NR Subcarrier Spacing Scheduling for High-Band HARQ Timing

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Solution Overview

Problem

The increase in subcarrier spacing beyond 120 KHz in 5G NR communication systems, particularly in frequencies above 52.6 GHz, poses challenges to communication scheduling and HARQ processing due to reduced symbol duration, necessitating increased processing capabilities in UEs, which can lead to inefficiencies and resource overheads.

Innovation Solution

Adopting modified communication scheduling and HARQ processing techniques tailored to the increased subcarrier spacing, including adjustments to slot offsets and HARQ codebook structures, to manage processing demands and resource utilization effectively.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Speed

If subcarrier spacing is increased beyond 120 KHz to support frequencies above 52.6 GHz, then data transmission capability is improved, but processing complexity in UEs increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedata transmission capabilityVSAvoidprocessing complexity in UEs
Core Design Contradiction:
SpeedVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the increased subcarrier spacing into manageable components by introducing multiple candidate slot offsets (K0 values) that are selectively applied based on specific conditions. This segmentation allows the system to handle high-frequency transmission requirements while breaking down the processing complexity into discrete, condition-based decisions rather than requiring continuous complex processing across the entire increased subcarrier spacing range.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies preliminary action by pre-defining multiple candidate slot offsets (K0 values) in advance, where each candidate corresponds to specific subcarrier spacing conditions. This allows the UE to quickly select an appropriate offset based on pre-established criteria rather than calculating optimal offsets in real-time, thereby reducing processing complexity while maintaining the ability to support increased subcarrier spacing for high-frequency transmissions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

2Speed

If subcarrier spacing is increased beyond 120 KHz, then communication speed is improved, but resource overhead increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecommunication speedVSAvoidresource overhead
Core Design Contradiction:
SpeedVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces dynamic resource allocation by making the slot offset (K0) variable based on subcarrier spacing conditions. Instead of using a fixed resource allocation scheme that would waste resources at higher subcarrier spacings, the system dynamically selects from multiple candidate K0 values, allowing resource usage to adapt to the actual transmission requirements. This dynamic approach maintains communication speed while reducing unnecessary resource overhead.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the parameter of slot offset (K0) based on subcarrier spacing conditions. By defining multiple candidate K0 values and selecting appropriate ones based on the actual subcarrier spacing being used, the system optimizes resource allocation to match the transmission parameters. This prevents resource waste that would occur with fixed parameter settings and ensures efficient resource utilization across different frequency ranges.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Adaptability or versatility

If subcarrier spacing is increased beyond 120 KHz, then frequency range is extended, but symbol duration is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefrequency rangeVSAvoidsymbol duration
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDuration of action of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies preliminary action by pre-defining multiple candidate slot offsets (K0 values) that account for different symbol duration scenarios. By having these offsets prepared in advance, the system can compensate for the reduced symbol duration at higher subcarrier spacings without requiring real-time adjustments, thereby maintaining proper timing relationships across extended frequency ranges.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the timing parameter (slot offset K0) based on subcarrier spacing and resulting symbol duration. By selecting from multiple candidate K0 values, the system adjusts the timing parameters to account for shorter symbol durations at higher frequencies, ensuring that resource allocation and scheduling remain accurate across the extended frequency range despite the reduced symbol duration.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Data Source

PatentUS20250392415A1Reception and transmission in new radio (NR) based on subcarrier spacing
Publication Date: 2025.12.25 APPLE INC
  • US20250392415A1 patent drawing
  • US20250392415A1 patent drawing
  • US20250392415A1 patent drawing

AI summary

The present application relates to devices and components including apparatus, systems, and methods to provide reception and transmission in 5G NR at a frequency larger than 52.6 GHz and with a subcarrier spacing larger than 120 KHz.