PRACH Configuration Pattern Mapping for 5G NR-U Subcarrier Spacings
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for configuring the Physical Random Access Channel (PRACH) in 5G New Radio Unlicensed Spectrum (NR-U) are inadequate for subcarrier spacings other than 30K, as they do not specify corresponding physical resource configuration patterns, leading to inefficiencies in channel configuration.
Innovation Solution
A method that involves receiving a pattern identifier from an access network device to configure a first physical resource configuration pattern for a specific subcarrier spacing, and determining a second physical resource configuration pattern for a different subcarrier spacing based on the received identifier and the target cell's subcarrier spacing, allowing for consistent and efficient configuration of the PRACH across various subcarrier spacings.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a pattern identifier is configured for 30K subcarrier spacing only, then the OCB requirement is met for that specific spacing, but the configuration cannot be applied to other subcarrier spacings
Solution Approach 1:
The pattern identifier is designed to serve multiple functions across different subcarrier spacings. The same pattern identifier can be used for 30K subcarrier spacing and other spacings (15K, 60K, 120K) by determining the corresponding physical resource configuration pattern based on the actual subcarrier spacing of the target cell, making the configuration universal rather than spacing-specific
Solution Approach 2:
The solution changes the parameter interpretation based on subcarrier spacing. The pattern identifier remains constant, but the actual physical resource configuration pattern varies according to the subcarrier spacing parameter of the target cell, allowing adaptive configuration without increasing complexity
2Manufacturing precision
If independent physical resource configuration patterns are defined for each subcarrier spacing, then precise configuration is achieved for each spacing, but the system complexity increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of creating separate configuration patterns for each subcarrier spacing, a single pattern identifier serves multiple spacings. The network device determines the appropriate physical resource configuration pattern based on the target cell's subcarrier spacing, reducing the number of patterns to manage while maintaining precision
Solution Approach 2:
The pattern identifier acts as an intermediary that links the configuration to the actual subcarrier spacing. Rather than directly configuring each spacing independently, the pattern identifier mediates the configuration process, allowing the system to select the appropriate pattern based on the target cell's characteristics
Data Source
AI summary
A method and an apparatus for configuring a physical random access channel are provided. The method includes: receiving a pattern identifier configured by an access network device, where the pattern identifier configures a first physical resource configuration pattern of the physical random access channel corresponding to a first subcarrier spacing in a frequency domain; determining a second subcarrier spacing of a target cell; and determining a second physical resource configuration pattern of the physical random access channel corresponding to the second subcarrier spacing in the frequency domain according to the pattern identifier and the second subcarrier spacing.