WO2010064794A2 - Method for transmitting and receiving a comp reference signal in a multi-cell environment - Google Patents

Abstract

Disclosed is a channel estimation method using a cooperative multi-point (CoMP) reference signal in a multi-cell environment. The method comprises a CoMP reference signal receiving step of enabling a terminal to receive, from each of the cells that perform a CoMP operation, a CoMP reference signal where an orthogonal code is applied to each of the cells; a channel estimation step of enabling the terminal to estimate, using said CoMP reference signal, channels of each of the cells which perform said CoMP operation; and a channel status feedback information transmitting step of enabling the terminal to transmit channel status feedback information to each of the cells.

Description

Method of transmitting and receiving COMP signal in a multi-cell environment

The present invention relates to a method for transmitting and receiving a reference signal, and more particularly, to a method for transmitting and receiving a CoMP reference signal from each cell performing a Cooperative Multi-Point (CoMP) operation in a multi-cell environment.

Recently, multiple input multiple output (MIMO) systems have been in the spotlight as broadband wireless mobile communication technology. MIMO system refers to a system that increases the communication efficiency of data using a plurality of antennas. The MIMO system may be implemented using a MIMO scheme such as a spatial multiplexing technique and a spatial diversity technique according to whether the same data is transmitted.

Spatial multiplexing refers to a method in which data can be transmitted at high speed without increasing bandwidth of a system by simultaneously transmitting different data through a plurality of transmit antennas. The spatial diversity scheme refers to a method in which transmit diversity can be obtained by transmitting the same data from a plurality of transmit antennas. One example of such a space diversity technique is space time channel coding.

In addition, the MIMO technology may be classified into an open loop method and a closed loop method according to whether feedback of channel information from a receiving side to a transmitting side is performed. In the open loop method, the transmitting end transmits the information in parallel, and the receiving end repeatedly detects signals using ZF (Zero Forcing) and MMSE (Minimum Mean Square Error) methods and increases the amount of information by the number of transmitting antennas. There is a Space-Time Trellis Code (STTC) scheme that can obtain transmission diversity and coding gain by using the new space domain. The closed loop scheme includes a TxAA (Transmit Antenna Array) scheme.

In a wireless channel environment, a fading phenomenon in which a channel state changes irregularly in a time domain and a frequency domain occurs. Therefore, the receiver uses the channel information to correct the received signal to recover the data transmitted from the transmitter and to find the correct signal.

The wireless communication system transmits a signal known to both the transmitter and the receiver to find channel information by using a distorted degree when the signal is transmitted through a channel. The signal is referred to as a reference signal (or a pilot signal). Finding information is called channel estimation. The reference signal does not contain actual data and has a high output. In addition, when transmitting and receiving data using multiple antennas, the channel state between each transmitting antenna and the receiving antenna needs to be known. Therefore, a reference signal exists for each transmitting antenna.

The collaborative MIMO system is proposed to reduce inter-cell interference in a multi-cell environment. Using a collaborative MIMO system, a terminal can be jointly supported with data from a multi-cell base-station. In addition, each base station may simultaneously support one or more terminals (MS1, MS2, ..., MSK) using the same radio frequency resources to improve the performance of the system. Also, the base station may perform a space division multiple access (SDMA) method based on channel state information between the base station and the terminal.

In a cooperative MIMO system, a serving base station and one or more cooperative base stations are connected to a scheduler through a backbone network. The scheduler may operate by receiving feedback of channel information on the channel state between each of the terminals MS1, MS2, ..., MSK and the cooperative base stations measured by the base stations BS1, BS2, ..., BSM through the backbone network. For example, the scheduler schedules information for cooperative MIMO operations for the serving base station and one or more cooperative base stations. That is, the scheduler directly instructs the cooperative MIMO operation to each base station.

CoMP is proposed to reduce the inter-cell interference in the multi-cell environment and to improve the performance of the UE at the cell boundary. That is, using the CoMP system, it is possible to improve the communication performance of the terminal at the cell boundary in a multi-cell environment. This requires accurate channel estimation based on reference signals from multiple base stations.

However, when the number of cells that perform CoMP increases, the conventional CoMP reference signal has a short PN code length in a resource block, and also a dispreading sample in channel estimation. As a result, a problem of deterioration of channel estimation performance occurs. Accordingly, a new CoMP reference signal pattern is required for a UE performing a CoMP operation to ensure accurate channel estimation of a neighbor cell.

In addition, CoMP reference signal for Long Term Evolution-Advanced (LTE-A) has not been defined to date.

An object of the present invention is to provide a method for a UE to receive a CoMP reference signal in a multi-cell environment.

Technical problems to be achieved in the present invention are not limited to the above technical problems, and other technical problems that are not mentioned will be clearly understood by those skilled in the art from the following description.

In accordance with an aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method for receiving a CoMP reference signal, wherein the UE has orthogonality between reference signals of each cell performing the CoMP operation from each cell performing the CoMP operation. Receiving a CoMP reference signal to which an orthogonal code of a slot unit or a symbol unit is applied; And processing, by the terminal, the received CoMP reference signal for each cell performing the CoMP operation by using an orthogonal code applied in the slot unit or the symbol unit.

In accordance with an aspect of the present invention, there is provided a CoMP reference signal reception method according to an embodiment of the present invention, wherein an orthogonal code resource to which an orthogonal code is applied is applied to have reference orthogonality between a reference signal of each base station performing a CoMP operation in a slot unit or a symbol unit. Assigning; And transmitting a CoMP reference signal signal using an orthogonal code resource to which an orthogonal code is applied such that each base station reference signal has orthogonality with each other in the slot unit or the symbol unit.

According to the method for receiving a CoMP reference signal according to the present invention, there are various advantages.

First, the UE may demodulate CoMP reference signals received from each cell to improve the accuracy of channel estimation.

Second, there is an advantage that can improve the communication performance of the terminal at the cell boundary using CoMP in a multi-cell environment.

Effects obtained in the present invention are not limited to the above-mentioned effects, and other effects not mentioned above may be clearly understood by those skilled in the art from the following description. will be.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS The accompanying drawings, which are included as part of the detailed description in order to provide a thorough understanding of the present invention, provide an embodiment of the present invention and together with the description, illustrate the technical idea of the present invention.

1 is a diagram illustrating an example of a reference signal pattern for allocating a reference signal in units of slots using code resources in two multiple cells;

2 illustrates an example of a reference signal pattern for allocating a reference signal in symbol units using code resources in two multiple cells;

3 illustrates an example of a reference signal pattern for allocating a reference signal in units of slots using a DFT orthogonal code in three multiple cells;

4 is a diagram illustrating an example of a reference signal pattern for allocating a reference signal in symbol units using a DFT orthogonal code in three multiple cells;

5 is a diagram illustrating an example of a reference signal pattern for allocating a reference signal in units of slots using code resources in four multiple cells;

6 is a diagram illustrating an example of a reference signal pattern for allocating a reference signal in symbol units using code resources in four multiple cells;

FIG. 7 illustrates an example of a reference signal pattern for generating different PN codes in two multiple cells and allocating reference signals in slot units using code resources; FIG.

FIG. 8 illustrates an example of a reference signal pattern for generating different PN codes in two multiple cells and allocating reference signals in symbol units using code resources; FIG.

9 illustrates an example of a reference signal pattern (terminal-specific antenna port 5) for allocating a reference signal in multiple cells using code resources;

10 is a diagram illustrating an example of a reference signal pattern for allocating a multi-antenna CoMP reference signal using code resources in two cells having two transmit antennas each;

11 illustrates an example of a reference signal pattern for allocating a multi-antenna CoMP reference signal using code resources in two cells having four transmission antennas each;

12 illustrates an example of a reference signal pattern for allocating a multi-antenna CoMP reference signal using reference signal extension and code resources in two cells having two transmission antennas each;

13 and 14 illustrate an example of a reference signal pattern for allocating a multi-antenna CoMP reference signal by extending a reference signal and using code resources in two cells having four transmitters (Tx), and ,

FIG. 15 illustrates an example of a reference signal pattern in which four cells having two transmission antennas and grouped into two groups allocate a multi-antenna CoMP reference signal using grouping and code resources.

Hereinafter, exemplary embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. The detailed description set forth below in conjunction with the appended drawings is intended to explain exemplary embodiments of the present invention and is not intended to represent the only embodiments in which the present invention may be practiced. The following detailed description includes specific details to assist in a thorough understanding of the present invention. However, one of ordinary skill in the art appreciates that the present invention may be practiced without these specific details. For example, the following description will focus on certain terms, but need not be limited to these terms and may refer to the same meaning even when referred to as any term. In addition, the same or similar components throughout the present specification will be described using the same reference numerals.

Throughout the specification, when a part is said to "include" a certain component, it means that it can further include other components, without excluding other components unless specifically stated otherwise.

In order to effectively estimate the channel at the receiver, the following conditions are required for the allocation of the reference signal transmitted by the transmitting antenna.

First, since the reference signal is used for channel estimation by the receiver, the reference signal should be allocated so that the receiver can distinguish the reference signal transmitted from the transmitting antenna. The reference signals are allocated not to overlap each other in the time and / or frequency domain for each transmitting antenna, so that the receiver can distinguish the reference signals. In addition, even if reference signals are allocated overlapping in the time and / or frequency domain, they must have orthogonality in the code domain. To this end, the reference signal may use an orthogonal code having excellent autocorrelation or cross-correlation characteristics. For example, a constant Amplitude Zero AutoCorrelation (CAZAC) or Walsh code may be used.

Next, it is preferable that there is no channel change in the region where the reference signal is located. This is because the channel estimation error may increase when the channel change in the region to which the reference signal is allocated increases. Data around the reference signal is decoded using a channel in the region where the reference signal is located.

The frame may include a plurality of subframes. The subframe includes a plurality of OFDM symbols in the time domain and a plurality of subcarriers in the frequency domain. For example, one subframe may include 14 or 28 OFDM symbols. In the case where one subframe includes 14 OFDM symbols, for convenience of description, the 14 OFDM symbols each include a first OFDM symbol, a second OFDM symbol, and a transmission time interval (TTI) on a time axis. ... can be represented by the 14th OFDM symbol.

The subframe corresponds to one resource grid defined for each transmit antenna. In addition, a transmission time interval (TTI) may be defined as a time for transmitting one subframe. Each element on the resource grid constituting the subframe represents a resource element. For example, the resource element (k, l) corresponds to the resource element located in the k-th OFDM symbol and the l-th subcarrier.

The method of allocating a reference signal on such a resource block includes a method of allocating a reference signal over a whole band and a method for allocating a partial signal. The method of allocating over the entire band has a higher density of the reference signal than the method of allocating over some bands, thereby obtaining high channel estimation performance. However, when allocating over some bands, a high data rate can be obtained, but the density of the reference signal can be lowered, thereby degrading channel estimation performance.

Coordinated Multi-Point (CoMP) systems (hereinafter referred to as CoMP systems) are systems for improving throughput of users at cell boundaries by applying improved MIMO transmission in a multi-cell environment. Application of the CoMP system can reduce inter-cell interference in a multi-cell environment. Using this CoMP system, the terminal can be jointly supported data from the multi-cell base station (Multi-cell base-station). In addition, each base station can improve the performance of the system by simultaneously supporting one or more terminals (MS1, MS2, ... MSK) using the same Radio Frequency Resource. Also, the base station may perform a space division multiple access (SDMA) method based on channel state information between the base station and the terminal.

Hereinafter, as a method for a collaborative MIMO system that can reduce inter-cell interference in a multi-cell environment as much as possible, a method for improving channel estimation performance from multiple base stations will be described. In particular, a method for transmitting a reference signal in a preferred reference signal pattern capable of improving channel estimation performance regardless of the reference signal position for performing cooperative multi-point (CoMP) in a multi-cell environment will be described. .

Currently, CoMP reference signals for Long Term Evolution-Advanced (LTE-A) have not been defined. In general, a reference signal for performing CoMP includes a common reference signal (CRS) for measuring channel state such as channel state information of multiple cells and a dedicated reference signal for demodulation ( DRS: Dedicated Reference Signal.

A dedicated DRS sequence that may be used for the CoMP reference signal may be mapped in one resource block, unlike the common reference signal. As an example, a dedicated reference signal sequence of length 12 may be mapped in one resource block. However, when the number of cells that perform CoMP increases, the length of the PN code may be shortened in one resource block, and the performance of channel estimation may be degraded due to lack of despreading samples in channel estimation. As a method for solving this problem, it may be considered to allocate a CoMP reference signal using an orthogonal code resource.

CoMP reference signal allocation using code resources (same time and frequency domain)

First, a case in which multiple cells performing CoMP allocate a CoMP reference signal in the same time and frequency domain may be considered. In order to perform channel estimation, a code resource corresponding to the number of cells performing CoMP may be generated. Each cell may allocate a CoMP reference signal based on the allocated code resource.

The set of cells performing CoMP can be largely determined by three methods. First, the base station may determine a cell to perform CoMP from the beginning and accordingly generate a code resource for the CoMP reference signal. Second, the terminal may determine the number of cells that perform CoMP based on a threshold value (known by the base station or a predetermined interference level). Third, the base station may predetermine the maximum number of cells that can perform CoMP, and the number of cells that perform CoMP may be determined based on a threshold value such as a predetermined maximum number of cells and an interference level. In this case, when the number of CoMP cells exceeding a threshold exceeds a predetermined maximum number of cells, CoMP may be performed by configuring a CoMP set only for the predetermined maximum number of cells.

As such, the cell determined to perform CoMP may be configured as intra eNB cells, inter eNB cells, or a mixture of cells belonging to the intra base station and the inter base station. Here, the cells of the intra base station may be defined as cells based on the same base station, and the cells of the inter base station may be defined as cells based on different base stations.

The UE can know information about which code resources each of these cells uses through the following method.

First, the serving cell may inform the terminal of all information. The serving cell may inform the terminal of the code resource information through a broadcast channel (BCH) or higher layer signaling. In addition, a predefined value may be used to inform the cell ID information that performs CoMP. That is, the code resources may be previously defined for the cell ID by using a method of allocating code resources in a small order from among IDs of cells other than the serving cell, or conversely, allocating code resources in a large order. Accordingly, the terminal can know the code resource information corresponding to the cell only with the cell ID information.

Second, the serving cell may inform the UE only of the number of cells that perform its code resource information and CoMP. Information of the remaining cells that perform CoMP except for the serving cell may be identified in a predetermined order. In this case, the UE does not need to know the cell ID information of the remaining cells, and can distinguish neighbor cells that perform CoMP by a predetermined ID. The serving cell may distinguish ID information of the remaining cells through the determined ID.

Third, there may be a super cell managing the cells that perform CoMP, and the super cell may broadcast information for distinguishing cells that perform CoMP to the UE.

In the case of CoMP for soft combining, reference signals having the same sequence may be allocated to the same time and frequency domain. In this case, CoMP reference signal allocation using code resources is not performed. On the other hand, for CoMP scenarios other than soft combining (e.g., transmit diversity (TxD), spatial multiplexing (SM), precoding matrix indicator (PMI) constraints, etc.) By allocating CoMP reference signals, multi-cell based channel estimation is facilitated. When CoMP reference signals of multiple cells performing CoMP are allocated to the same time and frequency domain even if they use the same sequence or different sequences, the CoMP reference signals are allocated and transmitted using code resources. Allow channel estimation.

Code resources may include all orthogonal codes, such as Walsh / Hadamard or Discrete Fourier transform orthogonal codes (Circular shift).

In the present invention, one subframe may include two slots or four slots having seven OFDM symbols in each slot. One subframe may have a transmission time interval (TTI) of 1 msec. However, the present invention is not limited thereto, and the subframe and the TTI may be implemented in various forms.

1. Each cell allocates a CoMP reference signal using the same pseudo noise (PN) code.

Now, consider a case where each cell performing CoMP generates the same PN code for the CoMP reference signal and assigns the same to the same time and frequency domain.

First, suppose there are two multiple cells. And consider the following 2x2 Walsh Adama matrix equation:

Equation 1

If code resources are defined in order of each column, code 1 = # 1, 1 #, code 2 = # 1, -1 #. For example, in code 2 1 and -1 respectively correspond to code resource elements.

In this case, cell 1 is assigned code 1 for transmitting the CoMP reference signal, and cell 2 is assigned code 2. Each cell may allocate a reference signal on a time or frequency axis based on the assigned code resource. In this example, the reference signal is allocated and transmitted on the time axis.

1 is a diagram illustrating an example of a reference signal pattern for allocating a reference signal in units of slots using code resources in two multiple cells, and FIG. 2 illustrates a reference signal using code resources in two multiple cells. FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of a reference signal pattern for allocation in symbol units.

Referring to FIG. 1, cell 1 assigned code 1 may allocate R0 in a first slot and allocate R0 in a second slot. In contrast, the cell 2 assigned the code 2 may allocate R0 to the first slot and -R0 to the second slot.

Here, R0 and -R0 indicate the position of the reference signal, and -R0 indicates a reference signal obtained by applying a phase shift or the like to R0 by code resources. R0 may be mapped with a reference signal sequence length allocated to one resource block or one symbol.

Referring back to FIG. 1, it can be seen that R0 having one resource block length 4 is mapped in resource block units. In addition, when the cell 1 and the cell 2 respectively allocate and transmit the reference signal in units of slots using code resources, both of the reference signals may be transmitted when two slots are transmitted.

The terminal receives the reference signal through the channel h1 formed with the cell 1 and the channel h2 formed with the cell 2. As an example, the terminal may receive (h1 + h2) · R0 in the first transmission by code resources and (h1-h2) · R0 in the second transmission. In this case, the terminal may estimate each channel using the received signal. As another example, the terminal may obtain channels 2 · h1 · R0 by adding the first transmission (h1 + h2) · R0 and the second transmission (h1-h2) · R0. In a similar manner, the terminal may obtain channels 2 · h2 · R0 using the difference between the first transmission (h1 + h2) · R0 and the second transmission (h1-h2) · R0.

A UE performing CoMP has a frequency diversity channel characteristic and may obtain high gain when moving at a low speed. However, when intra base station cells are used to perform CoMP, frequency diversity is small but it is possible to move relatively fast. In this case, since the channel is more sensitive to time, the reference signal pattern shown in FIG. 1 can be replaced with the reference signal pattern shown in FIG.

Referring to FIG. 2, code resources (code 1 = # 1, 1 #, code 2 = # 1, -1},) may be allocated in symbol units. That is, code resource elements 1 and 1 may be allocated to one OFDM symbol in one slot, and code resource elements 1 and 1 may be allocated to one OFDM symbol in one slot. As such, when the cell 1 and the cell 2 respectively allocate the reference signal by symbol unit using code resources, all the reference signals can be transmitted even though one slot is transmitted. There is a difference.

The reference signal patterns illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2 may vary in performance depending on channel characteristics. Therefore, both patterns can be constructed, and a structure of an appropriate shape can be used according to the situation of the cell. That is, when the cell is small in frequency diversity and moves at a relatively high speed, it is preferable to configure the reference signal pattern as shown in FIG. 2. As such, the reference signal may be transmitted based on a code resource allocated to each cell on a slot or symbol basis. A reference signal allocated to a code resource may be in a slot or a symbol unit in the time domain, or may be allocated in a resource block or subcarrier unit on a frequency axis within a slot or symbol in the frequency domain. In this case, the code resource may include an orthogonal code such as Walsh Adamar or a Discrete Fourier Transform (DFT) orthogonal code (cyclic shift).

Next, assume that there are three multiple cells. For an odd number of CoMP cells, the Walsh / Adamar matrix is somewhat difficult to support orthogonality. Therefore, in order to support an odd number of CoMP cells, it is preferable to use a DFT orthogonal code (time-domain cyclic shift). DFT orthogonal codes are useful for supporting even CoMP cells as well as odd CoMP cells.

Hereinafter, a method of performing CoMP operation using three multi-cells using a DFT orthogonal code (time-domain cyclic shift) will be described. The code division multiplexing (DRS) symbol expansion method based on the code division multiplexing (CDM) scheme uses a cyclic shift of a PN sequence multiplied by a symbol to decode a reference signal symbol of each cell constituting a CoMP. Code division multiplexing. For example, the dedicated reference signal may be expressed as in Equation 2.

[Revision under Rule 26 08.12.2009]
Equation 2

[Revision under Rule 26 08.12.2009]
An orthogonal sequence can be generated by cyclically shifting the sequence used for the reference signal symbol of Equation 2 in the time domain, and applying a code division multiplexing to the generated orthogonal sequences by assigning different orthogonal sequences for each CoMP cell Reference signal symbols of may be allocated and transmitted simultaneously. For example, when the PN sequence used for the reference signal symbol of Equation 2 is cyclically shifted in the time domain, it may be configured to multiply the phase shift sequence in the frequency domain. At this time, one orthogonal sequence obtained from the sequence r (m)

Can be expressed as in Equation 3. here

According to the value of, orthogonal sequences may be generated, and the value of N may vary according to channel conditions.

[Revision under Rule 26 08.12.2009]
Equation 3

[Revision under Rule 26 08.12.2009]
here,

Can be.

3 is a diagram illustrating an example of a reference signal pattern for allocating a reference signal in units of slots using a DFT orthogonal code in three multiple cells, and FIG. 4 is a reference using DFT orthogonal code in three multiple cells. FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of a reference signal pattern for allocating a signal in symbol units.

3 and 4, when three cells perform CoMP, three orthogonal sequences may be formed with N = 3. Each orthogonal sequence is allocated to each cell, which may be mapped to a dedicated reference signal (DRS) on a slot or symbol basis. Orthogonal sequences assigned to each CoMP cell are orthogonal to each other. In this case, the cyclic shift values θ _i constituting different orthogonal sequences should have sufficient intervals to distinguish the impulse response of the channel for each CoMP cell. That is, for example, if the system has an effective OFDM symbol length of 66.7 μsec and operates in a channel environment of maximum delay spread of 5 μsec, the system should have a shift value of at least 5 μsec. Up to 12 cyclic shifts can be distinguished.

In addition, as shown in FIG. 3, two OFDM symbols may be allocated in four subcarrier intervals so that reference signals Rd do not overlap for each OFDM symbol for two OFDM symbols in one slot for each cell. In addition, the reference signal Rd may be allocated in the same manner in other slots. In this case, each cell uses a different orthogonal code so that the UE can distinguish from which cell a reference signal is transmitted. As described above, when the reference signals are inserted at intervals of four subcarriers in the frequency domain, the number of available shifts is reduced by four times. That is, it may have 12/4 = 3 cyclic shift values. However, if the cyclic shift is applied in combination with the reference signal symbols of a plurality of OFDM symbols, it can be used in the form of a dedicated reference signal inserted in two subcarrier intervals. In this case, it can be configured to have 12/2 = 6 cyclic shift values. However, even in this case, it can be applied under the condition that the channel hardly changes during the period.

Referring back to FIG. 3, a cyclic shift may be applied using two OFDM symbols including pilot symbols. In this case, the cyclic shift of Equation 3 may apply linear phase increment by alternately pairing two OFDM symbols. This method has an advantage that a smaller frequency interval of the pilot symbol can be applied to a larger number of cyclic shifts.

Referring to FIG. 4 again, if a cyclic shift is applied to each OFDM symbol, a high performance gain can be obtained in a fast moving environment in which a channel is rapidly changed. However, since the number of cyclic shifts is small, the maximum number of CoMP cells that can be transmitted can be reduced.

As described above, orthogonal sequences may be mapped in slot units and symbol units in FIGS. 3 and 4, respectively. However, in order to support more CoMP multiple cells, orthogonal sequence mapping in units of subframes is also possible. In addition, orthogonal sequence mapping in units of a plurality of subframes is also possible.

Next, suppose there are four multiple cells. Consider the following 4x4 Walsh Adama matrix equation:

Equation 4

Code resources are defined in order of each column. That is, code 1 = {1, 1, 1, 1}, code 2 = {1, -1, 1, -1}, code 3 = {1, 1, -1, -1}, code 4 = {1 , -1, -1, 1}.

FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating an example of a reference signal pattern for allocating a reference signal in units of slots using code resources in four multiple cells, and FIG. 6 shows reference signals using code resources in four multiple cells. FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of a reference signal pattern for allocation in symbol units.

5 and 6, cell 1 is assigned code 1 for transmitting a CoMP reference signal, cell 2 is assigned code 2, cell 3 is code 3, and cell 4 is assigned code 4, respectively. Each cell may allocate a reference signal on a time or frequency axis based on the allocated code resource. In this example, the reference signal is allocated and transmitted on the time axis. R0 having one resource block length 4 is mapped in resource block units. Here, one subframe may consist of four slots having seven OFDM symbols in each slot.

Referring to FIG. 5, a cell 1 allocated with code 1 may allocate R0 to a first slot, assign R0 to a second slot, R0 to a third slot, and R0 to a fourth slot. The cell 2 assigned the code 2 may allocate R0 to the first slot, -R0 to the second slot, R0 to the third slot, and -R0 to the fourth slot. The cell 3 assigned the code 3 may allocate R0 to the first slot, R0 to the second slot, -R0 to the third slot, and -R0 to the fourth slot. In addition, the cell 4 assigned the code 4 may allocate R0 to the first slot, -R0 to the second slot, -R0 to the third slot, and R0 to the fourth slot. In a manner similar to the method of allocating the reference signals R0 and -R0 in the cells 1 and 2, the reference signals R0 and -R0 may be allocated in units of slots based on the allocated code resources in the cells 3 and 4 as well.

As such, when the reference signals are allocated in units of slots in the cell 1 through the cell 4, the four reference signals may be transmitted only when four slots are transmitted.

Referring back to FIG. 5, the terminal may receive a reference signal through channel h1 formed with cell 1 and channel h2 formed with cell 2, channel h3 formed with cell 3, and channel h4 formed with cell 4, respectively. The terminal uses the code resource to (h1 + h2 + h3 + h4) · R0 in the first transmission, (h1-h2 + h3-h4) · R0 in the second transmission, and (h1 + h2-h3- in the third transmission. h4) · R0, (h1-h2-h3 + h4) · R0 can be received in the fourth transmission. Each of these channels can be estimated using this received signal.

Then, the terminal looks at an example for estimating each channel. (H1 + h2 + h3 + h4) · R0 in the first transmission, (h1-h2 + h3-h4) · R0 in the second transmission, (h1 + h2-h3-h4) · R0 in the third transmission The channel h1 can be obtained by summing all (h1-h2-h3 + h4) · R0 in the fourth transmission. In a similar manner, the values for the remaining channels h2, h3, and h4 can be obtained, respectively. In this case, the code resource may include Walsh Adamar or a DFT orthogonal code (cyclic shift).

Referring to FIG. 6 again, a reference signal may be allocated in symbol units in one slot. Code Resources (Code 1 = ｛1, 1, 1, 1}, Code 2 = ｛1, -1, 1, -1}, Code 3 = {1, 1, -1, -1}, Code 4 = { 1, -1, -1, 1}) may be allocated in symbol units. That is, for example, 1, -1 of the first part of the code resource elements 1, -1, -1, 1 may be allocated to different OFDM symbols in one slot, followed by the remaining code resource elements -1, 1 degree may be allocated to different OFDM symbols in another slot. Code resources corresponding to the remaining code 1, code 2, and code 3 may be allocated in a similar manner. As described above, when the two slots are transmitted, all the reference signals can be transmitted in the case of symbol unit allocation, which is different from the reference signal allocation in the slot unit in which all of the reference signals are transmitted when four slots are transmitted.

The above-described reference signal allocation pattern shown in FIG. 5 allows a terminal performing CoMP to have channel characteristics of high frequency diversity. And, when moving at a low speed, there is a high gain. However, when cells of the intra base station are used to perform CoMP, relatively high speed movement is possible with little frequency diversity. In this case, since the channel is more sensitive to time, it is possible to configure the reference signal pattern for allocating the slots shown in FIG. 5 in the symbol unit of FIG. 6.

The performance of the reference signal patterns illustrated in FIGS. 5 and 6 may vary according to channel characteristics. Therefore, both patterns can be constructed, and a structure of an appropriate shape can be used according to the situation of the cell. That is, when the cell has a small frequency diversity and moves at a relatively high speed, it is preferable to configure a reference signal pattern as shown in FIG. 6. As such, each cell may transmit a reference signal based on code resources allocated in units of slots or symbols. A reference signal allocated to a code resource may be in a slot or a symbol unit in the time domain, or may be allocated in a resource block or subcarrier unit on a frequency axis within a slot or symbol in the frequency domain. In this case, the code resource may be a Walsh Adamar or a Discrete Fourier Transform (DFT) orthogonal code (cyclic shift).

2. When a cell transmits a CoMP reference signal using another PN code

Each cell that performs CoMP may consider a case in which PN codes for CoMP reference signals are generated differently and allocated to the same time / frequency domain. Here, it is assumed that two cells are performing CoMP as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2.

FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating an example of a reference signal pattern for generating different PN codes in two multiple cells and allocating reference signals in slot units by using code resources, and FIG. 8 illustrates another PN in two multiple cells. FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of a reference signal pattern for generating a code and allocating a reference signal in symbol units using code resources.

Referring to FIG. 7, one subframe may include two slots having seven OFDM symbols. In this case, Cell 1 and Cell 2 may allocate reference signals (eg, R0 and R1) based on different PN codes. In the case of cell 1, the reference signal RO may be allocated in the same manner as the allocation pattern of the reference signal illustrated in FIG. 1. In the case of cell 2, only the reference signal is changed from RO to R1, and may be allocated in the same manner as the allocation pattern of reference signal R0 shown in FIG. In the case of allocating a reference signal in units of slots using code resources in cells 1 and 2, both reference signals may be transmitted when two slots are transmitted.

7 and 8, R0 and R1 represent positions of reference signals, and -R0 and -R1 represent reference signals to which phase shifts are applied by code resources. R0 and R1 may be mapped with a reference signal sequence length allocated to one resource block or one symbol.

The terminal receives a reference signal that has undergone channel h1 formed with cell 1 and channel h2 formed with cell 2. The terminal may receive (h1 · R0 + h2 · R1) in the first transmission by code resources and (h1 · R0-h2 · R1) in the second transmission. The terminal may estimate each channel by using the received signal.

The terminal looks at an example for estimating each channel. By combining the first transmission (h1, R0 + h2, R1) and the second transmission (h1, R0-h2, R1), channel 2, h1, R0 can be obtained. In a similar manner, the channel 2 · h2 · R1 can be obtained using the difference between the first transmission (h1 · R0 + h2 · R1) and the second transmission (h1 · R0-h2 · R1). Using this method, the UE can accurately estimate the channel using the RS.

Referring back to FIG. 8, cells 1 and 2 are allocated reference signals R0 and R1 in symbol units, respectively, which may be allocated in the same pattern as cells 1 and 2 assigning reference signals in symbol units in FIG. 2. have. In the case where cells 1 and 2 respectively allocate reference signals by symbol units using code resources, cells 1 and 2 can transmit all reference signals even though one slot is transmitted. It is different from reference signal allocation.

In the reference signal structure defined in the 3rd Generation Partnership Project Long Term Evolution (LTE) release 8 hereinafter, UE-specific antenna port 5 for performing CoMP is performed in the same time / frequency region in multiple cells. Consider the case of assignment. Antenna port 5 may be used for beamforming, which is a technique for increasing throughput of terminals. In addition, port 5 may be used when CoMP is performed to increase cell boundary performance.

9 illustrates an example of a reference signal pattern (terminal-specific antenna port 5) for allocating a reference signal in multiple cells using code resources.

Referring to FIG. 9, cell 1 allocates a CoMP reference signal to two subframes using code resources {1,1}, and cell 2 allocates two subframes using code resources {1, -1}. Each channel can be estimated by allocating and transmitting a CoMP reference signal. That is, cell 1 allocates a CoMP reference signal using code resource element 1 in subframe 1 and code resource element 1 in subframe 2, and cell 2 assigns code resource element 1 in subframe 1 and subframe 2 in subframe 2. The CoMP reference signal may be allocated using the code resource element -1. In this case, each cell must transmit two subframes to transmit both CoMP reference signals.

The cell-specific reference signal is a reference signal shared by all terminals in a cell, and the terminal-specific reference signal is a reference signal used only by a specific terminal. A plurality of cells may transmit a common reference signal through cell-specific ports 0 to 3. The cell may transmit a dedicated reference signal through the terminal-specific port. The common reference signal may be shifted in position according to a cell, but in the case of a dedicated reference signal, multiple cells may be transmitted to the same position for CoMP.

The UE-specific reference signal may be transmitted to a single-antenna port through a physical downlink shared channel (PDSCH). The UE may know whether a UE-specific RS exists for physical downlink common channel demodulation and whether the UE-specific RS is a valid RS. The UE-specific RS is transmitted only on the resource block to which the corresponding physical downlink common channel is mapped. Hereinafter, resource element mapping when a single-specific reference signal is transmitted will be described.

[Revision under Rule 26 08.12.2009]
As an example, the following resource element mapping may be considered. Complex-value modulation symbol of the reference signal sequence r (m) using antenna port 5

Suppose we map to, cell-specific frequency shift

You can think of the expression except.

[Revision under Rule 26 08.12.2009]

[Revision under Rule 26 08.12.2009]

[Revision under Rule 26 08.12.2009]
Here, (k, l) represents a resource element whose frequency domain index is k and time domain index j,

Is the value of the resource element (k, l) for antenna port P,

Denotes the size of the resource block in the frequency domain expressed by the number of subcarriers, denotes the number of physical resource blocks, n _s denotes the number of slots in one radio frame,

Denotes the number of resource blocks for the PDSCH.

Referring to FIG. 9 again, common reference signals allocated to the plurality of cell-specific ports 0 to 3 in subframe 1 and subframe 2 may be allocated such that cells 1 and 2 do not overlap each other. In this case, the dedicated reference signal may be allocated so as not to overlap with the common reference signal. In addition, the dedicated reference signal may be allocated to the same position in cell 1 and cell 2.

Multi-antenna CoMP Reference Signal Transmission Using Code Resource

Consider a case where each cell performing CoMP uses multiple antennas. In the case of transmitting the common reference signal, each cell may transmit the reference signal through the antenna ports 0 to 3 which are currently defined, and thus may perform measurement of channel status and the like (eg, CSI). In contrast, in case of transmitting a dedicated reference signal, only a reference signal for one antenna port is transmitted in one slot or subframe. However, demodulation needs to support multiple antennas even in the case of dedicated reference signal transmission. CoMP reference signal transmission using the orthogonal code resources of the above-described embodiments may be extended until CoMP performing cells perform with multiple antennas.

Assume that two cells each have two transmit antennas to perform CoMP.

FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of a reference signal pattern for allocating a multi-antenna CoMP reference signal using code resources in two cells having two transmit antennas.

Referring to FIG. 10, one subframe may include two slots having seven OFDM symbols. When a CoMP reference signal is transmitted through a dedicated reference signal, each cell may alternately transmit a reference signal corresponding to each antenna in units of slots or symbols. Cell-specific ports 0 to 3 may transmit common reference signals. The common reference signals are allocated to the cell-specific ports 0 through 3, and may be allocated so that the common reference signals of the cell 1 and the cell 2 do not overlap with each other in one subframe.

As shown in the matrix equation 1, the cell 1 serving as the serving cell may be allocated the code resource 1, and the cell 2 serving as the neighboring cell may be allocated the code resource 2. Each cell may transmit a reference signal on a time or frequency axis based on an allocated code resource. Here, the transmission of the reference signal on the time axis is taken as an example.

Cell 1 assigned code 1 allocates a CoMP reference signal Ra for the first antenna and a CoMP reference signal Rb for the second antenna in the first slot of the two slots in the first subframe of the code resource element. can do. That is, only two slots must be transmitted before both CoMP reference signals for the first and second antennas can be transmitted. CoMP reference signals for the first and second antennas may be allocated to the second subframe in the same manner. Similarly, the remaining slots of each subframe may be allocated. In this case, the dedicated reference signal may be allocated so as not to overlap with the common reference signal. In addition, dedicated reference signals of cells 1 and 2 may be allocated to the same position.

In contrast, the cell 2 assigned the code 2 allocates a CoMP reference signal Ra for the first antenna to the first of two slots in the first subframe and a CoMP reference signal Rb for the second antenna to the second slot. can do. In addition, -Ra and -Rb may be allocated to the first slot and the second slot, respectively, for the two slots in the second subframe. In this case, only two slots must be transmitted so that all reference signals for the two antennas can be transmitted.

Here, the reference signal of the CoMP multiple antenna may be transmitted first, and then the CoMP reference signal may be transmitted using a code resource.

FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating an example of a reference signal pattern for allocating a multi-antenna CoMP reference signal using code resources in two cells having four transmission antennas.

Referring to FIG. 11, four subframes may be used for each cell in order to allocate four antenna CoMP reference signals.

In the case of cell 1, a CoMP reference signal Ra for the first antenna may be allocated to the first slot of two slots in the first subframe, and a CoMP reference signal Rb for the second antenna may be allocated to the second slot. The CoMP reference signal Rc for the third antenna may be allocated to the first slot of the two slots in the second subframe, and the CoMP reference signal Rd for the fourth antenna may be allocated to the second slot. The third subframe may be assigned a CoMP reference signal in the same way as the first subframe and the fourth subframe. In this case, two OFDM symbols in one slot of each subframe may be allocated in four subcarrier intervals so that a dedicated reference signal does not overlap for each OFDM symbol. The dedicated reference signal allocated in each slot may be allocated so as not to overlap with the common reference signal.

In the case of cell 2, CoMP reference signals for four antennas may be allocated over four subframes in a similar manner to cell 1. The common reference signals allocated to the cell 1 and the cell 2 may be allocated so as not to overlap each other.

Assuming that a UE located at an edge of a cell performing CoMP moves at a low speed, the multi-antenna reference signal of each cell may be transmitted in symbol, slot or subframe units. In the above embodiments, CoMP multi-antenna reference signal transmission in slot units and orthogonal code covering in subframe units are used, and this unit is based on the number of multiple antennas of each cell and the number of cells performing CoMP. Can vary. In addition to the above embodiments, CoMP multi-antenna reference signal transmission in symbol or subframe units can be considered, and the orthogonal code covering can be considered accordingly.

A new reference signal can be added in addition to the dedicated reference signal defined above. In addition to the currently defined dedicated reference signal, a reference signal resource may be allocated as a reference signal for CoMP. When each cell performing CoMP transmits a CoMP reference signal using multiple antennas, more reference signals may be allocated according to the number of antennas of each cell.

12 is a diagram illustrating an example of a reference signal pattern for allocating a multi-antenna CoMP reference signal using reference signal extension and code resources in two cells having two transmission antennas.

Referring to FIG. 12, one subframe may include two slots having seven OFDM symbols. When the number of multiple antennas used in each cell is further increased, reference signal resources may be additionally allocated, or reference signal resources for additional antennas may be allocated by extending the time domain. 12 corresponds to a case in which a reference signal resource is additionally allocated.

In the case of cell 1, a CoMP reference signal for the first antenna is allocated in one slot, and a reference signal resource is allocated to the CoMP reference signal for the second antenna adjacent to the CoMP reference signal for the first antenna. Can be assigned. In this case, the CoMP reference signal and the common reference signal for the antenna may be allocated so as not to overlap.

In the case of cell 2, a CoMP reference signal for multiple antennas may be allocated in the same manner as in case of cell 1 described above. CoMP reference signals of cells 1 and 2 may be allocated to the same position. In the case of cell-specific ports 0 to 3, the common reference signal may be allocated such that cell 1 and cell 2 do not overlap.

FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating an example of a reference signal pattern for allocating a multi-antenna CoMP reference signal in units of slots using extension and code resources of a reference signal in two cells having four transmitters Tx.

Referring to FIG. 13, one subframe may consist of two slots having seven OFDM symbols. Cell 1 and cell 2 may allocate a reference signal in units of slots using code resources. In the case of four multiple antennas, the reference signal resources for the two antennas may be extended and allocated to the slots or subframes while maintaining the reference signal resources for the two antennas twice. In this case, the unit using the code resource may be a slot unit.

In the case of cell 1, a CoMP reference signal Ra for the first antenna and a CoMP reference signal Rb for the second antenna may be allocated to the first slot of two slots in the first subframe. The remaining slots of the first subframe may be allocated in the same manner. In a similar manner, CoMP reference signal Rc for the third antenna and CoMP reference signal Rd for the fourth antenna may be allocated in each slot in the second subframe, respectively.

In the case of cell 2, a CoMP reference signal for multiple antennas may be allocated in the same manner as in case of cell 1 described above. CoMP reference signals of cells 1 and 2 may be allocated to the same position. In the case of cell-specific ports 0 to 3, the common reference signal may be allocated such that cell 1 and cell 2 do not overlap. As such, when two subframes are transmitted, all of the CoMP reference signals for the first to fourth antennas may be transmitted.

FIG. 14 is a diagram illustrating an example of a reference signal pattern for allocating a multi-antenna CoMP reference signal in subframe units by using a reference resource and extension of a reference signal in two cells having four transmitters Tx. .

Referring to FIG. 14, as in FIG. 13, one subframe may include two slots having seven OFDM symbols. Cells 1 and 2 may transmit reference signals in subframe units using code resources. Here, the allocation of the reference signal indicates allocating all CoMP reference signals for four multiple antennas in a subframe. In this case, the code resources may be applied in units of subframes.

In the case of cell 1, a CoMP reference signal Ra for the first antenna and a CoMP reference signal Rb for the second antenna may be allocated to the first slot of two slots in the first subframe. The CoMP reference signal Rc for the third antenna and the CoMP reference signal Rd for the fourth antenna may be adjacently allocated to the remaining slots of the first subframe similarly to the scheme allocated to the first slot. The allocation method of the second subframe is the same as the method of allocating the CoMP reference signal for each antenna to the first subframe.

In the case of cell 2, a CoMP reference signal for each antenna may be allocated in the same manner as cell 1. However, the common reference signals (cell-specific ports 0 to 3) may be allocated so as not to overlap between cell 1 and cell 2. According to this method, if one subframe is transmitted, all of the CoMP reference signals for the first to fourth antennas can be transmitted.

As described above, FIGS. 12 and 13 are cases where reference signal resources are additionally allocated to each cell or the reference signal resources are allocated by extending the time domain as compared with FIGS. 10 and 11, respectively. In the case of extending and transmitting the reference signal resource, the CoMP reference signal transmission time is shorter than the pattern without extending the reference signal resource, but data efficiency may be low.

On the other hand, a multi-cell that performs CoMP can transmit not only CoMP reference signals on the time axis but also the frequency axis. That is, by transmitting a CoMP reference signal using a code resource in a resource block unit or a subcarrier unit on a frequency axis in the same slot or symbol, a channel of multiple cells can be estimated. As the number of multi-cells performing CoMP increases, channel estimation is possible in a multi-cell environment by generating corresponding code resources and assigning them to each cell.

4. Code Division Multiplexing (CDM) through Grouping

Each cell that performs CoMP may be grouped and assigned a CoMP reference signal using an orthogonal code resource. That is, CoMP reference signals may be allocated to different groups or to different time and frequency resource regions. As such, when the CoMP reference signals of multiple cells are allocated by grouping cells, there is an advantage that the reference signals can be efficiently allocated and transmitted to more CoMP cells.

Consider the case where four cells, each having two transmission antennas, have two groups and allocate a CoMP reference signal.

FIG. 15 illustrates an example of a reference signal pattern in which four cells having two transmission antennas and grouped into two groups allocate a multi-antenna CoMP reference signal using grouping and code resources.

Referring to FIG. 15, one slot may include seven OFDM symbols. Orthogonal code resources may be applied between cells in each group. Each group may transmit a CoMP reference signal by assigning a dedicated reference signal to the same time and frequency domain. Each cell in each group alternately allocates a CoMP reference signal corresponding to each antenna in a slot or symbol unit. In the first cell group, when the CoMP reference signal is allocated to the first antenna in the first slot, the CoMP reference signal for the second antenna may be allocated in the second slot. In this way, a CoMP reference signal may be allocated in CoMP, and then a CoMP reference signal may be allocated using code resources.

In the matrix equation 1, cell 1, which is a serving cell of the first cell group, may be allocated code resource 1, and cell 2, which is an adjacent cell, may be assigned code 2. Each cell may transmit a reference signal on a time and frequency axis based on an allocated code resource. Here, the transmission of the reference signal on the time axis is taken as an example. Cell group 1 may include cells 1 and 2, and cell group 2 may include cells 3 and 4.

The cell 1 allocated with the code 1 may allocate CoMP reference signals Ra and Rc corresponding to the first and second antennas of the cell group 1 corresponding to the code resource element 1 for each slot in the first subframe, respectively. CoMP reference signals Ra and Rc corresponding to the first and second antennas of the cell group 1 corresponding to the code resource element 1 may be allocated to each slot in the second subframe. The cell 2 allocated with the code 2 may allocate CoMP reference signals Ra and Rc corresponding to the first and second antennas of the cell group 1 corresponding to the code resource element 1 for each slot in the first subframe, respectively. CoMP reference signals -Ra and -Rc corresponding to the first and second antennas of the cell group 1 corresponding to the resource element -1 may be allocated to each slot in the second subframe.

Cell 3 belonging to cell group 2 is a CoMP reference signal corresponding to the first and second antennas of cell group 2 in the first subframe and the second subframe using code resource 1 in a time and frequency domain different from cell group 1. Rb and Re can be allocated. Similarly to cell 3, cell 4, which is an adjacent cell, allocates CoMP reference signals -Rb and -Re corresponding to the first and second antennas of cell group 2 using code resources 2 in a time and frequency domain different from that of cell group 1. Can be.

The common reference signals (cell-specific ports 0 to 3) may be allocated so as not to overlap between cells 1 and 2 and between cells 3 and 4. The dedicated reference signal may be mapped with a reference signal sequence length allocated to one resource block or one symbol.

Each group may be formed in the same or different number of cells constituting CoMP. That is, as shown in FIG. 15, when four cells form CoMP, two cells may be paired to form two groups, and one serving cell and three remaining adjacent cells may form a group. It may be. Such CoMP cell grouping can be changed according to the situation.

As another example, two cells (Cell 1 and Cell 2) of four cells performing CoMP share the same data and transmit soft combining for macro diversity. The remaining two cells (Cell 3 and Cell 4) can be considered for other CoMP scenario cases (eg, transmit diversity, spatial multiplexing (SM), etc.) except soft combining. In this case, cells 1 and 2 may be regarded as one reference signal allocated to the same sequence and the same time and frequency domain. Accordingly, the same CoMP reference signal may be allocated as the cell performs CoMP.

That is, the first group for soft combining and the remaining two neighboring cells allocate CoMP reference signals using orthogonal code resources, respectively, or the remaining two neighboring cells form one group and the first for soft combining It can be assigned separately from the group. In addition, when the second group consisting of cells 3 and 4 performs soft combining that is different from the first group, similarly to the first group, the first group and the second group are as if two cells perform CoMP. As in the case, a CoMP reference signal may be allocated using two orthogonal code resources.

The joint processing method refers to a cooperative MIMO type method through data sharing between cells among CoMP execution methods. When multiple cells perform a joint processing scheme, a resource zone in which data and a reference signal for performing CoMP are transmitted may be dedicated. If a resource region for performing CoMP is exclusively allocated, it is not necessary to allocate a CoMP reference signal to resources other than the CoMP resource region. In other words, it is possible to efficiently use resources by freely using the resources of the portion as reference signals or data for other purposes, without having to maintain the same position of CoMP reference signals between cells in order to perform CoMP.

Such CoMP resource region allocation may be allocated semi-statically by higher layer signaling. CoMP resource area Physical Resource Block (PRB) may be allocated to the same physical resource block between cells, or may be allocated to different physical resource blocks. When a CoMP resource region is allocated to the same physical resource block among cells performing CoMP, the UE may accurately estimate channels of other cells by using CoMP reference signal transmission based on code resources. In this case, it is only necessary to inform the UE of information about the CoMP resource region physical resource block of the serving cell. On the contrary, when a CoMP resource region is allocated to different physical resource blocks between cells performing CoMP, the UE can effectively estimate a channel of another cell without an additional transmission method for transmitting a CoMP reference signal. However, the terminal should receive the location information of the CoMP resource region physical resource block of the neighbor cell performing CoMP from the serving cell.

As described above, the present invention relates to reference signal allocation and transmission of multiple cells performing CoMP. The present invention is particularly useful for joint processing based on multiple cells. In addition, the technique of the present invention can be applied not only to a multi-cell environment but also to a reference signal transmission technique for higher-order MIMO (MIMO) based on a single cell.

That is, each cell performing multi-cell based CoMP can be mapped to each antenna port based on a single cell and transmitted. As an example, when four cells transmit a CoMP reference signal to one virtual antenna in FIG. 5, this may be matched to a case where four antennas transmit data in rank 4 in a single cell. In a similar manner, for example, when two cells transmit a CoMP reference signal to two virtual antennas in FIG. 10, four cells may be matched to transmit data in rank 4 in a single cell. In addition, in FIG. 11, 8 antennas in a single cell may be matched to transmit data in rank 8. FIG.

The CoMP reference signal pattern proposed by the present invention is a structure useful for LTE-A terminal. A subframe for LTE-Advanced (LTE-A) may be defined for backward compatibility with an existing LTE terminal. That is, the reference signal pattern for performing CoMP proposed in the present invention is useful in a subframe defined as a subframe for LTE-A.

In addition, although the present invention describes the CoMP reference signal mainly from the point of view of a dedicated reference signal for demodulation, the same applies to the common reference signal for measuring channel conditions. For convenience of explanation, the reference signal structure for mapping to the same position between multiple cells is taken as an example. Can be reduced.

The embodiments described above are the components and features of the present invention are combined in a predetermined form. Each component or feature is to be considered optional unless stated otherwise. Each component or feature may be embodied in a form that is not combined with other components or features. It is also possible to combine some of the components and / or features to form an embodiment of the invention. The order of the operations described in the embodiments of the present invention may be changed. Some components or features of one embodiment may be included in another embodiment or may be replaced with corresponding components or features of another embodiment. It is obvious that the claims may be combined to form an embodiment by combining claims that do not have an explicit citation relationship in the claims or as new claims by post-application correction.

Embodiments according to the present invention may be implemented by various means, for example, hardware, firmware, software, or a combination thereof. In the case of a hardware implementation, an embodiment of the present invention may include one or more Application Specific Integrated Circuits (ASICs), Digital Signal Processors (DSPs), Digital Signal Processing Devices (DSPDs), Programmable Logic Devices (PLDs), FPGAs ( Field Programmable Gate Arrays), processors, controllers, microcontrollers, microprocessors, and the like.

In the case of implementation by firmware or software, an embodiment of the present invention may be implemented in the form of a module, procedure, function, etc. that performs the functions or operations described above. The software code may be stored in a memory unit and driven by a processor. The memory unit may be located inside or outside the processor, and may exchange data with the processor by various known means.

It is apparent to those skilled in the art that the present invention can be embodied in other specific forms without departing from the spirit and essential features of the present invention. Accordingly, the above detailed description should not be interpreted as limiting in all aspects and should be considered as illustrative. The scope of the invention should be determined by reasonable interpretation of the appended claims, and all changes within the equivalent scope of the invention are included in the scope of the invention.

It is obvious that the claims may be combined to form an embodiment by combining claims that do not have an explicit citation relationship in the claims or as new claims by post-application correction.

CoMP reference signal transmission and reception method in a multi-cell environment according to the present invention can be used in various industries.

Claims (8)

1. In a method for receiving a CoMP reference signal from each cell in which a terminal performs a CoMP (Cooperative Multi-Point) operation in a multi-cell environment,

   Receiving, by the terminal, a CoMP reference signal to which an orthogonal code of a slot unit or a symbol unit is applied from each cell performing the CoMP operation to have orthogonality between reference signals of the cells performing the CoMP operation; And

   And dividing and processing the received CoMP reference signal for each cell performing the CoMP operation by using an orthogonal code applied by the slot unit or symbol unit.
2. The method of claim 1,

   The CoMP reference signal is a method of receiving a CoMP reference signal, wherein orthogonal code resource elements corresponding to the CoMP reference signal are applied one by one on a resource block.
3. The method of claim 1,

   The CoMP reference signal is a CoMP reference signal receiving method, wherein orthogonal code resource elements corresponding to the CoMP reference signal are applied one by one on a resource block.
4. The method of claim 1,

   The terminal receives the information of the orthogonal code resource used by each cell performing the CoMP from the cell to which the terminal belongs through a broadcast channel or higher layer signaling, CoMP reference signal reception method.
5. The method of claim 1,

   Orthogonal code resource elements corresponding to the first antenna and the second antenna of the cell performing CoMP are applied in units of slots in the first subframe, and orthogonal code resource elements corresponding to the third antenna and the fourth antenna, respectively, A CoMP reference signal receiving method applied to a slot unit in a second subframe.
6. The method of claim 1,

   Orthogonal code resource elements corresponding to the first antenna and the second antenna of the cell performing the CoMP are included in the same slot in the first subframe and applied in the slot unit, and the orthogonal code corresponding to the third antenna and the fourth antenna The resource element is included in the same slot in the second sub-frame, CoMP reference signal receiving method.
7. The method of claim 1,

   An orthogonal code resource element corresponding to the first antenna and the second antenna of the cell performing CoMP is applied to the first slot of the first subframe, and the orthogonal code resource element corresponding to the third antenna and the fourth antenna is A CoMP reference signal receiving method applied to a second slot of a first subframe.
8. In a method for transmitting a CoMP reference signal by each base station performing a Cooperative Multi-Point (CoMP) operation in a multi-cell environment,

   Allocating an orthogonal code resource to which an orthogonal code is applied such that reference signals of respective base stations performing CoMP operations are orthogonal to each other on a slot or symbol basis; And

   And transmitting a CoMP reference signal signal using an orthogonal code resource to which an orthogonal code is applied such that each base station reference signal is orthogonal to each other in the slot unit or the symbol unit.

Images