Reference Signal Resource Mapping Across Switched Antenna Panels

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Solution Overview

Problem

Challenging for a terminal device with multiple antenna panels to efficiently transmit reference signal resources due to the need for beam management and switching between panels.

Innovation Solution

A method and device for distributing a fixed set of reference signal resources among multiple antenna panels based on antenna panel selection information, allowing efficient transmission using a baseband chain switched between panels.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a terminal device with multiple antenna panels transmits reference signal resources, then beam management capability is improved, but device complexity increases due to the need to manage multiple panels and switch baseband chains

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvebeam management capabilityVSAvoidpanel and baseband chain management

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the reference signal resources into different sets, where each set is associated with a specific antenna panel. This segmentation allows the terminal device to manage multiple panels systematically by dividing the overall reference signal transmission task into manageable portions, each handled by a dedicated panel and baseband chain combination.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements dynamic switching between different antenna panels and baseband chains based on the reference signal resource set being transmitted. The terminal device dynamically configures which panel and baseband chain to use for each reference signal transmission occasion, allowing flexible adaptation to different beam management requirements while managing complexity through structured switching protocols.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Adaptability or versatility

If the terminal device switches between multiple antenna panels, then coverage and beam diversity are improved, but transmission time increases due to switching overhead

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvebeam diversityVSAvoidswitching overhead

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies preliminary action by pre-configuring the terminal device with multiple reference signal resource sets, where each set is pre-assigned to a specific antenna panel and baseband chain combination. This pre-configuration allows the terminal device to quickly switch between panels without performing complex real-time selection, reducing switching overhead while maintaining beam diversity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent utilizes periodic action by establishing regular switching patterns between different antenna panels and baseband chains for reference signal transmission. The terminal device follows a structured periodic schedule for panel switching, which optimizes beam diversity coverage while minimizing unnecessary switching operations and reducing overall time loss.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #19Periodic action

3Productivity

If reference signal resources are distributed among multiple antenna panels, then transmission efficiency is improved, but configuration complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetransmission efficiencyVSAvoidresource distribution configuration

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the reference signal resources into distinct sets, with each set mapped to a specific antenna panel and baseband chain. This segmentation simplifies the configuration process by creating clear, discrete associations between resources and panels, making it easier to manage and configure compared to a unified approach.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces an intermediary configuration structure that mediates between the reference signal resource sets and the antenna panels. This intermediary layer (the mapping relationship between sets and panels) simplifies the overall configuration complexity by providing a structured interface that decouples the resource distribution from the physical panel configuration.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentUS12513534B2Transmission of reference signal resources and configuration thereof

Publication Date: 2025.12.30 TELEFONAKTIEBOLAGET LM ERICSSON (PUBL)

AI summary

There is provided mechanisms for transmission of reference signal resources from a terminal device. A method is performed by the terminal device. The terminal device comprises at least two antenna panels and a baseband chain operable to be switched between the at least two antenna panels. The baseband chain is thereby connected to each of the antenna panels one at a time. The method comprises distributing a fixed set of reference signal resources among the at least two antenna panels by selecting which beams are to be used for transmission of the reference signal resources. The reference signal resources are distributed among the at least two antenna panels according to antenna panel selection information. The method comprises transmitting each of the reference signal resources in a respective one of the beams as the baseband chain is connected to each antenna panel used for generating the beams.