CSI-RS Resource Set Switching for Spatial Domain Adaptation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing radio access networks face challenges in efficiently managing component shutdown for energy savings, particularly in dynamically adapting the number of active antenna ports and CSI-RS configurations, leading to high signaling overhead and unpredictable UE behavior.

Innovation Solution

Implementing at least two associated CSI-RS resource set configurations, where one configuration includes NZP-CSI-RSs and the other includes ZP-CSI-RSs/CSI-IMs, with dynamic switching indicated by L1/L2 signaling to mute or unmute ports, reducing active antenna ports and optimizing CSI-RS configurations.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Use of energy by moving object

If dynamic switching of antenna ports and CSI-RS configurations is implemented, then network energy savings are enhanced, but signaling overhead increases and UE behavior becomes unpredictable

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvenetwork energy savingsVSAvoidsignaling overhead

Core Design Contradiction:

Use of energy by moving objectVSLoss of information

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements dynamic switching between different CSI-RS resource set configurations (first configuration with NZP-CSI-RSs for active ports, second configuration with ZP-CSI-RSs/CSI-IMs for muted ports) based on base station energy saving needs. This allows the system to adaptively adjust the number of active antenna ports in real-time, enabling energy savings while maintaining structured signaling through L1/L2 indications.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent segments CSI-RS resources into two distinct configurations: the first configuration contains NZP-CSI-RSs for active antenna ports, while the second configuration contains ZP-CSI-RSs or CSI-IMs for muted ports. This segmentation allows independent management of active and muted ports, reducing signaling overhead by clearly delineating which ports are active versus muted at any given time.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Use of energy by moving object

If the number of active antenna ports is dynamically adapted, then network energy savings are enhanced, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvenetwork energy savingsVSAvoidconfiguration management complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Use of energy by moving objectVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system dynamically adapts the number of active antenna ports by switching between two pre-configured CSI-RS resource set configurations. The base station can indicate to the UE which configuration to use through L1/L2 signaling, allowing flexible adjustment of active ports without requiring complex real-time configuration generation. This dynamic switching mechanism simplifies the overall system while enabling energy savings.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

Both CSI-RS resource set configurations are pre-configured and associated with each other before actual use. The first configuration (with NZP-CSI-RSs) and the second configuration (with ZP-CSI-RSs/CSI-IMs) are established in advance, so that when switching is needed, the system only needs to indicate which pre-configured set to use rather than creating new configurations on the fly. This reduces device complexity by avoiding complex real-time configuration management.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

3Adaptability or versatility

If two associated CSI-RS resource set configurations are implemented, then adaptive capability is enhanced, but configuration complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvespatial domain adaptation capabilityVSAvoidconfiguration management complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides the CSI-RS resource configuration into two distinct but associated sets: the first configuration contains NZP-CSI-RSs for active antenna ports, while the second configuration contains ZP-CSI-RSs or CSI-IMs for muted ports. This segmentation provides clear adaptability for spatial domain adjustments while managing complexity through structured separation of active and muted port configurations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The two CSI-RS resource set configurations are associated with each other, meaning they are linked and configured together as a pair. This association allows the system to maintain adaptability by having both configurations available, while reducing complexity by treating them as a unified pair that switches between states rather than managing them as entirely separate configurations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Data Source

PatentUS20260046094A1Enhanced CSI configuration for spatial domain adaptation

Publication Date: 2026.02.12 NOKIA TECHNOLOGIES OY

AI summary

An apparatus configured to: receive at least two resource set configurations, wherein a first configuration of the at least two resource set configurations comprises an indication that a first number of ports are mapped to a first set of resources that are used for a first type of resource, wherein a second configuration of the at least two resource set configurations comprises an indication that the first number of the ports are mapped to the first set of resources that are used for a second type of resource, wherein the first type of resource is different from the second type of resource: determine to use one of the at least two resource set configurations; and receive at least one reference signal based, at least partially, on the determined configuration of the at least two resource set configurations.