PTRS Configuration for Phase Noise Tracking in 5G Base Stations

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing radio communication systems face challenges in efficiently managing phase noise in high-frequency communications, particularly in 5G networks, which affect the reliability and latency of services such as eMBB, URLLC, and mMTC.

Innovation Solution

The implementation of phase tracking reference signals (PTRS) in the uplink and downlink communications, configured based on various parameters like frequency band, modulation scheme, and terminal capabilities, to enhance phase noise tracking.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If phase tracking reference signals (PTRS) are implemented in uplink and downlink communications with configuration based on multiple parameters, then phase noise tracking performance is improved, but device complexity and configuration overhead increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvephase noise tracking performanceVSAvoidconfiguration complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies parameter changes by configuring PTRS based on multiple variables including frequency band, modulation scheme, and terminal capabilities. The base station dynamically adjusts PTRS parameters such as resource element positions, time intervals, and frequency intervals according to channel conditions and service requirements, thereby optimizing phase noise tracking performance without requiring a fixed complex configuration structure

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements dynamics by enabling flexible and adaptive PTRS configuration that can be adjusted in real-time based on changing communication conditions. The base station determines PTRS parameters dynamically according to current channel state, service type (eMBB, URLLC, mMTC), and terminal capabilities, allowing the system to adapt to varying phase noise characteristics in different operating scenarios

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Reliability

If PTRS configuration is adapted to different service scenarios (eMBB, URLLC, mMTC), then communication reliability for specific services is improved, but system complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveservice-specific communication reliabilityVSAvoidsystem configuration complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies local quality by tailoring PTRS configuration to specific service requirements and local channel conditions. Different service scenarios (eMBB, URLLC, mMTC) receive customized PTRS parameters optimized for their respective reliability and latency requirements, rather than applying a uniform configuration across all services. This allows each service to achieve optimal performance for its specific needs

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

3Measurement precision

If PTRS is configured with smaller time and frequency intervals, then phase noise tracking precision is improved, but overhead and resource consumption increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvephase noise tracking precisionVSAvoidsignal overhead
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements dynamics by making PTRS time and frequency intervals adjustable parameters that can be optimized based on phase noise characteristics. When phase noise is severe, smaller intervals provide higher precision tracking; when phase noise is mild, larger intervals reduce overhead. The base station dynamically selects appropriate interval values to balance tracking precision against resource consumption

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentEP3579638B1Base station device, terminal device, communication method, and integrated circuit
Publication Date: 2025.12.24 SHARP KK
  • EP3579638B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3579638B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3579638B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A terminal apparatus for communicating with a base station apparatus includes a transmission unit configured to transmit Phase-tracking reference signals (PTRS), and an higher layer processing unit configured to configure information for indicating a time density and/or a frequency density of the PTRS. A PTRS pattern is configured such that the time density of the PTRS is higher for a larger Modulation and Coding Scheme (MCS) scheduled for the terminal apparatus, and the frequency density of the PTRS is based on the number of resource blocks scheduled for the terminal apparatus.