5G NR Slot Scheduling for eMBB and URLLC Interference

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Solution Overview

Problem

In 5G NR communications systems, interference between uplink and downlink data transmissions occurs due to differing latency and bandwidth requirements of eMBB and URLLC services, making it challenging to meet high-reliability and low-latency demands, especially in intra-frequency and adjacent-frequency modes.

Innovation Solution

A slot scheduling method is introduced where idle time is allocated in specific locations within a slot to prevent overlap of uplink and downlink transmission times for different services, allowing for separate resource allocation to meet the latency requirements of URLLC and bandwidth requirements of eMBB services.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If downlink data transmission occupies frequency band for long time in intra-frequency mode, then downlink transmission reliability is improved, but URLLC uplink transmission latency cannot be met

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedownlink transmission reliabilityVSAvoidURLLC uplink transmission latency
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The frequency band is segmented into dedicated downlink slots and uplink slots within the same frequency band. Downlink transmission is confined to specific slots while uplink transmission is allocated to other slots, preventing continuous occupation and enabling URLLC uplink transmission within 0.5ms latency requirements.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The slot structure is designed to be dynamic, allowing flexible switching between downlink and uplink transmission directions in different slots. This dynamic time-division approach enables the system to meet both downlink reliability requirements and uplink latency requirements by adapting transmission patterns to service needs.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Productivity

If eMBB service downlink transmission continues for 0.8ms in adjacent-frequency mode, then eMBB bandwidth utilization is improved, but URLLC uplink transmission reliability deteriorates due to adjacent frequency leakage

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveeMBB bandwidth utilizationVSAvoidURLLC uplink transmission reliability
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

Adjacent frequency bands are segmented with clear slot boundary definitions. eMBB downlink transmission is restricted to specific slots in one frequency band while URLLC uplink transmission is allocated to different slots in the adjacent frequency band, eliminating interference from adjacent frequency leakage.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Slot boundary timing serves as an intermediary mechanism that coordinates transmission between adjacent frequency bands. By synchronizing slot structures and defining clear transmission windows, the system prevents adjacent frequency interference while maintaining high bandwidth utilization for eMBB services.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Adaptability or versatility

If eMBB uplink transmission is performed in one frequency band and URLLC downlink transmission is used in adjacent frequency band, then service diversity is improved, but eMBB uplink transmission is affected due to adjacent frequency leakage

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveservice diversityVSAvoideMBB uplink transmission efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The system employs dynamic slot configuration that adapts transmission directions based on service requirements. By flexibly assigning slots for eMBB uplink and URLLC downlink in adjacent frequency bands without interference, the system maintains both service diversity and transmission efficiency.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentEP3537791B1Time slot scheduling method and device
Publication Date: 2022.11.30 HUAWEI TECH CO LTD
  • EP3537791B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3537791B1 patent drawingFigure 2~3
  • EP3537791B1 patent drawingFigure 4~5

AI summary

A slot scheduling method and apparatus are provided. A determined slot includes a first slot, the first slot includes a first idle time, and a time interval between a start moment of the first idle time and a start moment of the first slot is less than or equal to a preset time interval threshold, or a time interval between a start moment of the first idle time and an end moment of at least one OFDM symbol that is in the first slot and that is used to transmit control signaling is less than or equal to a preset time interval threshold. No first service is scheduled in the first idle time, thereby providing a transmission opportunity for a second service. In addition, time-domain locations of uplink transmission and downlink transmission of the first service and the second service do not overlap, thereby avoiding mutual interference.