Antenna Port Determination for Multi-TRP Frequency Utilization

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Solution Overview

Problem

In communications systems supporting Coordinated Multiple Point (CoMP) technology, such as 5G systems, the frequency band utilization is relatively low due to the constraint of using the same number of layers for transmission across multiple Transmission Reception Points (TRPs) or panels, limiting transmission to a single Transmission Configuration Indication (TCI) state.

Innovation Solution

A method is introduced to determine antenna ports by transmitting control information with a first information field that indicates antenna port information for multiple antenna port sets. This allows for the determination of antenna port sets corresponding to each TCI state, enabling transmission in multiple TCI states and improving frequency band utilization.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Device complexity

If the same number of layers is used for transmission across multiple TRPs or panels, then the system maintains simplicity in layer configuration, but the frequency band utilization is limited

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvelayer configuration complexityVSAvoidfrequency band utilization
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The transmission system is segmented into multiple antenna port sets, where each set corresponds to a specific TCI state and can be independently configured with different layer quantities. This segmentation allows different TRPs or panels to use different numbers of layers simultaneously, resolving the contradiction between configuration simplicity and frequency band utilization.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces dynamic configuration of antenna port sets through control information that indicates which antenna port set corresponds to each TCI state. This dynamic approach allows the system to adaptively allocate different layer quantities to different TRPs/panels based on channel conditions, thereby improving frequency band utilization while maintaining manageable configuration complexity through standardized control signaling.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Ease of operation

If transmission is limited to a single TCI state, then the system maintains straightforward transmission management, but the total number of usable layers is constrained

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetransmission managementVSAvoidtotal number of layers
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The patent creates a universal framework where multiple antenna port sets can coexist, each capable of being associated with different TCI states. The control information mechanism provides a universal method for managing these multiple sets, allowing the system to handle multiple TCI states simultaneously while maintaining ease of operation through standardized signaling procedures.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent adds a new dimension to transmission management by introducing the concept of antenna port sets as an intermediate layer between physical channels and TCI states. This dimensional addition allows multiple TCI states to be managed systematically through control information, enabling the system to utilize more layers across multiple TRPs/panels while maintaining operational simplicity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Data Source

PatentEP3996313B1Method for determining antenna port, and communication apparatus
Publication Date: 2025.02.19 DATANG MOBILE COMM EQUIP CO LTD
  • EP3996313B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3996313B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4

AI summary

The present disclosure provides a method for determining an antenna port and a communication device. The method includes: transmitting control information, the control information including a first information field, the first information field being used to indicate antenna port information of a plurality of antenna port sets; and determining an antenna port set corresponding to each TCI state in a plurality of TCI states, and determining antenna ports in the plurality of antenna port sets in accordance with the first information field. There is a correspondence between the TCI states and the antenna port sets.