Time Domain Resource Allocation for 5G NR Mini-Slots
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current wireless communication systems, particularly in 5G NR, face challenges in dynamically scheduling time-domain resource allocation for downlink (DL) and uplink (UL) shared channels, such as PDSCH and PUSCH, which affects efficiency and flexibility in handling multi-slot and mini-slot transmissions, as well as resolving conflicts between physical channels.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of mechanisms for time-domain resource allocation (TDRA) using a combination of higher-layer signaling and DCI, allowing for dynamic scheduling of DL and UL shared channels, including handling of fallback DCI formats, mini-slot operations, and resource mapping for aggregated slots, while resolving conflicts between physical channels like SRS.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If dynamic scheduling is implemented for time-domain resource allocation, then flexibility in handling multi-slot and mini-slot transmissions is improved, but device complexity and signaling overhead increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the time domain resource allocation into multiple configurable parameters including slot offset (K0), start and length indicator (SLIV), and mapping type. This segmentation allows the system to handle different transmission scenarios (multi-slot, mini-slot, slot-based) through modular parameter combinations rather than requiring a completely new scheduling framework, thus improving flexibility while managing complexity through structured parameterization.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamic time-domain resource allocation where the slot offset K0, start symbol, and length parameters can be dynamically adjusted based on traffic requirements. The system supports both dynamic scheduling via DCI and semi-static configuration via RRC, allowing the allocation to adapt between different transmission modes (slot-based and mini-slot-based) depending on the service type and channel conditions, thereby achieving flexibility without requiring complete dynamic reconfiguration of all parameters.
2Manufacturing precision
If multiple time-domain resource allocation parameters are configured, then resource allocation precision is improved, but signaling overhead increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies partial configuration where not all time-domain parameters need to be explicitly signaled in every DCI. Instead, certain parameters like K0 and mapping type can be semi-statically configured via RRC, while only critical dynamic parameters (such as start symbol and length via SLIV) are included in the DCI. This partial signaling approach achieves precise resource allocation without requiring complete parameter sets in every transmission, thus reducing signaling overhead while maintaining allocation precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses a universal Start and Length Indicator Value (SLIV) encoding scheme that can represent different resource allocation scenarios (different start symbols, different lengths, different mapping types) through a single compact parameter. This multi-functional encoding allows the same signaling mechanism to handle diverse allocation patterns without requiring separate parameters for each case, thereby achieving precise resource allocation with reduced signaling overhead.
3Reliability
If fallback DCI formats are implemented, then reliability of resource allocation is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements fallback DCI formats with pre-configured time-domain resource allocation parameters. When dynamic scheduling is used, the system first attempts to allocate resources using full DCI formats with complete parameter sets. If this fails or is not supported, the system automatically falls back to predefined DCI formats with semi-statically configured parameters. This preliminary configuration of fallback options ensures reliable resource allocation can always be achieved while managing complexity through hierarchical format support.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces semi-static RRC configuration as an intermediary layer between fully dynamic DCI scheduling and fixed predefined formats. The RRC configuration provides intermediate parameter settings that bridge the gap between flexible dynamic allocation and reliable fallback mechanisms. This intermediary layer allows the system to achieve reliable resource allocation by providing pre-negotiated parameter sets that reduce the complexity of handling all possible allocation scenarios through pure dynamic DCI formats.
4Productivity
If conflict resolution mechanisms are added for physical channels, then channel utilization efficiency is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent resolves physical channel conflicts by dynamically changing time-domain parameters such as slot offset K0, start symbol, and length of the shared channel allocation. When conflicts are detected between PDSCH/PUSCH and other physical channels (PUCCH, SRS, PRACH), the system adjusts these parameters to find non-overlapping resource allocations. This parameter-based conflict resolution improves channel utilization efficiency by flexibly repositioning allocations in time without requiring complex spatial or frequency domain resolution mechanisms, thus managing device complexity through parameter optimization.
Data Source
AI summary
Systems, apparatuses, methods, and computer-readable media are provided for time domain resource allocations in wireless communications systems. Disclosed embodiments include time-domain symbol determination and/or indication using a combination of higher layer and downlink control information signaling for physical downlink shared channel and physical uplink shared channel; time domain resource allocations for mini-slot operations; rules for postponing and dropping for multiple mini-slot transmission; and collision handling of sounding reference signals with semi-statically or semi-persistently configured uplink transmissions. Other embodiments may be described and/or claimed.