5G Beam Management Using Segmented Reference Signals

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Solution Overview

Problem

In 5G wireless communication systems, high-frequency bands lead to increased propagation path loss and reduced service coverage, necessitating effective beam management to mitigate these issues, especially for terminals with high-speed mobility.

Innovation Solution

The method involves transmitting first and second type reference signals, where the second type signals are used to rapidly refine beams by allocating dedicated resources and using a fixed transmission beam, allowing for quick re-selection of optimal beams based on mobility levels and movement speed of terminals.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Length of stationary object

If beamforming technology is used to mitigate propagation path loss, then transmission distance is increased, but beam management complexity increases for high-speed mobile terminals

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetransmission distanceVSAvoidbeam management complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Length of stationary objectVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments beam management into two distinct phases: initial beam selection using first-type reference signals, and subsequent beam refinement using second-type reference signals. This segmentation allows the system to handle high-speed mobility scenarios by dedicating specific reference signals for rapid beam adjustments without overcomplicating the overall beam management process.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces dynamic beam refinement mechanisms that adapt to terminal mobility conditions. Second-type reference signals are specifically designed for high-speed mobile terminals, allowing the system to dynamically adjust beam parameters based on mobility detection, thereby maintaining connection quality without manual intervention.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Measurement precision

If reference signals are transmitted frequently to track channel changes for high-speed terminals, then beam selection accuracy is improved, but signaling overhead increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvebeam selection accuracyVSAvoidsignaling overhead
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies partial action by transmitting second-type reference signals selectively only to high-speed mobile terminals rather than all terminals. The base station detects terminal mobility and triggers beam refinement procedures only when needed, reducing unnecessary signaling overhead while maintaining accurate beam selection for terminals that require it.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #16Partial or excessive action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements feedback mechanisms where the base station monitors terminal mobility conditions and adjusts reference signal transmission accordingly. When high-speed mobility is detected, the system activates frequent second-type reference signal transmission for beam refinement, and reduces or stops such transmission when terminals are stationary, optimizing the balance between accuracy and overhead.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Data Source

PatentUS11304068B2Device and method for beam management in wireless communication system
Publication Date: 2022.04.12 SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO LTD
  • US11304068B2 patent drawing
  • US11304068B2 patent drawing
  • US11304068B2 patent drawing

AI summary

The present disclosure relates to a 5th generation (5G) or pre-5G communication system for supporting a higher data transmission rate beyond a 4th generation (4G) communication system such as long-term evolution (LTE). The present disclosure relates to beam management in a wireless communication system, and an operation method of a base station may comprise the steps of: transmitting first type reference signals; receiving feedback information on the first type reference signals; transmitting information on resources for second type reference signals, which are allocated on the basis of the feedback information, to at least one terminal; and transmitting the second type reference signals through the resources, wherein the second type reference signals are transmitted using fixed transmission beams by the base station. The present research has been conducted with the support of the “cross-departmental giga KOREA project” of the government (the ministry of science and ICT) in 2017 (No. GK17N0100, Development for mmWave-based 5G mobile communication system).