Wideband Reference Signal Frequency Tracking

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing wireless communication systems face challenges in managing and optimizing finite wireless channel resources due to signal attenuation and blocking in complex and dynamic environments, which undermines established channel measuring and reporting mechanisms.

Innovation Solution

The implementation of a method and processing system for user equipment (UE) that monitors for wideband reference signals (RS) from a network entity when specific conditions are met, allowing for frequency tracking and timing tracking, thereby reducing the need for frequent tracking reference signal (TRS) transmissions.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If tracking reference signals (TRS) are transmitted frequently to maintain frequency and timing tracking, then tracking accuracy is improved, but signaling overhead and resource consumption increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefrequency and timing tracking accuracyVSAvoidTRS overhead

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The patent makes wideband RS serve multiple functions: it is used for both channel measurement and frequency/timing tracking, eliminating the need for separate dedicated tracking reference signals. This multi-functional approach reduces overall reference signal overhead while maintaining tracking accuracy through the wideband nature of the RS that provides sufficient frequency resolution.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent combines the tracking function with existing wideband reference signals rather than using separate TRS resources. By merging tracking capabilities into the wideband RS framework, the system achieves frequency and timing tracking without additional signaling overhead beyond what is already required for channel measurement.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

2Quantity of substance

If wideband reference signals are used for frequency and timing tracking, then TRS overhead is reduced, but the complexity of signal monitoring and condition evaluation increases

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveTRS overheadVSAvoidmonitoring and condition evaluation complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Quantity of substanceVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements dynamic condition-based activation where the UE monitors wideband RS for tracking purposes only when specific conditions are met (e.g., when TRS is not available or configured). This dynamic approach allows the system to adapt to different operational scenarios, reducing complexity by enabling tracking functionality only when necessary rather than continuously.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The UE autonomously evaluates conditions and decides when to use wideband RS for tracking based on configured criteria, without requiring continuous network control signaling. This self-service mechanism reduces the complexity of network-UE coordination while maintaining proper tracking functionality.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Data Source

PatentUS12302140B2Frequency tracking and timing tracking using wideband reference signal(s)

Publication Date: 2025.05.13 QUALCOMM INC

AI summary

Certain aspects of the present disclosure provide techniques for frequency tracking and timing tracking using wideband reference signals (RSs). A method that may be performed by a user equipment (UE) includes monitoring for a wideband RS from a network entity when one or more conditions are met, the wideband RS occupying a wider band of frequency resources than a tracking reference signal (TRS) transmitted by the network entity; and performing at least one of frequency tracking or timing tracking based on the monitoring.