Beamforming Reference Signal Resource Allocation in 5G

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current wireless communication systems, particularly in 4G LTE, face challenges in efficiently managing synchronization signals and beamforming reference signals for improved coverage and interference suppression in high-frequency bands, which are crucial for transitioning to 5G networks.

Innovation Solution

The implementation of beamforming reference signals (BRS) and an enhanced physical broadcast channel (xPBCH) using frequency division multiplexing (FDM) and code division multiplexing (CDM) techniques, along with orthogonal cover codes, to optimize resource allocation and interference randomization in 5G wireless communication systems.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If beamforming reference signals are transmitted using traditional resource allocation methods, then resource utilization is maintained, but signal-to-noise ratio and coverage area are insufficient in high-frequency bands

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesignal-to-noise ratioVSAvoidresource allocation complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the resource allocation process into distinct components: synchronization signal detection, cell ID identification, and BRS resource determination. Each component operates independently based on specific parameters (synchronization signal properties, cell ID ranges), allowing complex beamforming resource allocation to be broken down into manageable segments that improve signal-to-noise ratio while maintaining systematic control

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes key parameters dynamically: the BRS resource allocation is determined by parameters including the detected synchronization signal properties, cell ID, and carrier frequency. By adjusting these parameters based on detected conditions, the system optimizes signal-to-noise ratio for high-frequency bands while adapting resource allocation to specific operational contexts

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Area of stationary object

If beamforming reference signals are transmitted without optimized resource allocation, then system complexity is reduced, but coverage area and interference suppression are insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecoverage areaVSAvoidresource allocation structure
Core Design Contradiction:
Area of stationary objectVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent performs preliminary actions by determining BRS resource allocation based on pre-defined parameters and detected synchronization signals before actual data transmission. The system pre-establishes the resource allocation structure using cell ID and synchronization signal properties, which enables optimized coverage area and interference suppression to be achieved in advance rather than during active transmission

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent extends resource allocation into additional dimensions by incorporating multiple parameters: time domain (subframe structure), frequency domain (resource blocks), and signal domain (synchronization signal properties). This multi-dimensional approach expands coverage area and enables interference suppression through orthogonal resource allocation across different dimensions

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

3Use of energy by moving object

If traditional resource allocation is used for synchronization signals and beamforming reference signals, then implementation simplicity is maintained, but energy efficiency and interference suppression are inadequate

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveenergy efficiencyVSAvoidresource allocation method
Core Design Contradiction:
Use of energy by moving objectVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent creates a universal resource allocation mechanism that serves multiple functions: synchronization signal detection, cell identification, and beamforming reference signal transmission. By using a unified approach based on synchronization signal properties and cell ID, the system achieves energy efficiency across multiple operations while maintaining ease of operation through a single standardized method

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

Solution Approach 2:

The system performs self-service by automatically determining BRS resource allocation based on detected synchronization signals and cell ID without requiring external configuration. The resource allocation method self-adjusts based on the detected parameters, improving energy efficiency through automatic adaptation while maintaining operational simplicity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Data Source

PatentEP3411983B1Resource allocations for beamforming reference signals
Publication Date: 2022.06.15 APPLE INC
  • EP3411983B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3411983B1 patent drawingFigure 2A~2B
  • EP3411983B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

Technology for an eNodeB operable to perform resource allocations for beamforming reference signal (BRS) transmissions is disclosed. The eNodeB can identify a plurality of BRS antenna ports (APs) associated with one orthogonal frequency division multiplexing (OFDM) symbol. The BRS APs can be used to transmit a BRS from the eNodeB to a user equipment (UE) in the OFDM symbol. The eNodeB can encode an enhanced physical broadcast channel (xPBCH). The eNodeB can multiplex the xPBCH with the BRS in the OFDM symbol for transmission to the UE.