Sparse Pilot Signal Configuration for Grant-Free Access
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing wireless communication systems face limitations in supporting a high number of users for grant-free access due to the limited number of reference signals, which leads to resource overhead and increased detection complexity, and collisions in contention-based scenarios, restricting the capacity for ultra-low power, low-latency, and reliable communications.
Innovation Solution
The proposed solution involves generating a pilot signal with a predetermined pool of reference signal ports that are extremely sparse, allowing each reference signal to occupy minimal resources, enabling a larger number of reference signals to be supported within a given overhead, and using advanced channel estimation techniques based on data characteristics to reduce reliance on traditional reference signals for channel estimation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a traditional reference signal is used for active user identification and channel estimation in grant-free access, then the reference signal can perform both functions, but the reference signal occupies a large amount of resources and the number of supported reference signals is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the reference signal functionality into two separate components: a first reference signal for active user identification and a second reference signal for channel estimation. This segmentation allows each reference signal to be optimized independently, reducing the total resource occupation while maintaining both functions
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts the channel estimation function from the traditional reference signal and implements it separately using data symbols with advanced channel estimation techniques. This extraction reduces the resource burden on reference signals while preserving the channel estimation capability
2Productivity
If the number of reference signals is increased to support more users in grant-free access, then the system capacity increases, but the resource overhead increases and detection complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting reference signal functions and using different reference signal types for different purposes, the patent reduces the total number of reference signals needed while supporting more users, thereby reducing detection complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses data symbols as copies of channel information carriers, replacing traditional reference signals for channel estimation. This allows more users to be supported without proportionally increasing reference signal overhead or detection complexity
3Measurement precision
If a traditional reference signal is spread over the entire transmission bandwidth and time period for channel estimation, then accurate channel estimation can be achieved, but the reference signal overhead becomes excessive
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the channel estimation function from the reference signal and implements it using data symbols with advanced estimation techniques, significantly reducing reference signal overhead while maintaining estimation accuracy
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the parameters of channel estimation by using different signal types (data symbols instead of traditional reference signals) and advanced estimation algorithms, achieving accurate estimation with reduced overhead
Data Source
AI summary
Methods, apparatus and systems for reference signal configuration in a wireless communication are disclosed. In one embodiment, a method performed by a wireless communication device is disclosed. The method comprises: generating a pilot signal occupying N symbol resources, wherein the pilot signal includes at least one most sparse reference signal (RS) port that is determined from a predetermined pool of most sparse RS ports, wherein the predetermined pool includes at least N most sparse RS ports, wherein N is an integer larger than one; and transmitting a signal comprising the pilot signal to a wireless communication node.