阅读说明：本技术 装置，方法和计算机程序 (Apparatus, method and computer program ) 是由 S·E·哈伊里 R·阿赫麦德·萨勒姆 F·托萨托 M·玛索 于 2019-05-07 设计创作，主要内容包括：提供了一种装置,所述装置包括用于以下操作的部件：从网络接收多输入多输出信号,针对多输入多输出信号的每个层确定频域基子集；从频域基子集中确定对每个层公共的频域分量的数目M-(C),从频域基子集中确定层特定的频域分量的数目,以及在上行链路控制信息中向网络提供对每个层公共的频域分量和层特定的频域分量的指示。(There is provided an apparatus comprising means for: receiving a multiple-input multiple-output signal from a network, determining a frequency domain basis set for each layer of the multiple-input multiple-output signal; determining the number M of frequency domain components common to each layer from a set of frequency domain bases C The number of layer-specific frequency domain components is determined from the set of frequency domain bases, and an indication of the frequency domain components common to each layer and the layer-specific frequency domain components is provided to the network in the uplink control information.)

1. An apparatus comprising means for:

receiving a multiple-input multiple-output signal from a network;

determining a frequency domain basis set for each layer of the multiple-input multiple-output signal;

determining the number M of frequency domain components common to each layer from the set of frequency domain bases_C；

Determining a number of layer-specific frequency domain components from the set of frequency domain bases; and

providing an indication of the frequency domain components common to each layer and the layer-specific frequency domain components to the network.

2. The apparatus of claim 1, comprising means for providing the indication in uplink control information.

3. The apparatus of claim 1 or claim 2, comprising means for:

the frequency domain basis sets are determined independently for each layer, commonly or in a partially common manner.

4. The apparatus of any of claims 1 to 3, comprising means for determining M_CSuch that the maximum number of non-zero coefficients is centered at said M_CComponents in frequency domain components.

5. The apparatus of any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein M is_CIs determined based on a predetermined number of layers.

6. The apparatus of claim 5, wherein the predetermined number of layers is the first two of the layers or any combination of the layers.

7. The device according to any one of claims 1 to 6, comprising means for:

determining non-zero coefficients that are commonly mapped to each layer; and

providing an indication of the non-zero coefficients to the network.

8. The device according to any one of claims 1 to 7, comprising means for:

determining non-zero coefficients that are independently mapped per layer; and

providing an indication of the non-zero coefficients to the network.

9. The apparatus according to claim 7 or 8, comprising means for providing the indication of the non-zero coefficients in uplink control information.

10. The apparatus according to any of claims 1 to 9, wherein the signal is a channel state information reference signal.

11. A method, comprising:

receiving a multiple-input multiple-output signal from a network;

determining a frequency domain basis set for each layer of the multiple-input multiple-output signal;

determining the number M of frequency domain components common to each layer from the set of frequency domain bases_C；

Determining a number of layer-specific frequency domain components from the set of frequency domain bases; and

providing an indication of the frequency domain components common to each layer and the layer-specific frequency domain components to the network.

12. An apparatus, comprising: at least one processor and at least one memory including computer program code, the at least one memory and the computer program code configured to, with the at least one processor, cause the apparatus at least to:

receiving a multiple-input multiple-output signal from a network;

determining a frequency domain basis set for each layer of the multiple-input multiple-output signal;

determining the number M of frequency domain components common to each layer from the set of frequency domain bases_C；

Determining a number of layer-specific frequency domain components from the set of frequency domain bases; and

providing an indication of the frequency domain components common to each layer and the layer-specific frequency domain components to the network.

13. A computer-readable medium comprising program instructions for causing an apparatus to perform at least the following:

receiving a multiple-input multiple-output signal from a network;

determining a frequency domain basis set for each layer of the multiple-input multiple-output signal;

determining the number M of frequency domain components common to each layer from the set of frequency domain bases_C；

Determining a number of layer-specific frequency domain components from the set of frequency domain bases; and

providing an indication of the frequency domain components common to each layer and the layer-specific frequency domain components to the network.

Technical Field

The present application relates to a method, apparatus, system and computer program and in particular, but not exclusively, to Uplink Control Information (UCI) design for high rank Channel State Information (CSI) feedback.

Background

A communication system can be seen as a facility that enables communication sessions between two or more entities, such as user terminals, base stations and/or other nodes, by providing carriers between the various entities involved in a communication path. A communication system may be provided, for example, by means of a communication network and one or more compatible communication devices (also referred to as stations or user equipment) and/or application servers. The communication session may include, for example, data communications for carrying communications such as: such as, for example, voice, video, electronic mail (email), text messages, multimedia, content data, Time Sensitive Network (TSN) streams and/or data in industrial applications, such as critical system messages between actuators and controllers, critical sensor data towards the control system (such as measurements, video feeds, etc.), and so forth. Non-limiting examples of services provided include two-way or multi-way calls, data communication or multimedia services and access to data network systems such as the internet.

In a wireless communication system, at least a part of a communication session, e.g. between at least two stations or between at least one station and at least one application server (e.g. for video), takes place over a wireless link. Examples of wireless systems include Public Land Mobile Networks (PLMNs), new radios, satellite-based communication systems, and different wireless local area networks, e.g., Wireless Local Area Networks (WLANs), operating based on 3GPP radio standards such as E-UTRA. Wireless systems can generally be divided into cells and are therefore commonly referred to as cellular systems.

A user may access the communication system by means of a suitable communication device or terminal. The user's communication device may be referred to as a User Equipment (UE) or user equipment. The communication device is provided with suitable signal receiving and transmitting means for enabling communication, for example for enabling access to a communication network or for direct communication with other users. A communication device may access one or more carriers provided by a network (e.g., a base station of a cell) and transmit and/or receive communications on the one or more carriers.

A communication system and associated devices typically operate in accordance with a given standard or specification which sets out what the various entities associated with the system are permitted to do and how that should be achieved. Communication protocols and/or parameters that should be used for the connection are also typically defined. An example of a communication system is UTRAN (3G radio). Other examples of communication systems are the Long Term Evolution (LTE) of the Universal Mobile Telecommunications System (UMTS) based on the E-UTRAN radio access technology, and the so-called 5G system (5GS) comprising a 5G or Next Generation Core (NGC) and a 5G access network based on a New Radio (NR) radio access technology. The 5GS including NR is being standardized by the third generation partnership project (3 GPP).

Disclosure of Invention

In a first aspect, there is provided an apparatus comprising: for receiving a multiple-input multiple-output signal from a network; determining a frequency domain basis set for each layer of the multiple-input multiple-output signal; determining the number M of frequency domain components common to each layer from a set of frequency domain bases_C(ii) a Determining a number of layer-specific frequency domain components from the set of frequency domain bases; and means for providing an indication to the network of the frequency domain components common to each layer and the layer-specific frequency domain components.

The apparatus may include means for providing an indication in uplink control information.

The apparatus may comprise means for determining the frequency domain basis sets independently, commonly or in a partially common manner for each layer.

The apparatus may comprise means for determining M_CSuch that the maximum number of non-zero coefficients is centered at M_CComponents in frequency domain components.

M_CMay be determined based on a predetermined number of layers.

The predetermined number of layers may be the first two of the layers or any combination of the layers.

The apparatus may include means for determining a non-zero coefficient that is commonly mapped to each layer and providing an indication of the non-zero coefficient to the network.

The apparatus may include means for determining non-zero coefficients that are independently mapped per layer; and means for providing an indication of the non-zero coefficients to the network.

The apparatus may include means for providing an indication of a non-zero coefficient in uplink control information.

The signal may be a channel state information reference signal.

In a second aspect, there is provided a method comprising: receiving a multiple-input multiple-output signal from a network; determining a frequency domain basis set for each layer of the multiple-input multiple-output signal; determining the number M of frequency domain components common to each layer from a set of frequency domain bases_C(ii) a Determining a number of layer-specific frequency domain components from the set of frequency domain bases; and providing an indication to the network of the frequency domain components common to each layer and the layer-specific frequency domain components.

The method may include providing an indication in the uplink control information.

The method may comprise determining the frequency domain basis sets independently for each layer, commonly or in a partially common manner.

The method may include determining M_CSuch that the maximum number of non-zero coefficients is centered at M_COne frequency domain component.

M_CMay be determined based on a predetermined number of layers.

The predetermined number of layers may be the first two of the layers or any combination of the layers.

The method may include determining a non-zero coefficient that is commonly mapped to each layer and providing an indication of the non-zero coefficient to the network.

The method may include determining non-zero coefficients that are independently mapped by layer; and providing an indication of the non-zero coefficients to the network.

The method may comprise providing an indication of the non-zero coefficients in the uplink control information.

The signal may be a channel state information reference signal.

In a third aspect, an apparatus is provided that includes at least one processor and an inclusion meterAt least one memory including computer program code, the at least one memory and the computer program code configured to, with the at least one processor, cause the apparatus at least to receive a multiple-input multiple-output signal from a network; determining a frequency domain basis set for each layer of the multiple-input multiple-output signal; determining the number M of frequency domain components common to each layer from a set of frequency domain bases_C(ii) a Determining a number of layer-specific frequency domain components from the set of frequency domain bases; and providing an indication to the network of the frequency domain components common to each layer and the layer-specific frequency domain components.

The apparatus may be configured to provide the indication in uplink control information.

The apparatus may be configured to determine the frequency domain basis sets independently for each layer, commonly or in a partially common manner.

The apparatus may be configured to determine M_CSuch that the maximum number of non-zero coefficients is centered at M_COne frequency domain component.

M_CMay be determined based on a predetermined number of layers.

The predetermined number of layers may be the first two of the layers or any combination of the layers.

The apparatus may be configured to determine a non-zero coefficient that is commonly mapped to each layer and provide an indication of the non-zero coefficient to the network.

The apparatus may be configured to determine non-zero coefficients that are independently mapped per layer; and providing an indication of the non-zero coefficients to the network.

The apparatus may be configured to provide an indication of the non-zero coefficients in the uplink control information.

The signal may be a channel state information reference signal.

In a fourth aspect, a computer-readable medium is provided that includes program instructions for causing an apparatus to at least: receiving a multiple-input multiple-output signal from a network; determining a frequency domain basis set for each layer of the multiple-input multiple-output signal; determining the number M of frequency domain components common to each layer from a set of frequency domain bases_C(ii) a Determining a number of layer-specific frequency domain components from the set of frequency domain bases; and providing to the networkIndications of frequency domain components common to each layer and layer-specific frequency domain components.

The apparatus may be caused to perform providing an indication in uplink control information.

The apparatus may be caused to perform determining the frequency domain basis sets independently, commonly or in a partially common manner for each layer.

The apparatus may be caused to perform the determining M_CSuch that the maximum number of non-zero coefficients is centered at M_COne frequency domain component.

M_CMay be determined based on a predetermined number of layers.

The predetermined number of layers may be the first two of the layers or any combination of the layers.

The apparatus may be caused to perform determining a non-zero coefficient that is commonly mapped to each layer and providing an indication of the non-zero coefficient to the network.

The apparatus may be caused to perform determining non-zero coefficients that are mapped independently by layer; and providing an indication of the non-zero coefficients to the network.

The apparatus may be caused to perform providing an indication of a non-zero coefficient in uplink control information.

The signal may be a channel state information reference signal.

In a fifth aspect, a non-transitory computer readable medium is provided, comprising program instructions for causing an apparatus to perform at least a method according to the second aspect.

In the above statements, many different embodiments have been described. It is to be understood that further embodiments may be provided by a combination of any two or more of the above embodiments.

Drawings

Embodiments will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

fig. 1 shows a schematic diagram of an example communication system comprising a base station and a plurality of communication devices;

FIG. 2 shows a schematic diagram of an example mobile communication device;

FIG. 3 shows a schematic diagram of an example control apparatus;

fig. 4 shows a schematic diagram of FD compressed non-zero coefficient (NZC) mapping for type II CSI feedback;

FIG. 5 shows a flow diagram of a method according to an example embodiment;

fig. 6 shows a schematic diagram of NZC mapping and FD component selection according to an example embodiment;

fig. 7 shows a schematic diagram of a procedure at a UE and a gNB according to an example embodiment;

fig. 8 shows a schematic diagram of a procedure at a UE and a gNB, according to an example embodiment;

fig. 9 shows a schematic diagram of a procedure at a UE and a gNB according to an example embodiment.

Detailed Description

Before explaining examples in detail, certain general principles of wireless communication systems and mobile communication devices are briefly explained with reference to fig. 1-3 to assist in understanding the underlying technology underlying the described examples.

In a wireless communication system 100, such as shown in fig. 1, mobile communication devices or User Equipment (UEs) 102, 104, 105 are provided with wireless access via at least one base station (e.g., next generation NB, gNB) or similar wireless transmitting and/or receiving node or point. The base station may be controlled or assisted by at least one suitable controller means to enable its operation and to manage the mobile communication devices communicating with the base station. The controller device may be located in a radio access network (e.g. the wireless communication system 100) or a Core Network (CN) (not shown) and may be implemented as one central device, or its functionality may be distributed over several devices. The controller means may be part of the base station and/or provided by a separate entity such as a radio network controller. In fig. 1, the control means 108 and 109 are shown as controlling the respective macro-level base stations 106 and 107. The control means of the base station may be interconnected with other control entities. The control device is typically provided with memory capacity and at least one data processor. The control means and functions may be distributed between a plurality of control units. In some systems, the control means may additionally or alternatively be provided in the radio network controller.

In fig. 1, base stations 106 and 107 are shown connected to a wider communications network 113 via a gateway 112. Another gateway function may be provided to connect to another network.

Smaller base stations 116, 118, and 120 may also be connected to the network 113 (e.g., through separate gateway functions and/or via a controller of the macro-level station). The base stations 116, 118, and 120 may be pico base stations or femto base stations, etc. In this example, stations 116 and 118 are connected via gateway 111, while station 120 is connected via controller device 108. In some embodiments, smaller stations may not be provided. The smaller base stations 116, 118, and 120 may be part of a second network, such as a WLAN and may be WLAN APs.

The communication devices 102, 104, 105 may access the communication system based on various access technologies, such as Code Division Multiple Access (CDMA) or wideband CDMA (wcdma). Other non-limiting examples include Time Division Multiple Access (TDMA), Frequency Division Multiple Access (FDMA), and various schemes thereof, such as Interleaved Frequency Division Multiple Access (IFDMA), single carrier frequency division multiple access (SC-FDMA), and Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiple Access (OFDMA), Spatial Division Multiple Access (SDMA), and the like.

An example of a wireless communication system is the architecture standardized by the third generation partnership project (3 GPP). One3GPP based development is commonly referred to as Long Term Evolution (LTE) of Universal Mobile Telecommunications System (UMTS) radio access technology. The various development stages of the 3GPP specifications are referred to as releases. More recent developments in LTE are commonly referred to as LTE-advanced (LTE-a). LTE (LTE-a) employs a radio mobile architecture called evolved universal terrestrial radio access network (E-UTRAN) and a core network called Evolved Packet Core (EPC). The base stations of such systems are referred to as evolved or enhanced node bs (enbs) and provide E-UTRAN features to the communication devices, such as user plane packet data convergence/radio link control/medium access control/physical layer protocol (PDCP/RLC/MAC/PHY) and control plane Radio Resource Control (RRC) protocol termination. Other examples of radio access systems include those provided by base stations of technology-based systems, such as Wireless Local Area Network (WLAN) and/or WiMax (worldwide interoperability for microwave access). A base station may provide coverage for an entire cell or similar radio service area. The core network elements include a Mobility Management Entity (MME), a serving gateway (S-GW), and a packet gateway (P-GW).

Examples of suitable communication systems are the 5G or NR concepts. The network architecture in NR may be similar to that of LTE-advanced. The base station of the NR system may be referred to as a next generation node b (gnb). Changes to the network architecture may depend on the need to support various radio technologies and more elaborate QoS support, as well as some on-demand requirements for QoS levels, e.g., QoE for supporting user views. New functions are defined in the 5G system architecture, including Access Management Functions (AMF), Session Management Functions (SMF), User Plane Functions (UPF) and other network functions in the Next Generation Core (NGC). The 5G system supports new capabilities, including network slicing, that can better customize the network to application needs and provide virtual networks for tenants. It also uses a service-based architecture that provides greater flexibility for introducing new services and features than an EPC that relies on a fixed peer reference point. NR may use multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO) antennas, many more base stations or nodes than LTE (the so-called small cell concept), including macro-stations operating in conjunction with smaller stations, and possibly also employing various radio technologies for better coverage and enhanced data rates. MR may also support lower latency for air interface transmissions due to revisions in the physical and MAC layer protocols.

Future networks may utilize Network Function Virtualization (NFV), which is a network architecture concept that proposes the virtualization of network node functions as "building blocks" or entities that may be operatively connected or linked together to provide services. A Virtualized Network Function (VNF) may comprise one or more virtual machines running computer program code using standard or generic type servers instead of custom hardware. Cloud computing or data storage may also be utilized. In radio communication, this may mean that node operations are to be implemented by a Centralized Unit (CU) at least partly in a server, host or node operatively coupled to a Distributed Unit (DU) that may be connected to a Remote Radio Head (RRH). Node operations may also be distributed among multiple servers, nodes, or hosts. It should also be understood that the labor distribution between core network operation and base station operation may be different than that of LTE, or even non-existent.

Example 5G Core Network (CN) includes functional entities. The CN is connected to the UE via a Radio Access Network (RAN). The UPF (user plane function) may be a PSA (PDU session anchor) that provides an anchor for user IP, ethernet or unstructured user data sessions. The UPF may be responsible for forwarding frames back and forth between the DN (data network) and the gNB to the UE(s) that want to exchange traffic with the DN through a tunnel established over the transport network.

The UPF is controlled by an SMF (session management function) that receives policies from a PCF (policy control function). The CN may also include an AMF (access and mobility function) that terminates the control plane interface with the RAN and manages UE registration and mobility.

A possible mobile communication device will now be described in more detail with reference to fig. 2, which fig. 2 shows a schematic partial cross-sectional view of a communication device 200. Such communication devices are commonly referred to as User Equipment (UE) or terminals. Suitable mobile communication devices may be provided by any device capable of sending and receiving radio signals. Non-limiting examples include a Mobile Station (MS) or mobile device such as a mobile phone or what is referred to as a "smart phone," a computer provided with a wireless interface card or other wireless interface device (e.g., a USB dongle), a Personal Data Assistant (PDA) or tablet computer provided with wireless communication capabilities, or any combination of these, and so forth. Mobile communication devices may provide for communication of data, e.g., for carrying communications such as voice, electronic mail (email), text messages, multimedia, etc. Thus, users may be offered or provided with a variety of services via their communication devices. Non-limiting examples of these services include two-way or multi-way calling, data communication or multimedia services, or simply access to a data communication network system such as the internet. The user may also be provided with broadcast or multicast data. Non-limiting examples of content include downloads, television and radio programs, videos, advertisements, various alerts, and other information.

In industrial applications, the communication device may be a modem integrated into an industrial actuator (e.g., a robotic arm) and/or a modem that acts as an ethernet hub that will act as a connection point for one or more connected ethernet devices (which connections may be wired or wireless).

A mobile device is typically provided with at least one data processing entity 201, at least one memory 202 and possibly other components 203 for software and hardware assisted execution of tasks it is designed to perform, including controlling access to and communication with access systems and other communication devices. Data processing, storage and other related control devices may be provided on appropriate circuit boards and/or in chipsets. This feature is denoted by reference numeral 204. The user may control the operation of the mobile device by means of a suitable user interface, such as a keyboard 205, voice commands, a touch sensitive screen or pad, combinations thereof or the like. A display 208, a speaker, and a microphone may also be provided. Furthermore, the mobile communication device may comprise suitable connectors (wired or wireless) to other devices and/or for connecting external accessories, e.g. hands-free devices.

The mobile device 200 may receive signals over the air or radio interface 207 via appropriate means for receiving and may transmit signals via appropriate means for transmitting radio signals. In fig. 2, the transceiver device is schematically designated by block 206. The transceiver means 206 may be provided, for example, by means of a radio part and associated antenna arrangement. The antenna arrangement may be arranged inside or outside the mobile device.

Fig. 3 shows an example embodiment of a control apparatus for a communication system, e.g. a station, such as a RAN node, e.g. a base station, eNB or gNB, a relay node or a core network node, such as an MME or S-GW or P-GW or a core network function, such as an AMF/SMF, or a server or host, coupled to and/or for controlling an access system. The method may be implanted in a single control device or across more than one control device. The control means may be integrated with or external to a node or module of the core network or RAN. In some embodiments, the base station comprises a separate control device unit or module. In other embodiments, the control device may be another network element, such as a radio network controller or a spectrum controller. In some embodiments, each base station may have such control means, such as a CU control plane (CU-CP) and control means provided in a radio network controller. The control means 300 may be arranged to provide control of communications in the service area of the system. The control device 300 comprises at least one memory 301, at least one data processing unit 302, 303 and an input/output interface 304. Via which the control means can be coupled to the receiver and transmitter of the base station. The receiver and/or transmitter may be implemented as a radio front end or a remote radio head.

In the face of the ever-increasing demand for mobile services and the proliferation of new services, the 5G NR supports a wide range of services with demanding KPIs. To meet its performance goals, the 5G NR may rely on techniques including MU-MIMO.

MIMO technology can deliver the expected increase in spectral efficiency and improve reliability. MU-MIMO enables spatial multiplexing of a large number of devices while enhancing the reliability and performance of the radio link. Furthermore, MIMO can be used for high carrier frequencies (FR2, FR3), where the beamformed air interface guarantees coverage.

MIMO BSs use transmit precoding and receive combining to achieve spatial multiplexing of many UE terminals with increased spectral efficiency and reliability. However, this gain is conditioned on the availability of accurate channel state information that can be obtained from uplink or downlink reference signals (CSI-RS, SRS). A MIMO signal may be considered to have multiple layers, one for each antenna, or a Rank Indicator (RI).

The performance of MIMO comes from its ability to concentrate the radiated energy on a particular target. However, this capability is only possible when accurate and timely CSI estimates are obtained at the BS side. The accuracy of the beamforming, which is a cornerstone of the multi-antenna processing, depends on the accuracy of the obtained CSI estimates. Obtaining accurate CSI estimates from a UE can be challenging due to the signaling and processing overhead required.

In release 15NR MIMO, two types of CSI feedback are specified, i.e., type I and type II. To achieve enhanced CSI resolution, i.e. to obtain CSI estimates with finer granularity, type II CSI feedback is specified in Rel 15 NR. Type II CSI feedback may be provided with high accuracy using linear combination of oversampled 2D DFT beams. However, this improved accuracy may be at the cost of large feedback overhead. The UE is expected to feed back the index of the selected beam and the associated wideband and subband coefficients. The resulting overhead has prompted the development of several methods for type II overhead reduction.

Several type II CSI feedback compression schemes have been proposed, including DFT subset-based FD compression. With cross-subband channel correlation, FD compression may reduce feedback overhead. In RAN1#95, DFT-based FD compression is approved as a support mechanism for type II overhead reduction for ranks 1 and 2.

The 3GPP retained the most promising type II overhead reduction method for MU CSI enhancement in release 16, namely FD type II CSI compression. Based on DFT basis, FD compression may achieve a good tradeoff between performance and overhead for ranks 1 to 2. Enhancements for type II CSI feedback for rel.16 are agreed in 3 GPP. The extension of type II CSI for higher ranks is agreed by 3GPP, since support for RI >2 provides flexibility and performance improvements.

In the agreed framework of type II CSI FD compression for rel.16nr, feedback overhead reduction is achieved by applying an FD compression scheme to rel.15 type II PMI parameters.

The precoder W for each layer and cross-frequency domain element is derived as follows

Wherein W is of the size ((2N)₁ N₂)×N₃). The rows and columns of W correspond to the spatial and frequency domains of the reporter subband, respectively. W₁Defined as rel.15 type II and corresponds to the spatial domain basis (L beams per polarization).

Representing a matrix of linear combination coefficients comprising amplitude and in-phase. Finally, W_fRepresenting the FD DFT base set used for compression. W_fIs of size N₃Xm, where M represents the number of FD components selected. Thus, the overhead payload for FD compressed type II CSI includes the necessary bits to convey the selected SD beam β for all layers and for each layer_SDIndex of (1), K₁Non-zero linear combination coefficientNumber and index of selected FD components β_FDIndex of the strongest coefficient and amplitude beta_aAnd in-phase beta_pThe value of (c). The index of the non-zero coefficient is indicated by a bitmap of each layer as depicted in fig. 4.

Thus, the total payload when the compressed type II CSI is processed independently by layer may be given by:

the resulting overhead increment as a function of the channel rank is prohibitive. Therefore, it is critical to avoid substantial increase in CSI overhead for ranks above 1. For example, the total overhead for rank 4 may be twice that of rank 2, which may be impractical.

To support ranks 3 and 4, proper adaptation of DFT-based FD compression is necessary. Current FD compression methods that maintain a rank higher than or equal to 2 may result in problematic overhead proportional to the rank indicator. Without additional optimization, a simple extension would result in an unacceptable 3 to 4 fold increase in overhead (linear increase in overhead relative to rank) over rank 1. That is, the current FD compression framework needs to be extended to the high rank channel.

However, extended type II CSI for higher ranks may not be straightforward. Since the FD compression framework needs to feed back the index of the selected beam, the index of the selected FD base set, the set of non-zero linear combination coefficients, and their indices in the bitmap, it may not be practical to simply extend the type II CSI to a rank above 2 without additional optimization. In practice, the overhead for rank 4 may be twice that of rank 2.

Towards a reduction in CSI overhead for RI-3-4, agreement is reached in RAN1#96 to consider several alternatives for SD and FD based selection. In order to maintain an acceptable overhead increment for high rank channels, an agreement is made to choose down from RI-common or RI-specific SD parameters L and layer-common or layer/layer group-specific FD parameters p of RI e {3, 4}, and combinations thereof.

Furthermore, several alternatives for defining the maximum number of non-zero coefficients of RI e {3, 4} are currently under investigation. The final design of the UCI and the bitmap indicating the positions of the non-zero coefficients will be the next step to complete the design for MU CSI enhancement.

To fully exploit the potential of MIMO, two aspects need to be addressed.

First, the feedback overhead should be reduced. Reducing the feedback overhead can enable an increase in feedback resolution in the spatial domain and support an extension to ranks greater than 2, which is a second aspect to be addressed. Reducing CSI reporting overhead is important because the saved resources can be used to improve spatial resolution, which ultimately leads to higher spectral efficiency.

In the ongoing 3GPP conference, two alternatives for FD-based subset selection, i.e. independent and common, are proposed.

However, due to the DFT-based nature, the FD components to be selected for FD compression in each layer are likely to be correlated. This association may be utilized to be reduced by the number of bits required to feed back the selected FD component in addition to the index of the non-zero coefficient in the bitmap.

Fig. 5 shows a flow chart of a method according to an example embodiment.

In a first step S1, the method includes receiving a multiple-input multiple-output signal from the network.

In a second step S2, the method includes determining a frequency domain basis set for each layer of the multiple-input multiple-output signal.

In a third step S3, the method includes determining a number M of frequency domain components common to each layer from the frequency domain basis set_C。

In a fourth step S4, the method includes determining a number of layer-specific frequency domain components from the frequency domain basis set.

In a fifth step S5, the method includes providing an indication to the network of frequency domain components that are common to each layer and frequency domain components that are layer specific.

The method may be performed at a UE.

The indication may be provided in Uplink Control Information (UCI). The signal may be a channel state information reference signal (CSI-RS). The signal may be received from the gNB.

The method is based on agreed type II FD compression and the same set of parameters defining the compressed CSI overhead will be reused. The parameter set comprises the number M of selected FD components per layer, the total number K of non-zero coefficients₀Length N of DFT basis vector₃And DFT-based oversampling factor O₃. In addition to the definition of PMI FD compression unit, we also preserve the resolution of amplitude and phase quantization.

In addition to the above parameters, the following parameters are defined:

M_cnumber of common frequency domain components

M_lLayer-specific number of frequency domain components

L_lSpace domain beam number

K_1，cThe number of non-zero coefficients that are mapped in common.

K_1，lThe number of non-zero coefficients that are mapped layer by layer independently.

K₀Maximum total number of non-zero quantized coefficients across layers fed back to the gNB.

K₁The actual total number of non-zero quantized coefficients across layers fed back to the gNB.

Linear combination coefficient matrix W₂Is agreed upon in the 3GPP conference (RAN1# 95). Using an oversampled DFT matrix, PMI payload overhead can be reduced by exploiting FD correlation. In this method, the same principle is retained and applied to RI>2.

When the FD PMI is compressively extended to higher ranks, there are two main alternatives to choose from common or layer-specific FD base subset selection. Selecting one of these options amounts to solving a trade-off between overhead and flexibility.

In this approach, signaling is mixed, although FD-based subset selection may be independent.

The frequency domain basis sets for each layer may be determined independently, commonly or in a partially common manner. That is, the UE selects the FD base subset for each layer independently, commonly or in a partially common manner according to a specified method. The UE then derives a parameter M specifying the size of the common part of the bitmap_c。

For common FD base subset selection, the UE sets M_cM and signals the base jointly for all layers.

For layer/layer specific group (or independent) FD base set selection, the UE derives a common base set M_cThe size of (2). In this case, M_xIs the number of FD components selected by all layers. These components will constituteA common base subset of representations.

For partial common selection, the UE selects M jointly for all layers_cFD component and independent layer/layer group selection of M-M_cFD component. For partial common selection, M_cIs defined to maximize the magnitude of the non-zero (NZ) coefficients with overlapping positions. That is, the UE may determine M_cSo that the maximum number of NZ coefficients is concentrated in the top M_cAn FD component of whereinConcentrated means that the FD vector has the highest number of non-zero coefficients in the initially determined frequency-domain basis set M.

M_cMay be determined for a predetermined number of layers, such as the first two layers of a MIMO signal or any other combination of layers in a MIMO signal layer.

Layer-specific FD components form matrices of different RIThe size of the layer-specific FD-based subset may be as in the considered alternative across layersBut is different.

The FD-based subset for each layer will then be the result of combining the common and layer-specific parts. More precisely, the FD base per layer is given by

Make the size large

The FD-based subsets specific and common to different layer regions layers may provide several advantages. For high rank channels, the overhead payload for FD component selection feedback may be reduced.

This approach may support a common index in a common subset of FD bases.

The method may comprise: determining non-zero coefficients that are commonly mapped to each layer; determining non-zero coefficients that are independently mapped per layer; and provide an indication of the non-zero coefficients to the network.

After selecting the common and layer-specific FD components, the UE will have FD compression bases per layer,based on the latter, the UE calculates a linear combination coefficient matrix

As described above, the strongest coefficients of each layer may be associated with a common FD component (DFT tends to concentrate energy in the low-pass component) or independent thereof. Before mapping by layer K_1，cItem time, the UE uses the attribute. In effect, the non-zero coefficients associated with the common FD base subset will be jointly mapped across layers in the bitmap mapping. The result will be K to be used by all layers_1，cAnd (4) index set. Note that the values of the commonly mapped coefficients are uncorrelated (each layer may be associated with a different value for each common index). An example of the approach taken is shown in fig. 6.

UE constructs size M_cContains the FD component selected by all layers. (selection of M for common basis set_cM and selecting M for independent base subset selection and partially common base subset selection_c＜M)。

When independent FD-base subset selection is supported, the UE constructs a layer-specific FD-base for each layer l 1

UE calculation size of 2 LxM_cK in the common part of the bitmap of_1，cAn index of each of the commonly mapped non-zero coefficients. To locate the position of the common part of the bitmap, the UE may consider joint determination across all layers, or compute the bitmap based on one layer (the first layer) or any combination of layers and implement it on the other layers.

For each layer l 1_1，cAn index of individual layer-specific non-zero coefficients. K_1，lThe value of RI is selected such that:

depending on the indexing method used, the overhead for the non-zero coefficient subset selection is as follows

The overhead of the baseline approach using independent indices for each layer is given by

Thus, when the bitmap index is used andthe proposed way for indicating the NZC location results in a ZLM_cOverhead gain of (RI-1).

Consider (M) therein_cL, RI) has an example of a (3, 4, 4) typical value, the proposed scheme provides a 72-bit overhead gain in NZC subset selection.

Since this method distinguishes between common and tier portions in FD-based subset and NZC subset selection, the portion 2 in the two-part UCI will be modified to reflect this distinction and reduce subsequent overhead. The UCI will contain the following information.

UCI part 1:

the number K of non-zero coefficients₁

The number M of common FD components_c。

UCI part 2:

omicron oversampling twiddle factor (q)₁，q₂，q₃）。

Layer-common, layer-specific or partially common spatial beams.

M of o layers_cThe common FD component:a bit

οM_lIndividual layer specific FD componentAnd (4) a bit.

Common NZC subset selection: 2LM_cAnd (4) a bit.

Layer-specific NZC subset selection: 2LM_lOne bit of the data is transmitted to the receiver,

omicron layer-specific strongest coefficient.

Per layer the amplitude is quantified.

O quantize the phase per layer.

More detailed description of the procedures at the UE and the gNB side as shown in fig. 7, 8 and 9, all possible alternatives for FD component selection, namely common FD component selection across layers, layer/layer group specific FD component selection and proposed partially common FD component selection, respectively.

The proposed method may achieve accurate CSI with reduced overhead increment for high ranks (RI > 2). This approach may be applied with different or similar numbers of SD beams per layer, which may be layer-common, layer-specific or partially common for all layers. The proposed approach can be applied with a bitmap or a combined index.

The method may be applied with any FD-based subset selection method.

The method may provide a CSI feedback process that extends the type II CSI framework to a higher channel rank (RI > 2). Based on type II CSI feedback FD compression, a flexible scheme is proposed to reduce the feedback overhead, where RI > 2. When RI ≧ 2, the common and layer-specific portions of UCI are defined to reduce feedback overhead. This approach may exploit any correlation across layers in terms of FD component and non-zero coefficient index selection.

With DFT attributes and the possibility of rank deficient channels, a flexible framework is proposed that can reduce feedback overhead while maintaining accuracy. FD component selection may reduce the overhead required to signal the selected FD base set. UCI bitmap design may be used with any FD component selection alternative, which results in reduced overhead for signaling the positions of non-zero coefficients.

By distinguishing between common and layer-specific portions of the UCI, any redundant information can be removed from the feedback.

The proposed method mainly modifies two parts of the UCI, namely the feedback and non-zero coefficient selection, respectively, related to the FD-base subset. Regardless of whether the approach taken for FD base set selection is common, partially common, or cross-layer independent, the method takes a hybrid signaling approach by differentiating between common and layer-specific portions. In fact, a portion of the non-zero coefficients are jointly mapped, which can significantly reduce the resulting overhead. Furthermore, any commonly selected FD component is signaled once in a particular section, which also reduces the overhead contribution of FD-based subset selection.

The method may be implemented in the control device described with reference to fig. 3.

The apparatus may include: means for: receiving a multiple-input multiple-output signal from a network; determining a frequency domain basis set for each layer of the multiple-input multiple-output signal; determining the number M of frequency domain components common to each layer from a set of frequency domain bases_C(ii) a Determining a number of layer-specific frequency domain components from the set of frequency domain bases; and providing an indication to the network of the frequency domain components common to each layer and the layer-specific frequency domain components.

It is to be understood that the apparatus may comprise or be coupled to other units or modules or the like, such as a radio part or a radio head used in transmission and/or reception. Although the apparatus has been described as one entity, the different modules and memories may be implemented in one or more physical or logical entities.

Note that although embodiments have been described with respect to 5G NR, similar principles may be applied with respect to other networks and communication systems. Thus, although certain embodiments are described above by way of example with reference to certain example architectures for wireless networks, technologies and standards, embodiments may be applied to any other suitable form of communication system than that shown and described herein.

It should also be noted herein that while the above describes exemplifying embodiments, there are several variations and modifications which may be made to the disclosed solution without departing from the scope of the present invention.

In general, the various example embodiments may be implemented in hardware or special purpose circuits, software, logic or any combination thereof. Some aspects of the invention may be implemented in hardware, while other aspects may be implemented in firmware or software which may be executed by a controller, microprocessor or other computing device, although the invention is not limited thereto. While various aspects of the invention may be illustrated and described as block diagrams, flow charts, or using some other pictorial representation, it is well understood that these blocks, apparatus, systems, techniques or methods described herein may be implemented in, as non-limiting examples, hardware, software, firmware, special purpose circuits or logic, general purpose hardware or controller or other computing devices, or some combination thereof.

The exemplary embodiments of this invention may be implemented by computer software executable by a data processor of the mobile device, such as in a processor entity, or by hardware, or by a combination of software and hardware. Computer software or programs (also referred to as program products) including software routines, applets and/or macros can be stored in any device-readable data storage medium and they include program instructions to perform particular tasks. The computer program product may include one or more computer-executable components that, when the program is run, are configured to perform the embodiments. The one or more computer-executable components may be at least one software code or portion thereof.

Further in this regard it should be noted that any block of the logic flows in the figures may represent a program step, or an interconnected set of logic circuits, blocks and functions, or a combination of a program step and a logic circuit, block and function. The software may be stored on physical media such as memory chips or memory blocks implemented within the processor, magnetic media such as hard or floppy disks, and optical media such as, for example, DVDs and data variants CDs thereof. The physical medium is a non-transitory medium.

The memory may be of any type suitable to the local technical environment and may be implemented using any suitable data storage technology, such as semiconductor-based memory devices, magnetic memory devices and systems, optical memory devices and systems, fixed memory and removable memory. By way of non-limiting example, the data processor may be of any type suitable to the local technical environment, and may include one or more of general purpose computers, special purpose computers, microprocessors, Digital Signal Processors (DSPs), Application Specific Integrated Circuits (ASICs), FPGAs, gate level circuits and processors based on a multi-core processor architecture.

Exemplary embodiments of the invention may be practiced in various components such as integrated circuit modules. The design of integrated circuits is by and large a highly automated process. Complex and powerful software tools are available for converting a logic level design into a semiconductor circuit design ready to be etched and formed on a semiconductor substrate.

The foregoing description has provided by way of non-limiting examples a full and informative description of the exemplary embodiments of this invention. However, various modifications and adaptations may become apparent to those skilled in the relevant arts in view of the foregoing description, when read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings and the appended claims. However, all such and similar modifications of the teachings of this invention will still fall within the scope of this invention, as defined in the appended claims. Indeed, there are other embodiments that include combinations of one or more embodiments with any of the other embodiments previously discussed.