PRS Bandwidth Segmentation for eMTC Positioning Accuracy
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current wireless communication systems face challenges in providing sufficient positioning reference signal (PRS) density for enhanced machine type communication (eMTC) while minimizing overhead, particularly for narrowband UEs with limited link budgets and single receive antennas.
Innovation Solution
The solution involves determining different bandwidths for transmitting positioning reference signals (PRS) to various types of user equipment (UEs) and transmitting these signals in different subframes, allowing for increased PRS density while maintaining minimal overhead. This includes configuring PRSs for narrowband UEs with more frequent periodicity and bandwidths suitable for their capabilities, distinct from those for wideband UEs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If PRS density is increased for eMTC UEs, then positioning accuracy is improved, but overhead increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the PRS transmission by creating separate PRS resource configurations for narrowband eMTC UEs and wideband legacy UEs. This segmentation allows each UE type to receive PRS optimized for its specific bandwidth capabilities, improving positioning accuracy for eMTC devices without unnecessarily increasing overhead for all UEs.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies local quality by providing differentiated PRS configurations tailored to specific UE types. Narrowband eMTC UEs receive PRS with parameters optimized for their limited bandwidth and link budget, while wideband UEs receive conventional PRS configurations, ensuring each UE type gets the appropriate signal quality without universal overhead increase.
2Measurement precision
If separate PRS configurations are provided for different UE types, then positioning performance is improved, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic PRS configuration where the base station selectively applies different PRS resource settings based on UE type identification. The system dynamically switches between narrowband and wideband PRS configurations depending on which UE type is being served, allowing improved positioning performance without permanently increasing system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes key PRS parameters such as bandwidth, periodicity, and resource allocation based on the target UE type. By modifying these parameters according to whether the UE is narrowband eMTC or wideband legacy, the system achieves differentiated positioning performance without requiring fundamentally different system architectures.
3Adaptability or versatility
If PRS bandwidth is reduced for narrowband UEs, then compatibility is improved, but positioning accuracy deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs periodic PRS transmissions with optimized periodicity for narrowband UEs. By adjusting the periodicity of PRS transmissions to match the capabilities and requirements of narrowband eMTC devices, the system maintains compatibility while compensating for reduced bandwidth through more frequent measurement opportunities, thereby preserving positioning accuracy.
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AI summary
Certain aspects of the present disclosure generally relate to wireless communications, and more specifically to positioning reference signal (PRS) enhancements for enhanced machine type communication (eMTC). An example method generally includes determining a first bandwidth within a larger system bandwidth to transmit a first positioning reference signal (PRS) to a first type of user equipment (UE), determining a second bandwidth within the system bandwidth to transmit a second PRS to a second type of UE, and transmitting information associated with the first PRS and the second PRS.