MAC-CE Signaling for SRS Antenna Switching Subset Selection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current SRS antenna switching in NR is limited by the need for RRC signaling, which is slow and overhead-heavy, and lacks the ability to dynamically select a subset of antennas for SRS transmission, potentially leading to performance degradation due to incorrect antenna selection.
Innovation Solution
The introduction of MAC-CE signaling allows for semi-static switching between antenna switching configurations and explicit indication of the subset of antennas to be used for SRS transmission, enabling faster and more efficient adaptation of SRS antenna switching schemes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If RRC signaling is used for SRS antenna switching configuration, then the configuration can be established, but the switching speed is slow and signaling overhead is high
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the antenna switching configuration into two parts: (1) RRC-configured antenna switching configurations that define the possible antenna subsets, and (2) MAC-CE signaling that dynamically selects which configured subset to use. This segmentation allows fast switching through MAC-CE while maintaining comprehensive configuration capabilities through RRC.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent performs preliminary action by pre-configuring multiple antenna switching configurations via RRC signaling before runtime. These pre-configured configurations are then quickly selectable via MAC-CE signaling, eliminating the need for slow RRC reconfiguration during dynamic antenna switching.
2Adaptability or versatility
If RRC signaling is used for SRS antenna switching configuration, then the configuration can be established, but the signaling overhead is high
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments signaling into overhead-heavy RRC configuration (done once) and lightweight MAC-CE activation (done dynamically). The RRC part establishes multiple antenna switching configurations with full adaptability, while the MAC-CE part simply activates one of the pre-configured options, dramatically reducing ongoing signaling overhead.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent performs preliminary action by pre-defining multiple antenna switching configurations via RRC signaling. This preliminary configuration enables later fast switching via compact MAC-CE signaling, as the detailed configuration parameters are already established and only the selection indicator needs to be transmitted dynamically.
3Device complexity
If a fixed SRS antenna configuration is used, then the configuration is simple, but the transmission performance may degrade due to incorrect antenna selection
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces dynamics by allowing the antenna configuration to change over time based on channel conditions. Multiple antenna switching configurations are defined, and the appropriate one can be activated via MAC-CE signaling, enabling the system to adapt to varying channel conditions while maintaining manageable complexity through preconfiguration.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent enables parameter changes by allowing different antenna subsets to be configured and activated. The MAC-CE signaling changes the active antenna configuration parameters based on channel conditions, improving transmission reliability without requiring complex real-time reconfiguration procedures.
Data Source
AI summary
According to certain embodiments, a method performed by a wireless device comprises receiving sounding reference signal (SRS) configuration information from a network node. The SRS configuration information indicates a configuration associated with one or more SRS resources. At least a portion of the SRS configuration information is received in one or more Medium Access Control-Control Element (MAC-CE) messages. The method further comprises configuring the one or more SRS resources based at least in part on the SRS configuration information.