Reference Signal Timing to Reduce SRS Control Overhead
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing communication systems waste resources due to the need for extra DCI to trigger SRS transmission when no data scheduling is available, leading to resource inefficiencies and potential control channel congestion.
Innovation Solution
A method where a terminal device receives first information in a first time unit to trigger RS transmission in a second time unit indicated by a time offset indicator n in valid uplink or downlink transmission time units, allowing flexible selection of time units and reducing the number of bits required for indicating the offset.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If the time offset indicator n indicates a time offset between the first time unit and the second time unit, then the terminal device can determine the second time unit, but the number of bits required for the time offset indicator increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the reference parameter from absolute time offset to relative position index within valid uplink transmission time units. Instead of indicating absolute time offset, the parameter n now indicates the position (0th, 1st, 2nd, etc.) of the second time unit among valid uplink transmission time units starting from the first time unit. This parameter transformation reduces the indication range and thus reduces the number of bits required.
2Reliability
If extra DCI is sent to specially trigger the SRS, then the SRS transmission can be triggered, but resource waste occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the SRS triggering function with data scheduling control information. When the network device has data scheduling requirements, it can include both data scheduling information and SRS triggering indication in the same DCI. This merging eliminates the need for separate DCI to trigger SRS, thereby reducing control channel resource waste while maintaining reliable SRS transmission triggering.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent makes the DCI multi-functional by enabling it to serve both data scheduling and SRS triggering purposes simultaneously. The DCI structure is designed to accommodate both functions, allowing a single DCI to trigger both data transmission and SRS transmission, thus improving resource utilization efficiency.
3Productivity
If multiple pieces of first information are transmitted in the same first time unit, then multiple terminal devices can be triggered, but control channel congestion occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the triggering of multiple terminal devices across different time units. By using the time offset indicator n to indicate different positions in valid uplink transmission time units, the network device can distribute SRS triggering indications to different time units. This temporal segmentation reduces the number of DCIs needed in any single time unit, thereby reducing control channel congestion while maintaining high triggering efficiency.
Data Source
AI summary
This application provides example reference signal (RS) transmission methods and example communication apparatuses. One example reference signal transmission method includes receiving, by a terminal device, first information in a first time unit, where the first information triggers the terminal device to transmit a RS. The terminal device can then transmit the RS in a second time unit, where the second time unit is indicated by a time offset indicator n in valid uplink transmission time units starting from the first time unit.