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5G NR
3GPP TS 38.211
5G NR Subcarrier Spacing & Numerology
Calculate timing parameters and frame structure for different numerology configurations in 5G NR.
Configuration
Select numerology (μ) to view timing parameters
30 kHz
SCS = 15 × 2^μ kHz
FR1
Sub-6 GHz
Timing Parameters
All timing values for numerology μ = 1
| Parameter | Value | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Numerology (μ) | 1 | Configuration index |
| Subcarrier Spacing | 30 kHz | 15 × 2^1 kHz |
| Slot Duration | 0.5 ms | Time per slot |
| Symbol Duration | 33.34 μs | Time per OFDM symbol (approx) |
| Symbols per Slot | 14 | Normal cyclic prefix |
| Slots per Subframe | 2 | 1 ms subframe |
| Slots per Frame | 20 | 10 ms frame |
| Symbols per Subframe | 28 | Total OFDM symbols |
| Symbols per Frame | 280 | Total symbols in 10 ms |
Frame Structure Breakdown
Hierarchical breakdown of 5G NR frame structure
| Frame Duration | 10 ms | Fixed for all numerologies |
| Subframes per Frame | 10 | Fixed for all numerologies |
| Subframe Duration | 1 ms | Fixed for all numerologies |
| Slots per Subframe | 2 | Varies with μ |
| Slot Duration | 0.5 ms | Decreases with higher μ |
| Symbols per Slot | 14 | Normal CP |
| Symbol Duration | 33.34 μs | Including cyclic prefix |
Frame Hierarchy
Frame (10 ms)
└─ Subframe × 10 (1 ms each)
└─ Slot × 2 (0.5 ms each)
└─ Symbol × 14 (33.34 μs each)
Use Cases & Applications
Characteristics:
- Most common for FR1 deployments
- Good balance of coverage and capacity
- Standard choice for sub-6 GHz bands
- Default for many commercial networks
Reference Information
Numerology in 5G NR:
5G NR supports multiple numerologies (μ) to accommodate different deployment scenarios, frequency ranges, and service requirements. The numerology determines the subcarrier spacing and affects all timing parameters in the system.
- μ = 0 (15 kHz): FR1, LTE coexistence
- μ = 1 (30 kHz): FR1, most common sub-6 GHz
- μ = 2 (60 kHz): FR1 high mobility, FR2 baseline
- μ = 3 (120 kHz): FR2, primary mmWave configuration
- μ = 4 (240 kHz): FR2, specific mmWave scenarios
Key Relationships:
- Subcarrier Spacing: Δf = 15 × 2^μ kHz
- Slot Duration: T_slot = 1 / 2^μ ms
- Slots per Subframe: N_slot = 2^μ
- Normal CP: 14 symbols per slot
- Extended CP: 12 symbols per slot (μ=2 only)
3GPP Specifications:
3GPP TS 38.211 Section 4.3.2: Frame structure and numerology
3GPP TS 38.211 Table 4.3.2-1: Supported transmission numerologies
3GPP TS 38.104: Base station radio transmission and reception