Analog Beamformed PRS Positioning for Scalable UE TDOA
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing positioning methods in wireless communication systems face challenges in high-density UE environments, particularly with 5G NR, due to scalability issues with RTT methods and beamforming complexities in PRS transmissions, which are not scalable and require precise alignment of PRS beams.
Innovation Solution
Implementing passive positioning techniques with analog beamforming, where a first wireless node transmits PRS beams to a second wireless node and UE, allowing the UE to calculate TDOA based on the time difference of arrival of these beams, without requiring responses from UEs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If RTT methods are used for positioning in high-density UE environments, then positioning can be achieved, but scalability deteriorates due to increased complexity and bandwidth requirements
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of having UEs transmit positioning signals actively (uplink-based RTT), the patent inverts the approach by having wireless nodes transmit positioning reference signals downlink to UEs. The UE passively receives these signals and calculates positioning based on the time difference of arrival, eliminating the need for UE responses and reducing system complexity in high-density environments
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts the positioning function from the UE's active transmission role and relocates it to the wireless node's signal transmission. By removing the requirement for UE responses and using network-side transmitted PRS, the system reduces the signaling overhead and bandwidth requirements that cause scalability issues in high-density deployments
2Measurement precision
If PRS beams are used for positioning, then positioning accuracy is improved, but device complexity increases due to beamforming requirements and precise alignment needs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies self-service by having the UE autonomously calculate positioning information using the received PRS timing data. The UE independently computes the time difference of arrival between PRS from multiple wireless nodes and determines its position without requiring complex beamforming processing or precise beam alignment configurations, thereby reducing device complexity while maintaining accuracy
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Enables scalable and efficient positioning in high-density UE environments by utilizing passive positioning with analog beamforming, reducing bandwidth limitations and enhancing positioning accuracy through beamformed PRS transmissions.
Implementation Method 1
passive positioning with analog beamforming, where a first wireless node transmits PRS beams to a second wireless node and UE
Data Source
AI summary
Techniques are provide for passive positioning of user equipment (UE) with analog beamforming. An example method for positioning a user equipment includes receiving a first positioning reference signal from a first base station at a first time, receiving a first timing difference value based on two or more positioning reference signals transmitted from the first base station, receiving a second positioning reference signal from a second base station at a second time, receiving a second timing difference value based on two or more positioning reference signals transmitted from the second base station, and determining a time difference of arrival between the first positioning reference signal and the second positioning reference signal based at least in part on the first timing difference value and the second timing difference value.