Cross-Slot Reference Signal Processing for Lower Buffer Overhead
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Solution Overview
Problem
In 5G NR systems, the buffering of reference signals in subsequent slots due to the assumption of fixed access node channels leads to increased buffer overheads and inefficient resource utilization.
Innovation Solution
A signal processing method where a network device sends indication information to a terminal device about the association between reference signals in different time periods, allowing the terminal device to determine whether to store or process the signals based on this information, thereby reducing unnecessary buffering and resource consumption.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If the terminal device buffers the DMRS in the current slot to avoid using it for the subsequent slot, then the channel estimation accuracy is improved, but the buffer overhead is increased
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the parameter of DMRS association relationship between slots. By introducing indication information that specifies whether the DMRS in the current slot is associated with the signal in the subsequent slot, the system dynamically adjusts the buffering behavior. When association is indicated, the terminal can reuse the DMRS for subsequent slot demodulation without buffering, reducing buffer overhead while maintaining acceptable channel estimation accuracy through the indicated association relationship.
2Productivity
If the terminal device stores the first reference signal for subsequent slot demodulation, then the resource utilization is improved, but the buffer memory requirement is increased
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the reference signal buffering dynamic through indication information. Instead of always buffering or never buffering the reference signal, the system dynamically adjusts the buffering behavior based on the association relationship indicated by the network. The terminal device only buffers the reference signal when explicitly indicated that it is not associated with subsequent slots, optimizing the balance between resource utilization and buffer memory requirements.
3Reliability
If the terminal device always buffers the reference signal to ensure accurate demodulation, then the demodulation reliability is improved, but the processing complexity is increased
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by providing indication information in advance about the DMRS association relationship. The terminal device receives the indication information before needing to make buffering decisions, allowing it to pre-determine the appropriate action (buffer or reuse). This eliminates the need for complex real-time analysis of channel conditions and association relationships, reducing processing complexity while maintaining demodulation reliability through the pre-configured indication.
Data Source
AI summary
Embodiments of this application disclose a signal processing method and an apparatus, which may be applied to a wireless communication system, for example, a new radio NR system. The method includes: A terminal device receives first indication information from a network device, where the first indication information indicates whether a first reference signal in a first time period is associated with a second signal in a second time period, the first reference signal is associated with a first signal in the first time period, and a start moment of the second time period is after an end moment of the first time period. The terminal device processes the second signal based on the first indication information. This facilitates subsequent processing of the second signal and helps the terminal device determine whether to store the first reference signal.