configurations

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetiming relationship precisionVSAvoidconfiguration complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies preliminary action by pre-configuring numerology-specific timing relationship parameters (K1, K2, K3 values) through higher-layer signaling before actual data transmission. The base station provides the user equipment with appropriate timing offset configurations in advance, based on the numerology that will be used. This preliminary configuration eliminates timing ambiguity during actual operation while managing complexity through standardized pre-defined parameter sets that can be selected based on the numerology type.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentEP3518600B1Method and device for scheduling uplink signal and downlink data channel in next generation wireless network
Publication Date: 2023.07.26 KT CORP
  • EP3518600B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3518600B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3518600B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The present embodiments provide a method for scheduling an uplink signal and a downlink data channel in an NR, wherein one embodiment is a method by which a terminal schedules an uplink signal and a downlink data channel, the method comprising the steps of: receiving, from a base station, an uplink signal and downlink data channel scheduling information; and scheduling the uplink signal and the downlink data channel on the basis of the scheduling information. Therein: the scheduling information comprises timing relationship setting information between a downlink control channel and a corresponding downlink data channel or uplink data channel, and timing relationship setting information of a downlink data channel and a corresponding uplink control channel; and the numerology of the downlink control channel and the numerology of the corresponding downlink data channel or uplink data channel are different, or, the numerology of the downlink data channel and the numerology of the corresponding uplink control channel are different.