Dynamic CSI-RS Subframe Structure for Interference-Aware Feedback

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Solution Overview

Problem

In wireless communication systems, especially at millimeter wave frequencies, signal attenuation and interference from nearby devices or neighboring base stations can degrade channel estimation and reduce throughput, making it challenging to achieve accurate channel quality feedback.

Innovation Solution

Implementing a dynamic subframe structure that allows for flexible scheduling of CSI-RS symbols, enabling or disabling sets of CSI-RS symbols based on interference conditions, and coordinating subframe configurations between base stations to enhance channel estimation and feedback accuracy.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If base stations transmit reference signals (CSI-RS) during subframes to aid channel estimation, then channel estimation effectiveness is improved, but interference from nearby wireless devices or neighboring base stations overlaps with received signals, causing signal degradation and reduced throughput

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvechannel estimation accuracyVSAvoidinterference from nearby devices or neighboring base stations
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements dynamic subframe structure where the base station can flexibly configure and switch between different subframe types (first type with CSI-RS in downlink portion, second type with CSI-RS in uplink portion) based on real-time interference conditions. This dynamic adaptation allows the system to optimize channel estimation accuracy by selecting appropriate subframe configurations that minimize interference effects.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the temporal parameter of CSI-RS transmission by enabling or disabling specific sets of CSI-RS symbols based on interference conditions. The base station dynamically adjusts which CSI-RS symbol sets are active, effectively changing the transmission parameters to avoid interference while maintaining channel estimation functionality.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Measurement precision

If a dynamic subframe structure is implemented to flexibly schedule CSI-RS symbols and coordinate between base stations, then channel estimation and feedback accuracy are improved, but system complexity increases due to coordination requirements

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvechannel quality feedback accuracyVSAvoidsubframe configuration coordination between base stations
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the CSI-RS transmission into multiple distinct sets of symbols (first set in downlink portion, second set in uplink portion) that can be independently configured and enabled/disabled. This segmentation allows the base station to selectively activate only the necessary CSI-RS sets based on interference conditions, reducing unnecessary complexity while maintaining accuracy.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent creates a universal subframe configuration framework that can accommodate both first-type subframes (with CSI-RS in downlink) and second-type subframes (with CSI-RS in uplink). This multi-functional design allows the same base station infrastructure to handle different channel estimation scenarios without requiring separate dedicated systems, thereby managing complexity while achieving improved accuracy.

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

3Productivity

If interference from neighboring base stations is minimized through coordination, then throughput is increased, but the coordination mechanism between base stations adds signaling overhead and processing requirements

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovethroughputVSAvoidsignaling overhead for subframe configuration coordination
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSLoss of information

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements preliminary configuration where base stations exchange subframe configuration information in advance through X2 interface signaling. By establishing the coordination framework beforehand, the system minimizes real-time signaling overhead and processing requirements during actual data transmission, thereby improving throughput while managing the information loss from coordination.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentEP3459196B1CSI-RS design with dynamic subframe structure
Publication Date: 2026.02.11 QUALCOMM INC
  • EP3459196B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3459196B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3459196B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

Methods, systems, and devices for wireless communication are described. A base station and user equipment (UE) may use subframe configurations that include dynamically scheduled channel state information reference signal (CSI-RS) symbols. For example, a base station may identify a subframe configuration that includes one or more sets of CSI-RS symbols of a subframe. The base station may indicate to a UE whether sets of CSI-RS symbols may be enabled or disabled during the subframe. The UE may receive multiple CSI-RSs at different locations within the subframe as indicated by the base station, and transmit CSI feedback to the base station based on at least one of the received CSI-RSs. In some examples, multiple base stations may coordinate the use of subframe configurations that include CSI-RS symbols that may be enabled or disabled.