5G NR Slot Format Determination for Extended Cyclic Prefix
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Solution Overview
Problem
In 5G new radio (NR) systems, the current method for indicating a slot format to terminal devices does not allow for the determination of a slot format for slots with an extended cyclic prefix (ECP), as it only defines formats for slots with a normal cyclic prefix (NCP), limiting flexibility and compatibility with different subcarrier spacings.
Innovation Solution
A method is provided where a terminal device determines the slot format for slots with ECP by using indication information from a network device, which includes determining the format of consecutive slots based on the format of slots with NCP, allowing for alignment and adjustment of uplink and downlink symbols and unknown symbols within the ECP slots.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If slot format indication is provided only for NCP slots, then the indication method is simple, but ECP slots cannot determine their slot format
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the slot format indication information universal by enabling it to serve both NCP slots and ECP slots. The terminal device determines ECP slot formats by deriving them from NCP slot format indications through mathematical relationships between slot durations and cyclic prefix types, allowing a single indication mechanism to cover multiple slot types without requiring separate indication procedures for each slot type
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary calculation process where the terminal device uses the relationship between NCP and ECP slot durations as a mediator to convert NCP slot format indications into ECP slot format determinations. This intermediary mathematical relationship allows the system to maintain simple indication information while achieving comprehensive slot format support
2Adaptability or versatility
If ECP slot format is not defined, then the system is simpler, but flexibility and compatibility with different subcarrier spacings are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by utilizing the mathematical relationship between different cyclic prefix types (NCP and ECP) and their corresponding slot durations. By changing the parameter of cyclic prefix type, the system can derive ECP slot formats from existing NCP slot format definitions, enabling compatibility with various subcarrier spacings without requiring complete system reconfiguration
Data Source
Figure 1A~1B
Figure 2
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AI summary
A method for determining a slot format and a device are disclosed, to determine an ECP slot format. The method for determining a slot format includes: obtaining first indication information, where the first indication information includes indication information of a slot format a, the slot format a is one of slot formats of a first-type slot, the first-type slot includes N symbols, and N is 14; and determining a slot format b of 2(µ-µa) consecutive second-type slots based on a subcarrier spacing µa applicable to the first indication information, a subcarrier spacing µ applicable to the second-type slot, and the indication information of the slot format a, where the second-type slot includes M symbols, and N is not equal to M.