Aperiodic SRS Triggering for Flexible Uplink Slot Timing

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing wireless communication systems face challenges in efficiently supporting the repeated transmission of uplink data for various services, particularly in 5G communication systems, which require flexible and dynamic management of uplink reference signals to accommodate diverse service requirements such as enhanced mobile broadband, massive machine-type communication, and ultra-reliable low-latency communication.

Innovation Solution

A method and apparatus for transmitting and receiving uplink reference signals using higher layer signaling and dynamic control information to enable efficient use of available slots for SRS transmission, allowing for dynamic triggering and timing adjustments of aperiodic SRS resources based on configuration information and DCI, thereby optimizing resource allocation for different service types.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If aperiodic SRS transmission is configured via higher layer signaling only, then configuration simplicity is maintained, but transmission timing flexibility and responsiveness to dynamic service requirements deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetransmission timing flexibilityVSAvoidcontrol mechanism complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements dynamic triggering of aperiodic SRS transmission through DCI (Downlink Control Information) signaling, allowing the transmission timing to be flexibly adjusted based on real-time service requirements. The DCI includes a trigger flag that can be set to different values (e.g., 0 or 1) to indicate different transmission timing offsets (k1, k2, k3 slots after receiving DCI), enabling the system to adapt to varying latency and resource allocation needs of different services such as eMBB, mMTC, and URLLC

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent segments the SRS transmission configuration into multiple components: higher layer signaling for basic configuration (periodicity, offset, resource parameters) and DCI-based dynamic triggering for timing control. This segmentation allows the system to maintain simple baseline configuration while adding flexible timing control only when needed, resolving the contradiction between flexibility and complexity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Productivity

If fixed slot allocation is used for SRS transmission, then resource allocation simplicity is maintained, but efficiency in supporting diverse 5G services deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveresource utilization efficiencyVSAvoidresource management complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the time domain parameters of SRS transmission by introducing variable timing offsets (k1, k2, k3 slots) based on the trigger flag in DCI. Depending on the service type and resource allocation needs, the system can adjust the transmission timing to different slots, optimizing resource utilization for services requiring low latency (URLLC) or efficient multiplexing (eMBB, mMTC) without requiring complex resource management mechanisms

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Reliability

If aperiodic SRS transmission is dynamically triggered via DCI, then responsiveness to service requirements is improved, but processing complexity at terminal increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveservice requirement fulfillmentVSAvoidterminal processing complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the base station sets a trigger flag in DCI based on service requirements, and the terminal processes this feedback to determine the appropriate transmission timing. The trigger flag provides clear feedback information (set or cleared) that guides the terminal's transmission behavior, ensuring reliable fulfillment of service requirements while keeping the processing logic straightforward through standardized DCI processing procedures

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Data Source

PatentEP4128641B1Method and apparatus for transmitting and receiving uplink reference signal in wireless communication system
Publication Date: 2025.11.26 SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO LTD
  • EP4128641B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4128641B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4128641B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4

AI summary

A terminal and a method performed by the terminal are provided for use in a wireless communication system. The method includes receiving configuration information associated with a sounding reference signal (SRS) through higher layer signaling; receiving first DL control information (DCI); and transmitting, based on the first DCI, the SRS in an available slot from a reference slot.