Sounding Reference Signal Transmission via Antenna Group Segmentation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current wireless communication systems, such as LTE, face challenges in efficiently performing channel sounding using multiple antennas, particularly in LTE-Advanced systems where simultaneous transmission to multiple antennas with multiple RF power amplifier chains is required, leading to issues like antenna gain imbalance and limited transmission power.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus for a User Equipment (UE) to transmit a Sounding Reference Signal (SRS) using a plurality of antennas, where specific information is acquired to distinguish between active and inactive antenna groups, and the SRS is transmitted through inactive antennas when a preset condition is met, allowing for efficient channel sounding.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If SRS is transmitted through multiple antennas simultaneously, then channel sounding capability is improved, but antenna gain imbalance and power limitations occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the multiple antennas into two separate groups: a first antenna group for transmitting data and a second antenna group for transmitting SRS. This segmentation allows independent optimization of each group's function, enabling the second group to perform channel sounding without being constrained by the power and gain limitations of the first group, thus resolving the contradiction between channel sounding capability and antenna gain imbalance
Solution Approach 2:
The patent enables the second antenna group to serve multiple purposes: it can transmit SRS for channel sounding, and can be switched to transmit data when needed. This multi-functionality allows the system to achieve both reliable channel sounding and flexible data transmission without compromising antenna gain balance, as each antenna group is dedicated to its primary function
2Measurement precision
If SRS is transmitted through multiple antennas simultaneously, then channel sounding capability is improved, but transmission power is limited
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the antenna system into two independent groups, the patent allows the second antenna group to allocate its full transmission power to SRS signals without being constrained by the power requirements of the first antenna group for data transmission. This segmentation resolves the power limitation issue while maintaining improved channel sounding capability
3Productivity
If antennas are switched between active and inactive states, then channel sounding efficiency is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent simplifies the switching control by permanently designating the second antenna group for SRS transmission, eliminating the need for dynamic switching between active and inactive states. This segmentation approach maintains high channel sounding efficiency while reducing device complexity compared to dynamic antenna switching schemes
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to a wireless communication system. More particularly, the present invention relates to a method and to an apparatus for transmitting an SRS in a multi-antenna system. The method comprises the steps of: acquiring specific information for discriminating a first antenna group and a second antenna group from among a plurality of antennas, wherein said first antenna group includes one or more antennas which are set to a turned-on state to perform communication with a base station, and said second antenna group includes one or more other antennas which are set to a turned-off state; transmitting an SRS to the base station if a predetermined condition is satisfied, under the condition that the second antenna group is set to the turned-off state; and setting the second antenna group to a turned-off state after the transmission of the SRS.