Sounding Reference Signal Bandwidth Configuration for 5G UEs
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing 5G communication systems face challenges in designing a new SRS bandwidth that can support UE-specific capabilities, as they are limited by cell-specific configurations and lack sufficient granularity for wideband and narrow-band SRS transmissions, particularly when UE capabilities differ from system bandwidths.
Innovation Solution
A method is introduced to allocate and transmit SRS resources in a UE-specific manner, considering a bandwidth part, where the UE receives parameters for identifying its own SRS bandwidth and frequency position, allowing for extended SRS bandwidth up to 272 RB, and adjusting frequency positions using offset values or start/end positions based on system bandwidth, enabling flexible SRS transmission.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If cell-specific SRS bandwidth configuration is used, then system-wide consistency is maintained, but UE-specific capabilities cannot be adequately supported
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the SRS bandwidth configuration into cell-specific parameters (system-wide) and UE-specific parameters (individual user equipment). This segmentation allows the system to maintain overall consistency while accommodating individual UE capabilities through separate parameter sets for bandwidth, frequency position, and hopping patterns.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces dynamic SRS bandwidth configuration where the SRS bandwidth can be adjusted based on UE capabilities and channel conditions. The configuration allows switching between different bandwidth sizes (e.g., 4, 8, 12, 16 resource blocks) and enables frequency hopping patterns that adapt to varying channel characteristics, making the system dynamic rather than static.
2Measurement precision
If extended SRS bandwidth is allocated, then whole-band channel estimation is enabled, but signaling overhead increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent utilizes parameter changes to efficiently configure extended SRS bandwidth. By modifying key parameters such as bandwidth size, frequency position, and hopping patterns based on UE capabilities and channel conditions, the system can achieve whole-band channel estimation without requiring excessive signaling. The parameters are optimized to balance measurement precision with signaling efficiency.
3Adaptability or versatility
If UE-specific SRS parameters are configured, then transmission flexibility is improved, but configuration complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a universal SRS configuration framework that can serve multiple purposes. The same parameter set structure and configuration mechanisms are used for both cell-specific and UE-specific configurations, as well as for different bandwidth sizes and frequency hopping patterns. This multi-functionality reduces overall system complexity while maintaining transmission flexibility.
Data Source
AI summary
A communication method and a system for converging a fifth generation (5G) communication system for supporting higher data rates beyond a fourth generation (4G) system with an internet of things (IoT) technology are provided, which may be applied to intelligent services based on the 5G communication technology and the IoT-related technology, such as smart home, smart building, smart city, smart car, connected car, health care, digital education, smart retail, security and safety services. A method and an apparatus for transmitting a reference signal are provided. The method includes receiving, from a base station, a first parameter and a second parameter associated with a sound reference signal (SRS) by higher layer signaling, identifying a bandwidth for the SRS based on the first parameter and the second parameter, and transmitting, to the base station, the SRS based on the identified bandwidth for the SRS.