PTRS Power Boosting for Non-Codebook 5G Uplink

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing wireless communication systems face challenges in effectively boosting the power of phase tracking reference signals (PTRS) in non-codebook-based uplink transmissions, particularly in 5G new radio (NR) systems, due to the lack of standardized approaches for power constraints and sharing among multiple RF chains.

Innovation Solution

The proposed solution involves power boosting methods for PTRS in non-codebook-based UL transmissions, where power is borrowed from muted REs of other UL layers sharing the same PTRS port, and power boosting factors are determined based on the number of UL transmission layers and coherence levels, with adjustments signaled via RRC.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If reference signal power is increased to improve channel estimation accuracy, then channel estimation accuracy is improved, but uplink interference increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvechannel estimation accuracyVSAvoiduplink interference
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies local quality by transmitting reference signals at higher power only in specific resource elements where channel estimation is needed, rather than uniformly increasing power across all uplink transmissions. This localized power boosting improves channel estimation accuracy in critical positions while limiting interference generation to specific time-frequency resources.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements dynamic power adjustment where the base station configures different power boosting levels for reference signals based on channel conditions, user equipment location, and interference scenarios. This dynamic approach allows the system to adaptively balance channel estimation accuracy against interference generation rather than using a fixed power level.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Reliability

If reference signal power is increased to improve uplink reception, then uplink reception is improved, but overall system performance deteriorates due to interference

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveuplink receptionVSAvoidsystem performance
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the power parameter selectively for reference signals versus data signals. By modifying only the reference signal power parameter while keeping data signal power unchanged, the system improves uplink reception reliability for channel estimation purposes without proportionally increasing overall interference that would degrade system performance.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies partial action by boosting power only for the reference signal portion of the uplink transmission rather than increasing power for the entire transmission. This partial power increase is sufficient to improve channel estimation and subsequent uplink reception while avoiding excessive power consumption and interference that would harm overall system performance.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #16Partial or excessive action

3Measurement precision

If reference signal power is boosted in specific resource elements, then channel estimation accuracy is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvechannel estimation accuracyVSAvoidapparatus complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies preliminary action by having the base station pre-configure power boosting parameters and patterns for reference signals before uplink transmission occurs. The user equipment follows predetermined power boosting rules provided by the base station, which simplifies the user equipment design while still achieving improved channel estimation accuracy through selective power boosting in specific resource elements.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentEP3777361B1Apparatus and method for reference signal power boosting in a wireless communication system
Publication Date: 2026.04.29 SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO LTD
  • EP3777361B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3777361B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP3777361B1 patent drawingFigure 5

AI summary

The disclosure relates to a pre-5th-Generation (5G) or 5G communication system to be provided for supporting higher data rates Beyond 4th-Generation (4G) communication system such as Long Term Evolution (LTE). According to an embodiment of the disclosure, a method for operating a user equipment (UE) in a wireless communication system includes determining power of at least one phase tracking reference signal (PT-RS), and transmitting the at least one PT-RS according to non-codebook based transmission. Herein, the power is determined based on a number of at least one port for the at least one PT-RS.