Multiple Power References for High Rank Transmission Tracking

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current wireless communication systems face challenges in accurately estimating signal-to-noise ratios for multiple antenna ports during high rank transmissions, leading to imbalanced calculations and performance losses in user equipment (UE) communications.

Innovation Solution

The UE is configured to estimate signal-to-noise ratios for each antenna port by receiving multiple single-port tracking reference signals, a single multi-port tracking reference signal, or a tracking reference signal associated with multiple power ratios, allowing for improved channel estimation and communication reliability.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Device complexity

If a single reference signal is used for all antenna ports, then device complexity is reduced, but measurement precision of signal-to-noise ratio deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvereference signal processing complexityVSAvoidsignal-to-noise ratio estimation accuracy
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the reference signal into multiple single-port tracking reference signals, each associated with a specific antenna port or group of antenna ports. This segmentation allows the UE to estimate signal-to-noise ratios separately for each antenna port, improving measurement precision while maintaining manageable processing complexity through structured organization.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies local quality by providing different reference signal configurations for different antenna ports based on their specific characteristics. Each antenna port can have its own power ratio and reference signal properties, allowing localized optimization of signal-to-noise ratio estimation for each port rather than using a uniform approach.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

2Measurement precision

If multiple reference signals are used for each antenna port, then measurement precision improves, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesignal-to-noise ratio estimation accuracyVSAvoidreference signal processing complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent creates a universal reference signal framework where a single multi-port tracking reference signal can serve multiple antenna ports simultaneously. This multi-functional approach allows one reference signal to provide measurement capabilities for several antenna ports, improving signal-to-noise ratio estimation accuracy without proportionally increasing processing complexity.

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

Solution Approach 2:

The patent merges multiple reference signal functions into unified structures. By combining reference signals for multiple antenna ports into a single multi-port tracking reference signal or by establishing quasi co-location relationships between antenna ports, the system achieves accurate per-port signal-to-noise ratio estimation while reducing the total number of reference signals that need to be processed.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Measurement precision

If per-antenna-port signal-to-noise ratio estimation is implemented, then channel estimation accuracy improves, but power consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvechannel estimation accuracyVSAvoidUE power consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies partial action by implementing per-antenna-port signal-to-noise ratio estimation selectively based on the transmission rank. For high-rank transmissions, detailed per-port estimation is performed to maximize channel estimation accuracy. For lower-rank transmissions, simplified estimation approaches are used, reducing power consumption while maintaining sufficient accuracy for the given transmission conditions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #16Partial or excessive action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes operational parameters dynamically based on transmission conditions. The UE adjusts its signal-to-noise ratio estimation granularity and reference signal processing intensity according to the indicated transmission rank, modifying computation intensity and power consumption levels to match the actual channel estimation requirements for each transmission scenario.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Data Source

PatentEP3973639B1Multiple power references for high rank transmissions
Publication Date: 2025.01.01 QUALCOMM INC
  • EP3973639B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3973639B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3973639B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

Methods, systems, and devices for wireless communications are described. A user equipment (UE) may be configured to estimate a signal-to-noise ratio for each antenna port associated with a reception of one or more tracking reference signals. The UE may receive one or more of multiple single-port tracking reference signals, a single multi-port tracking reference signal, or a tracking reference signal associated with multiple power ratios. The UE may be able to estimate a channel upon receiving a demodulation reference signal. The channel estimation may be based on the reception of one or more of multiple single-port tracking reference signals, the single multi-port tracking reference signal, or the tracking reference signal associated with multiple power ratios. The UE may communicate with the base station based on estimating the channel.