Adaptive DMRS Configuration for 5G Uplink Control Channel Robustness

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Solution Overview

Problem

In 5G wireless communication networks, the uplink control channel faces challenges in higher frequency bands due to severe path loss and fading, which affects channel estimation and overall system performance, especially at low signal-to-noise-plus-interference ratios (SINR).

Innovation Solution

The proposed solution involves adapting the demodulation reference signal (DMRS) configuration based on link conditions, allowing the network node to adjust DMRS power and density to aid channel estimation, enabling robust performance even at low SINR conditions. This is achieved through a closed-loop method where the network node evaluates the DMRS received from the user equipment and signals modifications as needed to optimize the DMRS configuration.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If DMRS power and density are increased to improve channel estimation accuracy, then measurement precision is improved, but use of energy is increased

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvechannel estimation accuracyVSAvoidDMRS power consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies dynamics by making the DMRS configuration adaptive rather than fixed. The network node dynamically adjusts DMRS power and density based on real-time link conditions, including channel quality indicators and signal-to-noise ratios. This allows the system to optimize between estimation accuracy and energy consumption by increasing DMRS power/density only when channel conditions deteriorate, rather than maintaining high power levels continuously.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements parameter changes by modifying multiple DMRS configuration parameters including power levels, density (number of reference signals), and timing patterns. The network node signals these parameter changes to the user equipment based on evaluated link conditions, enabling the system to adjust the balance between measurement precision and energy consumption through coordinated parameter modification.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Measurement precision

If DMRS density is increased to improve channel estimation, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity is increased

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvechannel estimation accuracyVSAvoidDMRS configuration complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies local quality by differentiating DMRS density and power across different time-frequency resources based on local channel conditions. Rather than uniformly increasing DMRS density everywhere, the system adjusts density locally in specific resource blocks or time slots where channel estimation is most needed, while maintaining lower density in regions where the channel is stable and easier to estimate.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The system dynamically adjusts DMRS density based on real-time channel quality indicators and signal-to-noise ratios. The network node evaluates link conditions and signals appropriate density changes to user equipment, allowing the system to adapt the complexity level to current operational requirements rather than maintaining high complexity continuously.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Ease of operation

If fixed DMRS configuration is used to simplify system operation, then ease of operation is improved, but adaptability is worsened

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesystem operation simplicityVSAvoidDMRS configuration adaptability
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent transitions from a static fixed configuration to a dynamic adaptive configuration. The network node continuously monitors link conditions including channel quality and signal-to-noise ratios, and automatically adjusts DMRS parameters accordingly. This dynamic approach maintains ease of operation at the user level while providing adaptability to varying channel conditions through automated network-side management.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system implements feedback mechanisms where the network node evaluates DMRS received from user equipment and uses this information to determine appropriate configuration modifications. The network signals updated DMRS parameters back to user equipment based on the evaluated link conditions, creating a closed-loop feedback system that balances operational simplicity with configuration adaptability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Data Source

PatentUS11552846B2Adapting demodulation reference signal configuration in networks using massive MIMO
Publication Date: 2023.01.10 AT&T INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY I L P
  • US11552846B2 patent drawing
  • US11552846B2 patent drawing
  • US11552846B2 patent drawing

AI summary

Based on the receipt of a demodulation reference signal from a user equipment, a determination can be made by the network node that a demodulation reference signal configuration is not suitable for the condition of a transmission link between the network node and the user equipment. In response to this determination, the demodulation reference signal configuration can be modified.