Periodic Reference Signal Bandwidth Reduction for Energy Saving

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Solution Overview

Problem

In wireless communication systems, dynamic reduction of transmission bandwidth for reference signals can lead to misalignment between base stations and wireless devices, affecting accurate Channel State Information (CSI) and beam measurement, resulting in reduced reliability and efficiency of channel measurements.

Innovation Solution

The base station communicates a portion of periodic reference signals using a dynamically reduced bandwidth after sending downlink control information to the wireless device, ensuring alignment and improving CSI/beam measurement accuracy.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Use of energy by moving object

If the base station dynamically reduces the transmission bandwidth of resources used for reference signals, then power consumption is reduced, but the wireless device cannot correctly determine radio resources for CSI and beam measurement

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepower consumptionVSAvoidCSI and beam measurement accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

Use of energy by moving objectVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the reference signal transmission into two parts: a first portion transmitted using the original (larger) bandwidth for accurate measurement, and a second portion transmitted using the reduced bandwidth for energy saving. This segmentation allows the system to maintain measurement accuracy while reducing overall power consumption.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies partial action by transmitting only a portion of the reference signals at the reduced bandwidth rather than all reference signals. This partial transmission is sufficient for maintaining basic functionality while enabling energy saving, avoiding the need to transmit the full reference signal set at high power.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #16Partial or excessive action

2Use of energy by moving object

If the base station reduces the transmission bandwidth for reference signals, then power consumption is reduced, but alignment between base station and wireless device regarding periodic reference signal locations is lost

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepower consumptionVSAvoidalignment reliability

Core Design Contradiction:

Use of energy by moving objectVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The base station transmits the first portion of reference signals at the original bandwidth before switching to reduced bandwidth mode. This preliminary transmission establishes the reference signal locations and maintains alignment with the wireless device before the bandwidth reduction takes effect.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The first portion of reference signals acts as an intermediary that bridges the original bandwidth configuration and the reduced bandwidth configuration. It ensures that the wireless device can correctly identify resource locations even after the bandwidth is reduced, maintaining reliability during the transition.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Use of energy by moving object

If the base station sends downlink control information to indicate dynamic bandwidth reduction, then power saving is enabled, but misalignment occurs between configured and actual reference signal locations

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepower savingVSAvoidreference signal location information

Core Design Contradiction:

Use of energy by moving objectVSLoss of information

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments reference signal transmission into a first portion (at original bandwidth for measurement) and a second portion (at reduced bandwidth for power saving). This segmentation ensures that location information is preserved in the first portion while enabling power saving in the second portion.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the bandwidth parameter dynamically: using the original bandwidth for the first portion of reference signals to maintain accurate location information, then switching to reduced bandwidth for the second portion to save power. This parameter change is managed through DCI signaling to coordinate between base station and wireless device.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Data Source

PatentEP4270848A1Periodic reference signal transmissions for energy saving

Publication Date: 2023.11.01 COMCAST CABLE COMM LLC

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Figure 3

AI summary

A bandwidth for transmission of wireless communications may be reduced, such as for energy saving. Downlink control information (DCI) may be used to indicate the bandwidth reduction, such as dynamic bandwidth part reduction. A base station may adjust transmission of periodic reference signals (RSs) using the reduced bandwidth after the DCI is sent, which may provide advantages such as improved accuracy and/or reliability of operations, such as channel state information (CSI) and/or beam measurement.