Dynamic SRS Activation via DCI for Multi-Antenna Uplink

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current communication systems face challenges in dynamically activating and configuring Sounding Reference Signal (SRS) transmissions from User Equipments (UEs) in multiple component carriers, especially when there are no configured SRS transmissions, leading to inefficiencies in channel condition estimation and interference assessment, which affects scheduling and resource allocation.

Innovation Solution

The method involves using a Downlink Control Information (DCI) format with additional binary elements to dynamically activate and configure SRS transmissions, allowing for activation in new component carriers and across multiple UE transmitter antennas, enabling flexible and efficient SRS parameter configuration.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If SRS transmissions are dynamically activated in new component carriers without configured SRS, then channel condition estimation is improved, but signaling overhead increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvechannel condition estimationVSAvoidsignaling overhead
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSLoss of information

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies preliminary action by pre-configuring SRS transmission parameters in component carriers before actual SRS transmission occurs. The eNodeB configures SRS parameters in advance through signaling, so when SRS activation is needed, the parameters are already in place, avoiding the need for complex real-time configuration and reducing signaling overhead during dynamic activation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements dynamics by enabling flexible activation and deactivation of SRS transmissions in specific component carriers based on real-time scheduling needs. The eNodeB can dynamically control SRS transmission in individual component carriers without affecting others, allowing adaptive resource allocation that balances channel estimation needs with overhead minimization.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Measurement precision

If multiple UE transmitter antennas are supported for SRS transmission, then channel estimation accuracy is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvechannel estimation accuracyVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies segmentation by dividing the SRS transmission configuration into separate components for each antenna element. The eNodeB can independently configure and activate SRS transmissions for individual antennas or antenna combinations, allowing granular control that improves channel estimation accuracy while managing complexity through modular configuration.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements universality by creating a unified SRS configuration framework that works across multiple antenna elements and component carriers. The same configuration mechanisms and signaling procedures apply to all antennas, simplifying the overall system architecture while enabling multi-antenna channel estimation through standardized processes.

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

3Adaptability or versatility

If SRS transmission parameters are configured dynamically, then scheduling flexibility is improved, but transmission overhead increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvescheduling flexibilityVSAvoidtransmission overhead
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of information

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies preliminary action by pre-establishing SRS transmission parameters and configurations before dynamic scheduling occurs. The eNodeB configures SRS parameters in advance, so when scheduling decisions need to be made, the necessary parameters are already available, enabling flexible scheduling without requiring complex real-time reconfiguration and reducing transmission overhead.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements local quality by allowing different SRS configuration approaches for different component carriers and antenna elements based on their specific requirements. Not all carriers or antennas need full dynamic reconfiguration - the system can apply simplified procedures where appropriate, reducing overall overhead while maintaining scheduling flexibility where needed.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Data Source

PatentEP2335360B1Apparatus and methods for supporting transmission of sounding reference signals with multiple antennas
Publication Date: 2017.11.08 SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO LTD
  • EP2335360B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2335360B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2335360B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

Methods and apparatuses, through the use of a Downlink Control Indication (DCI) format or through higher layer signaling, for dynamic activation and deactivation of Sounding Reference Signal (SRS) transmissions from User Equipments (UEs) in an UL Component Carrier (CC) with configured SRS transmissions, the dynamic configuration of SRS transmissions parameters, the dynamic activation and configuration of SRS transmissions in an UL CC without previously configured SRS transmissions for a reference UE, and the configuration of SRS transmissions from multiple UE transmitter antennas.