PT-RS Resource Mapping for Downlink Interference Management

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing wireless communication technologies face challenges in efficiently mapping phase-tracking reference signals (PT-RS) in downlink transmissions, particularly when PT-RS and other reference signals like aperiodic CSI-RS, LTE CRS, and PDCCH are multiplexed, leading to difficulties in resource allocation and interference management.

Innovation Solution

The proposed solution involves an algorithmic structure for determining the resource elements available for PT-RS by distinguishing between resource elements used for non-zero-power CSI-RS, LTE CRS, and PDCCH, ensuring that PT-RS is not multiplexed with these signals to avoid interference and optimize resource utilization.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If PT-RS is multiplexed with other reference signals (aperiodic CSI-RS, LTE CRS, PDCCH) in downlink transmissions, then resource utilization increases, but interference management becomes difficult and phase tracking accuracy deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveresource utilizationVSAvoidphase tracking accuracy
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the downlink resource elements into distinct categories: PT-RS resource elements, aperiodic CSI-RS resource elements, LTE CRS resource elements, and PDCCH resource elements. By defining separate resource element sets for each signal type and establishing explicit mapping rules that prevent overlap, the system achieves both high resource utilization and reliable phase tracking without interference between signals.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Productivity

If PT-RS is multiplexed with aperiodic CSI-RS, LTE CRS, and PDCCH, then resource allocation efficiency improves, but resource allocation complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveresource allocation efficiencyVSAvoidresource allocation complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent establishes predetermined mapping rules for PT-RS resource elements relative to other reference signals before transmission occurs. The network device determines the resource element positions for PT-RS, aperiodic CSI-RS, LTE CRS, and PDCCH in advance according to defined patterns, and both transmitting and receiving devices follow these pre-established rules. This preliminary configuration enables efficient resource allocation while avoiding the complexity of dynamic, real-time resource negotiation and conflict resolution.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentUS20250167958A1Downlink phase-tracking reference signal resource mapping
Publication Date: 2025.05.22 APPLE INC
  • US20250167958A1 patent drawing
  • US20250167958A1 patent drawing
  • US20250167958A1 patent drawing

AI summary

Embodiments of the present disclosure describe methods, apparatuses, storage media, and systems for mapping a phase-tracking reference signal to resource elements. Other embodiments may be described and claimed.