Communication via the Butler Matrix and Lenses

Abstract

Various aspects of the present disclosure generally relate to wireless communications. In some aspects, a first wireless communication device may select a lens from a set of candidate lenses and a Butler matrix from a set of candidate Butler matrices to transmit a signal to a second wireless communication device, wherein the lens is separated from the Butler matrix by a distance that is at least a far-field length of the lens for a frequency associated with the signal. The first wireless communication device may transmit the signal to the second wireless communication device via the beam and lens of the Butler matrix. Numerous other aspects are also provided.

Description

[0001] CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0002] This patent application claims priority to U.S. non-provisional patent application No. 16 / 948,639, filed on September 25, 2020, entitled “COMMUNICATION VIAA BUTLERMATRIX AND A LENS,” which is expressly incorporated herein by reference. Technical Field

[0003] Aspects of the present disclosure relate generally to wireless communications, and to techniques and apparatus for communicating via Butler matrices and lenses. Background Art

[0004] Wireless communication systems are widely deployed to provide a variety of telecommunication services, such as telephony, video, data, messaging, and broadcasting. Typical wireless communication systems may employ multiple access technologies capable of supporting communication with multiple users by sharing available system resources (e.g., bandwidth, transmit power, etc.). Examples of such multiple access technologies include code division multiple access (CDMA) systems, time division multiple access (TDMA) systems, frequency division multiple access (FDMA) systems, orthogonal frequency division multiple access (OFDMA) systems, single-carrier frequency division multiple access (SC-FDMA) systems, time division synchronous code division multiple access (TD-SCDMA) systems, and long term evolution (LTE). LTE / LTE-Advanced is a set of enhancements to the Universal Mobile Telecommunications System (UMTS) mobile standard promulgated by the Third Generation Partnership Project (3GPP).

[0005] A wireless network may include multiple base stations (BSs) that can support communications for multiple user equipment (UEs). User equipment (UEs) can communicate with a base station (BS) via downlinks and uplinks. The downlink (or forward link) refers to the communication link from the BS to the UE, while the uplink (or reverse link) refers to the communication link from the UE to the BS. As will be described in more detail herein, a BS may be referred to as a Node B, gNB, access point (AP), radio head, transmit receive point (TRP), new radio (NR) BS, 5G Node B, etc.

[0006] The above-mentioned multiple access technologies have been adopted in various telecommunication standards to provide a common protocol that enables different user devices to communicate at municipal, national, regional, and even global levels. New Radio (NR), also known as 5G, is a set of enhancements to the LTE mobile standard promulgated by the Third Generation Partnership Project (3GPP). NR aims to support mobile broadband internet access by improving spectrum efficiency, reducing costs, improving services, utilizing new spectrum, and using orthogonal frequency division multiplexing (OFDM) with a cyclic prefix (CP) (CP-OFDM) on the downlink (DL) and CP-OFDM and / or SC-FDM (e.g., also known as discrete Fourier transform spread OFDM (DFT-s-OFDM)) on the uplink (UL) to better integrate with other open standards, as well as supporting beamforming, multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO) antenna technology, and carrier aggregation. As the demand for mobile broadband access continues to increase, further improvements to LTE, NR, and other radio access technologies remain useful. Summary of the Invention

[0007] In some aspects, a method of wireless communication performed by a first wireless communication device includes selecting a lens from a set of candidate lenses and a Butler matrix from a set of candidate Butler matrices to transmit a signal with a second wireless communication device, wherein the lens is separated from the Butler matrix by a distance that is at least a far-field length of the lens for a frequency associated with the signal; and transmitting the signal with the second wireless communication device via a beam of the Butler matrix and the lens.

[0008] In some aspects, a first wireless communication device for wireless communication includes a memory; a set of candidate Butler matrices; a set of candidate lenses; and one or more processors operatively coupled to the memory, the memory and the one or more processors configured to: select a lens from the set of candidate lenses and a Butler matrix from the set of candidate Butler matrices to transmit a signal with a second wireless communication device, wherein the lens is separated from the Butler matrix by a distance that is at least a far-field length of the lens for a frequency associated with the signal; and transmit the signal with the second wireless communication device via a beam of the Butler matrix and the lens.

[0009] In some aspects, a non-transitory computer-readable medium storing a set of instructions for wireless communication includes one or more instructions that, when executed by one or more processors of a first wireless communication device, causes the first wireless communication device to: select a lens from a set of candidate lenses and a Butler matrix from a set of candidate Butler matrices to transmit a signal with a second wireless communication device, wherein the lens is separated from the Butler matrix by a distance that is at least a far-field length of the lens for a frequency associated with the signal; and transmit the signal with the second wireless communication device via a beam of the Butler matrix and the lens.

[0010] In some aspects, an apparatus for wireless communication includes means for selecting a lens from a set of candidate lenses and a Butler matrix from a set of candidate Butler matrices to transmit a signal with a second wireless communication device, wherein the lens is separated from the Butler matrix by a distance that is at least a far-field length of the lens for a frequency associated with the signal; and means for transmitting the signal with the second wireless communication device via a beam of the Butler matrix and the lens.

[0011] Aspects generally include methods, apparatus, systems, computer program products, non-transitory computer-readable media, user equipment, base stations, wireless communication devices, and processing systems as generally described herein with reference to and as illustrated in the accompanying figures and description.

[0012] The features and technical advantages of the examples according to the present disclosure have been outlined quite broadly above so that the following detailed description may be better understood. Additional features and advantages will be described below. The concepts and specific examples disclosed may be readily used as a basis for modifying or designing other structures for achieving the same purpose of the present disclosure. Such equivalent constructions do not depart from the scope of the appended claims. The characteristics of the concepts disclosed herein in terms of their organization and method of operation, as well as the associated advantages, will be better understood through the following description in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. Each of the figures is provided for the purpose of illustration and description and not as a definition of limitations of the claims. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0013] In order that the above features of the present disclosure may be understood in detail, a more detailed description of the content briefly summarized above may be made with reference to various aspects (some of which are shown in the accompanying drawings). However, it should be noted that the accompanying drawings illustrate only certain typical aspects of the present disclosure and are not to be considered as limiting the scope thereof, as the description may admit of other equally effective aspects. The same reference numerals in different drawings may identify the same or similar elements.

[0014] Figure 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of a wireless network according to various aspects of the present disclosure.

[0015] Figure 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of a base station communicating with a UE in a wireless network according to various aspects of the present disclosure.

[0016] Figure 3 is a diagram illustrating an example beamforming architecture supporting beamforming for millimeter wave communications in accordance with various aspects of the present disclosure.

[0017] Figure 4-6is a diagram illustrating examples associated with communication via a Butler matrix and a lens according to various aspects of the present disclosure.

[0018] Figure 7 is a diagram illustrating an exemplary process associated with communication via a Butler matrix and lenses according to various aspects of the present disclosure.

[0019] Figure 8 is a block diagram of an example apparatus for wireless communication in accordance with various aspects of the present disclosure. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0020] The various aspects of the present disclosure are described more fully below with reference to the accompanying drawings. However, the present disclosure can be implemented in many different forms and should not be construed as being limited to any specific structure or function given throughout the present disclosure. On the contrary, these aspects are provided to make the present disclosure thorough and complete and to fully convey the scope of the present disclosure to those skilled in the art. Based on the teachings herein, those skilled in the art should understand that the scope of the present disclosure is intended to cover any aspect of the present disclosure disclosed herein, whether implemented independently of any other aspect of the present disclosure or implemented in combination with any additional aspect of the present disclosure. For example, any number of aspects set forth herein can be used to implement a device or practice method. In addition, the scope of the present disclosure is intended to cover such devices or methods that are practiced using a supplement to the various aspects of the disclosure set forth herein or in addition to other structures, functionality, or structure and functionality. It should be understood that any aspect of the present disclosure disclosed herein can be embodied by one or more elements of the claims.

[0021] Several aspects of telecommunications systems will now be presented with reference to various devices and techniques. These devices and techniques are described in the following detailed description and illustrated in the accompanying drawings by various blocks, modules, components, circuits, steps, processes, algorithms, etc. (collectively, "elements"). These elements may be implemented using hardware, software, or a combination thereof. Whether such elements are implemented as hardware or software depends on the specific application and the design constraints imposed on the overall system.

[0022] It should be noted that although various aspects are described herein using terminology generally associated with 5G or NR radio access technologies (RATs), various aspects of the present disclosure may be applied to other RATs, such as 3G RATs, 4G RATs, and / or RATs beyond 5G (e.g., 6G).

[0023] Figure 1is a diagram illustrating an example of a wireless network 100 according to various aspects of the present disclosure. The wireless network 100 may be or may include elements of a 5G (NR) network, an LTE network, or the like. The wireless network 100 may include multiple base stations 110 (shown as BS 110a, BS 110b, BS 110c, and BS 110d) and other network entities. A base station (BS) is an entity that communicates with a user equipment (UE) and may also be referred to as an NR BS, Node B, gNB, 5G Node B (NB), access point, transmit receive point (TRP), or the like. Each BS may provide communication coverage for a specific geographic area. In 3GPP, the term "cell" may refer to the coverage area of ​​a BS and / or a BS subsystem serving that coverage area, depending on the context in which the term is used.

[0024] A BS may provide communication coverage for macro cells, pico cells, femto cells, and / or another type of cell. A macro cell may cover a relatively large geographic area (e.g., several kilometers in radius) and may allow unrestricted access to UEs with service subscriptions. A pico cell may cover a relatively small geographic area and may allow unrestricted access to UEs with service subscriptions. A femto cell may cover a relatively small geographic area (e.g., a home) and may allow restricted access to UEs associated with the femto cell (e.g., UEs in a closed subscriber group (CSG)). A BS for a macro cell may be referred to as a macro BS. A BS for a pico cell may be referred to as a pico BS. A BS for a femto cell may be referred to as a femto BS or a home BS. In Figure 1 In the example shown in FIG, BS 110a may be a macro BS for macrocell 102a, BS 110b may be a pico BS for picocell 102b, and BS 110c may be a femto BS for femtocell 102c. A BS may support one or more (e.g., three) cells. The terms "eNB," "base station," "NR BS," "gNB," "TRP," "AP," "Node B," "5G NB," and "cell" may be used interchangeably herein.

[0025] In some aspects, the cells may not necessarily be stationary, and the geographic area of ​​the cells may move depending on the location of the mobile BS. In some aspects, the BSs may be interconnected to each other and / or to one or more other BSs or network nodes (not shown) in the wireless network 100 via various types of backhaul interfaces (such as direct physical connections, virtual networks using any suitable transport network, etc.).

[0026] The wireless network 100 may also include a relay station. A relay station is an entity that can receive transmissions of data from an upstream station (e.g., a BS or UE) and send transmissions of data to a downstream station (e.g., a UE or BS). A relay station may also be a UE that can relay transmissions for other UEs. Figure 1 In the example shown in FIG, relay BS 110d may communicate with macro BS 110a and UE 120d to facilitate communication between BS 110a and UE 120d. A relay BS may also be referred to as a relay station, relay base station, relay, etc.

[0027] The wireless network 100 may be a heterogeneous network including different types of BSs (e.g., macro BSs, pico BSs, femto BSs, relay BSs, etc.). These different types of BSs may have different transmit power levels, different coverage areas, and different effects on interference in the wireless network 100. For example, a macro BS may have a high transmit power level (e.g., 5 to 40 watts), while a pico BS, a femto BS, and a relay BS may have a lower transmit power level (e.g., 0.1 to 2 watts).

[0028] The network controller 130 may be coupled to a set of BSs and may provide coordination and control for these BSs. The network controller 130 may communicate with the BSs via a backhaul. These BSs may also communicate with each other directly or indirectly, for example, via a wireless or wired backhaul.

[0029] UEs 120 (e.g., 120a, 120b, 120c) may be dispersed throughout the wireless network 100, and each UE may be stationary or mobile. A UE may also be referred to as an access terminal, terminal, mobile station, subscriber unit, station, etc. A UE may be a cellular phone (e.g., a smartphone), a personal digital assistant (PDA), a wireless modem, a wireless communication device, a handheld device, a laptop computer, a cordless phone, a wireless local loop (WLL) station, a tablet computer, a camera, a gaming device, a netbook, a smartbook, an ultrabook, a medical device or equipment, a biometric sensor / device, a wearable device (e.g., a smart watch, smart clothing, smart glasses, a smart wristband, smart jewelry (e.g., a smart ring, a smart bracelet)), an entertainment device (e.g., a music or video device, or a satellite radio), an in-vehicle component or sensor, a smart meter / sensor, industrial manufacturing equipment, a global positioning system device, or any other suitable device configured to communicate via a wireless or wired medium.

[0030] Some UEs may be considered machine type communication (MTC) or evolved or enhanced machine type communication (eMTC) UEs. MTC and eMTC UEs include, for example, robots, drones, remote devices, sensors, meters, monitors, positioning tags, etc., which can communicate with a base station, another device (e.g., a remote device), or some other entity. A wireless node may, for example, provide connectivity to a network (e.g., a wide area network such as the Internet or a cellular network) or to a network via a wired or wireless communication link. Some UEs may be considered Internet of Things (IoT) devices and / or may be implemented as NB-IoT (narrowband Internet of Things) devices. Some UEs may be considered customer premises equipment (CPE). UE 120 may be included within a housing that houses various components of UE 120, such as a processor component, a memory component, etc. In some aspects, the processor component and the memory component may be coupled together. For example, a processor component (e.g., one or more processors) and a memory component (e.g., a memory) may be operatively coupled, communicatively coupled, electronically coupled, electrically coupled, etc.

[0031] In general, any number of wireless networks can be deployed in a given geographic area. Each wireless network can support a specific RAT and can operate on one or more frequencies. RATs can also be referred to as radio technologies, air interfaces, etc. Frequencies can also be referred to as carriers, frequency channels, etc. Each frequency can support a single RAT in a given geographic area to avoid interference between wireless networks of different RATs. In some cases, NR or 5G RAT networks can be deployed.

[0032] In some aspects, two or more UEs 120 (e.g., shown as UE 120a and UE 120e) may communicate directly (e.g., without using base station 110 as an intermediary) using one or more sidelink channels. For example, the UEs 120 may communicate using peer-to-peer (P2P) communication, device-to-device (D2D) communication, vehicle-to-everything (V2X) protocols (e.g., which may include vehicle-to-vehicle (V2V) protocols, vehicle-to-infrastructure (V2I) protocols, etc.), mesh networks, etc. In this case, the UEs 120 may perform scheduling operations, resource selection operations, and / or other operations described elsewhere herein as being performed by the base station 110.

[0033] Devices of the wireless network 100 can communicate using an electromagnetic spectrum, which can be subdivided into various categories, bands, channels, etc. based on frequency or wavelength. For example, devices of the wireless network 100 can communicate using an operating frequency band having a first frequency range (FR1), which can span 410 MHz to 7.125 GHz, and / or can communicate using an operating frequency band having a second frequency range (FR2), which can span 24.25 GHz to 52.6 GHz. Frequencies between FR1 and FR2 are sometimes referred to as mid-band frequencies. Although a portion of FR1 is greater than 6 GHz, FR1 is often referred to as a "sub-6 GHz" band. Similarly, FR2 is often referred to as a "millimeter wave" band, although it is different from the extremely high frequency (EHF) band (30 GHz-300 GHz) identified by the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) as a "millimeter wave" band. Thus, unless otherwise specifically stated, it should be understood that the terms "sub-6 GHz," etc., if used herein, may broadly refer to frequencies less than 6 GHz, frequencies within FR1, and / or mid-band frequencies (e.g., greater than 7.125 GHz). Similarly, unless otherwise specifically stated, it should be understood that the terms "millimeter wave," etc., if used herein, may broadly refer to frequencies within the EHF band, frequencies within FR2, and / or mid-band frequencies (e.g., less than 24.25 GHz). It is contemplated that the frequencies included in FR1 and FR2 may be modified, and that the techniques described herein are applicable to those modified frequency ranges.

[0034] As mentioned above, Figure 1 This is provided as an example only. Other examples may differ from those in combination with Figure 1 The content described.

[0035] Figure 2 is a diagram illustrating an example 200 of a base station 110 communicating with a UE 120 in a wireless network 100 in accordance with various aspects of the present disclosure. The base station 110 may be equipped with T antennas 234a through 234t, and the UE 120 may be equipped with R antennas 252a through 252r, where in general, T ≥ 1 and R ≥ 1.

[0036] At base station 110, transmit processor 220 may receive data for one or more UEs from data source 212, select one or more modulation and coding schemes (MCS) for each UE based at least in part on a channel quality indicator (CQI) received from the UE, process (e.g., encode and modulate) the data for each UE based at least in part on the MCS selected for the UE, and provide data symbols for all UEs. Transmit processor 220 may also process system information (e.g., for semi-static resource partitioning information (SRPI) and control information (e.g., CQI requests, grants, upper layer signaling notifications, etc.) and provide overhead symbols and control symbols. Transmit processor 220 may also generate reference symbols for reference signals (e.g., cell-specific reference signals (CRS), demodulation reference signals (DMRS), etc.) and synchronization signals (e.g., primary synchronization signal (PSS) and secondary synchronization signal (SSS)). A transmit (TX) multiple-input, multiple-output (MIMO) processor 230 may perform spatial processing (e.g., precoding) on ​​data symbols, control symbols, overhead symbols, and / or reference symbols, as applicable, and may provide T output symbol streams to T modulators (MODs) 232a through 232t. Each modulator 232 may process a corresponding output symbol stream (e.g., for OFDM, etc.) to obtain an output sample stream. Each modulator 232 may further process (e.g., convert to analog, amplify, filter, and frequency upconvert) the output sample stream to obtain a downlink signal. The T downlink signals from modulators 232a through 232t may be transmitted via T antennas 234a through 234t, respectively.

[0037] At UE 120, antennas 252a through 252r can receive downlink signals from base station 110 and / or other base stations and can provide received signals to demodulators (DEMODs) 254a through 254r, respectively. Each demodulator 254 can condition (e.g., filter, amplify, downconvert, and digitize) the received signal to obtain input samples. Each demodulator 254 can also process the input samples (e.g., for OFDM, etc.) to obtain received symbols. A MIMO detector 256 can obtain received symbols from all R demodulators 254a through 254r, perform MIMO detection on the received symbols where applicable, and provide detected symbols. A receive processor 258 can process (e.g., demodulate and decode) the detected symbols, provide decoded data for UE 120 to a data sink 260, and provide decoded control information and system information to a controller / processor 280. The term "controller / processor" can refer to one or more controllers, one or more processors, or a combination thereof. The channel processor may determine reference signal received power (RSRP), received signal strength indicator (RSSI), reference signal received quality (RSRQ), channel quality indicator (CQI), etc. In some aspects, one or more components of the UE 120 may be included in the housing 284.

[0038] The network controller 130 may include a communication unit 294, a controller / processor 290, and a memory 292. The network controller 130 may include, for example, one or more devices in a core network. The network controller 130 may communicate with the base station 110 via the communication unit 294.

[0039] On the uplink, at the UE 120, a transmit processor 264 may receive and process data from a data source 262 and control information (e.g., for reports including RSRP, RSSI, RSRQ, CQI, etc.) from a controller / processor 280. The transmit processor 264 may also generate reference symbols for one or more reference signals. The symbols from the transmit processor 264 may be precoded by a TX MIMO processor 266, where applicable, further processed by modulators 254a through 254r (e.g., for DFT-s-OFDM, CP-OFDM, etc.), and transmitted to the base station 110. In some aspects, the UE 120 includes a transceiver. The transceiver may include any combination of antennas 252, modulators and / or demodulators 254, a MIMO detector 256, a receive processor 258, a transmit processor 264, and / or a TX MIMO processor 266. The transceiver may be used by a processor (eg, controller / processor 280) and memory 282 to perform aspects of any of the methods described herein (eg, as described with reference to Figure 4-6 describe).

[0040] At base station 110, uplink signals from UE 120 and other UEs may be received by antenna 234, processed by demodulator 232, detected by MIMO detector 236 where applicable, and further processed by receive processor 238 to obtain decoded data and control information transmitted by UE 120. Receive processor 238 may provide the decoded data to a data sink 239 and the decoded control information to controller / processor 240. Base station 110 may include a communication unit 244 and communicate with network controller 130 via communication unit 244. Base station 110 may include a scheduler 246 to schedule UE 120 for downlink and / or uplink communications. In some aspects, base station 110 includes a transceiver. The transceiver may include any combination of antenna 234, modulator and / or demodulator 232, MIMO detector 236, receive processor 238, transmit processor 220, and / or TX MIMO processor 230. The transceiver may be used by a processor (eg, controller / processor 240) and memory 242 to perform aspects of any of the methods described herein (eg, as described with reference to Figure 4-6 describe).

[0041] The controller / processor 240 of the base station 110, the controller / processor 280 of the UE 120, and / or Figure 2 Any other components of may perform one or more techniques associated with communication via the Butler matrix and lenses, as described in more detail elsewhere herein. For example, the controller / processor 240 of the base station 110, the controller / processor 280 of the UE 120, and / or Figure 2 Any other component of the Figure 7 700 and / or other processes described herein. Memories 242 and 282 may store data and program codes for base station 110 and UE 120, respectively. In some aspects, memory 242 and / or memory 282 may include a non-transitory computer-readable medium storing one or more instructions (e.g., code, program code, etc.) for wireless communications. For example, the one or more instructions, when executed by one or more processors of base station 110 and / or UE 120 (e.g., directly, or after compilation, translation, interpretation, etc.), may cause the one or more processors, UE 120, and / or base station 110 to perform or direct, for example, Figure 7 In some aspects, executing instructions may include running instructions, converting instructions, compiling instructions, interpreting instructions, etc.

[0042] In some aspects, a wireless communication device (e.g., base station 110) may include components (e.g., using controller / processor 240, memory 242, etc.) for selecting a lens from a set of candidate lenses and a Butler matrix from a set of candidate Butler matrices to transmit a signal with a second wireless communication device, wherein the lens is separated from the Butler matrix by a distance that is at least a far-field length of the lens for a frequency associated with the signal; components (e.g., using controller / processor 240, transmit processor 220, TX MIMO processor 230, MOD / DEMOD 232, antenna 234, memory 242, MIMO detector 236, receive processor 238, etc.) for transmitting a signal with the second wireless communication device via the beams and lenses of the Butler matrix; etc.

[0043] Although Figure 2 The blocks in FIG. 2 are illustrated as distinct components, but the functionality described above with respect to the blocks may be implemented in a single hardware, software, or combined component or in various combinations of components. For example, the functionality described with respect to the transmit processor 264, the receive processor 258, and / or the TX MIMO processor 266 may be performed by or under the control of the controller / processor 280.

[0044] As mentioned above, Figure 2 This is provided as an example only. Other examples may differ from those in combination with Figure 2 The content described.

[0045] Figure 3 is a diagram illustrating an exemplary beamforming architecture 300 that supports beamforming for millimeter wave (mmW) communications in accordance with various aspects of the present disclosure. In some aspects, the architecture 300 can implement aspects of the wireless network 100. In some aspects, the architecture 300 can be implemented in a transmitter device (e.g., a first wireless communication device, UE, or base station) and / or a receiver device (e.g., a second wireless communication device, UE, or base station) as described herein.

[0046] In summary, Figure 3 3 is a diagram illustrating example hardware components of a wireless communication device according to certain aspects of the present disclosure. The illustrated components may include components that can be used for antenna element selection and / or beamforming for wireless signal transmission. There are many architectures for antenna element selection and implementing phase shifting, only one example is illustrated here. Architecture 300 includes a modem (modulator / demodulator) 302, a digital-to-analog converter (DAC) 304, a first mixer 306, a second mixer 308, and a splitter 310. Architecture 300 also includes a plurality of first amplifiers 312, a plurality of phase shifters 314, a plurality of second amplifiers 316, and an antenna array 318 including a plurality of antenna elements 320.

[0047] Transmission lines or other waveguides, wires, traces, etc. connecting various components are shown to illustrate how signals to be transmitted propagate between the components. Reference numerals 322, 324, 326, and 328 indicate regions in the architecture 300 where different types of signals propagate or are processed. Specifically, reference numeral 322 indicates a region where digital baseband signals propagate or are processed, reference numeral 324 indicates a region where analog baseband signals propagate or are processed, reference numeral 326 indicates a region where analog intermediate frequency (IF) signals propagate or are processed, and reference numeral 328 indicates a region where analog radio frequency (RF) signals propagate or are processed. The architecture also includes local oscillator A 330 and local oscillator B 332.

[0048] Each antenna element 320 (also referred to herein as a "radiating element") may include one or more sub-elements for radiating or receiving RF signals. For example, a single antenna element 320 may include a first sub-element that is cross-polarized with a second sub-element that can be used to independently transmit a cross-polarized signal. The antenna elements 320 may include patch antennas, dipole antennas, or other types of antennas arranged in a linear pattern, a two-dimensional pattern, or another pattern. The spacing between the antenna elements 320 may be such that signals having desired wavelengths that are individually transmitted by the antenna elements 320 may interact or interfere (e.g., to form a desired beam). For example, given an expected range of wavelengths or frequencies, the spacing may provide a quarter wavelength, half a wavelength, or other fraction of a wavelength of the spacing between adjacent antenna elements 320 to allow interaction or interference of signals transmitted by the individual antenna elements 320 within that expected range.

[0049] Modem 302 processes and generates a digital baseband signal and may also control the operation of DAC 304, first mixer 306, second mixer 308, splitter 310, first amplifier 312, phase shifter 314, and / or second amplifier 316 to transmit the signal via one or more or all of antenna elements 320. Modem 302 may process signals and control operations according to a communication standard, such as the wireless standards discussed herein. DAC 304 may convert the digital baseband signal received from modem 302 (to be transmitted) into an analog baseband signal. First mixer 306 uses local oscillator A 330 to up-convert the analog baseband signal into an analog IF signal within the IF. For example, first mixer 306 may mix the signal with an oscillating signal generated by local oscillator A 330 to "shift" the baseband analog signal to the IF. In some cases, some processing or filtering (not shown) may occur at the IF. Second mixer 308 uses local oscillator B 332 to up-convert the analog IF signal into an analog RF signal. Similar to the first mixer, the second mixer 308 can mix the signal with an oscillating signal generated by local oscillator B 332 to "shift" the IF analog signal to the RF frequency, or the frequency at which the signal is to be transmitted or received. The modem 302 can adjust the frequency of local oscillator A 330 and / or local oscillator B 332 to produce the desired IF and / or RF frequency and to facilitate processing and transmission of signals within the desired bandwidth.

[0050] In the illustrated architecture 300, the signal upconverted by the second mixer 308 is split or replicated into multiple signals by a splitter 310. The splitter 310 in the architecture 300 separates the RF signal into multiple identical or nearly identical RF signals. In other examples, the splitting can occur using any type of signal, including baseband digital, baseband analog, or IF analog signals. Each of these signals can correspond to an antenna element 320, and the signal propagates through and is processed by amplifiers 312, 316, phase shifters 314, and / or other elements corresponding to the corresponding antenna element 320 before being provided to and transmitted by the corresponding antenna element 320 of the antenna array 318. In one example, the splitter 310 can be an active splitter connected to a power source and providing some gain so that the RF signal leaving the splitter 310 is at a power level equal to or greater than the power level of the signal entering the splitter 310. In another example, the splitter 310 is a passive splitter that is not connected to a power source, and the RF signal exiting the splitter 310 may be at a lower power level than the RF signal entering the splitter 310 .

[0051] After being split by splitter 310, the resulting RF signal can enter an amplifier corresponding to antenna element 320, such as first amplifier 312 or phase shifter 314. First amplifier 312 and second amplifier 316 are illustrated with dashed lines because one or both of them may not be required in some aspects. In some aspects, both first amplifier 312 and second amplifier 314 are present. In some aspects, neither first amplifier 312 nor second amplifier 314 is present. In some aspects, one of the two amplifiers 312, 314 is present, while the other is absent. For example, if splitter 310 is an active splitter, first amplifier 312 may not be used. As another example, if phase shifter 314 is an active phase shifter that can provide gain, second amplifier 316 may not be used.

[0052] The amplifiers 312, 316 can provide a desired level of positive or negative gain. Positive gain (positive dB) can be used to increase the amplitude of the radiated signal of a particular antenna element 320. Negative gain (negative dB) can be used to reduce the amplitude and / or disable the radiation of the signal by a particular antenna element. Each of the amplifiers 312, 316 can be independently controlled (e.g., by the modem 302) to provide independent control of the gain of each antenna element 320. For example, the modem 302 can have at least one control line connected to each of the splitter 310, the first amplifier 312, the phase shifter 314, and / or the second amplifier 316, which can be used to configure the gain to provide the desired amount of gain for each component and, therefore, for each antenna element 320.

[0053] The phase shifters 314 can provide a configurable phase shift or phase offset to the corresponding RF signal being transmitted. The phase shifters 314 can be passive phase shifters that are not directly connected to a power source. Passive phase shifters may introduce some insertion loss. The second amplifier 316 can boost the signal to compensate for the insertion loss. The phase shifters 314 can be active phase shifters connected to a power source so that they provide a certain amount of gain or prevent insertion loss. The settings of each phase shifter 314 are independent, meaning that each phase shifter can be independently configured to provide a desired amount of phase shift, the same amount of phase shift, or some other configuration. The modem 302 can have at least one control line connected to each phase shifter 314 and that can be used to configure the phase shifters 314 to provide a desired amount of phase shift or phase offset between the antenna elements 320.

[0054] In the illustrated architecture 300, RF signals received by antenna elements 320 are provided to one or more of the first amplifiers 356 to boost signal strength. The first amplifiers 356 can be connected to the same antenna array 318 (e.g., for time division duplex (TDD) operation). The first amplifiers 356 can be connected to different antenna arrays 318. The boosted RF signals are input to one or more phase shifters 354 to provide a configurable phase shift or offset to the corresponding received RF signals, enabling reception via one or more RX beams. The phase shifters 354 can be active or passive. The settings of the phase shifters 354 are independent, meaning each can be independently configured to provide a desired amount of phase shift, the same amount of phase shift, or some other configuration. The modem 302 can have at least one control line connected to each of the phase shifters 354 and used to configure the phase shifters 354 to provide a desired amount of phase shift or offset between the antenna elements 320, enabling reception via one or more RX beams.

[0055] The output of the phase shifter 354 can be input to one or more second amplifiers 352 for signal amplification of the phase-shifted received RF signal. The second amplifiers 352 can be individually configured to provide a configured amount of gain. The second amplifiers 352 can be individually configured to provide a certain amount of gain to ensure that the signals input to the combiner 350 have the same amplitude. The amplifiers 352 and / or 356 are illustrated in dashed lines because they may not be required in some aspects. In some aspects, both amplifiers 352 and 356 are present. In another aspect, neither amplifier 352 nor amplifier 356 is present. In other aspects, one of the amplifiers 352 and 356 is present, while the other is not.

[0056] In the illustrated architecture 300, the signals output by phase shifter 354 (via amplifier 352 when present) are combined in combiner 350. Combiner 350 in architecture 300 combines the RF signals into a single signal. Combiner 350 can be a passive combiner (e.g., not connected to a power source), which may result in some insertion loss. Combiner 350 can be an active combiner (e.g., connected to a power source), which may result in some signal gain. When combiner 350 is an active combiner, it can provide a different (e.g., configurable) amount of gain for each input signal so that the input signals have the same amplitude when combined. When combiner 350 is an active combiner, combiner 350 may not require second amplifier 352, as the active combiner can provide signal amplification.

[0057] The output of combiner 350 is input to mixers 348 and 346. Mixers 348 and 346 typically downconvert the received RF signal using inputs from local oscillators 372 and 370, respectively, to create intermediate or baseband signals that carry coding and modulation information. The outputs of mixers 348 and 346 are input to analog-to-digital converter (ADC) 344 for conversion to analog signals. The analog signals output from ADC 344 are input to modem 302 for baseband processing, such as decoding, deinterleaving, etc.

[0058] Architecture 300 is provided by way of example only to illustrate an architecture for transmitting and / or receiving signals. In some cases, architecture 300 and / or each portion of architecture 300 may be repeated multiple times within the architecture to accommodate or provide any number of RF chains, antenna elements, and / or antenna panels. In addition, many alternative architectures are possible and contemplated. For example, although only a single antenna array 318 is shown, two, three, or more antenna arrays may be included, each with one or more of their own corresponding amplifiers, phase shifters, splitters, mixers, DACs, ADCs, and / or modems. For example, a single UE may include two, four, or more antenna arrays for transmitting or receiving signals at different physical locations on the UE or in different directions.

[0059] Furthermore, in different implementations, mixers, splitters, amplifiers, phase shifters, and other components may be located in different signal type regions (e.g., as indicated by different reference numerals 322, 324, 326, and 328). For example, in different examples, splitting the signal to be transmitted into multiple signals may occur at analog RF, analog IF, analog baseband, or digital baseband frequencies. Similarly, amplification and / or phase shifting may also occur at different frequencies. For example, in some aspects, one or more of the splitter 310, amplifiers 312, 316, or phase shifter 314 may be located between the DAC 304 and the first mixer 306 or between the first mixer 306 and the second mixer 308. In one example, the functionality of one or more components may be combined into one component. For example, the phase shifter 314 may perform amplification to include or replace the first amplifier 312 and / or the second amplifier 316. As another example, the phase shifting may be performed by the second mixer 308 to eliminate the need for a separate phase shifter 314. This technique is sometimes referred to as local oscillator (LO) phase shifting. In some aspects of this configuration, there can be multiple IF-to-RF mixers within the second mixer 308 (e.g., for each antenna element chain), and local oscillator B 332 can provide a different local oscillator signal (with a different phase offset) to each IF-to-RF mixer.

[0060] The modem 302 can control one or more of the other components 304 to 372 to select one or more antenna elements 320 and / or form a beam for transmitting one or more signals. For example, antenna elements 320 can be individually selected or deselected for transmission of a signal (or multiple signals) by controlling the amplitude of one or more corresponding amplifiers such as the first amplifier 312 and / or the second amplifier 316. Beamforming involves generating a beam using multiple signals on different antenna elements, where one or more or all of the multiple signals are shifted in phase relative to each other. The formed beam can carry physical or higher-layer reference signals or information. When each of the multiple signals is radiated from its respective antenna element 320, the radiated signals interact, interfere (constructively and destructively), and amplify each other to form the resulting beam. The shape (such as the amplitude, width and / or presence of side lobes) and direction (such as the angle of the beam relative to the surface of the antenna array 318) can be dynamically controlled by modifying the phase shift or phase offset of the multiple signals imparted by the phase shifter 314 relative to each other and the amplitude of the multiple signals imparted by the amplifiers 312, 316 relative to each other.

[0061] As mentioned above, Figure 3 This is provided as an example only. Other examples may differ from those in combination with Figure 3 The content described.

[0062] As compared to Figure 3 As described above, beamforming using a phased array can help focus a signal transmitted from a transmitter device so that it can reach a receiver device. For example, focusing a beam can provide increased power density for transmission, which can extend the range of the transmission. However, to steer the beam, the transmitter device may require a large number of radiating elements to provide the flexibility to modify the angle of the steered beam. For example, the array directivity (e.g., the amount by which the angle can be modified) can be proportional to the number of radiating elements. In some aspects, the beam divergence (e.g., the amount by which the angle can be modified) can be proportional to the quotient of the wavelength of the transmitted signal and the aperture diameter of the radiating element. In one example, for a signal with a frequency of 100 gigahertz (GHz), a beam divergence of 6 degrees may require an aperture of approximately 3 centimeters. With an inter-element spacing of ½ the signal wavelength, the transmitter device may have 400 radiating elements in the array. Using 400 radiating elements may consume an unnecessarily large amount of power resources of the transmitter device, may require associated circuitry to control the transmission using 400 radiating elements, may consume space within the transmitter device, and so on.

[0063] In some aspects described herein, a first wireless communication device (e.g., base station 110, UE 120, etc.) may use a set of candidate Butler matrices and a set of candidate lenses to provide high directivity capabilities to the first wireless communication device. In some aspects, the first wireless communication device may select a lens from the set of candidate lenses to provide coarse steering of a beam. The first wireless communication device may select a Butler matrix from the set of candidate Butler matrices to provide fine steering of a beam. In some aspects, a lens may be associated with a candidate Butler matrix based at least in part on the candidate Butler matrix being configured to generate a beam (e.g., having an input / output) in the direction of the lens. In some aspects, the candidate Butler matrix may be configured to generate a beam in the direction of a lens from the set of lenses.

[0064] Based at least in part on using a set of candidate Butler matrices and a set of candidate lenses, a wireless communication device can be configured for high directivity with a relatively small number of radiating elements when compared to a system without a set of candidate lenses and a set of candidate Butler matrices. Based at least in part on using the system described herein, the wireless communication device can conserve power resources, can require fewer radiating elements and / or less associated circuitry, can conserve space within the wireless communication device, etc.

[0065] Figure 4 is a diagram illustrating an example 400 associated with communication via a Butler matrix and a lens according to various aspects of the present disclosure. Figure 4 As shown, a first wireless communication device (e.g., base station 110, UE 120, etc.) can communicate with a second wireless communication device (e.g., base station 110, UE 120, etc.) The first and second wireless communication devices can be part of a wireless network (e.g., wireless network 100).

[0066] like Figure 4 As shown, and by reference numeral 405, a first wireless communication device may obtain positioning information associated with a second wireless communication device. In some aspects, the first wireless communication device may explicitly obtain positioning information from the second wireless communication device (e.g., via control signaling), via a beam scanning process, via a channel state feedback report, via a channel state information report, etc. The positioning information may include a geographic location of the second wireless communication device, a position of the second wireless communication device relative to the first wireless communication device, one or more beam directions used for communication between the first wireless communication device and the second wireless communication device, etc.

[0067] As shown in reference numeral 410, the first wireless communication device may select a first lens and a first Butler matrix to transmit signals with the second wireless communication device. In some aspects, the first wireless communication device may select the first lens from a set of candidate lenses and / or select the first Butler matrix from a set of candidate Butler matrices. In some aspects, the first wireless communication device may select the first lens and / or the first Butler matrix based at least in part on positioning information. In some aspects, the first lens and / or one or more of the candidate lenses are separated from the first Butler matrix and / or one or more of the candidate Butler matrices by a distance that is at least a far-field length of the lens for the signal frequency.

[0068] The first wireless communication device may select the first lens based at least in part on the first lens being associated with a coarse direction of signal transmission. The first wireless communication device may select the first Butler matrix based at least in part on the first Butler matrix being associated with a fine direction of signal transmission. In other words, the first lens may be associated with a relatively large positioning angle that includes the positioning of the second wireless communication device, and the beam of the first Butler matrix may be associated with a relatively narrow positioning angle within the relatively large positioning angle.

[0069] In some aspects, a first beam of the first Butler matrix is ​​associated with a lens, and a second beam of the first Butler matrix is ​​associated with a second lens of the set of candidate lenses.

[0070] In some aspects, a first Butler matrix has a beam associated with a first lens (e.g., the first Butler matrix is ​​configured to generate a beam in the direction of the first lens), and a second Butler matrix in the set of candidate Butler matrices has a beam associated with the first lens (e.g., the second Butler matrix is ​​configured to generate a beam in the direction of the first lens). The beam of the first Butler matrix can be located at a first angle to the optical axis of the first lens, and the beam of the second Butler matrix can be located at a second angle to the optical axis of the lens. In some aspects, the first wireless communication device can select the first Butler matrix based at least in part on the first angle to the optical axis of the lens being associated with the positioning information.

[0071] In some aspects, the number of candidate lenses in the set of candidate lenses is equal to or less than the number of beams of the first Butler matrix (e.g., the number of beams that the first Butler matrix is ​​configured to generate). In some aspects, the diameter of the first lens and / or one or more lenses in the set of candidate lenses is greater than the size of the antenna array of the first Butler matrix and / or one or more Butler matrices in the set of candidate Butler matrices.

[0072] In some aspects, the set of candidate lenses can be arranged to be non-planar. For example, the set of candidate lenses can be arranged to form a generally arcuate shape. In some aspects, the set of candidate lenses can be arranged to form a 3-dimensional array. For example, the set of candidate lenses can be arranged to have a generally hemispherical shape, a generally ellipsoidal shape, a pyramidal shape, a trapezoidal prism, or a parallelepiped shape, among other examples. In some aspects, the 3-dimensional array can be configured with localized lenses having a unique optical axis. For example, the set of candidate lenses 510 can be arranged as a 2-dimensional rectangular array.

[0073] The set 504 of candidate Butler matrices can be arranged in a 2-dimensional array or a 3-dimensional array. For example, the set 504 of candidate Butler matrices can be arranged in a circular, rectangular, or triangular shape, among other examples. In some aspects, the set 504 of candidate Butler matrices can be arranged in a uniform rectangular array.

[0074] As shown in reference numeral 415, a first wireless communication device can communicate with a second wireless communication device via a first Butler matrix and a first lens. In some aspects, the first wireless communication device can receive a signal from the second wireless communication device via the first lens and a beam of the first Butler matrix. In some aspects, the first wireless communication device can receive a signal from the second wireless communication device by sampling a signal at an input of the first Butler matrix associated with an output associated with a beam of the first Butler matrix.

[0075] In some aspects, a first wireless communication device may transmit a signal to a second wireless communication device via a beam of a first Butler matrix and a first lens. In some aspects, the first wireless communication device may transmit a signal to the second wireless communication device by providing a signal to the first Butler matrix using an input associated with an output, the output being associated with the beam of the first Butler matrix.

[0076] As shown in reference numeral 420, the first wireless communication device may select the second lens and the first Butler Matrix to transmit a signal to the third wireless communication device. As shown in reference numeral 425, the first wireless communication device may communicate with the third wireless communication device via the first Butler Matrix and the second lens. In other words, the first wireless communication device may communicate with the third wireless communication device using the first Butler Matrix and the second lens.

[0077] As shown in reference numeral 430, the first wireless communication device can select the first lens and the second Butler Matrix to transmit a signal to the fourth wireless communication device. As shown in reference numeral 435, the first wireless communication device can communicate with the fourth wireless communication device via the second Butler Matrix and the first lens. In other words, the first wireless communication device can communicate with the fourth wireless communication device using the second Butler Matrix and the first lens.

[0078] Based at least in part on using a set of candidate Butler matrices and a set of candidate lenses, a wireless communication device can be configured for high directivity with a relatively small number of radiating elements when compared to a system without a set of candidate lenses and a set of candidate Butler matrices. Based at least in part on using the system described herein, the wireless communication device can conserve power resources, can require fewer radiating elements and / or less associated circuitry, can conserve space within the wireless communication device, etc.

[0079] As mentioned above, Figure 4 This is provided as an example only. Other examples may differ from those in combination with Figure 4 The content described.

[0080] Figure 5 is a diagram illustrating an example 500 associated with communication via a Butler matrix and a lens according to various aspects of the present disclosure. Figure 5 As shown, a first wireless communication device 502 (e.g., base station 110, UE 120, etc.) can communicate with one or more second wireless communication devices 514A, 514B, 514C (collectively or individually, "second wireless communication devices 514"). The first wireless communication device 502 and the second wireless communication devices (e.g., base station 110, UE 120, etc.) can be part of a wireless network (e.g., wireless network 100).

[0081] like Figure 5 As shown, the first wireless communication device 502 may include candidate Butler matrices 504A, 504B, 504C, and 504D (collectively referred to as the "set 504 of candidate Butler matrices"). The set 504 of candidate Butler matrices may be configured to generate multiple beams (e.g., multiple beams per Butler matrix in the set 504 of candidate Butler matrices). For example, the candidate Butler matrix 504A may generate a first beam 506A using a first output and a second beam 506B using a second output. In some aspects, the candidate Butler matrix 504A may generate additional beams. The candidate Butler matrix 504B may generate the first beam 508A and / or one or more additional beams. In some aspects, the set of candidate Butler matrices may be calibrated to optimize beam separation and / or optimize the capabilities of one or more associated lenses.

[0082] In some aspects, the beams of the candidate Butler matrices in the set 504 of candidate Butler matrices can be associated with different lenses in one or more candidate lenses 510A, 510B, 510C, 510D (collectively, the "set 510 of candidate lenses"). In some aspects, the number of lenses can be equal to or less than the number (e.g., size) of outputs of one or more candidate Butler matrices in the set 504 of candidate Butler matrices. Figure 5 As shown, the first beam 506A of the Butler matrix 504A may be associated with the candidate lens 510B, and the second beam 506B may be associated with the candidate lens 510D. Figure 5 As shown, first beam 508A of Butler matrix 504B can be associated with candidate lens 510B. In other words, two or more Butler matrices can be used to communicate via a single candidate lens, and / or a single Butler matrix can be used to communicate via multiple lenses.

[0083] As indicated by reference numeral 512, the candidate lens 510A and / or one or more additional candidate lenses can have a diameter D. In some aspects, the diameter D can be configured based at least in part on the angle and / or width of the lobe of the beam generated by the set of candidate Butler matrices 504. In other words, the diameter D can be optimized to maximize the energy captured from the beam of the set of candidate Butler matrices 504 (e.g., to capture the maximum aperture of the main lobe of the beam).

[0084] The first wireless communication device 502 may communicate with one or more of the second wireless communication devices 514 based at least in part on selecting a lens from the set of candidate lenses 510 and a Butler matrix from the set of candidate Butler matrices 504, the lens and Butler matrix associated with the positioning of the one or more of the second wireless communication devices 514. In some aspects, the first wireless communication device 502 may perform beam tracking based at least in part on changing between Butler matrices (e.g., using a beam associated with the selected candidate lens) and / or changing between candidate lenses.

[0085] In some aspects, the first wireless communication device 502 may communicate with a number of second wireless communication devices that is less than or equal to the product of the number of outputs of the candidate Butler matrices (e.g., the size of the candidate Butler matrices) and the number of Butler matrices.

[0086] As shown at reference numeral 516, the set of candidate lenses 510 can be spaced apart from the set of candidate Butler matrices 504 by a distance that is at least the far-field length of the set of candidate lenses 510 for the frequency associated with the signal. For example, if the frequency associated with the signal is 140 gigahertz, the set of candidate lenses 510 can be spaced apart from the set of candidate Butler matrices 504 by a distance greater than or equal to 16 millimeters.

[0087] As mentioned above, Figure 5 This is provided as an example only. Other examples may differ from those in combination with Figure 5 The content described.

[0088] like Figure 6As shown, example 600 includes a 4×4 Butler matrix with 4 transmission paths to radiating elements. As shown, the Butler matrix includes four 3dB / 90 degree couplers and two 45 degree phase shifters. Other examples of Butler matrices include a 2×2 Butler matrix with 2 transmission paths, an 8×8 Butler matrix with 8 transmission paths, a 16×16 Butler matrix with 16 transmission paths, and the like. The Butler matrix can apply phase shifts to instances of a signal so that the instances of the signal are orthogonal and spaced apart at discrete angles. The Butler matrix can apply phase shifts to the data streams before providing the instances of the data streams to one or more radiating elements to generate a beam corresponding to the input of the Butler matrix.

[0089] In some aspects, a discrete angle can be associated with a candidate lens. In the far field, one or more beams emitted from the radiating elements can coherently combine to form a first combined beam and a second combined beam. The first combined beam and the second combined beam can be highly directional beams when compared to a phased array transmitter device without a lens.

[0090] As mentioned above, Figure 6 This is provided as an example only. Other examples may differ from those in combination with Figure 6 The content described.

[0091] Figure 7 is a diagram illustrating an exemplary process 700, for example, performed by a first wireless communication device, in accordance with various aspects of the present disclosure. Exemplary process 700 is an example of a first wireless communication device (eg, base station 110) performing operations associated with performing communications via a Butler matrix and a lens.

[0092] like Figure 7 As shown, in some aspects, process 700 may include selecting a lens from a set of candidate lenses and a Butler matrix from a set of candidate Butler matrices to transmit a signal with a second wireless communication device, wherein the lens is spaced apart from the Butler matrix by a distance that is at least a far-field length of the lens for a frequency associated with the signal (block 710). For example, a base station (e.g., using Figure 8 The selection component 808 depicted in FIG. 1 may select a lens from a set of candidate lenses and a Butler matrix from a set of candidate Butler matrices to transmit a signal with a second wireless communication device, wherein the lens is separated from the Butler matrix by a distance that is at least a far-field length of the lens for a frequency associated with the signal, as described above, for example, with reference to FIG. Figure 4 、 5 and / or as described in 6. In some aspects, the lens is spaced from the Butler matrix by a distance that is at least a far-field length of the lens for a frequency associated with the signal.

[0093] like Figure 7As further shown in FIG. 7 , in some aspects, process 700 may include transmitting a signal with a second wireless communication device via the beams and lenses of the Butler matrix (block 720). For example, a base station (e.g., using Figure 8 The receiving component 802 and / or transmitting component 804 depicted in FIG can transmit signals with a second wireless communication device via the beams and lenses of the Butler matrix, as described above, for example with reference to FIG. Figure 4 、 5 and / or as described in 6.

[0094] Process 700 may include other aspects, such as any single aspect or any combination of aspects described below and / or in combination with one or more other processes described elsewhere herein.

[0095] In a first aspect, selecting the lens comprises selecting a coarse direction for transmission of the signal, and wherein selecting the Butler matrix comprises selecting a fine direction for transmission of the signal.

[0096] In a second aspect, alone or in combination with the first aspect, a first beam of the Butler matrix is ​​associated with a lens, and wherein a second beam of the Butler matrix is ​​associated with a candidate lens in a set of candidate lenses.

[0097] In a third aspect, either alone or in combination with one or more of the first and second aspects, a Butler matrix has a first beam associated with the lens, wherein a candidate Butler matrix in the set of candidate Butler matrices has a second beam associated with the lens, wherein the first beam is located at a first angle to an optical axis of the lens and the second beam is located at a second angle to the optical axis of the lens, and wherein selection of the Butler matrix is ​​based at least in part on the first angle to the optical axis of the lens.

[0098] In a fourth aspect, alone or in combination with one or more of the first to third aspects, the number of candidate lenses in the set of candidate lenses is equal to or less than the number of beams of the Butler matrix.

[0099] In a fifth aspect, alone or in combination with one or more of the first to fourth aspects, the diameter of the lens is larger than the size of the antenna array of the Butler Matrix.

[0100] In a sixth aspect, alone or in combination with one or more of the first to fifth aspects, process 700 includes selecting a candidate lens from the set of candidate lenses to communicate with a third communication device via an additional beam of the Butler matrix and the candidate lens.

[0101] In a seventh aspect, alone or in combination with one or more of the first to sixth aspects, process 700 includes selecting a candidate Butler matrix from a set of candidate Butler matrices to communicate with a third communication device via beams and lenses of the candidate Butler matrix.

[0102] In an eighth aspect, alone or in combination with one or more of the first to seventh aspects, one or more of the set of candidate lenses are arranged in a 3-dimensional array, or the set of candidate Butler matrices are arranged in a 3-dimensional array.

[0103] In a ninth aspect, alone or in combination with one or more of aspects one to eight, transmitting a signal via the beam and lens of the Butler matrix includes receiving a signal from a second wireless communication device via the lens and beam of the Butler matrix, or transmitting a signal to a second wireless communication device via the beam and lens of the Butler matrix.

[0104] although Figure 7 Example blocks of process 700 are illustrated, but in some aspects process 700 may include additional blocks, fewer blocks, or Figure 7 7. Additionally or alternatively, two or more blocks of process 700 may be executed in parallel.

[0105] Figure 8 800 is a block diagram of an example apparatus 800 for wireless communication. Apparatus 800 may be a wireless communication device, or a wireless communication device may include apparatus 800. In some aspects, apparatus 800 includes a receiving component 802 and a transmitting component 804, which may communicate with each other (e.g., via one or more buses and / or one or more other components). As shown, apparatus 800 may communicate with another apparatus 806 (such as a UE, a base station, or another wireless communication device) using receiving component 802 and transmitting component 804. As further shown, apparatus 800 may include a selecting component 808.

[0106] In some aspects, the apparatus 800 may be configured to perform Figure 4-6 Additionally or alternatively, the apparatus 800 may be configured to perform one or more processes described herein, such as Figure 7 The process 700. In some aspects, Figure 8 The apparatus 800 and / or one or more components shown in FIG. 8 may include a combination of the above Figure 2 Additionally or alternatively, one or more components of the wireless communication device described herein. Figure 8 One or more of the components shown in the above may be combined Figure 2Additionally or alternatively, one or more components in the set of components may be at least partially implemented as software stored in a memory. For example, a component (or a portion of a component) may be implemented as instructions or code stored in a non-transitory computer-readable medium and executable by a controller or processor to perform the function or operation of the component.

[0107] The receiving component 802 may receive communications, such as reference signals, control information, data communications, or a combination thereof, from the apparatus 806. The receiving component 802 may provide the received communications to one or more other components of the apparatus 800. In some aspects, the receiving component 802 may perform signal processing (such as filtering, amplification, demodulation, analog-to-digital conversion, demultiplexing, deinterleaving, demapping, equalization, interference cancellation, or decoding, among other examples) on the received communications and may provide the processed signals to one or more other components of the apparatus 806. In some aspects, the receiving component 802 may include a combination of the above. Figure 2 One or more antennas, demodulators, MIMO detectors, receive processors, controllers / processors, memories, or combinations thereof, of the described wireless communication devices.

[0108] The transmitting component 804 may transmit communications, such as reference signals, control information, data communications, or a combination thereof, to the apparatus 806. In some aspects, one or more other components of the apparatus 806 may generate communications and may provide the generated communications to the transmitting component 804 for transmission to the apparatus 806. In some aspects, the transmitting component 804 may perform signal processing (such as filtering, amplification, modulation, digital-to-analog conversion, multiplexing, interleaving, mapping, or encoding, among other examples) on the generated communications and may transmit the processed signals to the apparatus 806. In some aspects, the transmitting component 804 may include a combination of the above. Figure 2 One or more antennas, modulators, transmit MIMO processors, transmit processors, controllers / processors, memories, or combinations thereof of the described wireless communication devices. In some aspects, the transmit component 804 can be configured with the receive component 802 in a transceiver.

[0109] The selection component 808 can select a lens from a set of candidate lenses and a Butler matrix from a set of candidate Butler matrices to transmit a signal with the second wireless communication device, wherein the lens is separated from the Butler matrix by a distance that is at least a far field length of the lens for a frequency associated with the signal. In some aspects, the selection component 808 can include a combination of the above Figure 2One or more antennas, demodulators, MIMO detectors, receive processors, modulators, transmit MIMO processors, transmit processors, controllers / processors, memories, or combinations thereof of the described wireless communication devices. The receive component 802 and / or the transmit component 804 can communicate signals with a second wireless communication device via the beams and lenses of the Butler Matrix.

[0110] The selection component 808 can select a candidate lens from the set of candidate lenses to communicate with the third communication device via the additional beam of the Butler matrix and the candidate lens.

[0111] The selection component 808 can select a candidate Butler matrix from the set of candidate Butler matrices to communicate with the third communication device via the beams and lenses of the candidate Butler matrix.

[0112] Figure 8 The number and arrangement of components shown in the FIGURES are provided as examples. In practice, there may be additional components, fewer components, or more components. Figure 8 Components that are different or arranged differently than those shown in FIG. Figure 8 Two or more components shown may be implemented in a single component, or Figure 8 The single component shown may be implemented as multiple distributed components. Additionally or alternatively, Figure 8 The assembly (one or more components) shown in FIG can perform the operations described as being performed by Figure 8 Another collection of components shown in FIG.

[0113] As used herein, the term component is intended to be broadly interpreted as a combination of hardware, firmware and / or hardware and software. As used herein, a processor is implemented with a combination of hardware, firmware and / or hardware and software. It is apparent that the systems and / or methods described herein can be implemented in different forms with a combination of hardware, firmware and / or hardware and software. The actual dedicated control hardware or software code for implementing these systems and / or methods does not limit various aspects. Therefore, the operation and behavior of these systems and / or methods are described herein without reference to specific software code—it should be understood that software and hardware can be designed to implement these systems and / or methods at least in part based on the description herein.

[0114] As used herein, satisfying a threshold may refer to a value greater than a threshold, greater than or equal to a threshold, less than a threshold, less than or equal to a threshold, equal to a threshold, not equal to a threshold, etc., depending on the context.

[0115] Although particular feature combinations are recited in the claims and / or disclosed in the specification, these combinations are not intended to limit the disclosure of the various aspects. In fact, many of these features can be combined in ways not specifically recited in the claims and / or disclosed in the specification. Although each dependent claim listed below may be directly dependent on only one claim, the disclosure of the various aspects includes each dependent claim in combination with every other claim in the set of claims. A phrase reciting "at least one of..." a list of items refers to any combination of these items, including single members. As an example, "at least one of a, b, or c" is intended to cover: a, b, c, ab, ac, bc, and abc, as well as any combination with multiple identical elements (e.g., aa, aaa, aab, aac, abb, acc, bb, bbb, bbc, cc, and ccc, or any other ordering of a, b, and c).

[0116] Elements used herein, actions or instructions should not be interpreted as key or necessary unless clearly described as such. Moreover, as used herein, the articles "a" and "an" are intended to include one or more projects and can be used interchangeably with "one or more". Furthermore, as used herein, the article "the" is intended to include one or more projects cited in relation to the article "the", and can be used interchangeably with "the one or more". Furthermore, as used herein, the terms "set" and "group" are intended to include one or more projects (for example, related items, non-related items, the combination of related items and non-related items, etc.), and can be used interchangeably with "one or more". When intended to have only one project, phrase "only one" or similar language is adopted. Furthermore, as used herein, the terms "has", "have", "with", etc. are intended to be open terms. Furthermore, the phrase "based on" is intended to mean "at least partially based on", unless otherwise expressly stated. Furthermore, when used in a sequence, as used herein, the term "or" is inclusive and can be used interchangeably with "and / or" unless expressly stated otherwise (e.g., if used in combination with "either of" or "only one of").

Claims

1. A method of wireless communication performed by a first wireless communication device, comprising: selecting a lens from a set of candidate lenses and a Butler matrix from a set of candidate Butler matrices to communicate signals with a second wireless communication device, wherein the lens is spaced apart from the Butler matrix by a distance that is at least a far-field length of the lens for a frequency associated with the signal; and The signal is transmitted with the second wireless communication device via the beam of the Butler matrix and the lens.

2. The method according to claim 1, wherein Selecting the lens includes selecting a rough direction for transmission of the signal, and Wherein, selecting the Butler matrix includes selecting a fine direction for transmission of the signal.

3. The method according to claim 1, wherein A first beam of the Butler matrix is ​​associated with the lens, and The second beam of the Butler matrix is ​​associated with a candidate lens in the set of candidate lenses.

4. The method according to claim 1, wherein The Butler matrix has a first beam associated with the lens, wherein a candidate Butler matrix in the set of candidate Butler matrices has a second beam associated with the lens, wherein the first beam is located at a first angle to the optical axis of the lens, and the second beam is located at a second angle to the optical axis of the lens, and The selection of the Butler matrix is ​​based at least in part on the first angle with the optical axis of the lens.

5. The method according to claim 1, wherein The number of candidate lenses in the set of candidate lenses is equal to or smaller than the number of beams of the Butler matrix.

6. The method according to claim 1, wherein The diameter of the lens is larger than the size of the antenna array of the Butler Matrix.

7. The method according to claim 1, further comprising: A candidate lens from the set of candidate lenses is selected to communicate with a third communication device via the additional beam of the Butler matrix and the candidate lens.

8. The method according to claim 1, further comprising: A candidate Butler matrix from the set of candidate Butler matrixes is selected to communicate with a third communication device via a beam of the candidate Butler matrix and the lens.

9. The method according to claim 1, wherein: The set of candidate lenses is arranged in a 3-dimensional array, and / or The set of candidate Butler matrices is arranged in a 3-dimensional array.

10. The method according to claim 1, wherein Transmitting the signal via the beam of the Butler matrix and the lens includes: receiving the signal from the second wireless communication device via the lens and the beam of the Butler matrix, or The signal is transmitted to the second wireless communication device via the beam of the Butler Matrix and the lens.

11. A first wireless communication device for wireless communication, comprising: Memory; A collection of candidate Butler matrices; a collection of candidate lenses; and one or more processors operatively coupled to the memory, the memory and the one or more processors configured to: selecting a lens from the set of candidate lenses and a Butler matrix from the set of candidate Butler matrices to transmit signals with a second wireless communication device, wherein the lens is spaced apart from the Butler matrix by a distance that is at least a far-field length of the lens for a frequency associated with the signal; as well as The signal is transmitted with the second wireless communication device via the beam of the Butler matrix and the lens.

12. The first wireless communication device according to claim 11, wherein: The one or more processors, upon selecting the lens, are configured to select a rough direction for transmission of the signal, and Wherein, the one or more processors are configured to select a fine direction for transmission of the signal when selecting the Butler matrix.

13. The first wireless communication device according to claim 11, wherein: A first beam of the Butler matrix is ​​associated with the lens, and The second beam of the Butler matrix is ​​associated with a candidate lens in the set of candidate lenses.

14. The first wireless communication device according to claim 11, wherein: The Butler matrix has a first beam associated with the lens, wherein a candidate Butler matrix in the set of candidate Butler matrices has a second beam associated with the lens, wherein the first beam is located at a first angle to the optical axis of the lens, and the second beam is located at a second angle to the optical axis of the lens, and The selection of the Butler matrix is ​​based at least in part on the first angle with the optical axis of the lens.

15. The first wireless communication device according to claim 11, wherein: The number of candidate lenses in the set of candidate lenses is equal to or smaller than the number of beams of the Butler matrix.

16. The first wireless communication device according to claim 11, wherein: The diameter of the lens is larger than the size of the antenna array of the Butler Matrix.

17. The first wireless communication device according to claim 11, wherein: The one or more processors are further configured to: A candidate lens from the set of candidate lenses is selected to communicate with a third communication device via the additional beam of the Butler matrix and the candidate lens.

18. The first wireless communication device according to claim 11, wherein: The one or more processors are further configured to: A candidate Butler matrix from the set of candidate Butler matrixes is selected to communicate with a third communication device via the beam of the candidate Butler matrix and the lens.

19. The first wireless communication device according to claim 11, wherein: The set of candidate lenses is arranged in a 3-dimensional array, and / or The set of candidate Butler matrices is arranged in a 3-dimensional array.

20. The first wireless communication device according to claim 11, wherein The one or more processors, when transmitting the signal via the beam of the Butler matrix and the lens, are configured to: receiving a signal from the second wireless communication device via the lens and the beam of the Butler matrix, or The signal is transmitted to the second wireless communication device via the beam of the Butler Matrix and the lens.

21. A non-transitory computer-readable medium storing a set of instructions for wireless communication, the set of instructions comprising: One or more instructions, when executed by one or more processors of a first wireless communication device, cause the first wireless communication device to: selecting a lens from a set of candidate lenses and a Butler matrix from a set of candidate Butler matrices to communicate signals with a second wireless communication device, wherein the lens is spaced apart from the Butler matrix by a distance that is at least a far-field length of the lens for a frequency associated with the signal; and The signal is transmitted with the second wireless communication device via the beam of the Butler matrix and the lens.

22. The non-transitory computer readable medium of claim 21, wherein: the one or more instructions causing the first wireless communication device to select the lens causing the first wireless communication device to select a rough direction for transmission of the signal, and The one or more instructions causing the first wireless communication device to select the Butler matrix cause the first wireless communication device to select a fine direction for transmission of the signal.

23. The non-transitory computer-readable medium of claim 21, wherein: The Butler matrix has a first beam associated with the lens, wherein a candidate Butler matrix in the set of candidate Butler matrices has a second beam associated with the lens, wherein the first beam is located at a first angle to the optical axis of the lens, and the second beam is located at a second angle to the optical axis of the lens, and The selection of the Butler matrix is ​​based at least in part on the first angle with the optical axis of the lens.

24. The non-transitory computer readable medium of claim 21, wherein: The one or more instructions further cause the first wireless communication device to: A candidate lens from the set of candidate lenses is selected to communicate with a third communication device via the additional beam of the Butler matrix and the candidate lens.

25. The non-transitory computer-readable medium of claim 21, wherein: The set of candidate lenses is arranged in a 3-dimensional array, and / or The set of candidate Butler matrices is arranged in a 3-dimensional array.

26. An apparatus for wireless communication, comprising: means for selecting a lens from a set of candidate lenses and a Butler matrix from a set of candidate Butler matrices to communicate signals with a second wireless communication device, wherein the lens is spaced apart from the Butler matrix by a distance that is at least a far-field length of the lens for a frequency associated with the signal; and means for communicating the signal with the second wireless communication device via the beam of the Butler Matrix and the lens.

27. The device according to claim 26, wherein said means for selecting said lens comprises means for selecting a rough direction for transmission of said signal, and Wherein, the means for selecting the Butler matrix includes means for selecting a fine direction of transmission of the signal.

28. The apparatus according to claim 26, wherein The Butler matrix has a first beam associated with the lens, wherein a candidate Butler matrix in the set of candidate Butler matrices has a second beam associated with the lens, wherein the first beam is located at a first angle to the optical axis of the lens, and the second beam is located at a second angle to the optical axis of the lens, and The selection of the Butler matrix is ​​based at least in part on the first angle with the optical axis of the lens.

29. The apparatus of claim 26, further comprising: means for selecting a candidate lens from the set of candidate lenses to communicate with a third communication device via an additional beam of the Butler matrix and the candidate lens.

30. The apparatus of claim 26, wherein: The set of candidate lenses is arranged in a 3-dimensional array, and / or The set of candidate Butler matrices is arranged in a 3-dimensional array.

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