Adaptive Reference Signal Configuration for Channel Estimation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current wireless communications networks, particularly 5G/NR, face challenges in optimizing reference signal configurations for varying channel conditions and service requirements, leading to suboptimal channel estimation performance due to fixed or inflexible reference signal densities.

Innovation Solution

A method where wireless devices and network nodes dynamically determine and adapt reference signal configurations based on the number of used transform coefficients in transform-based channel estimators, allowing for real-time adjustments to reference signal density to optimize channel estimation and resource allocation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If reference signal density is increased to improve channel estimation performance, then channel estimation accuracy is improved, but resource overhead increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvechannel estimation accuracyVSAvoidreference signal overhead

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies dynamics by making the reference signal configuration adaptable and changeable based on channel conditions. The network node and wireless device dynamically determine whether to modify the reference signal configuration by evaluating transform coefficient usage in channel estimators, allowing the system to transition between different reference signal densities according to actual needs rather than using a fixed configuration.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the parameter of reference signal density based on channel conditions and transform coefficient analysis. By monitoring the number of used transform coefficients in the channel estimator, the system adjusts the reference signal configuration parameters to optimize the balance between channel estimation accuracy and resource overhead.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Adaptability or versatility

If reference signal configuration is made flexible to adapt to different scenarios, then adaptability is improved, but system complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvereference signal configuration flexibilityVSAvoidconfiguration determination complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements feedback by having the wireless device evaluate the number of used transform coefficients in its channel estimator and provide this information back to the network node. The network node uses this feedback to determine whether to modify the reference signal configuration, creating a closed-loop system that adapts to channel conditions without requiring complex centralized control.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies self-service by enabling the wireless device to autonomously evaluate channel conditions through transform coefficient analysis and determine its own channel estimation quality. This self-evaluation capability allows the device to participate actively in the configuration determination process, reducing the burden on the network node while maintaining adaptability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

3Productivity

If transform coefficient analysis is used to determine configuration needs, then resource allocation efficiency is improved, but computational requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveresource allocation efficiencyVSAvoidcomputational complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSPower

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies partial action by having the wireless device perform transform coefficient analysis only to the extent necessary for evaluating channel estimation quality. Rather than computing all possible channel parameters, the system focuses specifically on the number of used transform coefficients, which provides sufficient information for configuration determination with reduced computational effort.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #16Partial or excessive action

Data Source

PatentUS11764922B2Wireless device, a network node and methods therein for enabling and determining reference signal configurations in a wireless communications network

Publication Date: 2023.09.19 TELEFONAKTIEBOLAGET LM ERICSSON (PUBL)

AI summary

A method performed by a wireless device for enabling a determination of a reference signal configuration for downlink transmissions in a wireless communications network is provided. The wireless device obtains information indicating the number of used transform coefficients of the total number of transform coefficients determined in a transform-based channel estimator in the wireless device upon receiving a first downlink transmission according to a first reference signal configuration. Also, the wireless device determines, based on the obtained information, if the first reference signal configuration for downlink transmissions to the wireless device is to be modified or not. A wireless device for enabling a determination of a reference signal configuration for downlink transmissions in a wireless communications network is also provided. Further, a network node and method therein for determining a reference signal configuration for transmissions in a wireless communications network are provided.