Terminal Reference Signal Sharing for LTE-NR Overhead Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current dynamic spectrum sharing (DSS) technologies increase overhead in wireless communication systems due to the need for separate signals for LTE and NR terminals, leading to resource inefficiency when multiple Radio Access Technologies (RATs) coexist in a single carrier.
Innovation Solution
A terminal is designed to receive a reference signal from one RAT and decode data from another RAT using that reference signal, reducing the need for redundant reference signals and improving channel estimation accuracy.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If separate reference signals are transmitted for LTE and NR terminals in DSS, then each RAT can independently decode data, but the overhead in the entire system is increased
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the reference signal transmission for LTE and NR by allowing an NR terminal to use the LTE reference signal (CRS) for decoding NR data. This combining approach eliminates the need for separate NR-specific reference signals in certain scenarios, thereby reducing overall system overhead while maintaining decoding capability for both RATs
Solution Approach 2:
The LTE reference signal (CRS) is made universal by enabling it to serve dual purposes: traditional LTE data decoding and NR data decoding in DSS mode. This multi-functionality allows a single reference signal to support multiple RATs, reducing the quantity of reference signals needed in the system
2Productivity
If multiple RATs coexist in a single carrier, then spectrum utilization is improved, but the number of signals to be transmitted increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies universality by designing the reference signal structure to serve multiple RATs simultaneously. The LTE CRS is configured to be usable by both LTE and NR terminals, reducing the total number of distinct signals needed while maintaining coexistence of multiple RATs in the same carrier
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts the essential function of reference signals (channel estimation and data decoding) and implements it through a shared LTE reference signal mechanism. By taking out the need for separate NR reference signals in certain cases and replacing them with the LTE CRS, the system reduces signal complexity while maintaining multi-RAT functionality
Data Source
AI summary
A terminal includes a reception unit configured to receive a reference signal of a first RAT (Radio Access Technology); and a control unit configured to decode data of a second RAT using the reference signal.