Reference Signal Resource Configuration for Larger NR Bandwidths

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Solution Overview

Problem

The existing reference signal transmission schemes in high-frequency communication systems, particularly in new radio access technologies (NR), are inadequate due to limited bandwidth support and increased antenna configurations, leading to inefficiencies and higher costs.

Innovation Solution

A method and device for configuring reference signal resources, where a first communication node indicates or predefines the resources used by a second communication node for transmitting the reference signal, including bandwidth configurations and multi-level bandwidth structures to accommodate larger bandwidths and improve flexibility.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If the number of antennas is increased to compensate for spatial attenuation losses in high-frequency communication, then communication reliability is improved, but device complexity and power consumption increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecommunication reliabilityVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides the beamforming process into two segments: digital beamforming for a limited number of antenna groups, and analog RF beamforming for the remaining antenna elements. This segmentation allows the system to achieve high-frequency communication reliability through multiple antennas while avoiding the prohibitive complexity and power consumption of fully digital beamforming across all antenna elements.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies different beamforming qualities to different parts of the antenna system. Digital beamforming with full processing capability is applied to a subset of antenna groups where precise control is most beneficial, while analog RF beamforming is applied to other antenna elements to provide additional spatial diversity and gain without the same level of processing complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

2Reliability

If digital beamforming is used for all antennas, then beamforming performance is improved, but power consumption and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvebeamforming performanceVSAvoidpower consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the antenna array into multiple groups, with only certain groups undergoing digital beamforming processing. This segmentation reduces the number of complex digital signal processing operations required, thereby lowering power consumption and hardware cost while maintaining beamforming performance through the combined digital and analog approaches.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces analog RF beamforming as an intermediary layer between the digital baseband processing and the antenna elements. This intermediary analog processing stage provides additional beamforming capability without requiring full digital processing for all antenna elements, thus reducing power consumption and cost while maintaining performance.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Adaptability or versatility

If existing SRS bandwidth configuration is used, then compatibility with LTE/LTE-A is maintained, but support for larger bandwidths in NR is limited

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvebandwidth supportVSAvoidconfiguration compatibility
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces dynamic bandwidth configuration for SRS transmission, allowing the SRS bandwidth to be adjusted according to the configured bandwidth part (BWP) size. This dynamic adaptation enables the system to support larger NR bandwidths while maintaining backward compatibility with LTE/LTE-A configurations through appropriate parameter selection and configuration management.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent modifies key SRS configuration parameters including bandwidth, frequency domain position, and resource allocation to accommodate larger NR bandwidths. These parameter changes are implemented in a way that maintains compatibility with existing LTE/LTE-A systems by using standardized parameter naming and configuration structures that can accommodate both legacy and extended bandwidth requirements.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Data Source

PatentEP3684124B1Reference signal configuration method and device
Publication Date: 2025.10.08 ZTE CORP
  • EP3684124B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3684124B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP3684124B1 patent drawingFigure 5~7

AI summary

Disclosed are a reference signal configuration method and device, an information transmission method and device, and an information receiving method and device. The reference signal configuration method includes: indicating, by a first communication node, via signaling a resource used by a second communication node for transmitting a reference signal; or predefining, by a first communication node and a second communication node, a resource used by the second communication node for transmitting a reference signal. Further disclosed are a storage medium and a processor.