DMRS Configuration Segmentation for DCI Payload Reduction

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current 5G communication systems face challenges in efficiently designing downlink control information (DCI) and demodulation reference signal (DMRS) configurations for network coordination and multi-antenna port support, which affects transmission efficiency and service satisfaction across different services.

Innovation Solution

A method and apparatus for transmitting DMRS configuration information via RRC signaling, including information for DMRS patterns and extended DMRS, to determine the number of DMRS subcarriers in OFDM symbols, supporting up to 8 or 12 antenna ports, and incorporating 1-bit scrambling identity in DCI, enabling efficient DMRS signaling and antenna port multiplexing.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If DMRS configuration supports up to 12 antenna ports, then antenna port multiplexing capability is improved, but DCI payload size increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveantenna port multiplexing capabilityVSAvoidDCI payload size
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The DMRS configuration is segmented into two distinct patterns: a first DMRS pattern for up to 8 antenna ports and a second DMRS pattern for up to 12 antenna ports. This segmentation allows the system to use smaller DCI payloads when only 8 ports are needed, while still supporting 12 ports when necessary, thus resolving the contradiction between versatility and payload size.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The system dynamically selects between the first and second DMRS patterns based on the actual number of antenna ports being used. The DCI includes a field that indicates which pattern is used, allowing dynamic adaptation of the DMRS configuration to match the actual transmission requirements, thereby optimizing the balance between capability and overhead.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Adaptability or versatility

If extended DMRS is added to support additional antenna ports, then DMRS capability is improved, but signaling overhead increases

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveDMRS capabilityVSAvoidsignaling overhead
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of information

Solution Approach 1:

The extended DMRS configuration is prepared in advance through RRC signaling, where the base station configures the terminal with the second DMRS pattern parameters before actual data transmission. This preliminary configuration allows the terminal to be ready for 12 antenna port support without requiring additional signaling overhead during the actual data transmission phase.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The extended DMRS capability is extracted as a separate, optional feature that can be activated only when needed. The DCI includes a field that indicates whether the extended pattern is used, allowing the system to take out the extended capability from the standard configuration and activate it only when 12 antenna ports are required, thereby minimizing signaling overhead.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

3Productivity

If DMRS pattern information is dynamically indicated in DCI, then transmission efficiency is improved, but DCI configuration complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetransmission efficiencyVSAvoidDCI configuration complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The DCI configuration applies local quality by using a compact indicator field that specifies the DMRS pattern type (first or second pattern) rather than fully reconfiguring the entire DCI structure. This localized modification allows efficient dynamic indication of the DMRS pattern while maintaining overall DCI simplicity and avoiding excessive configuration complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Data Source

PatentEP3583734B1Method and apparatus for downlink control information design for network coordination
Publication Date: 2021.12.08 SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO LTD
  • EP3583734B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3583734B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3583734B1 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.