Signaling Reference Signal Locations in Wireless Slots
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Solution Overview
Problem
In wireless communication networks, particularly in 3GPP 5G New Radio (NR) systems, there is a challenge in signaling the location of reference signals within slots and mini-slots, which affects the reliability and latency of data transmission, especially in scenarios requiring ultra-high reliability and low latency (URLLC).
Innovation Solution
The method involves providing control information that indicates whether a slot is of a first or second type, with slots of the second type starting between slot interval boundaries and including explicit or implicit reference signal timing indications. This control information allows wireless receivers to determine the timing of reference signals, such as demodulation reference signals (DM-RS), which can have independent or fixed offsets relative to the data channel starting position.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If explicit reference signal timing indication is provided for all slots, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by providing explicit reference signal timing indications only for specific slots (second type slots starting between slot interval boundaries) while using implicit timing for other slots (first type slots starting at slot interval boundaries). This selective approach optimizes measurement precision where needed while reducing overall system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of always providing explicit timing indications, the patent inverts the approach by using implicit timing as the default and only providing explicit indications when necessary. This reduces the burden on control information while maintaining precision where required.
2Speed
If mini-slots are used for urgent data transmission, then speed is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments slots into two types: first type slots starting at slot interval boundaries and second type slots (mini-slots) starting between slot interval boundaries. This segmentation allows flexible transmission timing while providing clear rules for reference signal positioning, managing complexity through structured classification.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces dynamic slot type configuration where the network can select between first type and second type slots based on transmission requirements. This dynamic adaptation enables low latency transmission when needed while maintaining structured timing otherwise, balancing speed and complexity.
3Ease of operation
If reference signal timing is fixed, then ease of operation is improved, but adaptability worsens
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a dynamic timing system where reference signal positions can be fixed (for first type slots) or adjustable (for second type slots with explicit timing indications). This allows the system to operate simply with fixed timing in normal conditions while adapting to flexible timing requirements when needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the timing parameter from always-fixed to conditionally-variable. By introducing a parameter (slot type indication) that determines whether timing is fixed or variable, the system achieves both ease of operation with fixed timing and adaptability when required.
Data Source
AI summary
According to some embodiments, a method for use in a wireless transmitter of a wireless communication network comprises providing control information relating to a slot. The control information includes an indication of whether the slot is of a first type or a second type. A slot of the first type starts at a slot interval boundary, and a slot of the second type either starts between slot interval boundaries and has arbitrary length or starts at a slot interval boundary and has reduced length. The control information includes an implicit or explicit reference signal timing indication if the slot is of the second type. The method further comprises transmitting the control information to a wireless receiver.