DMRS Resource Element Configuration for Channel Estimation Capacity Tradeoffs

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing wireless communication systems face challenges in efficiently configuring resource elements (REs) in demodulation reference signals (DMRS) for data transmission, particularly in 5G NR networks, leading to inefficiencies in channel estimation and reduced system capacity.

Innovation Solution

The system configures REs in DMRS by dynamically indicating whether certain sets of DMRS symbols are used for data transmission or not, utilizing code division multiplexing (CDM) groups, and introducing new DMRS patterns to reduce overhead and increase system capacity.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If traditional DMRS configurations are used, then channel estimation can be performed, but DMRS overhead is high and system capacity is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvechannel estimation reliabilityVSAvoidsystem capacity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides the DMRS configuration into multiple sets of resource elements, where each set can be independently configured for different purposes (channel estimation or data transmission). This segmentation allows the system to reduce overall DMRS overhead while maintaining sufficient channel estimation capability by selectively configuring only the necessary sets, thereby increasing system capacity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces dynamic indication mechanisms through Downlink Control Information (DCI) that allow the gNodeB to dynamically configure which DMRS sets should be used for channel estimation and which can be used for data transmission. This dynamic configuration enables the system to adapt to different channel conditions and traffic requirements, optimizing the balance between channel estimation reliability and system capacity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Measurement precision

If more resource elements are allocated for DMRS, then channel estimation accuracy improves, but available resources for data transmission decrease

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvechannel estimation accuracyVSAvoidavailable REs for data transmission
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies different configurations to different sets of resource elements based on their specific requirements. Some sets are configured with higher DMRS density for accurate channel estimation in challenging channel conditions, while other sets use minimal or no DMRS when channel conditions are favorable, maximizing the available REs for data transmission.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The patent enables flexible parameter configuration for DMRS sets, including the number of front-loaded DMRS symbols, the mapping of DMRS ports to CDM groups, and the indication of which sets should be used for data transmission. These parameter changes allow optimization of the balance between channel estimation accuracy and data transmission capacity based on actual system needs.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Device complexity

If DMRS patterns are simplified, then system complexity reduces, but compatibility with legacy and new UEs becomes challenging

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveDMRS configuration complexityVSAvoidcompatibility with legacy and new UEs
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent designs a universal DMRS configuration framework that can serve both legacy and new UEs. The gNodeB can dynamically indicate which DMRS sets should be used, allowing new UEs to benefit from reduced overhead while legacy UEs continue to operate with traditional configurations. The common DCI signaling mechanism provides a universal interface for configuring DMRS sets that works across different UE types.

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

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs feedback mechanisms where the gNodeB receives UE capability information and uses this feedback to determine the appropriate DMRS configuration. The DCI signaling includes indication fields that provide feedback about which sets should be used for channel estimation versus data transmission, enabling the system to adapt to different UE types while maintaining compatibility.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Data Source

PatentUS12587344B2Configuration of resource elements in demodulation reference signals for channel estimation and data transmission
Publication Date: 2026.03.24 ZTE CORP
  • US12587344B2 patent drawing
  • US12587344B2 patent drawing
  • US12587344B2 patent drawing

AI summary

Presented are systems, methods, apparatuses, or computer-readable media for configuring resource elements (REs) in demodulation reference signals (DMRSs) for data transmission. A wireless communication device may receive, from a wireless communication node, a first signaling indicating whether at least one set of a plurality of sets of resource elements of at least one demodulation reference signal (DMRS) symbol, is to be used for transmission that excludes DMRS. Each of the plurality of sets may include at least one code division multiplex (CDM) group, each of the at least one CDM group including resource elements on which corresponding DMRS ports are multiplexed.