SRS Frequency-Hopping Configuration for Lower 5G Signaling Overhead
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing wireless communication systems, particularly in 5G, face challenges in efficiently configuring Sounding Reference Signals (SRS) for accurate positioning and enhanced spectral efficiency, especially in heterogeneous networks with varying cell types and frequency ranges.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of SRS configurations with frequency hops and repetition factors to optimize SRS transmission, allowing for improved positioning accuracy and spectral efficiency in diverse wireless environments.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple SRS resources are configured for frequency hopping, then the UE can perform frequency hopping for SRS transmission, but the number of RRC parameters increases and configuration complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes existing SRS parameters multi-functional by enabling them to serve both single-resource and multi-resource frequency hopping scenarios. Parameters like srs-AntennaPort, srs-ResourceType, and srs-Bandwidth are reused across different resource configurations, allowing the same parameter set to define multiple SRS resources that work together for frequency hopping without requiring entirely new parameter structures.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces specific parameter changes including adding srs-ResourceSet-ID to identify resource sets, srs-Hopping-Offset to define frequency offsets for different resources, and srs-ResourceIndicator for resource selection. These parameter modifications enable the system to distinguish between single-resource and multi-resource configurations while maintaining backward compatibility with existing SRS frameworks.
2Measurement precision
If multiple SRS resources are configured for frequency hopping, then frequency selectivity is improved, but overhead increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the SRS configuration into a hierarchical structure with SRS resource sets containing multiple SRS resources. Each resource within a set shares common parameters (like antenna ports, bandwidth, and cyclic shift) while having unique identifiers and frequency offset values. This segmentation allows the system to achieve frequency selectivity through multiple resources without duplicating entire parameter sets, thereby reducing overhead.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges multiple SRS resources into unified resource sets that share common configuration parameters. By combining resources with identical or similar parameters into single configurable groups, the system reduces the total number of parameters that need to be transmitted and stored. The resource set concept allows multiple frequency-hopping resources to be managed through a single configuration block rather than individual configurations for each resource.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple PUCCH resources are configured for different SRS resources, then the system can handle multiple resources, but the complexity of indicating which resource to use increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces the SRS resource set as an intermediary structure that bridges SRS resources and PUCCH resources. Instead of directly mapping individual SRS resources to PUCCH resources (which would create complex many-to-many relationships), the resource set acts as a mediator that groups related SRS resources and associates them with a single PUCCH resource. This intermediary structure simplifies the indication mechanism while maintaining the ability to handle multiple resources.
Data Source
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AI summary
In an aspect, a UE receives an SRS configuration that indicates, for at least one frequency hop, an allocation of less than all subcarriers of a sounding bandwidth to SRS per OFDM symbol in a respective frequency hop. The UE transmits, to a BS in a first frequency hop, OFDM symbols with SRS across all subcarriers of a first sounding bandwidth associated with the first frequency hop. In another aspect, the UE receives an SRS configuration that indicates, for frequency hops associated with the same comb-type, a sequence of resource element offsets that is based on a number of OFDM symbols used in the respective frequency hop. The UE transmits OFDM symbols with SRS in accordance with the sequence of resource element offsets indicated by the SRS configuration for the respective frequency hop.