Source Reference Signal QCL Constraints for 5G Positioning

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing wireless communication systems face challenges in efficiently managing quasi-collocation timing reference signals for positioning reference signals, particularly in 5G networks, which affect the accuracy and efficiency of UE positioning.

Innovation Solution

The solution involves defining constraints on a source reference signal for quasi-collocation timing reference signals, enabling precise alignment of transmit and receive beams for improved signal reception and transmission, using quasi-collocation (QCL) relations to ensure consistent parameters across different beams.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If multiple TCI states are configured for beam indication, then beam flexibility and coverage are improved, but UE complexity in determining and deriving associations increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvebeam flexibilityVSAvoidUE complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the beam indication process by separating the configuration of multiple TCI states from the determination of their associations. The network configures TCI states independently, while the UE derives associations based on predefined rules or additional signaling, reducing the complexity of managing multiple beam associations simultaneously.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies preliminary action by pre-configuring TCI states and their associations before actual beam indication is needed. The network provides TCI state configurations and association information in advance through RRC signaling or MAC-CE, so the UE does not need to perform complex real-time derivations during beam switching.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

2Reliability

If QCL configurations are derived from multiple TCI states, then downlink data transmission reliability is improved, but processing time and signaling overhead increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetransmission reliabilityVSAvoidprocessing time
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses preliminary action by pre-establishing QCL configuration associations between TCI states before data transmission occurs. The network configures these associations through higher-layer signaling in advance, allowing the UE to quickly apply predefined QCL settings during beam switching without performing complex real-time derivations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces an intermediary mechanism where the network provides explicit association information or simplified derivation rules as intermediaries between TCI states and QCL configurations. This intermediary guidance reduces the UE's processing burden by providing ready-made associations rather than requiring complex autonomous derivation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Measurement precision

If beam indication uses multiple TRPs with different QCL configurations, then positioning accuracy is improved, but synchronization and timing alignment become more difficult

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepositioning accuracyVSAvoidsynchronization complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies local quality by allowing different QCL configurations for different TRPs while maintaining a unified association framework. Each TRP can have its own specific QCL parameters optimized for local conditions, but the UE manages these through a standardized association mechanism that simplifies synchronization across multiple TRPs.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Data Source

PatentEP4038810B1Constraints on a source reference signal for quasi-collocation timing reference of a positioning reference signal
Publication Date: 2025.09.24 QUALCOMM INC
  • EP4038810B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4038810B1 patent drawingFigure 2A
  • EP4038810B1 patent drawingFigure 2B

AI summary

Disclosed are techniques related to wireless communications. In an aspect, a network entity determines whether a source reference signal transmitted from a first transmission-reception point (TRP) is a quasi-collocation (QCL) source of a target reference signal transmitted from a second TRP based, at least in part, on a first bandwidth (BW) portion occupied by the source reference signal and a second BW portion occupied by the target reference signal, the first BW portion having a first start frequency and a first BW size and the second BW portion having a second start frequency and a second BW size, and configures a user equipment (UE) with the source reference signal as the QCL source of the target reference signal when it is so determined.