Multi-Resource Uplink Sounding for Coherent Antenna Subset Transmission

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing mechanisms in NR are inadequate for determining which UE beams can be transmitted simultaneously and coherently in UEs with multiple antenna subsets, particularly in multi-panel antenna arrays, complicating power control and MIMO operations.

Innovation Solution

A UE and network node system where the UE transmits capability information indicating which SRS resources it can simultaneously use, receives configured RS resources, and adjusts power and precoding to handle multiple antenna subsets, allowing coherent or non-coherent MIMO transmissions based on UE capabilities.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If a UE with multiple antenna subsets transmits on all antenna ports simultaneously, then the data rate and reliability are improved through MIMO operations, but the complexity of determining which beams can be transmitted simultaneously and coherently increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedata rateVSAvoidbeam transmission coordination complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the antenna array into multiple antenna subsets (e.g., panels), where each subset can be independently controlled and transmitted. This segmentation allows the network to manage beam transmissions in smaller, more manageable groups rather than treating all antenna ports as a single complex unit, thereby reducing the coordination complexity while maintaining MIMO productivity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces dynamic indication mechanisms where the network dynamically signals to the UE which antenna ports or subsets should be used for transmission in each scheduling instance. This dynamic approach allows flexible adaptation of beam combinations based on current channel conditions, enabling simultaneous coherent transmissions when conditions permit while avoiding conflicts, thus maintaining high data rates without permanent complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Measurement precision

If the network configures multiple SRS resources for different antenna subsets, then the channel estimation accuracy is improved, but the difficulty of determining simultaneous transmission capabilities increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvechannel estimation accuracyVSAvoidsimultaneous transmission capability detection
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDifficulty of detecting and measuring

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements preliminary action by having the UE report its capability information regarding simultaneous SRS resource transmission before actual data transmission begins. The network uses this pre-reported capability information to make informed decisions about which SRS resources to configure and how to schedule transmissions, avoiding the need to detect and measure simultaneous transmission capabilities in real-time during data transmission.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces capability indication messages as an intermediary mechanism between the UE and network. These messages convey information about which SRS resources can be transmitted simultaneously, serving as a mediator that translates the complex physical layer beamforming capabilities into manageable network-configurable parameters, thereby reducing the difficulty of detecting and measuring simultaneous transmission capabilities.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Productivity

If the UE transmits capability information about simultaneous SRS resources, then the network can optimize power control and resource allocation, but the signaling overhead increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveresource allocation efficiencyVSAvoidsignaling overhead
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSLoss of information

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies partial action by having the UE report capability information selectively - specifically indicating which combinations of SRS resources can be transmitted simultaneously, rather than reporting all possible parameters. This partial reporting provides the network with sufficient information to optimize resource allocation and power control without requiring exhaustive capability descriptions, thereby balancing resource allocation efficiency with acceptable signaling overhead.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #16Partial or excessive action

Data Source

PatentEP3639459B1Multi-resource uplink sounding and antenna subset transmission
Publication Date: 2025.08.06 TELEFONAKTIEBOLAGET LM ERICSSON (PUBL)
  • EP3639459B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3639459B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3639459B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

According to some aspects of the techniques disclosed herein, a UE adapted to transmit on different antenna subsets transmits an indication that the UE can transmit a number of distinct RS resources, where each of the RS resources comprises at least one RS port. The UE transmits capability information indicating that the UE is capable of transmitting simultaneously on multiple RS resources and/or receives first and second RS configurations, where the first RS configuration is a first list of SRS resources that at least correspond to RS resource indications used for PUSCH transmission, and the second RS configuration is a second list of RS resources that may be used for SRS transmission. The UE receives an indication of at least one RS resource and transmits a physical channel on antennas of the UE associated with the indicated RS resources.