Non-Uniform Phase-Tracking Reference Signal Density
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing wireless communication systems face challenges in efficiently managing phase-tracking reference signals (PT-RS) across varying densities, which affects the quality and reliability of downlink and uplink communications.
Innovation Solution
The method involves transmitting or receiving PT-RS across a plurality of slots with varying densities, where at least a first slot includes the PT-RS at a first density and a second slot includes it at a second density, and also configuring non-uniform densities across symbols within a slot.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If PT-RS is transmitted at high density across all slots, then phase tracking accuracy is improved, but resource overhead and throughput are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making PT-RS density variable rather than fixed. The network entity dynamically adjusts PT-RS density based on channel conditions, slot type, and traffic requirements. Different density patterns are applied across different slots and symbol positions, allowing the system to adapt between high accuracy modes and high throughput modes as needed
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements local quality by applying different PT-RS densities to different local regions (slots and symbols) rather than uniform density. Specifically, higher density is applied to slots with uplink data or poor channel conditions, while lower density is applied to slots with good channel conditions or downlink-only traffic, optimizing resource usage locally
2Reliability
If PT-RS density is increased uniformly across all slots, then reliability is improved, but resource overhead increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the parameter of PT-RS density from a fixed value to a variable parameter that can take multiple discrete values. The network entity selects from a set of density configurations based on current system state, changing the density parameter adaptively to maintain reliability while minimizing overhead in different operating conditions
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the time domain into different slot types and applies different PT-RS density configurations to each segment. Slots are divided into categories (e.g., uplink slots, downlink slots, slots with poor channel conditions) and each segment receives appropriately optimized density levels, reducing overall overhead while maintaining reliability where needed
3Measurement precision
If PT-RS is transmitted at every symbol position, then phase tracking performance is improved, but spectral efficiency is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements periodic action by transmitting PT-RS at periodic intervals rather than at every symbol position. The density configuration specifies periodic patterns where PT-RS appears at regular intervals across symbols and slots, providing sufficient phase tracking information while leaving gaps for data transmission, thus improving spectral efficiency
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies partial action by transmitting PT-RS at selected symbol positions rather than all positions. The density configuration determines the partial set of positions where PT-RS is inserted, providing just enough phase tracking coverage to maintain performance while reducing the excessive resource consumption of full-density transmission
Data Source
AI summary
Various aspects of the present disclosure generally relate to wireless communication. In some aspects, a user equipment may receive an indication of a non-uniform density associated with a phase-tracking reference signal (PT-RS). Accordingly, the UE may transmit, or receive, within a slot, wherein the slot includes the PT-RS at the non-uniform density across a plurality of symbols of the slot. For example, the non-uniform density may be applied based on an offset between the slot and a previous downlink slot including a demodulation reference signal. Numerous other aspects are described.