TCI–DMRS Port Mapping for Multi-TRP Beam Configuration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current communication protocols lack a method to determine which DMRS ports correspond to TCI states in scenarios involving simultaneous transmission from multiple transmission/reception points, panels, and/or beams, leading to inefficiencies in signaling flexibility and communication performance.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus for determining transmission configuration indication (TCI) that enhances signaling flexibility and communication performance by configuring TCI states based on DMRS ports, utilizing QCL states, and optimizing channel estimation through statistical characteristics of the transmission environment, with mechanisms for fast configuration and high reliability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If current protocols are used without specific TCI-DMRS port mapping methods, then device complexity is reduced, but signaling flexibility and communication performance deteriorate in multi-TRP scenarios
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the parameter mapping relationship between TCI states and DMRS ports by introducing multiple mapping methods (first mapping method for single-TRP, second mapping method for multi-TRP). This allows the system to adapt the TCI-DMRS port correspondence based on the transmission scenario, improving signaling flexibility without permanently increasing UE complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamic selection of mapping methods based on the number of TRPs and transmission scenarios. The network can dynamically indicate which mapping method to use through DCI or RRC signaling, allowing the system to switch between simple single-TRP operation and complex multi-TRP operation as needed.
2Reliability
If specific TCI-DMRS port mapping methods are implemented for multi-TRP scenarios, then communication performance is improved, but configuration complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the TCI-DMRS port mapping into different methods based on transmission scenarios. The first mapping method handles single-TRP cases with simpler logic, while the second mapping method handles multi-TRP cases. This segmentation allows the system to apply appropriate complexity only when needed, improving communication performance without unnecessarily increasing configuration complexity in all scenarios.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent performs preliminary configuration of multiple TCI states and their corresponding DMRS port mappings before actual transmission. The network pre-configures the mapping relationships through RRC signaling, so that during data transmission, the UE can quickly apply the pre-established mappings without real-time computation, reducing configuration complexity during operation.
3Reliability
If multiple TCI states are configured for multi-TRP transmission, then communication reliability is improved, but signaling overhead increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the TCI state configuration universal by designing a mapping framework that works for both single-TRP and multi-TRP scenarios. The same basic TCI state configuration structure is used, but with different mapping methods applied based on the scenario. This universality allows the system to support multi-TRP transmission with improved reliability without proportionally increasing signaling overhead, as the underlying configuration structure remains efficient.
Data Source
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AI summary
An apparatus and a method of determining a transmission configuration indication (TCI) are provided. A method for determining a transmission configuration indication (TCI) of a user equipment includes receiving a downlink control information (DCI) from a network node, and determining a corresponding TCI state according to an indication of the DCI or an indication of a medium access control (MAC) control element (CE).