Flexible Tx Beamforming Assignment for 5G Network Latency
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current 3GPP 5G standards face latency issues due to high-layer signaling required for beamforming indication in cellular communication networks, leading to inefficient beam management and transmission/reception processes.
Innovation Solution
Implementing flexible Tx beamforming assignment based on reference signal configurations in the TCI state for downlink or spatial relation information in uplink, allowing for efficient updates without high-layer signaling, using measurements from SRS or DCI for beam refinement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If fixed/static Tx beamforming assignment is used, then beam acquisition efficiency is improved, but latency increases due to high-layer signaling requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transforms the static Tx beamforming assignment into a dynamic one by enabling flexible updates through L1/L2 signaling (DCI) instead of requiring high-layer signaling. The gNB can dynamically indicate Tx beamforming changes for downlink channels and reference signals based on current channel conditions and UE feedback, making the beamforming configuration adaptive and responsive to changing environments while reducing update latency.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements feedback mechanisms where the UE reports channel state information, beam measurements, and other relevant data to the gNB. Based on this feedback, the gNB dynamically adjusts and updates the Tx beamforming assignments for downlink channels and reference signals, enabling closed-loop optimization that reduces latency by avoiding unnecessary high-layer signaling while maintaining beam acquisition efficiency.
2Loss of time
If flexible Tx beamforming updates are implemented, then latency is reduced, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the beam management functionality into distinct components: beam determination (selecting appropriate beams based on UE reports and channel conditions), beam management (maintaining and updating beam configurations), beam reporting (UE feedback mechanisms), and beam sweeping operations. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently and managed through standardized L1/L2 procedures, reducing overall system complexity while enabling flexible beamforming updates.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a universal beam management framework that handles multiple functions through standardized L1/L2 signaling procedures. The same DCI-based mechanisms are used for both initial beam acquisition and dynamic beamforming updates, and the framework supports both downlink and uplink beam management. This multi-functionality approach reduces complexity by avoiding separate specialized procedures for different scenarios.
3Quantity of substance
If static TCI state configuration is used, then signaling overhead is reduced, but adaptability to changing channel conditions deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements periodic beam management procedures where the gNB and UE periodically exchange beam measurement reports and update TCI state configurations through L1/L2 signaling. Instead of continuous high-layer signaling, the system uses periodic feedback mechanisms triggered by channel condition changes or timing events, maintaining adaptability while significantly reducing signaling overhead compared to continuous updates.
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed embodiments are related to beam management in cellular communication networks, and in particular, provide a new tranmission (Tx) beamforming indication based on the flexible Tx beam-forming assignment on the corresponding reference signal configured in a transmission configuration indicator (TCI) state for downlink (DL) or spatial relation information in the uplink (UL). The Tx beam-forming on the reference signal of the TCI state configured for the DL physical channel/reference signal can be updated based on reported Tx beam in the UL or using UL measurements from Sounding Reference Signal (SRS) transmission. Similarly, spatial relation information configuration used to indicate Tx beam-forming in the UL, may be also updated based on the reference signal measurements in DL or by suing Downlink Control Information (DCI) based beam indication in a scheduling request indicator (SRI). Other embodiments may be described and/or claimed.