User Terminal Demodulation Reference Signal Expansion for 16 Antenna Ports
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Solution Overview
Problem
Future radio communication systems, such as 5G, require support for 16 antenna ports to achieve ultra-high speed and large capacity, but existing methods do not adequately address the expansion from 8 ports to 16 ports.
Innovation Solution
A user terminal is designed with a reception section to receive downlink signals containing demodulation reference signals and a control section that applies an expansion pattern to the basic pattern of resource elements, allowing for the mapping of demodulation reference signals from 8 layers to 16 layers, enabling efficient transmission and reception using 16 antenna ports.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If the number of antenna ports is expanded from 8 to 16, then the data rate and capacity are improved, but the complexity of reference signal configuration and resource element mapping increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the reference signal configuration into a basic pattern for 8 layers and expansion patterns for additional layers. The basic pattern defines resource elements for the first 8 antenna ports, while expansion patterns define additional resource elements for ports 9-16. This segmentation allows the system to maintain a simple basic configuration while enabling complex 16-port operations through modular additions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extends the reference signal configuration from two dimensions (8 antenna ports) to four dimensions (16 antenna ports) by introducing expansion in both frequency and time domains. The expansion patterns add resource elements in the frequency domain for ports 9-16 while maintaining compatibility with the basic time-domain structure, effectively doubling the antenna port capacity without fundamentally redesigning the entire signal configuration system.
2Quantity of substance
If the number of antenna ports is expanded to 16, then the system capacity is improved, but the resource element mapping complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary action by pre-defining the basic pattern for 8 layers with specific resource element mappings established in advance. The expansion patterns for additional layers are also pre-configured with predetermined resource element assignments. This preliminary configuration allows the system to handle 16 ports by simply activating the appropriate expansion pattern rather than performing complex real-time mapping calculations, thereby reducing operational complexity while maintaining high system capacity.
3Adaptability or versatility
If existing LTE methods are used, then compatibility is maintained, but the capability to support 16 antenna ports is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a universal reference signal configuration system that can function with both 8 and 16 antenna ports using the same basic framework. The basic pattern serves as a universal foundation that works for 8 ports, while expansion patterns provide additional functionality for 16 ports. This multi-functional design allows the system to adapt to different antenna configurations without requiring separate systems, maintaining backward compatibility while enabling future 16-port capabilities.
Data Source
AI summary
A user terminal includes: a reception section that receives a downlink signal including a demodulation reference signal; a signal separation section that separates the demodulation reference signal from the downlink signal based on an expansion pattern obtained by applying a set expansion method to expand a basic pattern; and a channel estimation section that uses the demodulation reference signal to compute a channel estimation value. The basic pattern indicates resource elements to which a demodulation reference signal of 8 layers is mapped, and the expansion pattern indicates resource elements to which a demodulation reference signal of 16 layers is mapped.