Intra-Symbol Beam Tracking Using IFDMA CSI-RS
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Solution Overview
Problem
In wireless communication environments, particularly in Rel-15 of the Third Generation Partnership Project (3GPP), the limitations of using Synchronization Signal Block (SSB) and Channel State Information Reference Signal (CSI-RS) for beam measurement and reporting lead to interference issues when UE attempts intra-symbol beam sweeping, preventing effective beam tracking due to the conventional CSI-RS structure and interference from other elements.
Innovation Solution
Implementing an Interleaved Frequency Division Multiple Access (IFDMA) structure for transmitting beams via CSI-RS and employing signaling mechanisms to configure and manage intra-symbol beam sweeping, ensuring the gNB does not interfere with CSI resources, allowing UE to perform intra-symbol beam sweeping by reporting capabilities and configuring simultaneous reception with control signaling.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional CSI-RS structure is used for beam measurement, then beam tracking can be performed, but interference from other elements prevents effective intra-symbol beam sweeping
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the beam measurement process into separate time resources by using multiple CSI-RS resources across different symbols. Each CSI-RS resource is dedicated to specific beam directions, allowing the UE to perform beam sweeping across multiple symbols without intra-symbol interference. This segmentation separates the beam measurement function from other downlink transmissions that would cause interference.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts the beam measurement function into dedicated CSI-RS resources that are separated from other downlink data and control channels. By allocating specific time-frequency resources exclusively for CSI-RS transmissions, the system removes the harmful interference from other elements that would otherwise contaminate the beam measurement process during intra-symbol operations.
2Speed
If UE attempts intra-symbol beam sweeping, then beam tracking speed improves, but interference from gNB transmissions prevents successful reception
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the downlink transmission timeline into dedicated CSI-RS symbols and other downlink transmission symbols. By configuring CSI-RS resources across multiple symbols rather than within a single symbol, the system enables beam sweeping at extended speed while avoiding the harmful interference that occurs when the gNB transmits other signals simultaneously during intra-symbol beam sweeping attempts.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements periodic CSI-RS transmissions configured across multiple symbols with specific periodicity. This periodic structure allows the UE to perform beam sweeping systematically across the configured resources while the gNB follows a predetermined transmission pattern that avoids conflicting with the beam measurement process, thereby eliminating interference while maintaining tracking speed.
3Productivity
If gNB transmits other signals simultaneously with CSI-RS, then resource utilization improves, but UE cannot perform intra-symbol beam sweeping due to interference
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments time-frequency resources into dedicated CSI-RS resources and other downlink transmission resources. By configuring CSI-RS across multiple symbols with specific resource allocations, the system maintains high resource utilization through efficient spectrum usage while ensuring that beam measurement resources remain free from interference, enabling successful intra-symbol beam sweeping operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from single-symbol intra-symbol beam sweeping to multi-symbol beam sweeping, adding a time dimension to the beam measurement process. This dimensional change allows the system to achieve beam sweeping capability while simultaneously maintaining high resource utilization, as the beam measurement function is distributed across multiple time resources rather than competing within a single symbol.
Data Source
AI summary
Methods and apparatuses are disclosed for performing fast beam tracking in a wireless communication environment. A UE signals to a gNB its capabilities for intra-symbol beam sweeping. Depending on configuration, the UE can either assume that the intra-symbol beam sweeping configuration will be implemented, or will await a response from the gNB before implementing intra-symbol beam sweeping. Although this is generally carried out during initial access between the UE and the gNB, the beam sweeping configuration can be dynamically updated by either the UE or the gNB during established communication. For example, the UE can signal a desired change via its MAC CE, and the gNB can signal its change to the UE via DCI.