Dynamic SRS Frequency Allocation via DCI Signaling

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Solution Overview

Problem

The existing SRS configuration in wireless communication networks is static and inflexible, particularly in the frequency-domain allocation, leading to inefficiencies such as interference and reduced uplink capacity due to pseudo-random frequency hopping, which complicates bandwidth adaptation and coverage issues.

Innovation Solution

A method for dynamically allocating SRS transmission bandwidth or resource blocks using DCI signaling, allowing for more flexible frequency allocation and faster switching between different frequency allocations, thereby improving coverage and reducing interference.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If static SRS configuration with pseudo-random frequency hopping is used, then frequency diversity is achieved, but frequency allocation flexibility and bandwidth adaptation capability deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefrequency diversityVSAvoidfrequency allocation flexibility
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent transforms the static SRS frequency allocation into a dynamic system by introducing DCI-based signaling that enables real-time switching between different frequency allocation modes (pseudo-random hopping, contiguous allocation, non-contiguous allocation). This allows the system to adapt frequency allocations dynamically based on channel conditions and traffic requirements while maintaining the option to use pseudo-random hopping for frequency diversity when needed.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the frequency allocation parameters from fixed RRC-configured values to dynamically adjustable parameters controlled by DCI signaling. The network can now modify frequency start positions, allocation types, and bandwidth allocations on-the-fly without requiring slow RRC reconfiguration, enabling rapid adaptation to changing channel conditions while preserving frequency diversity benefits when required.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Adaptability or versatility

If RRC signaling is used for SRS reconfiguration, then configuration can be updated, but signaling speed and overhead increase due to slow RRC message transmission

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconfiguration update capabilityVSAvoidsignaling speed
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSSpeed

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces DCI signaling as an intermediary mechanism between the network and SRS configuration. Instead of directly using slow RRC signaling for all configuration updates, the system uses DCI (Downlink Control Information) which transmits over the faster PDCCH (Physical Downlink Control Channel). This intermediary approach enables rapid SRS frequency allocation updates while maintaining the ability to use RRC for initial configuration and less frequent updates.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent segments the SRS configuration update process into two parts: initial configuration via RRC signaling and dynamic adjustments via DCI signaling. This segmentation allows the system to use the appropriate signaling method for each type of configuration update, achieving both comprehensive configuration capability and fast update speed when channel conditions change rapidly.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

3Reliability

If pseudo-random frequency hopping is applied, then frequency diversity is improved, but interference management and uplink capacity efficiency deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefrequency diversityVSAvoiduplink capacity efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent makes the frequency hopping pattern dynamic and controllable through DCI signaling. Instead of always applying pseudo-random frequency hopping, the network can dynamically switch between pseudo-random hopping and other allocation patterns (contiguous, non-contiguous) based on current interference conditions and capacity requirements. This dynamic control allows optimization of both frequency diversity and uplink capacity efficiency in different scenarios.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent enables dynamic modification of frequency hopping parameters including hopping pattern type, frequency start position, and allocation bandwidth through DCI signaling. This allows the system to change frequency allocation parameters rapidly to adapt to varying interference conditions, improving capacity efficiency in low-interference scenarios while maintaining frequency diversity benefits when interference is high.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

4Device complexity

If static frequency allocation is used, then configuration simplicity is maintained, but coverage performance and interference reduction capability deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconfiguration simplicityVSAvoidcoverage performance
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces dynamic frequency allocation switching capability that allows the system to adapt frequency allocations based on coverage requirements. While the basic configuration structure remains simple, the system can dynamically switch between different frequency allocation patterns and adjust frequency positions through DCI signaling to improve coverage in challenging radio conditions without significantly increasing device complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentUS20230379118A1Wireless device, network node, and methods performed thereby, for frequency allocations of sounding reference signals
Publication Date: 2023.11.23 TELEFONAKTIEBOLAGET LM ERICSSON (PUBL)
  • US20230379118A1 patent drawing
  • US20230379118A1 patent drawing
  • US20230379118A1 patent drawing

AI summary

A method performed by a wireless device of configuring uplink sounding transmissions is provided. The method includes receiving, from a network node, receiving, from a network node, different sets of configuration parameters for sounding signal transmissions for the wireless device. Each of the different sets of configuration parameters includes a time-domain parameter and different frequency allocations. The method further includes receiving, from the network node, downlink control information, DCI, comprising information that indicates which of the configured frequency allocations that should be applied for the SRS transmission. Furthermore, the method includes generating a sounding reference signal based on the received DCI.