Extended Reference Signal Design for NR Positioning Accuracy
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current Positioning Reference Signals (PRS) in LTE networks are not adequately designed for New Radio (NR) environments, lacking orthogonality, configuration flexibility, and synergy with legacy LTE PRS, which hinders accurate positioning and cell/beam identification.
Innovation Solution
The design of extended reference signals (RS) that build upon existing CSI-RS and TRS signals, allowing for enhanced waveform configurations and transmission to improve positioning accuracy, including the extension of signals with additional symbols and configuration options for wireless devices to perform more accurate time of arrival measurements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If existing CSI-RS and TRS signals are reused for positioning, then device complexity is reduced and backwards compatibility is maintained, but positioning accuracy and measurement precision are insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The reference signal is segmented into multiple parts: the base signal (CSI-RS/TRS) is extended by adding additional symbols to create an extended reference signal. This segmentation allows the system to maintain compatibility with existing signals while adding new capabilities for improved positioning accuracy through the extended portion.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extends the reference signal in the time domain by adding additional symbols, effectively moving from a single-symbol structure to a multi-symbol structure. This dimensional extension provides more measurement opportunities and improves positioning accuracy without fundamentally changing the base signal structure.
2Adaptability or versatility
If legacy LTE PRS design is used, then backwards compatibility is maintained, but orthogonality and configuration flexibility are lacking
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces dynamic configuration options for the extended reference signal, including configurable numbers of additional symbols, configurable time offsets, and configurable associations with downlink data. This dynamic configurability allows the system to adapt to different deployment scenarios while maintaining reliable orthogonal characteristics through proper resource allocation.
3Measurement precision
If extended reference signals with additional symbols are transmitted, then positioning accuracy is improved, but signal transmission time and device complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of transmitting completely new extended reference signals, the patent applies partial action by adding only the necessary additional symbols to the existing base signal. This partial extension provides the needed positioning accuracy improvement while minimizing the additional transmission time and complexity, rather than implementing a complete signal redesign.
Data Source
AI summary
A method, network node and wireless device for position reference signal (PRS) design by extending a base signal are disclosed. According to one aspect, a method in a wireless device (WD) includes obtaining extended reference signal, RS, configurations from the network node. The method also includes determining a waveform associated with the extended RS. The method also includes detecting a RS and estimate an associated time of arrival. The method further includes sending a measurement report to the network node based on the estimated time of arrival.