5G NR Reference Signal Allocation for Frequency Offset Estimation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing wireless communication systems, particularly 5G NR, require a flexible numerology to efficiently multiplex radio resource units and support various usage scenarios, but lack a suitable synchronization signal design for estimating frequency offsets.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus for transmitting and receiving reference signals in new wireless communication systems, where the reference signals for estimating frequency offsets are allocated to resources other than those used for synchronization signals, allowing for flexible numerology support and efficient frequency offset estimation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a common reference signal (CRS) is used for frequency offset estimation, then frequency offset estimation can be performed, but system losses increase and overhead increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the frequency offset estimation function from the common reference signal (CRS) and implements it through a dedicated reference signal (RS) that is transmitted only in specific resource blocks. This separates the synchronization function (performed by PSS/SSS) from the frequency offset estimation function, allowing the latter to be performed with reduced overhead and without the system losses associated with CRS transmission across the entire bandwidth.
2Measurement precision
If a common reference signal (CRS) is transmitted across the entire bandwidth, then frequency offset estimation is available, but signal overhead increases
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of transmitting a reference signal across the entire bandwidth (uniform distribution), the patent applies local quality by transmitting the reference signal only in specific resource blocks where frequency offset estimation is needed. The reference signal is strategically placed in resource blocks that correspond to the bandwidth parts used for synchronization signals, providing localized frequency offset estimation capability without the overhead of a full-bandwidth CRS.
3Adaptability or versatility
If synchronization signals are restricted to narrowbands, then flexible numerology is supported and overhead is reduced, but frequency offset estimation becomes challenging
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements multi-functionality by designing the reference signal to serve multiple purposes: it is transmitted in the same resource blocks as the synchronization signals (PSS/SSS), enabling it to support the same flexible numerologies, while simultaneously providing the frequency offset estimation function. This universal reference signal design allows the system to maintain both narrowband synchronization and broadband frequency offset estimation capabilities.
4Measurement precision
If reference signals are allocated in the same resources as synchronization signals, then frequency offset estimation is enabled, but resource allocation complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the reference signal transmission with the synchronization signal transmission by allocating both to the same resource blocks. The reference signal is transmitted in the same time-frequency resources as the PSS/SSS, eliminating the need for separate reference signal resources and simplifying the overall resource allocation structure while enabling frequency offset estimation.
Data Source
AI summary
Provided are a configuration method and a transmission method of a new reference signal for frequency offset estimation in a novel wireless communication system. The method may include configuring a synchronization signal to be transmitted through a first bandwidth part of one or more bandwidth parts configured by dividing an entire bandwidth into one or more parts, allocating the one or more reference signals for estimating the frequency offset on one or more resources other than a resource for configuring the synchronization signal, and transmitting the one or more reference signals for estimating the frequency offset.