Sidelink Timing Scheduling via DCI K3 Offset
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current wireless communication systems, particularly in 5G NR and LTE, face challenges in efficiently scheduling sidelink (SL) transmissions due to varying subcarrier spacing and differing DL and UL configurations, which affect timing synchronization and resource allocation.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of network-controlled scheduling methods using DCI and RRC signaling to provide timing information for SL transmissions, including a K3 value for timing offset and RRC messages for configuring SL resources, ensures accurate and flexible scheduling across different configurations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If network-controlled scheduling is implemented with DCI and RRC signaling to provide timing information for SL transmissions, then timing synchronization is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The scheduling mechanism is segmented into two distinct signaling layers: DCI (Downlink Control Information) for dynamic timing adjustments and RRC (Radio Resource Control) for semi-static resource configuration. This segmentation allows timing synchronization to be improved through dedicated timing indicators in DCI while RRC handles the broader resource allocation framework, distributing the complexity across multiple specialized components rather than a single monolithic system.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces K3 value as an intermediary parameter that mediates between the DCI timing offset indication and the actual SL transmission timing. This intermediary allows the system to convey precise timing information through a compact numerical value that bridges the control signaling and the physical layer transmission timing, improving synchronization without requiring complex direct mapping mechanisms.
2Adaptability or versatility
If variable timing adjustments are enabled through K3 value in DCI, then adaptability is improved, but information overhead increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs parameter changes by introducing the K3 value as a variable timing offset parameter within the DCI structure. Instead of using fixed timing relationships, the system dynamically adjusts the timing based on the K3 parameter value, allowing flexible adaptation to different network conditions and traffic requirements. The parameter can be configured to take different values to achieve the desired timing flexibility while maintaining a compact representation.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements partial timing flexibility by providing variable timing adjustments only where needed through the K3 parameter, rather than making all timing aspects configurable. This partial action approach enables adaptability for critical timing scenarios while avoiding the excessive overhead that would result from fully configurable timing parameters for all SL transmissions, balancing flexibility with signaling efficiency.
Data Source
AI summary
Methods disclosed herein may include receiving, at a gNB from a UE, a minimum time gap between a reception at the UE of a configuring message that configures a sending of an SL transmission by the UE and the sending of the SL transmission. Alternatively, the minimum time gap may be measured from the reception at the UE of a DCI message that triggers an SL transmission and the sending of the SL transmission. The method may further include determining, at the gNB, timing information (e.g., an offset, or an absolute time) for the UE to use to schedule the SL transmission, the timing information based on the minimum time gap; generating, at the gNB, a message including a field indicating the timing information; and sending, from the gNB, the message to the UE. Analogous methods for UEs are also disclosed herein. Systems implementing these methods are also disclosed.