Aperiodic SRS Configuration for LTE-A Channel Measurement

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Solution Overview

Problem

The LTE-A system requires faster channel information acquisition for uplink resource allocation and scheduling, but the current periodic SRS is inadequate for meeting these demands.

Innovation Solution

A configuration method and system for non-periodic SRS are introduced, allowing the eNB to trigger UE to transmit SRS at any time using downlink control signaling, with pre-configured time-frequency configurations, to enhance channel measurement frequency and avoid conflicts with periodic SRS.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Speed

If periodic SRS is used for channel measurement, then channel measurement can be performed regularly, but the channel information acquisition speed is insufficient for LTE-A system requirements

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvechannel information acquisition speedVSAvoidchannel measurement frequency
Core Design Contradiction:
SpeedVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces dynamic aperiodic SRS transmission that can be triggered on-demand by the network, complementing the static periodic SRS mechanism. This allows the system to adaptively adjust channel measurement frequency based on actual needs, achieving faster channel information acquisition when required while maintaining regular measurements during stable conditions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent enables flexible configuration of SRS transmission parameters including bandwidth, comb structure, and timing. By dynamically changing these parameters for aperiodic SRS transmissions, the system can optimize channel measurement performance and increase acquisition speed without disrupting the established periodic measurement framework.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Speed

If aperiodic SRS is introduced to increase channel measurement frequency, then channel information acquisition speed improves, but system complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvechannel information acquisition speedVSAvoidSRS configuration complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
SpeedVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent designs the aperiodic SRS mechanism to share common configuration parameters and resources with periodic SRS, such as bandwidth configurations, comb structures, and root sequences. This multi-functional approach allows the system to handle both periodic and aperiodic transmissions using unified configuration frameworks, reducing overall system complexity despite the enhanced functionality.

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

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs pre-configuration of aperiodic SRS parameters through higher-layer signaling before actual aperiodic transmissions occur. This preliminary setup includes configuring bandwidth, comb structure, and timing parameters in advance, so that when aperiodic SRS triggering is needed, the system can immediately execute without complex real-time decision-making, thereby managing complexity effectively.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

3Adaptability or versatility

If non-periodic SRS resources are allocated dynamically, then channel measurement flexibility increases, but resource allocation overhead increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvechannel measurement flexibilityVSAvoidsignaling overhead
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The patent utilizes existing higher-layer signaling parameters such as srsBandwidthConfiguration, srsCombOffset, and srsSubframeConfiguration to configure aperiodic SRS resources. By reusing and dynamically adjusting these existing parameters rather than introducing entirely new configuration elements, the system achieves flexible resource allocation while minimizing additional signaling overhead.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent makes the same higher-layer configuration parameters serve both periodic and aperiodic SRS functions. For example, srsBandwidthConfiguration and srsCombOffset parameters are used to define resources for both transmission types, eliminating the need for separate dedicated configuration sets and thereby reducing overall signaling overhead while maintaining full flexibility for aperiodic operations.

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

Data Source

PatentEP2542004B1Configuration method and system for sounding reference signal in long term evolution-advanced system
Publication Date: 2020.06.10 ZTE CORP
  • EP2542004B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP2542004B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP2542004B1 patent drawingFigure 5~7

AI summary

A configuration method for a sounding reference signal in a Long Term Evolution Advanced (LTE-A) system is disclosed in the present invention. The method includes: an eNB triggering one or multiple User Equipment (UE) to transmit an aperiodic Sounding Reference Signal (SRS) on one or multiple uplink subframes through a downlink control signaling. An eNB in an LTE-A system is also disclosed in the present invention. The eNB includes: a transmission module, configured to: trigger one or multiple UE to transmit an aperiodic SRS on one or multiple uplink subframes through a downlink control signaling, so as to make the UE use non-periodic SRS resources to transmit the non-periodic SRS on the uplink subframes according to the triggering of the eNB after receiving the downlink control signaling sent by the eNB. User equipment in an LTE-A system is also disclosed. With the present invention, the resources used by the non-periodic SRS can be determined, channel measurement frequency of the UE can be enhanced, and channel measurement requirement of the LTE-A system can be better satisfied.