Semi-Persistent Uplink Waveform Switching for Power-Efficient 5G NR

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing wireless communication systems, particularly 5G NR, lack efficient mechanisms for dynamically switching between DFT-s-OFDM and CP-OFDM waveforms for uplink transmissions, leading to suboptimal performance due to varying power requirements and implementation complexities.

Innovation Solution

A method and apparatus for semi-persistent waveform switching, where a UE or network node dynamically indicates a waveform configuration for uplink transmissions based on a dynamic indication, allowing the UE to switch to a specific waveform for a period of time, enabling efficient transform precoding.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If dynamic waveform switching between DFT-s-OFDM and CP-OFDM is implemented, then communication efficiency and power optimization are improved, but system complexity and implementation difficulty increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecommunication efficiencyVSAvoidsystem complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements dynamic waveform switching between DFT-s-OFDM and CP-OFDM based on real-time channel conditions and traffic requirements. The system can adaptively change the waveform configuration for uplink transmissions, transforming a static system into a dynamic one that responds to varying operational conditions, thereby improving communication efficiency while managing complexity through controlled adaptability

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the waveform parameter (transform precoding enabled/disabled) based on operational conditions. By modifying this key parameter dynamically, the system optimizes power usage and adapts to different channel conditions without requiring complete system redesign, thus improving efficiency while keeping parameter changes manageable

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Use of energy by moving object

If transform precoding is enabled for waveform switching, then power usage is optimized, but implementation complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepower usageVSAvoidimplementation complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Use of energy by moving objectVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent enables transform precoding as a configurable parameter that can be switched on or off based on power optimization requirements. This parameter change allows the system to optimize power usage during uplink transmissions while maintaining implementation simplicity through a binary switchable state rather than continuous adjustment

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The transform precoding mechanism serves multiple functions simultaneously: it optimizes power usage, adapts to different channel conditions, and maintains compatibility with existing OFDM infrastructure. This multi-functionality justifies the added implementation complexity by delivering multiple benefits from a single mechanism

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Adaptability or versatility

If semi-persistent waveform configuration is used, then switching flexibility is improved, but control signaling overhead increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveswitching flexibilityVSAvoidcontrol signaling overhead
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of information

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs semi-persistent waveform configuration where the waveform setting is established for a period of time rather than changed every transmission. This periodic approach provides switching flexibility for adapting to sustained channel conditions while reducing control signaling overhead by avoiding frequent reconfiguration commands

Inventive Principle:
Principle #19Periodic action

Solution Approach 2:

The semi-persistent configuration creates a dynamic balance between flexibility and overhead. The system can switch waveforms when conditions change significantly, providing adaptability, while maintaining stability during normal operation to minimize signaling overhead. This dynamic approach optimizes the trade-off between switching flexibility and control overhead

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentUS12376100B2Semi-persistent waveform switching for uplink
Publication Date: 2025.07.29 QUALCOMM INC
  • US12376100B2 patent drawing
  • US12376100B2 patent drawing
  • US12376100B2 patent drawing

AI summary

Method and apparatus for semi-persistent waveform switching for uplink transmissions. The apparatus receives an indication to switch to a first waveform configuration for uplink transmission over a period of time. The apparatus transmits the uplink transmission based on the first waveform configuration during the period of time. The apparatus switches to uplink communication based on the first waveform configuration after a time period following receipt of the indication. The time period comprises a processing time to switch to the first waveform configuration. The apparatus switches to the first waveform configuration for a current BWP in response to reception of the indication.