Adaptive DM-RS Density Allocation for 5G Channel Estimation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional 5G wireless communication systems face inefficiencies in channel estimation due to the allocation of limited resources for demodulation reference signals (DM-RS), which can lead to reduced data throughput and compromised channel estimation performance.

Innovation Solution

The proposed solution optimizes DM-RS transmission by using fewer resources while maintaining channel estimation performance through modulation-specific DM-RS density allocation, employing orthogonal variable spreading factor (OVSF) codes, and unequal resource mapping, allowing for increased data traffic channel resources and compensation for phase noise.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If conventional resource allocation for DM-RS is used, then channel estimation can be performed, but resource utilization is limited and data throughput is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedata throughputVSAvoidresources allocated for DM-RS
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies parameter changes by dynamically adjusting the density of DM-RS based on modulation schemes. Different modulation schemes (e.g., QPSK, 16-QAM, 64-QAM) require different DM-RS densities, allowing the system to optimize resource allocation according to the specific transmission conditions and maintain channel estimation performance while improving resource utilization.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements dynamic resource allocation where the DM-RS density is not fixed but adapts according to the modulation scheme being used. This dynamic adjustment allows the system to allocate fewer resources when using robust modulation schemes and more resources when using sensitive schemes, thereby improving overall productivity without compromising channel estimation quality.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Quantity of substance

If fewer resources are allocated to DM-RS, then more resources are available for data traffic channels, but channel estimation performance may deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveresources for data traffic channelsVSAvoidchannel estimation performance
Core Design Contradiction:
Quantity of substanceVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent resolves this contradiction by changing the parameter of DM-RS density according to the modulation scheme. For example, when using QPSK which is more robust to channel variations, a lower DM-RS density suffices, preserving channel estimation performance while freeing up resources for data traffic. Conversely, for 64-QAM which requires more precise channel knowledge, the density is increased accordingly.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies local quality by allocating different DM-RS densities to different resource elements based on local requirements. Rather than using a uniform density across all resources, the system tailors the DM-RS allocation to the specific modulation scheme being used in each transmission, ensuring optimal channel estimation performance locally while maximizing overall resource utilization.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

3Ease of manufacture

If uniform DM-RS density is used across all antenna ports, then implementation is simple, but resource allocation is inefficient for different ports

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveimplementation simplicityVSAvoidresource utilization efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements local quality by assigning different DM-RS densities to different antenna ports based on their specific requirements. For example, antenna ports used for phase noise compensation may receive higher density allocations, while ports with more robust channel conditions receive lower density. This differentiated approach improves resource utilization efficiency while maintaining manageable implementation complexity through standardized port-specific configurations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Data Source

PatentUS10819483B2Transmission of demodulation reference signals for a 5G wireless communication network or other next generation network
Publication Date: 2020.10.27 AT&T INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY I L P
  • US10819483B2 patent drawing
  • US10819483B2 patent drawing
  • US10819483B2 patent drawing

AI summary

Demodulation reference signals (e.g., DM-RSs) are transmitted for a 5G, or other next generation network using an adaptive DM-RS structure. Demodulation reference signal data representative of demodulation reference signals employable to perform channel estimation of data channels is generated the demodulation reference signal data is transmitted, via a channel other than the data channels, to be used for the channel estimation. The adaptive DM-RS structure can be based on a modulation scheme used for data transmission. An orthogonal variable spreading factor code tree can be used when choosing an orthogonal cover code, and resource mapping for DM-RSs can be made unequal based on analysis of antenna ports. Further, a DM-RS with high resource density can be used to compensate for phase noise.