Reference Signal Alignment for Interference Coordination

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Solution Overview

Problem

In next-generation wireless communication networks, the increasing complexity of interference scenarios due to dynamic channel and slot configurations in neighboring cells poses challenges for effective interference coordination and management, particularly in time division duplex (TDD) systems, where uplink and downlink communications require precise alignment of reference signals to minimize interference.

Innovation Solution

The proposed solution involves designing and aligning reference signals in neighboring cells in both time and frequency to facilitate better interference control, using orthogonal sequences and dynamic configuration methods to ensure that reference signals in different cells are synchronized, thereby reducing interference and enhancing communication efficiency.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If reference signals are transmitted in neighboring cells with dynamic channel and slot configurations, then communication flexibility and adaptability are improved, but interference between cells increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecommunication flexibilityVSAvoidinterference between cells
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies local quality by configuring reference signals with cell-specific parameters (such as different frequency shifts, resource element patterns, or orthogonal codes) so that each cell's reference signals have distinct local characteristics. This allows neighboring cells to maintain flexible dynamic configurations while ensuring their reference signals remain distinguishable, thereby reducing inter-cell interference while preserving adaptability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements preliminary action by pre-configuring reference signal parameters (such as frequency offsets, time-domain positions, and resource allocations) before dynamic transmission occurs. This preliminary configuration ensures that even when cells dynamically adjust their channel and slot configurations, the reference signals are预先 designed to minimize overlap and interference, enabling flexible operation while maintaining interference coordination.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

2Reliability

If reference signals are aligned in time and frequency between neighboring cells, then interference coordination is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinterference coordinationVSAvoidsignal alignment complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies parameter changes by systematically varying reference signal parameters (such as frequency shifts based on cell ID, time-domain positioning, and resource element patterns) across neighboring cells. These controlled parameter variations enable automatic differentiation of reference signals between cells, improving interference coordination through predictable parameter relationships rather than complex alignment procedures, thus reducing device complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Adaptability or versatility

If dynamic TDD configurations are used in neighboring cells, then network adaptability is improved, but reference signal interference scenarios become more complex

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvenetwork adaptabilityVSAvoidinterference management complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements dynamics by designing reference signal configurations that adapt to dynamic TDD scenarios through predefined rules and parameters. The reference signals incorporate dynamic elements (such as slot-specific configurations, flexible resource allocation patterns, and adaptive timing) that automatically adjust to changing TDD configurations in neighboring cells, maintaining network adaptability while avoiding the need for complex real-time interference management through standardized dynamic parameter relationships.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentEP3571799B1Coordinating reference signals in wireless communication
Publication Date: 2022.12.07 QUALCOMM INC
  • EP3571799B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3571799B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3571799B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

Various reference signal (RS) designs and arrangements for interference coordination and management in wireless communication are disclosed. Reference signals may be included in uplink (UL) and downlink (DL) transmissions for facilitating data demodulation and other purposes, and the locations of the reference signals within any given slot may depend on various factors. In some aspects of this disclosure, reference signals included in UL and/or DL transmissions of neighboring cells may be aligned in time and/or frequency to improve interference control and coordination between devices operating in different cells.