DMRS Configuration Signaling for 5G CoMP Reliability

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current 5G communication systems face challenges in efficiently designing downlink control information (DCI) for network coordination, configuring demodulation reference signals (DMRS), and effectively performing hybrid automatic repeat request (HARQ) processes, particularly in supporting various services with different requirements such as enhanced mobile broadband (eMBB), ultra-reliable low-latency communication (URLLC), and massive machine-type communication (mMTC).

Innovation Solution

The proposed method involves transmitting DMRS configuration information to terminals, including patterns and extended DMRS information, along with downlink control information (DCI) for efficient data transmission. This includes 1-bit scrambling identity information and OFDM symbol mapping, using radio resource control (RRC) signaling, and adjusting waveform formats for retransmissions based on HARQ DCI formats. The solution also involves efficient DMRS signaling and antenna port multiplexing to reduce signaling overhead and optimize resource usage.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If DMRS configuration information and extended DMRS are transmitted using conventional signaling methods, then demodulation reference signal transmission is achieved, but signaling overhead increases and resource usage becomes inefficient

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveDMRS transmission reliabilityVSAvoidsignaling overhead
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines DMRS configuration information with DCI (Downlink Control Information) formatting, merging previously separate signaling mechanisms into a unified structure. This integration allows the base station to convey both control information and DMRS configuration simultaneously, reducing redundant signaling overhead while maintaining reliable DMRS transmission.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces dynamic DMRS configuration where the base station can adaptively determine DMRS transmission parameters based on real-time communication conditions. The extended DMRS mechanism allows dynamic adjustment of reference signal patterns and timing, enabling flexible resource allocation that reduces overhead when full DMRS sequences are not necessary.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Reliability

If conventional HARQ process control is used, then retransmission control is achieved, but transmission delay increases and efficiency decreases

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveHARQ process reliabilityVSAvoidtransmission delay
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements preliminary HARQ configuration where acknowledgment timing and retransmission parameters are pre-configured through RRC (Radio Resource Control) signaling before actual data transmission begins. This advance setup eliminates the need for real-time delay calculations during retransmission cycles, reducing overall transmission delay while maintaining reliable error correction.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent ensures continuous HARQ operation by maintaining persistent retransmission buffers and acknowledgment tracking mechanisms. The base station continuously monitors transmission status and can immediately initiate retransmissions without interruption or idle waiting periods, ensuring the useful action of data transmission continues without unnecessary delays.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #20Continuity of useful action

3Reliability

If network coordination is implemented with multiple TRPs, then communication reliability is improved, but DCI information amount increases and PDCCH reception performance deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvenetwork coordination reliabilityVSAvoidDCI information overhead
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of information

Solution Approach 1:

The patent designs a universal DCI format that serves multiple functions: it can indicate single-TRP or multi-TRP transmission modes, coordinate resources across different TRPs (Transmission Reception Points), and maintain backward compatibility with conventional single-TRP operations. This multi-functional DCI structure reduces information overhead by eliminating the need for separate control signals for different transmission scenarios.

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

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces a new dimension to DCI formatting by adding a transmission mode indicator that can represent multiple TRP configurations within a single control information unit. Instead of expanding DCI size linearly with each additional TRP, the patent uses a compact encoding approach that adds TRP coordination capability without proportionally increasing information overhead.

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

4Speed

If beamforming and massive MIMO are deployed, then data rates and transmission distance are improved, but system complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedata rateVSAvoidantenna system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
SpeedVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the complex beamforming and massive MIMO operations into manageable functional blocks: physical layer processing, signal processing, and higher layer coordination. By dividing the complex system into discrete processing stages with dedicated resources, the patent reduces overall system complexity while maintaining high data rates and extended transmission distance capabilities.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Data Source

PatentEP3985903A1Method and apparatus for transmitting/receiving uplink data
Publication Date: 2022.04.20 SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO LTD
  • EP3985903A1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3985903A1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3985903A1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A method and apparatus for downlink control information (DCI) design for network coordination (coordinated multi-point transmission (CoMP)) are provided. In addition, a method and apparatus for configuration of demodulation reference signal (DMRS) and transmission and reception of DMRS, and a method and apparatus for transmitting and receiving uplink signal according to uplink transmission scheme are provided. The disclosure relates to a communication method and system for converging a 5th-generation (5G) communication system for supporting higher data rates beyond a 4th-generation (4G) system with a technology for internet of things (IoT). The disclosure may be applied to intelligent services based on the 5G communication technology and the IoT-related technology, such as smart home, smart building, smart city, smart car, connected car, health care, digital education, smart retail, security and safety services.