PUCCH DMRS Bundling for Accurate Channel Estimation
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Solution Overview
Problem
In wireless communication systems, individual processing of demodulation reference signals (DMRS) in each slot of uplink control channel transmissions can lead to erroneous channel estimates due to changes in reference signal receive power, degrading link quality, especially for user equipment at cell edges.
Innovation Solution
Implementing DMRS bundling across multiple repetitions of PUCCH transmissions to maintain power consistency and phase continuity, allowing joint channel estimation by the base station.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If individual processing of DMRS in each slot is performed, then processing simplicity is maintained, but channel estimation accuracy deteriorates due to power changes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple DMRS from different slots into a single bundled DMRS structure. The UE transmits DMRS in multiple slots with consistent power and phase, and the base station processes these bundled DMRS jointly to perform channel estimation, thereby improving accuracy while managing complexity through standardized bundling procedures
2Adaptability or versatility
If DMRS power is adjusted per slot to adapt to channel conditions, then link adaptability is improved, but phase continuity is lost causing channel estimation errors
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the power parameter of DMRS to remain consistent across multiple slots rather than adapting it per slot. This parameter change ensures phase continuity is maintained while still allowing the system to adapt to channel conditions through the bundled processing approach, where the base station can assess overall channel quality across the bundling window
3Measurement precision
If DMRS bundling is implemented across multiple slots, then channel estimation accuracy is improved, but processing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the DMRS processing into distinct phases: the UE side handles DMRS generation with consistent parameters across slots, while the base station side performs joint processing of the bundled DMRS. This segmentation allows complexity to be distributed and managed systematically, with standardized interfaces between segments
4Stability of the object's composition
If consistent DMRS power is maintained across slots, then phase continuity is preserved, but power adaptability to channel conditions is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces the DMRS bundling window as an intermediary concept that spans multiple slots. Within this window, consistent DMRS power is maintained to ensure phase continuity, while the base station uses the bundled DMRS from the entire window to assess channel conditions and make adaptive decisions, thus mediating between the need for consistency and adaptability
Data Source
AI summary
Aspects are provided that allow a UE to perform DMRS bundling in PUCCH repetitions in response to a configuration from a base station indicating or enabling the UE to perform the DMRS bundling. The UE receives a configuration from a base station indicating to bundle DMRS in repetitions of an uplink control channel transmission. The UE determines a DMRS bundling window based on the configuration. The UE transmits the bundled DMRS in the DMRS bundling window. The base station processes the bundled DMRS. Improved link quality between the UE and base station and signal gains may accordingly result from applying DMRS bundling over multiple repetitions of PUCCH transmissions.