Slot Format Indicator Configurations for 5G NR Bandwidth Parts

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current wireless communication systems, particularly in the context of 5G New Radio (NR), face challenges in efficiently managing slot format indicators (SFIs) across different bandwidth parts (BWP) to optimize subcarrier spacing (SCS) and enhance spectral efficiency.

Innovation Solution

The method involves determining the number of consecutive slots in an active BWP associated with the same slot format indicator (SFI) based on the active BWP SCS value and a reference SCS value, and then communicating with the network entity on one or more slots of the active BWP accordingly.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If the number of consecutive slots associated with the same SFI is increased to improve spectral efficiency, then latency is reduced, but the complexity of SFI configuration and management increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvespectral efficiencyVSAvoidSFI configuration complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies parameter changes by dynamically adjusting the number of consecutive slots associated with the same SFI based on the active BWP SCS value. When the active BWP SCS is 120 kHz or higher, the UE determines a larger number of consecutive slots to be associated with the same SFI, thereby improving spectral efficiency while adapting to the specific SCS conditions of the active bandwidth part

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements dynamics by making the SFI configuration adaptive rather than static. The UE dynamically determines the number of consecutive slots based on real-time identification of the active BWP SCS value, allowing the system to optimize slot utilization according to current network conditions and bandwidth part configurations

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Loss of time

If SFI configurations are optimized across multiple slots to reduce latency, then communication speed improves, but the difficulty of detecting and measuring SFI parameters increases

Engineering Contradiction:

ImprovelatencyVSAvoidSFI parameter detection difficulty

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of timeVSDifficulty of detecting and measuring

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies segmentation by dividing the SFI configuration into manageable units based on the active BWP SCS. The UE determines the number of consecutive slots associated with the same SFI by identifying the active BWP SCS value and applying the appropriate mapping, thereby breaking down the complex multi-slot SFI configuration into detectable and measurable segments

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent uses the active BWP SCS value as an intermediary that bridges the gap between the physical layer parameters and the higher-layer SFI configuration. The UE identifies the active BWP SCS value and uses it to determine the appropriate number of consecutive slots, making the SFI parameter detection and measurement process more straightforward through this intermediate reference

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentUS12302299B2Slot format indicator configurations

Publication Date: 2025.05.13 QUALCOMM INC

AI summary

In some designs, UE receives an active BWP SCS value of an active BWP SCS that is 120 kHz or higher, and a reference SCS value of a reference SCS that is the same or lower than the active BWP SCS, and determines a number of consecutive slots in the active BWP associated with the same SFI based on the active BWP SCS value and the reference SCS value. UE and BS communicate on slot(s) of the active BWP based on the active BWP SCS value and the reference SCS value. In some designs, a multi-slot SFI configuration is defined for multiple SFIs.