Frequency Offset Reference Signal Allocation in 5G NR

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current wireless communication systems, particularly 5G New Radio (NR), face challenges in supporting flexible numerologies and efficiently estimating frequency offsets due to the need for improved data transmission rates and varied usage scenarios, which existing reference signals are not adequately equipped to handle.

Innovation Solution

A method and apparatus for transmitting and receiving reference signals that estimate frequency offsets by configuring them in specific bandwidth parts and allocating them to resources separate from synchronization signals, allowing for flexible numerology support and precise frequency offset estimation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a common reference signal (CRS) is used for frequency offset estimation, then frequency offset estimation can be performed, but it causes system losses and is not suitable for flexible numerology support in 5G NR

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveflexible numerology supportVSAvoidsystem losses
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts the frequency offset estimation function from the common reference signal (CRS) and implements it using a dedicated reference signal specifically designed for this purpose. This separation eliminates the system losses associated with CRS while maintaining frequency offset estimation capability, and enables flexible numerology support through dedicated signal design.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The new reference signal is designed to serve multiple purposes: frequency offset estimation, channel estimation, and support for various numerologies. This multi-functional approach replaces the CRS functionality while being optimized for 5G NR requirements including flexible subcarrier spacing and bandwidth parts.

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

2Productivity

If synchronization signal resources are shared with reference signals, then resource efficiency is improved, but frequency offset estimation precision deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveresource efficiencyVSAvoidfrequency offset estimation precision
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the wireless communication resources by allocating synchronization signals and frequency offset estimation reference signals to different resource elements, time slots, or frequency bands. This segmentation ensures that the reference signal has dedicated resources for accurate frequency offset estimation while the system maintains overall resource efficiency through structured allocation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

3Reliability

If the entire bandwidth is used for synchronization signals, then synchronization coverage is improved, but reference signal allocation for frequency offset estimation becomes difficult

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesynchronization coverageVSAvoidreference signal allocation flexibility
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies local quality by confining synchronization signals to specific bandwidth parts or frequency regions where they provide maximum coverage benefit, while allocating reference signals for frequency offset estimation to other local regions or resource elements. This localized approach ensures both synchronization coverage and frequency offset estimation capability coexist without interference.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Data Source

PatentEP3525408B1Method and apparatus for transmitting reference signal for frequency offset estimation in new wireless communication system
Publication Date: 2023.10.11 KT CORP
  • EP3525408B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3525408B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3525408B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

Provided are a configuration method and a transmission method of a new reference signal for frequency offset estimation in a novel wireless communication system. The method may include configuring a synchronization signal to be transmitted through a first bandwidth part of one or more bandwidth parts configured by dividing an entire bandwidth into one or more parts, allocating the one or more reference signals for estimating the frequency offset on one or more resources other than a resource for configuring the synchronization signal, and transmitting the one or more reference signals for estimating the frequency offset.