Uplink Multi-Beam Signaling for 5G Channel State Reporting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing wireless communication systems, particularly in 5G networks, face challenges in efficiently reporting channel state information for multi-beam operation due to limitations in antenna array geometry and the number of antenna elements, leading to suboptimal performance in channel quality reporting and beam indication for user equipment with multiple panels.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of methods and apparatuses for uplink multi-beam operation, where user equipment (UE) and base stations (BS) use aperiodic reference signals (RS) triggers and beam indications to determine and apply transmit spatial filters for signals on physical uplink shared channels, enabling effective beam management and channel state information reporting.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If existing channel quality reporting processes are used, then the reporting mechanism is simple, but it does not sufficiently accommodate reporting of channel state information associated with large, two-dimensional array transmit antennas
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the channel state information reporting by introducing separate reporting mechanisms for different antenna panels. Each panel's channel quality is reported independently through dedicated reference signals and reporting processes, allowing the system to handle large two-dimensional antenna arrays by dividing them into manageable panel units with independent reporting chains.
2Reliability
If the number of antenna elements is increased to improve coverage and capacity, then the system performance improves, but the existing reporting processes become insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a panel dimension to the antenna array structure, transforming the traditional two-dimensional array into a three-dimensional configuration with multiple panels. Each panel is equipped with its own reference signals and reporting mechanisms, enabling the system to scale to larger antenna configurations while maintaining adequate reporting capability through spatial distribution of reporting resources.
3Productivity
If multi-beam operation is implemented for user equipment with multiple panels, then beam management performance improves, but signaling overhead increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a universal reference signal structure that serves multiple functions: it enables beam management for multi-panel UEs, supports channel quality reporting, and provides spatial relation information for uplink transmissions. This multi-functional approach reduces signaling overhead by eliminating the need for separate dedicated signals for each function, as the same reference signal infrastructure supports multiple operational modes.
Data Source
AI summary
Methods and apparatuses for uplink multi-beam operation. A method for operating a user equipment (UE) includes receiving, from a base station, an aperiodic reference signal (RS) trigger and, at a later time instant, an uplink (UL) beam indication. The method further includes decoding the aperiodic RS trigger and decoding the UL beam indication. The method includes determining, from the UL beam indication, a transmit spatial filter applied to a signal to be transmitted on a physical uplink shared channel (PUSCH) or a physical uplink control channel (PUCCH) and transmitting, to the base station, the signal on the PUSCH or the PUCCH. The transmit spatial filter corresponds to a reference RS. The UL beam indication includes a state of a transmit configuration associated with the reference RS.