Joint CSI-RS and SRS Triggering via DCI Format

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Solution Overview

Problem

In Fifth Generation (5G) wireless systems, there is a lack of clear mechanisms for joint triggering of Channel State Information (CSI)-Reference Signals (RS) and Sounding RS (SRS) across different Downlink Control Information (DCI) formats, particularly in New Radio (NR) systems, which affects uplink transmission schemes and beam management.

Innovation Solution

The proposal outlines mechanisms for determining which NR DCI formats support joint CSI-RS and SRS triggering, including the use of the SRS Request field in DCI to jointly trigger both signals, and provides methods for determining quasi-co-location (QCL) information for joint triggered CSI-RS and SRS, especially in Frequency Range 2 (FR2) where different receive beams are used.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If separate triggering mechanisms are used for CSI-RS and SRS, then each signal can be independently controlled, but the system complexity increases and resource allocation efficiency decreases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveresource allocation efficiencyVSAvoidtriggering mechanism complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the triggering mechanisms for CSI-RS and SRS by introducing a joint triggering field in DCI formats. This allows both signals to be triggered simultaneously through a single control information structure, reducing system complexity while improving resource allocation efficiency through coordinated scheduling.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The DCI format is enhanced with multi-functionality by incorporating a joint triggering field that can simultaneously control both CSI-RS and SRS transmissions. This universal triggering mechanism eliminates the need for separate control signals, simplifying the overall system architecture while maintaining flexible resource allocation capabilities.

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

2Productivity

If joint triggering is implemented without clear mechanisms, then resource allocation improves, but beam management performance deteriorates due to lack of QCL information

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveuplink transmission efficiencyVSAvoidbeam management performance
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces QCL (Quasi-Co-Location) information as an intermediary element that bridges the joint triggering mechanism and beam management. The QCL information acts as a mediator that provides the necessary spatial relationship details between CSI-RS and SRS, enabling accurate beam alignment while maintaining the efficiency benefits of joint triggering.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent modifies the DCI format by adding specific parameters including the joint triggering field and QCL information. These parameter changes enable the system to simultaneously achieve efficient resource allocation through joint triggering while maintaining reliable beam management through the inclusion of spatial relationship parameters.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Adaptability or versatility

If DCI formats are extended to support joint triggering, then functionality improves, but the DCI size increases affecting control channel overhead

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetriggering flexibilityVSAvoidDCI format complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies partial action by adding only the necessary minimal fields for joint triggering functionality rather than completely redesigning the DCI format. The enhancement includes adding a joint triggering field and associated QCL information only when needed, maintaining DCI size efficiency while providing the required triggering flexibility.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #16Partial or excessive action

Data Source

PatentUS11095483B2Channel state information reference signal (CSI-RS) and sounding reference signal (SRS) triggering
Publication Date: 2021.08.17 APPLE INC
  • US11095483B2 patent drawing
  • US11095483B2 patent drawing
  • US11095483B2 patent drawing

AI summary

Systems, apparatuses, methods, and computer-readable media are provided for joint CSI-RS and SRS triggering. Embodiments may include DCI format(s) to support joint CSI-RS and SRS triggering, and UE QCL assumption when CSI-RS and SRS are jointly triggered.