SINR Estimation via Channel Correlation Weighting

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Solution Overview

Problem

The accuracy of Signal to Interference plus Noise Ratio (SINR) estimates in LTE uplink scheduling and power control is inconsistent due to the random distribution of Sounding Reference Signals (SRS) and Demodulation Reference Signals (DMRS) relative to the channel resource, leading to varying levels of accuracy in SINR estimates.

Innovation Solution

A method that measures the SINR of both SRS and DMRS, determines the channel correlation between the sent and estimated channel resources, and uses these correlations to select or weight the SINR estimates to ensure accuracy, by comparing or combining the correlations to determine the most accurate SINR estimate.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If only SRS or DMRS is used for SINR estimation, then the estimation process is simple, but the accuracy of SINR estimates varies significantly for different channel resources

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveSINR estimation accuracyVSAvoidestimation process complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines SINR measurements from both SRS and DMRS signals, merging their respective channel correlation information to produce a unified SINR estimate. This integration allows the system to leverage the complementary strengths of both reference signals, achieving more consistent and accurate SINR estimates across different channel resources while maintaining a manageable processing complexity through systematic combination rules.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent dynamically selects or weights the contribution of SRS and DMRS-based SINR estimates based on real-time channel correlation conditions. By adaptively adjusting the estimation approach according to the specific channel state and resource characteristics, the system optimizes accuracy for each channel resource without requiring overly complex predetermined processing for all scenarios.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Adaptability or versatility

If SRS or DMRS are distributed randomly relative to channel resource, then resource allocation is flexible, but SINR estimation accuracy becomes unstable

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveresource allocation flexibilityVSAvoidSINR estimation accuracy consistency
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a feedback mechanism where the system calculates channel correlation between the randomly distributed SRS/DMRS and the target channel resource, then uses this correlation information to adjust the SINR estimation process. This feedback loop allows the system to compensate for the random distribution effects, maintaining accurate SINR estimates despite the flexible and variable positioning of reference signals.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the estimation parameters dynamically based on the measured channel correlation values. When the correlation between reference signals and channel resource is high, the system weights those measurements more heavily; when correlation is low, it adjusts the weighting accordingly. This parameter adaptation ensures consistent estimation accuracy regardless of the random spatial distribution of SRS and DMRS resources.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Data Source

PatentEP2398269B1Signal to interference plus noise ratio (SINR) estimation method and device
Publication Date: 2019.05.29 ZTE CORP
  • EP2398269B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2398269B1 patent drawingFigure 2~3
  • EP2398269B1 patent drawing

AI summary

A method for estimating a Signal to Interference plus Noise Ratio (SINR) is disclosed. By comparing the channel correlations, the measured SINR which is more approximate to the true value of the SINR of the channel resource to be estimated is determined, then the determined SINR is taken as the SINR estimate of the channel resource to be estimated; or by determining the weights of the measured SINRs according to the determined channel correlations, the SINR estimate of the channel resource to be estimated is calculated according to the determined weights and the measured SINRs. A device for estimating an SINR is disclosed, which comprises: a measuring module, a calculating module and an estimation module, wherein the estimation module determines the SINR estimate of the channel resource to be estimated according to the SINR measured by the measuring module and the channel correlation determined by the calculating module. With the above method and device, the accuracy of the SINR estimate of the channel resource to be estimated can be guaranteed.