NR Terminal Operation Mode Indication for SU-MIMO and MU-MIMO
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Solution Overview
Problem
In the NR communication system, terminal devices operate in a multi-user multiple-input multiple-output (MU-MIMO) mode by default, leading to increased power consumption and resource waste due to interference from other terminal devices, even when a single-user multiple-input multiple-output (SU-MIMO) mode is applicable.
Innovation Solution
A method for a terminal device to determine its operation mode based on information received from a network device, allowing switching between SU-MIMO and MU-MIMO modes using higher layer and physical layer signaling, and configuring DMRS ports and CDM groups to optimize resource use.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If the terminal device operates in MU-MIMO mode by default, then resource utilization is improved through multi-user data transmission, but power consumption increases and complexity rises due to interference signal estimation requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic operation mode switching between SU-MIMO and MU-MIMO based on real-time channel conditions and network configuration. The terminal device transitions from a static default MU-MIMO operation to a dynamic mode selection mechanism, adapting the operation mode according to actual communication scenarios to optimize power consumption while maintaining resource utilization efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the operational parameters of the terminal device by introducing operation mode indication information that specifies whether to operate in SU-MIMO or MU-MIMO mode. This parameter change allows the terminal to adjust its interference estimation and data processing behavior accordingly, reducing unnecessary computational overhead and power consumption when SU-MIMO mode is applicable.
2Productivity
If the terminal device operates in MU-MIMO mode by default, then system capacity is improved through simultaneous multi-user transmission, but device complexity increases due to interference signal estimation requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent reduces device complexity by dynamically adjusting the processing requirements based on the operation mode. When SU-MIMO mode is indicated, the terminal device skips complex interference signal estimation and direct data demodulation processes, significantly reducing computational complexity while maintaining system capacity through appropriate mode selection.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts and removes the interference signal estimation step from the processing chain when operating in SU-MIMO mode. By taking out this complex processing requirement when not needed, the terminal device reduces its computational burden while the network maintains system capacity through proper operation mode assignment.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the terminal device operates in MU-MIMO mode by default, then resource allocation flexibility is improved, but resource waste occurs when SU-MIMO mode would be sufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the resource allocation parameters by introducing operation mode indication that matches the terminal's actual capabilities and channel conditions. This prevents resource waste by allocating MU-MIMO resources only when necessary, while allowing SU-MIMO operation when a single terminal can efficiently utilize the allocated resources.
Data Source
AI summary
A multi-antenna operation mode indication method and an apparatus resolve a problem that increased power consumption and a resource waste are caused because a terminal device still operates in a multi-user multiple-input multiple-output (MU-MIMO) mode by default in a single-port transmission mode. The method includes: a network device sends indication information to a terminal device, to indicate that a multi-antenna operation mode of the terminal device is single-user multiple-input multiple-output (SU-MIMO) or MU-MIMO. The terminal device determines, based on the indication information from the network device, whether a demodulation reference signal (DMRS) port number corresponding to the terminal device and a DMRS port number not corresponding to the terminal device are allocated to another terminal device, to adjust the multi-antenna operation mode.