Slot Format Indicator Decoupling Subcarrier Spacing
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Solution Overview
Problem
In new radio (NR) systems, efficiently indicating slot formats across multiple carriers with different subcarrier spacings is challenging, as existing methods rely on subcarrier spacing of a specific carrier, limiting flexibility and efficiency in configuring slot formats.
Innovation Solution
The method involves using a slot format indicator (SFI) that determines slot formats based on a first subcarrier spacing, where the subcarrier spacing of any carrier is an integer multiple of the first subcarrier spacing, allowing for independent indication of slot formats across multiple carriers without relying on the carrier interval of the first carrier.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If slot format indication is tied to a specific carrier's subcarrier spacing, then the indication can be implemented using existing carrier-based mechanisms, but the flexibility to indicate slot formats across multiple carriers with different numerologies is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies universality by designing the SFI mechanism to serve multiple carriers simultaneously. The SFI is no longer carrier-specific but can indicate slot formats for any carrier whose subcarrier spacing is an integer multiple of the reference carrier's subcarrier spacing. This multi-functional approach allows a single SFI mechanism to handle diverse carrier configurations without requiring separate indication mechanisms for each carrier.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes parameter changes by establishing a reference carrier with a specific subcarrier spacing and using this reference to determine the applicable carriers. By changing the parameter from carrier-specific to reference-based subcarrier spacing comparison, the system can adapt to multiple carriers with different numerologies while maintaining a unified indication mechanism. The relationship `subcarrier spacing of target carrier = integer multiple × subcarrier spacing of reference carrier` enables flexible parameter-based adaptation.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the SFI indicates slot formats for multiple carriers with different subcarrier spacings, then the system can support diverse numerologies, but the determination of which carriers to indicate becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent resolves the difficulty of carrier determination by establishing a clear parameter-based criterion: the subcarrier spacing of the reference carrier serves as a reference value, and any carrier whose subcarrier spacing is an integer multiple of this reference value becomes a valid target. This parameter transformation simplifies the detection process from complex carrier identification to straightforward mathematical comparison of subcarrier spacing parameters.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces the reference carrier as an intermediary element that mediates between the SFI mechanism and the target carriers. Instead of directly determining which carriers should be indicated, the system uses the reference carrier's subcarrier spacing as an intermediate reference point. This intermediary approach simplifies the decision-making process by providing a clear benchmark for identifying valid target carriers.
3Ease of operation
If the slot format indication is decoupled from the carrier interval of the first carrier, then the indication can be applied independently to any carrier, but the relationship between carriers and their slot formats becomes less straightforward
Solution Approach 1:
The patent achieves operational independence by changing the determining parameter from carrier interval to subcarrier spacing ratio. Instead of relying on the physical or logical proximity of carriers, the system uses the mathematical relationship between subcarrier spacing values. This parameter change allows any carrier with appropriate subcarrier spacing to be independently indicated, regardless of its position relative to the reference carrier in the frequency spectrum.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies segmentation by separating the slot format indication function from the carrier-specific properties. The SFI mechanism is segmented into a universal component that operates independently of any specific carrier, and the carrier-specific aspect is segmented into the subcarrier spacing parameter that determines applicability. This segmentation allows the indication mechanism to operate independently while maintaining clear, manageable relationships through the subcarrier spacing criterion.
Data Source
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AI summary
Embodiments of the present application disclose a slot format indication method and a related product. The method comprises: a network device transmits a slot format indicator (SFI) to a terminal, the SFI being used for indicating a slot format of at least one carrier, the at least one carrier comprising a first carrier, the slot format indicated by the SFI being determined on the basis of a first subcarrier spacing, and a subcarrier spacing of the first carrier being an integer multiple of the first subcarrier spacing. According to the embodiments of the present application, the slot format of one or more carriers can be indicated without relying on the subcarrier spacing of a particular carrier.