DMRS Port Indication for Multi-TRP Channel Estimation

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Solution Overview

Problem

The challenge in new radio (NR) wireless communication technology is the allocation of demodulation reference signal (DMRS) ports for coherent joint transmission (CJT) using multiple transmission reception points (M-TRPs), which is not adequately addressed by existing methods.

Innovation Solution

A method and apparatus for indicating DMRS ports using orthogonal cover codes (OCCs) of different lengths in the frequency domain, along with specific DMRS port tables based on transmission schemes, to accurately determine the DMRS ports for terminals in CJT scenarios.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If existing DMRS port allocation methods are used, then single TRP transmission is supported, but CJT using M-TRPs cannot be properly addressed

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesupport for CJT using M-TRPsVSAvoidDMRS port allocation complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the DMRS port indication into multiple parts: a first indication value indicating a first DMRS port, and a second indication value indicating a second DMRS port. This segmentation allows the system to separately indicate DMRS ports for different TRPs, enabling CJT using M-TRPs while maintaining manageable complexity through structured port allocation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Adaptability or versatility

If indication information is extended to support multiple TRPs, then CJT capability is improved, but signaling overhead increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemulti-TRP transmission capabilityVSAvoidsignaling overhead
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of information

Solution Approach 1:

The patent makes the indication information field multi-functional by enabling it to indicate both a first DMRS port and a second DMRS port within the same field structure. This universal approach allows the same indication field to serve single TRP and multi-TRP scenarios, supporting CJT capability while avoiding the need for separate indication fields and reducing signaling overhead.

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

3Reliability

If more DMRS ports are allocated for M-TRPs, then transmission reliability is improved, but port management complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvechannel estimation accuracyVSAvoidDMRS port management
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements dynamic DMRS port allocation where the network device can flexibly allocate different DMRS ports (first DMRS port and second DMRS port) based on the specific CJT scenario and terminal capabilities. This dynamic approach allows the system to adapt the number and configuration of DMRS ports to match the actual transmission requirements, ensuring reliable channel estimation while avoiding unnecessary port management complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentEP4708748A1Demodulation reference signal port indication method, apparatus, and storage medium
Publication Date: 2026.03.11 BEIJING XIAOMI MOBILE SOFTWARE CO LTD
  • EP4708748A1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP4708748A1 patent drawingFigure 3~6
  • EP4708748A1 patent drawingFigure 7

AI summary

The present disclosure relates to the technical field of communications. Disclosed are a demodulation reference signal port indication method, an apparatus, and a storage medium, which are used for improving the accuracy of channel estimation. The method comprises: receiving indication information, the indication information being used for indicating a demodulation reference signal (DMRS) port allocated by a network device to a terminal, wherein the DMRS port corresponds to a first-type DMRS or a second-type DMRS, and lengths of orthogonal cover codes (OCC) used by the first-type DMRS and the second-type DMRS in a frequency domain are different.