Reference Signal Configuration for Multi-Panel Beam Collision Avoidance
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Solution Overview
Problem
In 5G NR, user equipment (UE) with multiple panels cannot simultaneously receive different downlink channels and reference signals due to beam collisions, leading to communication performance issues when different beams are associated with the same panel at a given time instant.
Innovation Solution
The UE resolves beam collisions by applying the quasi-co-location (QCL) assumption of one signal to another when certain conditions are met, such as overlapping signals, small scheduling offsets, and shared panel indices, allowing prioritization of signal reception.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If multiple panels are used to receive multiple DL channels or RS simultaneously, then communication throughput and reliability are improved, but beam collision occurs when different beams are associated with the same panel
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the reception resources by introducing the concept of panel-specific TCI state groups. Each panel is assigned a specific group of TCI states that it can use, preventing beam collision by ensuring that each panel receives signals through dedicated beams. This segmentation allows multiple panels to operate simultaneously without interference while maintaining high throughput.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent adds a new dimension to beam management by introducing the panel index as an additional parameter in TCI state configuration. Instead of only managing beams in the traditional spatial dimension, the system now manages beams across multiple dimensions including panel identification. This enables the network to explicitly indicate which panel should use which TCI state, resolving beam collision issues while maintaining multi-panel reception capabilities.
2Ease of operation
If the UE applies default beam for PDSCH-2 when no TCI-state is indicated, then reception is simplified, but beam collision with PDSCH-1 occurs on the same panel
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-configuring multiple TCI state groups associated with different panel indices before data transmission. The network node prepares these groups in advance and indicates the appropriate group to the UE through DCI. This allows the UE to quickly determine the correct panel and TCI state without complex runtime decisions, maintaining simplicity while preventing beam collision through pre-planned resource allocation.
3Device complexity
If TCI states are configured without panel index association, then configuration is simpler, but the UE cannot determine which panel to use for signal reception
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the TCI state configuration universal by designing a flexible association mechanism between TCI states and panel indices. The same TCI state configuration framework can serve multiple panels simultaneously, with each TCI state group linked to a specific panel index. This universal structure allows the system to adapt to different numbers of panels and TCI states without requiring separate configuration schemes, maintaining simplicity while enabling precise panel determination.
Data Source
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AI summary
A wireless communication method for use in a wireless terminal is disclosed. The wireless communication method comprises receiving, from the wireless network node, a second signal based on a quasi-co-location assumption of a first signal when at least one event occurs, wherein the first signal and the second signal overlap in at least one time unit.