DMRS Delay and Delay Spread Estimation Under Smooth Pre-Coding

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Solution Overview

Problem

In wireless communication systems, particularly with fine granular precoding, the power delay profile changes due to smooth pre-coding, making channel estimation at the receiver difficult as the timing and delay spread of the pre-coded channel differ from the propagation channel, and existing methods lack accurate methods to determine DMRS average delay and delay spread.

Innovation Solution

Developed methods and apparatus to determine DMRS average delay and delay spread under smooth pre-coding, providing the receiver with prior knowledge of the power delay profile to enhance channel estimation performance.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If smooth pre-coding is applied to achieve fine granular precoding, then beamforming gain and spectral efficiency are improved, but the power delay profile changes making channel estimation difficult

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvespectral efficiencyVSAvoidchannel estimation difficulty
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDifficulty of detecting and measuring

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies preliminary action by providing the receiver with prior knowledge of the power delay profile characteristics before channel estimation is performed. The base station determines the average delay and delay spread of the pre-coded channel and communicates this information to the UE, enabling the receiver to prepare appropriate estimation parameters in advance, thus resolving the channel estimation difficulty caused by smooth pre-coding

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces an intermediary mechanism by using demodulation reference signals (DMRS) with specific port configurations and quasi-co-location assumptions as mediators between the pre-coded channel and the receiver estimation process. The DMRS ports are configured to reflect the actual pre-coded channel characteristics, serving as an intermediary that bridges the gap between the transformed channel and the estimation algorithm

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If smooth pre-coding transforms the channel to improve beamforming gain, then communication reliability is improved, but the timing and delay spread differ from the propagation channel

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecommunication reliabilityVSAvoiddelay spread measurement accuracy
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies parameter changes by dynamically adjusting the DMRS configuration parameters (such as port indices, scrambling IDs, and resource element positions) based on the detected pre-coding type and the determined power delay profile characteristics. When smooth pre-coding is detected, the system changes the DMRS parameters to match the transformed channel statistics, thereby maintaining measurement precision despite the channel transformation

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements feedback by having the UE detect and report the pre-coding type and channel characteristics back to the base station. The base station uses this feedback to adaptively adjust the DMRS configuration and determination methods, creating a closed-loop system that maintains accurate delay spread measurement under varying pre-coding conditions

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

3Device complexity

If existing methods are used for channel estimation, then system complexity is kept low, but accurate determination of DMRS average delay and delay spread is not achieved

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesystem complexityVSAvoidDMRS delay measurement precision
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies segmentation by dividing the channel estimation process into distinct stages: detection of pre-coding type, determination of power delay profile characteristics based on the detected type, and configuration of DMRS parameters accordingly. This segmented approach allows the system to maintain low complexity by only activating the enhanced determination methods when smooth pre-coding is detected, rather than always using complex methods

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Data Source

PatentEP3583722B1Determining DMRS average delay and delay spread under smooth pre-coding
Publication Date: 2025.10.15 QUALCOMM INC
  • EP3583722B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3583722B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3583722B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A method for wireless communications, comprising: signaling, to a user equipment (UE), an indication of one of at least two rules regarding how quasi co-location (QCL) configured for the UE should be applied for one or more DMRS ports; and sending downlink transmission to the UE with the one or more DMRS ports; receiving signaling from a base station and processing signals received on one or more DMRS ports based on the indicated rule. Said method improves communications between access points and stations in a wireless network.