CSI-RS Mapping for N>16 Antenna Ports Using 8-Port Segmentation
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing LTE system is unable to support the transmission of Channel State Information-Reference Signals (CSI-RS) with more than 16 antenna ports, limiting the number of CSI-RS ports that can be used for downlink channel measurement and estimation.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus for mapping CSI-RS to Resource Elements (REs) using an N-port reference signal pattern, where N is greater than 16, by determining RE positions based on the 8-port CSI-RS pattern defined in 3GPP TS 36.211 V13.1.0, and multiplexing CSI-RS ports with corresponding codewords of an 8-bit orthogonal cover code, allowing for the transmission of CSI-RS with 20, 24, 28, or 32 ports.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the existing LTE system uses 8-port CSI-RS pattern, then the system complexity is low and compatibility is maintained, but the number of antenna ports is limited to 16 or fewer
Solution Approach 1:
The N-port CSI-RS (where N>16) is segmented into multiple 8-port CSI-RS groups. Each group occupies a subset of the RE positions defined by the standard 8-port pattern. By dividing the large-port system into smaller 8-port segments, the patent maintains compatibility with existing 8-port patterns while enabling support for 20, 24, 28, or 32 ports through appropriate grouping and resource allocation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extends the port dimension by utilizing additional RE positions that can be derived from the 8-port pattern through systematic allocation. Instead of creating an entirely new pattern for N>16 ports, the solution reuses the existing 8-port pattern structure and activates additional resource elements in a structured manner, effectively adding capacity in the port dimension without fundamentally changing the underlying pattern design.
2Area of stationary object
If more RE positions are allocated for N-port CSI-RS, then the pilot coverage is improved, but the overhead increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent designs the N-port CSI-RS pattern to be universal across different port configurations (20, 24, 28, 32 ports). The same base pattern structure can accommodate various port numbers by selectively activating different groups of RE positions. This multi-functional design allows the system to adapt to different deployment scenarios without requiring separate patterns for each port count, thereby managing overhead efficiently while providing flexible coverage.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the existing 8-port reference signal pattern is used, then the implementation is simple and backward compatible, but transmission of CSI-RS with more than 16 ports is not supported
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary actions by defining a systematic mapping rule that pre-establishes how N-port CSI-RS maps to the 8-port pattern structure. The RE positions for N-port CSI-RS are predetermined based on the 8-port pattern, and the mapping relationships are established in advance through mathematical formulations. This preliminary structuring simplifies implementation because the complex N-port scenario is reduced to selecting and combining predefined 8-port pattern instances according to the desired port count.
Data Source
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Figure 1c~2a
Figure 2b~3
AI summary
Disclosed are a reference signal mapping method and device, used for realizing a CSI-RS mapping of 16 or more ports, so as to realize a CSI-RS transmission of 16 or more ports. The method comprises: according to an N port reference signal pattern, determining that a channel state information reference signal (CSI-RS) is mapped on a resource unit RE, N being an integer greater than 16, wherein, an RE position, having one N port CSI-RS of the N port reference signal pattern mapped thereto, is determined according to an RE position having a CSI-RS in a plurality of groups of 8 port reference signal patterns mapped thereto, each S port in the N port is multiplexed with S code words of 8 code words using an 8-bit orthogonal spreading code, and the 8 port reference signal pattern is an 8 port CSI-RS pattern defined by 3GPP Rel-13; and performing resource mapping on the CSI-RS according to the determined RE.