PRS Resource Mapping for Same RF Chain Carrier Aggregation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing technologies face challenges in achieving carrier aggregation for positioning reference signals, as terminal devices and network devices cannot determine whether to use the same radio frequency chain for transmitting and receiving on different carriers or frequency layers.

Innovation Solution

The method involves obtaining configuration information to determine and associate positioning reference signal resources with the same radio frequency chain, allowing network devices to inform terminal devices on using the same RF chain for simultaneous transmission on different carriers or frequency layers.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If carrier aggregation is implemented to increase PRS transmission bandwidth, then positioning accuracy is improved, but device complexity increases due to inability to determine RF chain usage

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepositioning accuracyVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces configuration information as a feedback mechanism from the network device to the terminal device. This configuration information explicitly indicates whether the same RF chain is used for transmitting and receiving PRS on different carriers or frequency layers, enabling the terminal device to determine the RF chain usage without increasing operational complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The network device performs preliminary configuration by providing configuration information before the terminal device needs to determine RF chain usage. This preliminary action includes indicating the RF chain association relationship in advance, allowing the terminal device to prepare accordingly without encountering complexity during actual operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

2Device complexity

If terminal device determines RF chain usage without configuration information, then device complexity is reduced, but positioning accuracy deteriorates due to inability to achieve proper carrier aggregation

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedevice complexityVSAvoidpositioning accuracy
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces configuration information as an intermediary element between the network device and terminal device. This intermediary carries the RF chain association relationship, enabling accurate carrier aggregation without requiring the terminal device to complex determination processes. The configuration information acts as a mediator that transmits necessary control information efficiently.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Measurement precision

If configuration information is provided to indicate RF chain association, then positioning accuracy is improved through accurate carrier aggregation, but information transmission requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepositioning accuracyVSAvoidinformation transmission requirements
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSLoss of information

Solution Approach 1:

The patent utilizes parameter changes in the configuration information to indicate RF chain association relationships. By changing the state or value of configuration parameters, the system can convey RF chain usage information efficiently without requiring excessive data transmission. The configuration information structure is optimized to minimize information loss while maintaining positioning accuracy.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Data Source

PatentEP4676136A1Positioning reference signal transmission method and apparatus, and computer readable storage medium
Publication Date: 2026.01.07 SPREADTRUM SEMICON (NANJING) CO LTD
  • EP4676136A1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4676136A1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4676136A1 patent drawingFigure 3~4

AI summary

A positioning reference signal transmission method and apparatus, and a computer readable storage medium. The positioning reference signal transmission method comprises: acquiring configuration information (101); and on the basis of the configuration information, determining positioning reference signal resources associated with a same radio frequency link (102). By adopting the solution, a terminal device can determine whether positioning reference signals sent by a network device at the same time over different carriers/positioning frequency layers use a same radio frequency link.