Flexible UpPTS Scheduling for Wireless Data and Reference Signals
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current wireless communication systems, such as LTE, face challenges in efficiently scheduling data and reference signals within the uplink pilot time slot (UpPTS) to balance throughput and channel estimation for multiple user equipment (UEs), particularly in configurations with more downlink than uplink subframes.
Innovation Solution
The system allows for flexible scheduling of symbols in the UpPTS, enabling base stations to allocate more symbols for data transmission to increase throughput or for sounding reference signals (SRS) to improve channel estimation, with the option to semi-statically or dynamically configure these allocations based on the number of UEs and their transmission requirements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If more symbols in UpPTS are allocated for data transmission, then throughput is improved, but channel estimation quality deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic scheduling of UpPTS symbols where the base station can flexibly adjust the allocation between data and SRS transmissions based on real-time channel conditions, UE buffer status, and quality requirements. This dynamic configuration allows the system to optimize throughput when channel conditions are good while ensuring adequate channel estimation when needed, resolving the contradiction between these two competing objectives.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the configurable parameters of UpPTS by introducing flexible symbol allocation mechanisms that allow dynamic modification of the number of symbols dedicated to data versus SRS. By making these parameters adjustable based on traffic conditions and quality requirements, the system can shift the balance between throughput and channel estimation quality as needed, rather than being fixed in one configuration.
2Measurement precision
If more symbols in UpPTS are allocated for SRS transmission, then channel estimation quality is improved, but throughput deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The dynamic scheduling mechanism allows the base station to increase SRS symbol allocation when channel estimation quality becomes a limiting factor, such as when supporting new UEs or when channel conditions deteriorate. This dynamic adjustment ensures that channel estimation quality can be improved when needed without permanently sacrificing throughput potential.
Solution Approach 2:
By making the UpPTS symbol allocation parameters configurable and adjustable, the system can increase the proportion of symbols dedicated to SRS transmission when channel estimation requirements demand it, while maintaining the ability to revert to data-oriented configurations when throughput becomes the priority.
3Adaptability or versatility
If flexible scheduling of UpPTS symbols is implemented, then adaptability to varying UE configurations is improved, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the UpPTS into distinct symbol regions that can be independently configured for different purposes (data transmission, SRS transmission, or combinations). This segmentation allows flexible allocation while maintaining clear boundaries and management rules, reducing the complexity of managing entirely flexible continuous resources.
Solution Approach 2:
The flexible UpPTS scheduling mechanism serves multiple functions: it supports both data transmission and channel estimation (SRS), adapts to different UE configurations and traffic conditions, and maintains backward compatibility with existing LTE configurations. This multi-functionality achieves high adaptability while consolidating multiple purposes into a single unified scheduling framework.
Data Source
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AI summary
Certain aspects of the present disclosure provide techniques for flexible scheduling of reference signals and data in an uplink pilot time slot (UpPTS) in a wireless network. A method of wireless communication by a base station (BS) is provided. The method generally includes scheduling a first one or more symbols of a UpPTS for one or more user equipments (UEs) to transmit data and a second one more symbols of the UpPTS for one or more UEs to transmit one or more sounding reference signals (SRSs). The BS receives the data in the first one or more symbols and the one or more SRSs in the second one or more symbols. Based on the scheduling received from the BS, the UE determines the symbols of the UpPTS for transmission of SRSs and data.