UE-Specific Beam Management via Segmented Reference Signals
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Solution Overview
Problem
High-frequency wireless communication systems face challenges in managing beamforming for extended range and adaptability due to high free-space path loss, requiring efficient beam scanning and tracking methods to optimize analog beams for directional data transmission.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of UE-specific beam management in wireless networks, where subframes include reference signals for beam-scanning, TX beam-tracking, and RX beam-tracking, allowing for evaluation and updating of analog beams to improve signal quality and adapt to changing conditions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Length of moving object
If beamforming is performed at both transmitter and receiver to compensate for high free-space path loss, then the range of high frequency wireless signals is extended, but the complexity of beam scanning and tracking operations increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the beam management process into distinct phases: initial beam scanning to establish a preliminary beam pair, followed by lighter beam tracking operations. The reference signal structure is segmented into multiple subsections (beam-scanning, TX beam-tracking, RX beam-tracking, CSI) that serve different purposes at different stages, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining extended range capability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamic beam management where the system transitions from static beam scanning during initial link establishment to dynamic beam tracking during ongoing communication. The beamforming parameters are periodically adjusted based on changing air interface conditions, allowing the system to adapt to mobility and environmental changes while maintaining connection quality over extended ranges
2Measurement precision
If multiple reference signal subsections are included in PDSCH region for comprehensive beam management, then beam resolution and adaptability are improved, but the overhead of reference signals increases
Solution Approach 1:
The reference signal is segmented into multiple functional subsections within the PDSCH region: beam-scanning subsection for evaluating TX-RX beam combinations, TX beam-tracking subsection for updating transmit beams, RX beam-tracking subsection for updating receive beams, and CSI subsection for channel state information. This segmentation allows each subsection to serve a specific purpose with optimized resource allocation, achieving high beam resolution without excessive overall overhead
Solution Approach 2:
Different subsections of the reference signal are allocated with different resource characteristics based on their specific functions. The beam-scanning subsection uses resources optimized for comprehensive beam evaluation, while tracking subsections use resources optimized for maintaining beam alignment. This local optimization of resource quality matches the specific measurement requirements of each beam management task
3Adaptability or versatility
If beam scanning is performed periodically to adjust beamforming parameters for changing air interface conditions, then adaptability to mobility and environment is improved, but the time consumed for beam scanning operations increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic beam management where the system transitions from static beam scanning during initial link establishment to dynamic beam tracking during ongoing communication. The beamforming parameters are periodically adjusted based on changing air interface conditions, allowing the system to adapt to mobility and environmental changes while maintaining connection quality
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs periodic beam scanning and tracking operations to maintain beamforming accuracy over time. Reference signals are transmitted at periodic intervals to enable the system to detect and respond to changes in the air interface conditions, such as user mobility or environmental variations, ensuring continuous adaptability without requiring continuous scanning
Data Source
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AI summary
A physical downlink shared channel (PDSCH) region of a subframe may include a reference signal (RS) section that includes one or more of a beam-scanning subsection, a transmit (TX) beam-tracking subsection, a receive (RX) beam-tracking subsection, and a channel state information (CSI) subsection. Reference signals in the TX beam-tracking subsection may be used to update TX analog beams. Reference signals in the RX beam-tracking subsection may be used to update RX analog beams. Reference signals in the beam-scanning subsection may be used to evaluate different combinations of TX and RX analog beams for use in a future directional data transmission. Reference signals in the CSI subsection may be transmitted over quasi-co-located (QCL) antenna ports, and may be used for purposes of channel estimation.