Interference-Aware Sounding Reference Signal Beamforming
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current wireless communication systems face challenges in effectively managing interference between user equipment and base stations due to the lack of reciprocity and scalability in conventional reference signals, especially as demand for mobile broadband increases, leading to impaired communication quality.
Innovation Solution
The method involves determining the spatial direction of interfering signals received by user equipment and transmitting a beamformed sounding reference signal to the base station, which limits interference by using a beam codebook or reciprocal beam calculations to beamform downlink communications accordingly.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional reference signals (CSI-RS, DMRS, SRS) are used with fixed structures for specific antennas, then channel measurements and estimations can be provided for adaptive multi-antenna operation, but reciprocity is not available and the signals do not scale well as mobile broadband demand increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a universal reference signal structure that can function for both uplink and downlink channel estimation, enabling reciprocity. The sounding reference signal (SRS) is designed to be multi-functional, serving channel sounding, beamforming training, and interference measurement purposes across different antenna configurations and transmission directions, eliminating the need for separate dedicated reference signals for each function.
Solution Approach 2:
The reference signal structure is made dynamic and configurable rather than fixed. The system adapts the reference signal parameters (such as resource allocation, antenna ports, and transformation precoders) based on current channel conditions, interference levels, and network requirements, enabling the signals to scale effectively as mobile broadband demand increases and network configurations evolve.
2Area of stationary object
If more antennas are deployed in the same physical space to utilize higher frequency bands, then coverage radius can be maintained, but beam forming gain requirements increase and interference management becomes more challenging
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by determining spatial directions of interfering signals and applying interference-specific beamforming techniques. Instead of uniform omnidirectional transmission, the system creates directionally selective beams that focus energy toward intended receivers while applying nulls or reduced gain in directions where interference is detected, thereby managing interference locally in specific spatial zones rather than across the entire coverage area.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements feedback mechanisms where user equipment measures interference from multiple base stations and reports spatial direction information back to the network. This feedback enables the base station to adjust its beamforming weights and transmission strategies dynamically, creating a closed-loop system that continuously optimizes for interference mitigation while maintaining coverage.
3Reliability
If user equipment receives interfering signals from other base stations during downlink communication, then communication quality is impaired, but the ability to determine and respond to spatial direction of interference is limited with conventional signals
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary interference measurement and spatial direction determination using dedicated sounding reference signals before actual data transmission begins. The system pre-characterizes the interference environment by having user equipment measure reference signals from potential interfering base stations, determine their spatial directions, and report this information in advance, allowing the network to pre-adjust beamforming parameters to mitigate anticipated interference.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces specialized reference signals as intermediaries that facilitate interference measurement and spatial direction determination. These intermediary signals serve as probes that reveal the interference environment without carrying user data, enabling the system to characterize and respond to interference conditions while keeping actual communication channels clean and reliable.
Data Source
AI summary
Systems, devices, and methods associated with interference aware sounding reference signals are provided. A method for wireless communication includes receiving, at a wireless communication device in communication with a first base station, an interfering signal from a second base station (or others); determining, at the wireless communication device, a spatial direction of the interfering signal; and transmitting, with the wireless communication device, a signal to the first base station based on the spatial direction of the interfering signal. Another method includes receiving, at a first base station, a signal from a wireless communication device, the signal based on a spatial direction of an interfering signal received by the wireless communication device from a second base station (or others); transmitting, with the first base station, a downlink communication to the wireless communication device, the downlink communication beamformed in the spatial direction based on the signal received from the wireless communication device.