CSI-RS Transmission Pattern Configuration for 3D MIMO

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current LTE systems are limited in their ability to support three-dimensional MIMO operations with 2D antenna arrays, as they can only transmit channel state information reference signals (CSI-RS) from up to 8 antenna ports, which restricts the potential for full-dimensional MIMO capabilities and efficient beamforming.

Innovation Solution

The method involves configuring CSI-RS transmission patterns using a flexible number of antenna ports by grouping them into subsets, allowing for the indication of resource configurations for each subset, which enables the transmission of CSI-RS from more than 8 antenna ports, thereby supporting more complex MIMO operations.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If CSI-RS transmission is limited to up to 8 antenna ports in conventional LTE systems, then system compatibility and ease of operation are maintained, but full-dimensional MIMO capabilities and beamforming efficiency are restricted

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveMIMO capabilityVSAvoidantenna port configuration
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides the antenna array into multiple subsets, where each subset is associated with a specific CSI-RS resource configuration. This segmentation allows the system to support more than 8 antenna ports by organizing them into manageable groups, each with its own resource allocation pattern, thereby enabling full-dimensional MIMO while maintaining systematic configuration management.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent extends the traditional one-dimensional (horizontal) antenna array configuration to two-dimensional arrays by introducing vertical domain antenna ports. This dimensional expansion enables 3D beamforming and full-dimensional MIMO operations, allowing the system to exploit spatial resources in both azimuth and elevation domains simultaneously.

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

2Productivity

If the number of CSI-RS antenna ports is increased beyond 8 to support 2D antenna arrays, then full MIMO capability and beamforming efficiency are improved, but resource configuration complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvespectrum efficiencyVSAvoidresource configuration
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent defines a unified resource configuration structure that can accommodate multiple antenna port subsets. Each resource configuration object contains parameters that are universally applicable to different subset sizes and arrangements, allowing the same configuration framework to support various MIMO modes (horizontal, vertical, and 3D beamforming) without requiring separate dedicated configurations for each mode.

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

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces configurable parameters such as subset size, resource block allocation, and port mapping relationships that can be dynamically adjusted. By changing these parameters, the system can adapt the resource configuration to match different antenna array sizes and MIMO operation modes, thereby supporting enhanced productivity without permanently increasing structural complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Ease of operation

If conventional one-dimensional antenna arrays are used, then system simplicity and ease of manufacture are maintained, but beamforming flexibility in the vertical domain is limited

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvebeamforming flexibilityVSAvoidantenna array structure
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent transitions from one-dimensional horizontal antenna arrays to two-dimensional arrays by adding vertical domain antenna ports. This dimensional change enables independent beamforming control in both azimuth and elevation directions, providing comprehensive 3D beamforming flexibility while maintaining a structured array configuration that builds upon conventional LTE antenna designs.

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

Data Source

PatentEP3146792B1Method and apparatus for transmission pattern configuration and signal detection
Publication Date: 2022.08.10 NEC CORP
  • EP3146792B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3146792B1 patent drawingFigure 3A~3B
  • EP3146792B1 patent drawingFigure 4A~4F

AI summary

Embodiments of the present disclosure provide a method for configuring transmission pattern in a wireless system. The method comprises indicating a number of antenna ports to be used for the transmission pattern; and configuring transmission resource for the number of antenna ports by indicating K resource configurations, with each resource configuration indicating resource for one of K subsets of antenna ports which form a set of the number of antenna ports. A method for signal detection according to the transmission pattern is also provided. Embodiments of the present disclosure also provide corresponding apparatus.