Electronic devices, methods, storage media, and computer program products

Abstract

The present disclosure relates to radio frequency exposure beam management and selection in a communication system. An electronic device can include a set of antenna panels (APs) that transmit and receive signals within a set of signal beams. A proximity sensor, such as a radar sensor, can collect sensor data indicative of a location of an external object. The device can select an AP and a beam that maximizes wireless performance when communicating with a base station while also complying with radio frequency exposure (RFE) requirements. The device can select the AP and the beam based on the sensor data, per-panel and per-beam predicted RFE values, antenna port RFE characteristics, per-panel and per-beam transmit power limits, per-beam transmit power backoff, RFE lookup tables, regulatory RFE limits, and antenna performance metrics. The device can transmit an RFE report to the base station that identifies some or all of this information for use in updating scheduling of the device.

Description

[0001] This application claims priority to U.S. Patent Application No. 17 / 903,420, filed September 6, 2022, and U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 245,102, filed September 16, 2021, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. Technical Field

[0002] This disclosure relates in general to electronic devices, and more specifically to electronic devices having wireless circuitry. Background Technology

[0003] Electronic devices often possess wireless capabilities. Wireless electronic devices have wireless circuitry that includes one or more antennas. The antennas transmit radio frequency signals. During transmission, the radio frequency signals may sometimes strike nearby external objects, such as the user or another person's body.

[0004] Wireless-enabled electronic devices typically operate within geographic areas that impose regulatory restrictions on the amount of radio frequency (RF) exposure they generate when emitting RF signals. Designing electronic devices that meet these regulatory restrictions without sacrificing too much RF performance can be challenging. Summary of the Invention

[0005] The electronic device can communicate wirelessly with a base station. The electronic device may include wireless circuitry and one or more processors. The wireless circuitry may include a set of antenna panels distributed across the electronic device. Each antenna panel in this set can transmit and receive radio frequency signals within a corresponding set of signal beams. The electronic device may be subject to radio frequency exposure (RFE) limitations.

[0006] Electronic devices may include proximity sensors. Proximity sensors collect sensor data indicating the location of one or more objects outside the device. Proximity sensors may include radar sensors that transmit and receive radar signals using antenna panels and signal beams. The one or more processors may select antenna panels from a set of antenna panels and signal beams from a set of signal beams that maximize wireless performance while adhering to RFE (Remote Function Exclusion) restrictions when communicating with a base station, even in the presence of objects that may move over time.

[0007] The device can generate a predicted RFE value per panel based on sensor data and antenna port RFE characteristics. The device can generate a transmit (TX) power limit per panel based on RFE limits and the predicted RFE value per panel. The device can select antenna panels based on the TX power limit per panel and antenna performance metrics. The device can map target objects to spatial regions based on sensor data. The device can generate a predicted RFE value per beam based on the spatial region and a pre-calibrated RFE lookup table. The device can generate a TX power limit per beam and a power backoff per beam based on the predicted RFE value per beam and the RFE limits. The device can select beams based on the TX power limit per beam, the power backoff per beam, and antenna performance metrics.

[0008] The device can transmit signals including RFE reports to the base station. RFE reports can be transmitted using Uplink Control Information (UCI) or Media Access Control (MAC) control elements (CE). RFE reports may include per-panel predicted RFE values, per-panel TX power limits, per-beam TX power limits, per-beam predicted RFE values, or other information. The base station can use RFE reports to update the device's scheduling authorization.

[0009] One aspect of this disclosure provides an electronic device. The electronic device may include a set of antenna panels located at different positions and configured to transmit and receive radar signals. The electronic device may include one or more processors. The one or more processors may be configured to identify the position of an object relative to the set of antenna panels based on the transmitted and received radar signals. The one or more processors may be configured to transmit wireless data through an antenna panel selected from the set of antenna panels based on the identified object's position.

[0010] One aspect of this disclosure provides an electronic device. The electronic device may include antennas located at different positions and configured to transmit and receive radar signals within a set of signal beams. The electronic device may include one or more processors. The one or more processors may be configured to identify the position of an object relative to the antenna based on the transmitted and received radar signals. The one or more processors may be configured to transmit wireless data via a signal beam selected from the set of signal beams based on the identified object's position.

[0011] One aspect of this disclosure provides a method for operating an electronic device to communicate with a wireless base station. The method may include transmitting radio frequency signals within a set of signal beams using a set of antenna panels. The method may include generating radio frequency exposure (RFE) information based on the transmitted radio frequency signals using one or more processors. The method may also include transmitting a report to the wireless base station using the signal beams from the set of antenna panels, the report including the RFE information generated by the one or more processors. Attached Figure Description

[0012] Figure 1 It is a block diagram of an exemplary electronic device with wireless circuitry according to some implementation schemes, wherein the radio components are subject to radio frequency exposure (RFE).

[0013] Figure 2 This is an illustration of an exemplary phased antenna array that can be adjusted to form signal beams oriented in different directions, according to some implementation schemes.

[0014] Figure 3 This is a top view illustrating how antennas, according to some embodiments, can be distributed in different locations and / or orientations on multiple antenna panels in an electronic device.

[0015] Figure 4 This is a top view showing an exemplary location in which an antenna panel can be installed within an electronic device according to some embodiments.

[0016] Figure 5 This is a diagram of an exemplary circuit, according to some implementation schemes, for selecting an antenna panel and the beam of the antenna panel for communicating with a wireless base station while complying with RFE restrictions.

[0017] Figure 6 This is an illustration of an exemplary beam manager, according to some implementation schemes, for selecting the beam of an antenna panel for communicating with a wireless base station while complying with RFE restrictions.

[0018] Figure 7 This is an illustration showing how sensor data can be used to map a target object to a spatial region relative to an antenna panel, according to some implementation schemes.

[0019] Figure 8 This is an illustration of an exemplary RFE lookup table (LUT) that can be used to select the beam of an antenna panel for communication with a wireless base station while complying with RFE restrictions, according to some implementation schemes.

[0020] Figure 9 This is a flowchart illustrating exemplary operations involved in selecting an antenna panel for communication, selecting the beam of the antenna panel for communication, and reporting RFE information to a wireless base station, according to some implementation schemes.

[0021] Figure 10 This is a flowchart illustrating exemplary operations involved in selecting an antenna panel for communicating with a wireless base station while complying with RFE restrictions, according to some implementation schemes.

[0022] Figure 11 This is a flowchart illustrating exemplary operations involved in selecting the beam of an antenna panel for communication with a wireless base station while complying with RFE restrictions, according to some implementation schemes. Detailed Implementation

[0023] Figure 1 This is a block diagram of an exemplary electronic device 10 that can operate in a communication system such as communication system 32. Communication system 32 (sometimes referred to herein as communication network 32) can be used to transmit wireless data between communication terminals. Communication system 32 may include network nodes (e.g., communication terminals). Network nodes may include user equipment (UE), such as one or more devices 10. Network nodes may also include external communication equipment (e.g., communication equipment other than device 10), such as external communication equipment 34. For example, external communication equipment 34 may include a wireless base station, a wireless access point, or other wireless equipment. As an example, this document describes a specific implementation in which external communication equipment 34 is a wireless base station supporting cellular telephone communications (e.g., voice and / or data signals). Therefore, external communication equipment 34 may sometimes be referred to herein as wireless base station 34, gNB 34, or simply base station 34.

[0024] Device 10 and base station 34 can communicate with each other using a wireless communication link. If needed, device 10 can wirelessly communicate with base station 34 without relaying communication through any other intermediary network node in communication system 32 (e.g., device 10 can wirelessly communicate directly with base station 34). This may involve device 10 transmitting radio frequency signals from device 10 to base station 34 in the uplink (UL) direction 36, and / or may involve base station 34 transmitting radio frequency signals from base station 34 to device 10 in the downlink (DL) direction 38.

[0025] Communication system 32 may form part of a larger communication network, which includes network nodes (e.g., in network section 40) coupled to base station 34 via wired and / or wireless links. This larger communication network may include one or more wired communication links (e.g., communication links formed using cables such as Ethernet cables, radio frequency cables such as coaxial cables or other transmission lines, optical fibers or other fiber optic cables, etc.), one or more wireless communication links (e.g., short-range wireless communication links operating within inches, feet, or tens of feet; medium-range wireless communication links operating within hundreds of feet, thousands of feet, miles, or tens of miles; and / or long-range wireless communication links operating within hundreds or thousands of miles, etc.), communication gateways, wireless access points, base stations, switches, routers, servers, modems, repeaters, telephone lines, network interface cards (NICs), line cards, ports, user equipment (e.g., computing devices, mobile devices, etc.), etc. The larger communication network may include communication (network) nodes or terminals coupled together using these components or other components (e.g., some or all of a mesh network, relay network, ring network, local area network, wireless local area network, personal area network, cloud network, star network, tree network, or a communication node network with other network topologies), the Internet, combinations thereof, etc. Device 10 may transmit data to other nodes or terminals in the larger communication network via base station 34 and / or receive data from other nodes or terminals (e.g., base station 34 may serve as an interface between device 10 and the rest of the larger communication network).

[0026] Device 10 may be a user equipment (UE) device owned and / or operated by a user and wirelessly communicating with external communication equipment such as base station 34. Base station 34 may be owned and / or operated by a network service provider or operator. Device 10 may be: a computing device, such as a laptop computer, desktop computer, computer monitor containing an embedded computer, tablet computer, cellular phone, media player, or other handheld or portable electronic device; a smaller device, such as a wristwatch, a wristband device, a headset or handset device, a device embedded in glasses; or other equipment worn on the user's head; or other wearable or micro-devices, televisions, computer monitors without embedded computers, gaming devices, navigation devices, embedded systems (such as systems in which electronic equipment with a display is installed in a kiosk or vehicle), voice-controlled speakers connected to the wireless Internet, home entertainment devices, remote control devices, game controllers, peripheral user input devices, wireless base stations or access points, equipment that enables the functionality of two or more of these devices; or other electronic equipment.

[0027] like Figure 1As shown, device 10 may include components located on or within an electronic device housing, such as housing 12. Housing 12 (sometimes referred to as a shell) may be formed of plastic, glass, ceramic, fiber composite material, metal (e.g., stainless steel, aluminum, metal alloys, etc.), other suitable materials, or combinations of these materials. In some cases, housing 12 may be partially or entirely formed of a dielectric or other low-conductivity material (e.g., glass, ceramic, plastic, sapphire, etc.). In other cases, housing 12 or at least some of the structures constituting housing 12 may be formed of metallic elements.

[0028] Device 10 may include control circuitry 14. Control circuitry 14 may include storage devices, such as storage circuitry 16. Storage circuitry 16 may include hard disk drive storage devices, non-volatile memory (e.g., flash memory configured to form a solid-state drive or other electrically programmable read-only memory), volatile memory (e.g., static random access memory or dynamic random access memory), etc. Storage circuitry 16 may include storage devices and / or removable storage media integrated within device 10.

[0029] Control circuitry 14 may include processing circuitry, such as processing circuitry 18. Processing circuitry 18 may be used to control the operation of device 10. Processing circuitry 18 may include one or more processors, such as a microprocessor, microcontroller, digital signal processor, host processor, baseband processor integrated circuit, application-specific integrated circuit, central processing unit (CPU), graphics processing unit (GPU), etc. Control circuitry 14 may be configured to perform operations in device 10 using hardware (e.g., dedicated hardware or circuitry), firmware, and / or software. Software code for performing operations in device 10 may be stored on storage circuitry 16 (e.g., storage circuitry 16 may include a non-transitory (tangible) computer-readable storage medium storing software code). This software code may sometimes be referred to as program instructions, software, data, commands, or code. The software code stored on storage circuitry 16 may be executed by processing circuitry 18.

[0030] To support interaction with external communication equipment, control circuit 14 can be used to implement communication protocols. Communication protocols that can be implemented using control circuit 14 include Internet Protocol, Wireless Local Area Network (WLAN) protocols (e.g., IEEE 802.11 protocol—sometimes called Wi-Fi). ® ), such as Bluetooth ®Protocols used for other short-range wireless communication links, such as protocols or other Wireless Personal Area Network (WPAN) protocols, IEEE 802.11ad protocols (e.g., Ultra Wideband), cellular phone protocols (e.g., 3G protocols, 4G (LTE) protocols, 3GPP 5th Generation (5G) New Radio (NR) protocols, 6G protocols, cellular sideband protocols, etc.), device-to-device (D2D) protocols, antenna diversity protocols, satellite navigation system protocols (e.g., Global Positioning System (GPS) protocols, Global Navigation Satellite System (GLONASS) protocols, etc.), antenna-based spatial ranging protocols, or any other desired communication protocol. Each communication protocol may be associated with a corresponding Radio Access Technology (RAT), which specifies the physical connection method used to implement the protocol. Radio frequency signals transmitted using cellular phone protocols are sometimes referred to herein as cellular phone signals.

[0031] Device 10 may include input-output circuitry 20. Input-output circuitry 20 may include input-output devices 22. Input-output devices 22 may be used to allow data to be supplied to device 10 and to allow data to be supplied from device 10 to external devices. Input-output devices 22 may include user interface devices, data port devices, and other input-output components. For example, input-output devices 22 may include touch sensors, displays (e.g., touch-sensitive displays and / or force-sensitive displays), light-emitting components such as displays without touch sensor capability, buttons (mechanical, capacitive, optical, etc.), scroll wheels, touchpads, keypads, keyboards, microphones, cameras, image sensors, light sensors, radar sensors, lidar sensors, buttons, speakers, status indicators, audio jacks and other audio port components, digital data port devices, motion sensors (accelerometers, gyroscopes, and / or compasses for detecting motion), capacitive sensors, proximity sensors, magnetic sensors, force sensors (e.g., force sensors coupled to a display to detect pressure applied to the display), temperature sensors, etc. Sensors in input / output devices 22 may generate corresponding sensor data. In some configurations, keyboards, headphones, displays, pointing devices such as touchpads, mice and joysticks, and other input-output devices may be coupled to device 10 via wired or wireless connections (e.g., some input-output devices 22 may be peripheral devices coupled to the main processing unit or other parts of device 10 via wired or wireless links).

[0032] Input-output circuitry 20 may include wireless circuitry 24 to support wireless communication. Wireless circuitry 24 (sometimes referred to herein as wireless communication circuitry 24) may include one or more antennas 30. Antennas 30 may transmit radio frequency (RF) signals (e.g., in the UL direction 36) and / or receive RF signals (e.g., in the DL direction 38). Wireless circuitry 24 may also include one or more radio components 26. Each radio component 26 may include RF transceiver circuitry, such as one or more RF transmitters and one or more RF receivers. Transmitters may include signal generator circuitry, modulation circuitry, mixer circuitry for upconverting signals from baseband frequencies to intermediate frequencies and / or radio frequencies, amplifier circuitry such as one or more power amplifiers, digital-to-analog converter (DAC) circuitry, control paths, power paths, switching circuitry, filter circuitry, and / or any other circuitry for transmitting RF signals using antennas 30. The receiver may include demodulation circuitry, mixer circuitry for downconverting signals from intermediate frequency and / or radio frequency to baseband frequency, amplifier circuitry (e.g., one or more low-noise amplifiers (LNAs)), analog-to-digital converter (ADC) circuitry, control paths, power paths, signal paths, switching circuitry, filter circuitry, and / or any other circuitry for receiving radio frequency signals using antenna 30. Components of radio component 26 may be mounted on a single substrate or integrated into a single integrated circuit, chip, package, or system-on-a-chip (SoC), or may be distributed among multiple substrates, integrated circuits, chips, packages, or SoCs. Each radio component 26 may include baseband circuitry (e.g., one or more baseband processors), or, if desired, two or more radio components 26 may share baseband circuitry (e.g., one or more baseband processors). If desired, the shared baseband circuitry may be located on a different integrated circuit, chip, package, SoC, printed circuit, or logic board than the radio component 26.

[0033] Antenna 30 can be formed using any desired antenna structure for transmitting radio frequency signals. For example, antenna 30 may include antennas with resonant elements, formed from loop antenna structures, patch antenna structures, inverted F-shaped antenna structures, slot antenna structures, planar inverted F-shaped antenna structures, helical antenna structures, monopole antennas, dipoles, hybrids of these designs, etc. Adjustable filter circuits, switching circuits, impedance matching circuits, and / or other antenna tuning components can be used to adjust the frequency response and wireless performance of antenna 30 over time. If desired, two or more antennas in antenna 30 can be integrated into a phased antenna array (sometimes referred to herein as a phased array antenna), in which each antenna transmits a radio frequency signal with a corresponding phase and magnitude adjusted over time, such that the radio frequency signals are constructive and destructive to generate a signal beam in a given / selected beam-directing direction (e.g., towards external communication equipment).

[0034] As used herein, the term "transmit radio frequency signal" means the transmission and / or reception of radio frequency signals (e.g., for performing one-way and / or two-way wireless communication with external wireless communication equipment). Similarly, as used herein, the term "transmit wireless data" means using radio frequency signals to transmit and / or receive wireless data. Antenna 30 can transmit radio frequency signals by radiating them into free space (or through an intermediary device structure such as a dielectric overlay). Alternatively, antenna 30 can receive radio frequency signals from free space (e.g., through an intermediary device structure such as a dielectric overlay). The transmission and reception of radio frequency signals by antenna 30 each involve the excitation or resonance of antenna currents on antenna resonant elements in the antenna by radio frequency signals within the antenna's operating frequency band.

[0035] Each radio component 26 can be coupled to one or more antennas 30 via one or more radio frequency transmission lines 28. Radio frequency transmission lines 28 may include coaxial cables, microstrip transmission lines, stripline transmission lines, edge-coupled microstrip transmission lines, edge-coupled stripline transmission lines, transmission lines formed by combinations of these types of transmission lines, etc. If desired, the radio frequency transmission lines 28 may be integrated into rigid and / or flexible printed circuit boards. If desired, one or more radio frequency lines 28 may be shared among multiple radio components 26. Radio frequency front-end (RFFE) modules may be inserted onto one or more radio frequency transmission lines 28. RFFE modules may include substrates, integrated circuits, chips, or packages separate from the radio components 26, and may include filter circuitry, switching circuitry, amplifier circuitry, impedance matching circuitry, radio frequency coupler circuitry, and / or any other desired radio frequency circuitry for operating on radio frequency signals transmitted via the radio frequency transmission lines 28.

[0036] Each radio component 26 can transmit and / or receive radio frequency signals within a corresponding frequency band (sometimes referred to herein as a communication band or simply a “band”). The frequency band processed by the radio component 26 may include a wireless local area network (WLAN) band (e.g., Wi-Fi). ® (IEEE 802.11) or other WLAN communication bands such as 2.4GHz WLAN band (e.g., 2400MHz to 2480MHz), 5GHz WLAN band (e.g., 5180MHz to 5825MHz), Wi-Fi ® 6E band (e.g., 5925MHz to 7125MHz) and / or other Wi-Fi ® Bands (e.g., 1875MHz to 5160MHz); Wireless Personal Area Network (WPAN) bands such as 2.4GHz Bluetooth. ®Bands or other WPAN communication bands; cellular telephone bands (e.g., bands from approximately 600 MHz to approximately 5 GHz, 3G bands, 4G LTE bands, 5G New Radio Frequency Range 1 (FR1) band below 10 GHz, 5G New Radio Frequency Range 2 (FR2) band between 20 and 60 GHz, 6G bands at sub-THz frequencies greater than 100 GHz, cellular sidebands, etc.); other centimeter or millimeter wave bands between 10 GHz and 300 GHz; near-field communication bands (e.g., 13.56 MHz); satellite navigation bands (e.g., GPS band from 1565 MHz to 1610 MHz, Global Navigation Satellite System (GLONASS) band, BeiDou Navigation Satellite System (BDS) band, etc.); ultra-wideband (UWB) bands operating under the IEEE 802.15.4 protocol and / or other ultra-wideband communication protocols; communication bands under the 3GPP wireless communication standards family; in IEEE Communications bands under the 802.XX standard family; industrial, scientific, and medical (ISM) bands, such as ISM bands between approximately 900 MHz and 950 MHz or other ISM bands below or above 1 GHz; one or more unlicensed bands; one or more bands reserved for emergency services and / or public services; and / or any other desired bands of interest.

[0037] Radio component 26 may use antenna 30 to transmit and / or receive radio frequency signals to transmit wireless communication data between device 10 and external equipment such as base station 34. The wireless communication data may be transmitted bidirectionally or unidirectionally by radio component 26. The wireless communication data may include, for example, data encoded into corresponding data packets, such as wireless data associated with telephone calls, streaming media content, internet browsing, wireless data associated with software applications running on device 10, email messages, etc. Radio component 26 may also, alternatively, use antenna 30 to perform spatial ranging operations (e.g., to identify the distance between device 10 and external objects such as external object 42). If desired, radio component 26 performing spatial ranging operations may include radar circuitry (e.g., frequency modulated continuous wave (FMCW) radar circuitry, OFDM radar circuitry, FSCW radar circuitry, phase-coded radar circuitry, other types of radar circuitry).

[0038] When performing spatial ranging, radio component 26 may use one or more antennas 30 (e.g., transmitting antennas) to transmit radio frequency signals (e.g., radar signals including one or more tone signals, continuous waves of radio frequency energy, broadband signals, chirped signals, or any other desired transmission signals for spatial ranging operations). These radio frequency signals may be referred to herein as radar signals. Radar signals may, for example, not contain wireless communication data (e.g., cellular communication data packets, WLAN communication data packets, etc.).

[0039] Radar signals can be reflected away from objects outside device 10, such as external object 42, as reflected radar signals. As an example, this document describes a scenario where external object 42 is a human user's body or body part (e.g., a hand). More generally, external object 42 can include other external objects, such as the ground, buildings, parts of buildings, walls, furniture, ceilings, people, body parts, animals, vehicles, landscape or geographical features, obstacles, external communication equipment, another device of the same type as device 10 or peripheral devices such as game controllers or remote controls, or any other physical object or entity outside device 10. The scenario where external object 42 is a user's body part may involve radio frequency exposure (RFE) restrictions, causing external object 42 to form a target object for RFE analysis and compliance with RFE restrictions. Therefore, external object 42 may sometimes be referred to herein as target object 42.

[0040] One or more antennas 30 (e.g., receiving antennas, which may be the same as or different from transmitting antennas) may receive reflected radar signals. The reflected radar signals may be a reflected form of a transmitted radar signal that has been reflected from the target object 42 and returned to the device 10. Control circuitry 14 may process the transmitted radar signals and the received reflected radar signals to detect or estimate the range (distance) between the device 10 and the target object 42. If desired, control circuitry 14 may also process the transmitted and received radar signals (e.g., from two or three different antennas 30) to identify the two-dimensional or three-dimensional spatial location (positioning) of the target object 42 (e.g., the angle of arrival of the reflected radar signal) and / or the velocity of the target object 42. If desired, a return path may be coupled between the transmitting and receiving paths in the wireless circuitry 24. As an example, in a specific implementation of spatial ranging using an FMCW scheme in the radio component 26, the return path may be a dechirped path that transmits chirped signals on the transmitting path to a dechirped mixer on the receiving path. In these specific implementations, the Doppler frequency shift in the continuous wave transmitted signal can be detected and processed to identify the velocity of the target object 42, and the time-correlated frequency difference between the radar signal and the reflected radar signal can be detected and processed to identify the distance and / or position of the target object 42. For example, using a continuous wave signal to estimate the distance allows the control circuitry 14 to reliably distinguish the target object 42 from other background or slower-moving objects. This example is merely illustrative, and in general, the radio component 26 can implement any desired radar or space ranging scheme.

[0041] Figure 1The examples are illustrative and not limiting. If desired, radio component 26 may use a voltage standing wave ratio (VSWR) sensor coupled to antenna 30, use antenna 30 as a capacitive proximity sensor, use antenna 30 in any other desired RF sensing scheme, and / or use any other sensor in input / output device 22 to detect (sensor) the distance and / or position of target object 42. Although for clarity, in Figure 1 In the example, control circuitry 14 is shown separate from wireless circuitry 24, but wireless circuitry 24 may include processing circuitry (e.g., one or more processors) and / or storage circuitry, the processing circuitry forming part of processing circuitry 18, and the storage circuitry forming part of storage circuitry 16 of control circuitry 14 (e.g., portions of control circuitry 14 may be implemented on wireless circuitry 24). As an example, control circuitry 14 may include baseband circuitry (e.g., one or more baseband processors), digital control circuitry, analog control circuitry, and / or other control circuitry forming part of radio component 26. Baseband circuitry may, for example, access the communication protocol stack on control circuitry 14 (e.g., storage circuitry 16) to: perform user plane functions at the PHY layer, MAC layer, RLC layer, PDCP layer, SDAP layer, and / or PDU layer; and / or perform control plane functions at the PHY layer, MAC layer, RLC layer, PDCP layer, RRC layer, and / or Non-Access Stratum (NAS). If desired, PHY layer operation may be additionally or alternatively performed by radio frequency (RF) interface circuitry in wireless circuitry 24.

[0042] Two or more antennas 30 may be arranged in one or more phased antenna arrays. Figure 2 This illustrates how antenna 30 can be formed within the corresponding phased antenna array 46. For example... Figure 2 As shown, the phased antenna array 46 (sometimes referred to herein as array 46, antenna array 46, or array 46 of antennas 30) can be coupled to radio frequency transmission line 28. For example, the first antenna 30-1 in the phased antenna array 46 can be coupled to the first radio frequency transmission line 28-1, the second antenna 30-2 in the phased antenna array 46 can be coupled to the second radio frequency transmission line 28-2, the Wth antenna 30-W in the phased antenna array 46 can be coupled to the Wth radio frequency transmission line 28-W, and so on. Although antennas 30 are described herein as forming a phased antenna array, antennas 30 in the phased antenna array 46 can sometimes also be referred to as collectively forming a single phased array antenna (e.g., where antennas 30 form antenna elements of a phased array antenna).

[0043] The antennas 30 in the phased antenna array 46 can be arranged in any desired number of rows and columns or in any other desired pattern (e.g., the antennas do not need to be arranged in a grid pattern with rows and columns). Each antenna 30 can be separated from one or more adjacent antennas 30 in the phased antenna array 46 by a predetermined distance, such as approximately half the effective operating wavelength of the array. During signal transmission operation, the radio frequency transmission line 28 can be used to supply signals (e.g., radio frequency signals, such as millimeter-wave and / or centimeter-wave signals) from the transceiver circuitry to the phased antenna array 46 for wireless transmission. During signal reception operation, the radio frequency transmission line 28 can be used to supply signals received at the phased antenna array 46 (e.g., signals received from external wireless equipment or transmitted signals reflected by external objects) to the transceiver circuitry.

[0044] Using multiple antennas 30 in a phased antenna array 46 allows for beamforming / steering arrangements by controlling the relative phase and amplitude (vibration) of the radio frequency signals transmitted by the antennas. Figure 2 In the example, each of the antennas 30 has a corresponding radio frequency phase and amplitude controller 44 (e.g., a first phase and amplitude controller 44-1 inserted on the radio frequency transmission line 28-1 can control the phase and amplitude of the radio frequency signal processed by the antenna 30-1, a second phase and amplitude controller 44-2 inserted on the radio frequency transmission line 28-2 can control the phase and amplitude of the radio frequency signal processed by the antenna 30-2, a Wth phase and amplitude controller 44-W inserted on the radio frequency transmission line 28-W can control the phase and amplitude of the radio frequency signal processed by the antenna 30-W, etc.).

[0045] The phase and amplitude controllers 44 may each include circuitry for adjusting the phase of the radio frequency signal on the radio frequency transmission line 28 (e.g., a phase shifter circuit) and / or circuitry for adjusting the amplitude of the radio frequency signal on the radio frequency transmission line 28 (e.g., a power amplifier and / or low-noise amplifier circuitry). The phase and amplitude controllers 44 may be collectively referred to herein as beam steering circuitry or beamforming circuitry (e.g., beam steering / forming circuitry that causes beam steering / forming of the radio frequency signals transmitted and / or received by the phased antenna array 46).

[0046] The phase and amplitude controller 44 can adjust the relative phase and / or amplitude of the transmitted signals provided to each antenna in the phased antenna array 46, and can adjust the relative phase and / or amplitude of the received signals received by the phased antenna array 46. If desired, the phase and amplitude controller 44 may include phase detection circuitry for detecting the phase of the received signals received by the phased antenna array 46. The terms "beam" or "signal beam" may be used herein to uniformly refer to wireless signals transmitted and / or received by the phased antenna array 46 in a particular direction. Each beam may exhibit a peak gain oriented in the corresponding beam pointing direction with a corresponding beam pointing angle (e.g., based on constructive and destructive interference of the signal combinations from each antenna in the phased antenna array). Different sets of phase and amplitude settings of the phase and amplitude controller 44 can configure the phased antenna array 46 to form different beams in different beam pointing directions.

[0047] For example, if the phase and amplitude controller 44 is adjusted to generate a first set of phase and / or amplitude, the signal will be formed oriented in the direction of point A, such as... Figure 2 The beam shown is B1. However, if the phase and amplitude controller 44 is adjusted to generate a second set of phase and / or amplitude, the signal will form a beam oriented in the direction of point B, as shown by beam B2. This can be based on... Figure 1 The control circuit 14 receives corresponding control signals S to control each phase and amplitude controller 44 to generate the desired phase and / or amplitude (e.g., control signal S1 can be used to control the phase and / or amplitude provided by phase and amplitude controller 44-1, control signal S2 can be used to control the phase and / or amplitude provided by phase and amplitude controller 44-2, control signal SN can be used to control the phase and / or amplitude provided by phase and amplitude controller 44-W, etc.). If needed, the control circuit can actively adjust the control signals S in real time to steer (form) the beam in different desired directions over time. If needed, the phase and amplitude controller 44 can provide the control circuit 14 with information identifying the phase of the received signal.

[0048] When performing wireless communication using radio frequency signals at relatively high frequencies such as millimeter waves and centimeter waves, the radio frequency signals are transmitted along the line-of-sight path between the phased antenna array 46 and the external communication equipment. If the external equipment is located... Figure 2At point A, the phase and amplitude controller 44 can be adjusted to steer the signal beam toward point A (e.g., to steer the direction of the signal beam toward point A). The phased antenna array 46 can transmit and receive radio frequency signals in the direction of point A. Similarly, if external equipment is located at point B, the phase and amplitude controller 44 can be adjusted to steer the signal beam toward point B (e.g., to steer the direction of the signal beam toward point B). The phased antenna array 46 can transmit and receive radio frequency signals in the direction of point B.

[0049] exist Figure 2 In the examples, for simplicity, beam manipulation is shown as being performed on a single degree of freedom (e.g., towards). Figure 2 (Left and right sides of the page). However, in practice, it is possible to have two or more degrees of freedom (e.g., entering and leaving the page in three dimensions and in...). Figure 2 The phased antenna array 46 may have a corresponding field of view on which beam steering can be performed (e.g., in a hemispherical or hemispherical segment of the phased antenna array).

[0050] If desired, device 10 may include multiple phased antenna arrays 46, each facing a different direction to provide coverage from multiple sides of the device. Each phased antenna array 46 may be formed as part of a corresponding antenna panel (AP) within device 10. If desired, multiple phased antenna arrays 46 may be disposed on a single antenna panel, and / or a single phased antenna array 46 may be distributed across two or more antenna panels. Antenna panels may be disposed at different locations on device 10 to provide full-range beam coverage around device 10.

[0051] Figure 3 This is a top view of device 10, showing an example of how antenna 30 can be distributed across multiple antenna panels. Figure 3 As shown, antenna 30 may include at least a first set of antennas 30 disposed on a first substrate 48A and a second set of antennas 30 disposed on a second substrate 48B within or above the housing 12 of device 10. The first set of antennas may be arranged on substrate 48A, for example, in a one-dimensional array pattern, while the second set of antennas may be arranged on substrate 48B in a one-dimensional pattern. This is merely illustrative, and if desired, the antennas may be arranged in a two-dimensional array pattern or in other patterns. The antennas 30 on substrate 48A may form a first phased antenna array 46, while the antennas 30 on substrate 48B may form a second phased antenna array 46. Figure 2 This is merely an example, and if needed, the antennas 30 on each substrate can form part of a larger phased antenna array 46 distributed across multiple substrates 48.

[0052] As an example, each substrate 48 may be a printed circuit board (e.g., a rigid or flexible printed circuit board), a ceramic substrate or a plastic substrate, a packaging substrate, a dielectric portion of the housing 12, or another substrate. The substrate 48 may be planar or bendable in one or two dimensions. Each substrate 48 and its corresponding antenna 30 may be collectively referred to herein as an antenna panel (AP) (and sometimes as an antenna module). Thus, substrate 48A and its antenna 30 may form a first antenna panel AP1, while substrate 48B and its antenna 30 may form a second antenna panel AP2 separate from the first antenna panel AP1 within the housing 12. For example, each antenna panel AP may include a corresponding radio component 26 mounted thereon. If desired, the baseband circuitry of each antenna panel AP may be shared across all antenna panel APs.

[0053] Antenna panel AP1 may be oriented perpendicular to antenna panel AP2, or the antenna panels may have other relative orientations. Each antenna panel may include at least one antenna 30 or may include more than one antenna 30. Device 10 may include two or more antenna panel APs. Multiple antenna panel APs may be distributed at different locations on device 10. Each antenna panel AP may form a corresponding set of signal beams in a corresponding beam pointing direction. For example, distributing multiple antenna panel APs on device 10 allows device 10 to provide RF coverage over the entire range around device 10.

[0054] Figure 4 This is a top view showing an exemplary location on device 10 for distributing antenna panel access points (APs) in an example of forming a cellular phone, tablet, or other portable electronic device. (See attached image.) Figure 4 As shown, one or more antennas 30 (e.g., one or more antenna panel APs) may be located above or within one or more partitions 52 of the device 10, such as partition 52-1 at the upper left corner of the device 10, partition 52-2 at the upper right corner of the device 10, partition 52-3 at the lower left corner of the device 10, partition 52-4 at the lower right corner of the device 10, one or more partitions 52-5 within the central partition of the device 10, and / or one or more partitions 52-6 placed laterally between the active area of ​​the display of the device 10 and the housing 12.

[0055] Separating two or more antennas (e.g., antenna panels) by a relatively large distance and increasing the number of antennas increases the resolution of the control circuitry 14 in determining the formation and directional signal beams around the device 10. Figure 4In the example, one or more antennas located in partitions 52-1, 52-2, 52-3, and 52-4 may have radiating elements (e.g., antenna resonant element arms) formed by conductive segments of the housing 12 (e.g., peripheral conductive housing structures extending around the side periphery of the device 10), these radiating elements being separated / defined by dielectric-filled gaps 50 in the housing 12. The antennas formed by the conductive portions of the housing 12 can also be used to transmit cellular phone data, WLAN data, GPS data, etc. Figure 4 The examples are merely illustrative. In general, housing 12 can have any desired shape. Antenna panels AP radiating through the front and / or back of device 10 can radiate through the dielectric overlay of housing 12. For example, antenna panels AP radiating through the sidewalls of device 10 (e.g., antenna panels located in partitions 52-6) can radiate through dielectric antenna windows in the peripheral conductive housing structure of housing 12.

[0056] During radio frequency (RF) signal transmission, antenna panel APs having a field of view (FOV) overlapping with base station 34 can be used to transmit RF signals together with base station 34. Each antenna panel AP may have a corresponding FOV, and two or more antenna panel APs may have non-overlapping FOVs. Beam B of an antenna panel AP that overlaps with base station 34 or otherwise exhibits peak performance when communicating with base station 34 can be used to transmit RF signals together with base station 34. Control circuitry 14 can perform antenna panel and / or beam selection operations to select the best-performing antenna panel AP and the best-performing beam B for communication with base station 34 (e.g., the antenna panel AP and beam B are facing or overlap with base station 34). For example, for selection purposes, control circuitry 14 may use metrics such as signal-to-noise ratio (SNR), reference signal received power (RSRP), and path loss to determine which beam B and / or antenna panel AP are used for signal transmission.

[0057] However, during signal transmission, some radio frequency (RF) signals emitted by the antenna panel AP can be incident on external objects such as target object 42. The amount of RF energy exposure at target object 42 can be characterized by one or more RF energy exposure measures. RF exposure (RFE) measures may include a specific absorption rate (SAR) (in W / kg) for RF signals at frequencies below 6 GHz, and a maximum permissible exposure (MPE) or power density (PD) (in mW / cm²) for RF signals at frequencies above 6 GHz. 2 (in units) and the total exposure ratio (TER) combining SAR and MPE.

[0058] Regulatory requirements typically impose limits on the amount of RF energy exposure allowed to a target object 42 within the vicinity of antenna 30 over a specified time period (e.g., SAR and PD limits over the corresponding average time period). Regulatory agencies or authorities (e.g., FCC, ICNIRP, etc.) may require communication equipment such as device 10 to comply with their regulatory limits on RFE (e.g., keeping the RFE generated by device 10 below regulatory limits). Some devices ensure compliance with regulatory limits by always applying a backoff from the maximum transmit power level when transmitting signals, thus keeping the RFE always below regulatory limits. This approach is inherently conservative and significantly reduces the throughput achievable by the device.

[0059] Generally speaking, throughput-optimized antenna panel or beam selection operations may not result in choices that comply with RFE requirements. Choices based on criteria such as SNR, RSRP, or path loss can lead to RFEs exceeding regulatory limits for human targets (e.g., target object 42). This can subsequently result in transmit (TX) power limitations, leading to reduced throughput. On the other hand, RFE-compliant antenna panel or beam selection operations can help avoid unnecessarily reducing TX power, thereby ensuring higher data throughput and coverage.

[0060] For example, in Figure 4 In the scenario shown, the beam BX of the antenna panel AP located in partition 52-4 may be oriented towards the base station 34 but may overlap with the target object 42, which could generate RFE exceeding regulatory limits without reducing transmit power. While other beams B of this antenna panel do not overlap with the target object 42, other beams B may point away from the base station 34 and therefore may not exhibit sufficient throughput. Meanwhile, one or more beams B of other antenna panel APs located in other areas of device 10 may overlap with the base station 34, such as the beam BZ of the antenna panel located in partition 52-6.

[0061] Control circuitry 14 can perform RFE-compliant antenna panel and beam selection operations. This RFE-compliant antenna panel and beam selection operation intelligently selects the antenna panel AP and corresponding beam B to communicate with base station 34 in a manner that satisfies RFE restrictions while maximizing wireless performance (e.g., throughput) in communication with base station 34, taking into account the presence of one or more target objects 42 around device 10. The RFE-compliant antenna panel and beam selection operation can dynamically and proactively update the selected antenna panel AP and beam B to continue maximizing performance while satisfying RFE restrictions as the number and location of target objects 42 change over time (e.g., when the user changes the time and manner in which they hold device 10 and / or when other parts of the user's body or other persons enter and leave the vicinity of device 10).

[0062] Antenna panel and beam selection operations that comply with RFE requirements can utilize sensing results (sensor data) generated by one or more sensors on device 10 to help determine the position (e.g., distance and angle) of target object 42 relative to device 10. Control circuitry 14 can calculate the RFE that will be caused by transmission from a given antenna panel AP and beam B at a given sensing location. Based on the calculated RFE, the maximum permissible TX power for each antenna panel AP or beam B can be calculated, such that the RFE remains within regulatory limits. Control circuitry 14 can then use the maximum TX power value to select antenna panel AP and / or beam B for transmissions that will guarantee the highest throughput. Furthermore, device 10 can report RFE metrics to the network (base station 34). The network can use the reported RFE metrics to schedule device 10 on a given signal beam. This can include increasing or decreasing the amount of authorization scheduled for that particular device 10 based on a given beam.

[0063] During implementation, different antenna panel APs can have similar signal reception levels (e.g., characterized by wireless performance metrics such as SNR, RSRP, or path loss). Therefore, base station 34 will receive UL transmissions with similar reception levels and quality from each different antenna panel AP. However, different antenna panels can cause different amounts of RFE. The resulting RFE depends on the antenna characteristics and the position of the target object 42 relative to the transmitting antenna panel and its beam. For example, in... Figure 4 The antenna panel in section 52-4, transmitted on beam BX, can generate more RFE than the antenna panel in section 52-6, transmitted on beam BZ. By performing antenna panel and beam selection operations that comply with RFE requirements, control circuitry 14 can prevent such scenarios from occurring, thereby satisfying RFE limits while maximizing throughput and signal quality with base station 34.

[0064] Figure 5 This is a diagram of an exemplary circuit 54 in device 10, which can be used to perform antenna panel and beam selection operations in compliance with RFE requirements. Some or all of the components of circuit 54 may be... Figure 1 The control circuit 14 is implemented (e.g., within the baseband circuitry of the wireless circuit 24). Components of circuit 54 may use software (e.g., one or more application programs) and / or hardware (e.g., digital circuits, analog circuits, logic gates, memories, registers, databases, lookup tables, signal processors, etc., which are implemented on...). Figure 1 Any desired combination of performance operations implemented on one or more processors in the processing circuit 18, controlled by them, and / or performed by them.

[0065] like Figure 5As shown, circuit 54 may include one or more sensors, such as proximity sensor 56. Proximity sensor 56 may have an output coupled to an input of RFE calculator 60 (sometimes referred to herein as RFE predictor 60). RFE calculator 60 may have another input that receives antenna port RFE characteristics 58. RFE calculator 60 may have an output coupled to an input of TX power limit calculator 62 (sometimes referred to herein as TX power limit generator 62). TX power limit calculator 62 may have another input that receives RFE limit 64. TX power limit calculator 62 may have an output coupled to an input of antenna selector 68. Antenna selector 68 may have another input that receives antenna performance metric 66. Antenna selector 68 may have an output coupled to an input of beam manager 70. Antenna port RFE characteristics 58, RFE limit 64, and / or antenna performance metric 66 may be stored in storage circuit 16 ( Figure 1 (e.g., stored in one or more registers, memory devices, storage media, lookup tables (LUTs), databases, other data structures, etc.).

[0066] The proximity sensor 56 may include any desired proximity sensor on the device 10 that detects (senses) the presence, location (e.g., two-dimensional or three-dimensional location of the device, distance to the device, angle of the device, angle of arrival from the device, etc.) and / or movement of one or more target objects 42 at, near, or close to the device 10. The proximity sensor 56 may generate sensor data SENSDAT indicating the presence, location, and / or movement of the target object 42. The proximity sensor 56 may include, for example, a capacitive proximity sensor, a light-based proximity sensor, a VSWR-based proximity sensor (e.g., a sensor that uses antenna 30 on the antenna panel AP to collect VSWR measurements), a light-based proximity sensor (e.g., an infrared proximity sensor or an image sensor-based proximity sensor), a lidar proximity sensor, and / or other sensors located at one or more locations on the device 10.

[0067] As an example, in some specific implementations described herein, proximity sensor 56 may include a radar sensor (e.g., using...) Figure 1The radar sensor may be a spatial ranging circuit or radar circuit implemented by one or more radio components 26. The radar sensor may use one or more antennas 30 in one or more antenna panels AP to transmit radar signals and may use one or more antennas 30 in one or more antenna panels AP to receive reflected radar signals. The radar sensor may detect the distance between the target object 42 and different points on the device 10 (e.g., points on the antenna panels AP), the angular position of the target object 42 relative to different points on the device 10, whether the target object 42 is inanimate or animate (e.g., by comparing the changes in collected position measurements over time with one or more thresholds), etc. If necessary, the device 10 may ignore any inanimate external objects detected using radar signals so that subsequent processing complies with RFE restrictions (e.g., the target object 42 may only include animate objects that may potentially be human body parts). The proximity sensor 56 may transmit sensor data SENSDAT to the RFE calculator 60. The proximity sensor 56 may generate sensor data SENSDAT periodically (e.g., by periodically transmitting and receiving radar signals while scanning each beam B of each antenna panel AP) or in response to any desired triggering condition.

[0068] Antenna port RFE characteristics 58 may include the RFE characteristics of each antenna port (e.g., each antenna 30) of each antenna panel AP in device 10. These characteristics may include the gain of each antenna 30, the radiation pattern of each antenna 30, etc. For example, antenna port RFE characteristics 58 may be pre-calibrated and stored on device 10. RFE may be pre-calibrated for each antenna panel AP in device 10 and characterized based on radio access technology (RAT), frequency band, and the possible location of target object 42 (e.g., during the manufacture, calibration, assembly, testing, or initialization of device 10). This can be achieved by using the maximum permissible transmit power P. MAX,LIMIT The device 10 is operated at a specific UL duty cycle to perform this characterization. For each antenna panel AP indexed by the parameters described above, the measured RFE results are stored in the device 10 (e.g., in an RFE LUT). During routine operation of the device 10 by the end user, the stored RFE results are used to predict / estimate the RFE caused by the target object 42 detected by the proximity sensor 56. Based on the predicted RFE values, the maximum transmit power specific to the antenna panel can be calculated.

[0069] For example, the RFE calculator 60 can calculate, generate, estimate, and / or predict the RFE (e.g., the predicted RFE value RFE_PROJ) to be generated by each antenna panel AP based on the antenna port RFE characteristics 58, the sensing location of the target object 42 identified by the sensor data SENSDAT, the radio access technology (RAT) implemented by the corresponding antenna panel AP, and the frequency band processed by the corresponding antenna panel AP. The RFE calculator 60 can, for example, compare the sensor data SENSDAT with stored (pre-calibrated) RFE data (e.g., in the RFE LUT) to estimate / generate the predicted RFE of the currently sensed target object 42 (e.g., at the location identified by the sensor data SENSDAT). The RFE calculator 60 can transmit the predicted RFE value RFE_PROJ to the TX power limiting calculator 62.

[0070] RFE limit 64 may be specified by the regulatory or governing body associated with the region where device 10 is operated. RFE limit 64 may be stored at the time of device 10 initialization or manufacture and may be updated over time and / or as device 10 moves around the world, if necessary. RFE limit 64 may specify the maximum permissible RFE (e.g., SAR, PD, MPE, etc.) generated by device 10 over a given amount of time (e.g., regulatory average period).

[0071] The TX power limit calculator 62 can generate the maximum RFE-related TX power level P for each antenna panel AP in device 10 (e.g., where each antenna panel AP is labeled by a corresponding index P) based on the RFE limit 64 and the predicted RFE value RFE_PROJ. MAX,RFE,P The TX power limit calculator 62 can use equation P. MAX,RFE,P = P MAX,LIMIT,P –PBO P To generate (e.g., calculate, operate, produce, etc.) the maximum RFE-related TX power level P MAX,RFE,P P MAX,LIMIT,P This is the maximum transmit power of the Pth antenna panel AP, as specified by hardware and transmit limits. For example, the maximum transmit power P... MAX,LIMIT,P This can be the daily antenna panel transmit power level used by the antenna panel to generate RFE LUT values ​​for each antenna panel (e.g., during pre-calibration of device 10). PBO P It is the daily antenna panel power backoff required to be applied to the Pth antenna panel AP (if any) to keep the RFE within the regulatory limits specified by RFE Limit 64.

[0072] TX Power Limit Calculator 62 can use equations To generate (e.g., calculate, operate, produce, etc.) power backoff PBO PRFE LIMIT This is a regulatory restriction specified by RFE restriction 64. RFE_PROJ P This is the predicted RFE value for the P-th antenna panel AP specified by the predicted RFE value RFE_PROJ generated by the RFE calculator 60. The TX power limit calculator 62 can transmit the generated maximum transmit power P to the antenna selector 68. MAX,LIMIT,P .

[0073] Antenna selector 68 can be based on the maximum RFE-related TX power level P MAX,RFE,P Antenna panel APs are selected for communication using antenna performance metrics 66. The selected antenna panel AP can be identified by index P'. Antenna performance metrics 66 may include the SNR characteristics, RSRP characteristics, path loss characteristics, or other wireless performance metrics of each antenna panel AP. The permissible transmit power of each antenna panel AP may vary significantly depending on antenna performance metrics 66 (sometimes referred to herein as antenna characteristic 66) and the presence of a target object 42 near a given antenna panel AP. Lower transmit power can result in reduced UL throughput and coverage.

[0074] Antenna selector 68 can preferably have a higher RFE-related TX power level P MAX,RFE,P The antenna selector 68 can be a higher average TX power AP than an antenna panel AP with a lower permissible TX power. This can be used to select an antenna panel AP with a higher average TX power while keeping RFE within regulatory limits, resulting in increased UL throughput and improved UL coverage, or to minimize overall RFE by selecting an antenna panel AP that produces less RFE when using the same UL transmit power. The antenna selector 68 can transmit information (e.g., index P') to the beam manager 70 to identify the selected antenna panel AP. Although the antenna selector 68 is described herein as selecting an antenna panel for illustration purposes, the antenna selector 68 can more generally select any desired group of one or more antennas 30, which can be identified by the index P' (e.g., antennas 30 on one or more antenna panels). The beam manager 70 can select beam B to communicate with base station 34 in a manner that both complies with RFE regulations and optimizes radio performance.

[0075] Each beam radiating from the antenna panel AP results in a certain amount of RFE, depending on the characteristics of the beam. In addition to the RF characteristics of a specific beam, the generated RFE also depends on whether the target object 42 is located in the beam direction and the distance between the antenna panel and the target object. Using the pre-calibrated RFE metric for each beam and the sensed position of the target object 42, the RFE value for each beam can be predicted and used for beam selection.

[0076] Figure 6This is an illustration of a beam manager 70. Some or all of the components of the beam manager 70 can be found in... Figure 1 The beam manager 70 is implemented on the control circuit 14 (e.g., within the baseband circuitry of the wireless circuit 24). Components of the beam manager 70 may use software (e.g., one or more application programs) and / or hardware (e.g., digital circuits, analog circuits, logic gates, memories, registers, databases, lookup tables, signal processors, etc., which are implemented on...). Figure 1 Any desired combination of performance operations implemented on one or more processors in the processing circuit 18, controlled by them, and / or performed by them.

[0077] like Figure 6 As shown, the beam manager 70 may include a region mapper, such as a region mapper 72. The region mapper 72 may receive identifiers from... Figure 5 The antenna selector 68 selects the index P' of the antenna panel AP. The area mapper 72 can also receive sensor data SENSDAT. The area mapper 72 can identify (e.g., generate) a spatial region within the FOV of the selected antenna panel AP, where one or more target objects 42 are located, based on the sensor data SENSDAT and the index P'. For example, the area mapper 72 can compare the distance and / or angle of the target object 42, as identified by the sensor data SENSDAT, with different predetermined spatial regions (each defined by a set of distances and angles) to identify which spatial region the target object is located in (e.g., the area mapper 72 can map the target object 42 to a predetermined spatial region around the antenna panel AP by selecting a spatial region whose distance and angular orientation are close to the distance and angle of the detected target object, as specified by the sensor data SENSDAT). For example, a spatial region can be identified in two spatial coordinates by an index (j, k) (e.g., where j indicates distance and k indicates the angle associated with the region). The region mapper 72 can transmit the index P' and information about the spatial region where the target object 42 is located (e.g., the index (j, k) of the spatial region) to the RFE calculator 74.

[0078] The RFE LUT 76 can store pre-calibrated RFE values ​​measured for each beam B of each antenna panel AP. Entries in the RFE LUT 76 may include, for example, RFE values ​​parameterized by beam and region. The RFE values ​​stored on the RFE LUT 76 can be accessed at their maximum permissible hardware transmit power (e.g., P). MAX,LIMIT This is obtained by operating device 10 at 100% duty cycle. The entries in RFE LUT 76 can be updated over time if necessary.

[0079] Each beam B of the selected antenna panel AP (e.g., an antenna panel with index P') can be identified by its corresponding index i (e.g., from i = 1 to i = M when there are a total of M beams). Therefore, the i-th beam B of the selected antenna panel AP may sometimes be referred to as beam B in this document. i The RFE calculator 74 can assign each beam B of the selected antenna panel AP to the spatial region identified by the region mapper 72, index P', and RFELUT 76. i Generate predicted RFE values. PROJECTED,i .

[0080] For example, the RFE calculator 74 can use the index (j, k) of the identified spatial region and the index P' of the selected antenna panel to retrieve from the RFE LUT 74 the stored RFE values ​​pre-calibrated for target objects located within those spatial regions of the selected antenna panel AP. The RFE calculator 74 can use the following equation for each beam B of the selected antenna panel. i Generate (e.g., calculate) the predicted RFE value. PROJECTED,i RFE PROJECTED,i = max(RFE ij,P’ , RFE ik,P’ (For example, the maximum RFE of either of two spatial coordinates used to define the corresponding spatial region of the selected antenna panel). The RFE calculator 74 can transmit the predicted RFE value RFE to the TX power limiting calculator 78 and the RFE reporter 84 of the beam manager 70. PROJECTED,i .

[0081] TX Power Limit Calculator 78 can calculate the predicted RFE value based on the RFE value. PROJECTED,i and RFE limit 64 to each beam B i Generate TX power back-off PBO i This ensures that the power limit does not exceed regulatory limits. The TX power limit calculator 78 can use the equation... To each beam B i (If applicable) Power rollback PBO i RFE AVAILABLE and RFE PROJECTED,i RFE can be used instead of power as the unit, where RFE AVAILABLE This is the available RFE budget amount. Then, the TX power limit calculator 78 can use equation P. MAX,RFE,i =P MAX,LIMIT,i –PBO i To each beam B i Generate TX power limit P MAX,RFE,i , where P MAX,LIMIT,iThis is the maximum transmit power based on hardware and transmit limits (e.g., as an entry used to derive RFE LUT 76). The TX power limit calculator 78 can transmit the TX power limit P to the beam selector 80 and the RFE reporter 84. MAX,RFE,i and power back-off PBO i .

[0082] Beam selector 80 (sometimes referred to herein as beam management engine 80 or beam manager 80) can be based on each beam B i TX power limit P MAX,RFE,i and power back-off PBO i and based on antenna performance metrics 82 (e.g., Figure 5 The antenna performance metrics 66 (such as SNR, RSRP, path loss, etc.) are used to select beam B' for communication with base station 34. For example, beam selector 80 may preferably select beam B' that allows higher TX power to maximize throughput and UL coverage. In situations where device 10 is not close to or not in its power-limited transmission (e.g., in a near-cell scenario), beam selector 80 can minimize RFE by selecting a beam that results in less RFE. Beam selector 80 may switch to another active beam on the same antenna panel AP (e.g., the selected antenna panel with index P') or switch to a beam on a different antenna panel AP (the selected beam B' may be a beam on the selected antenna panel with index P' or a beam on a different antenna panel). Beam selector 80 may output information identifying the selected beam B'. Control circuitry 14 can then control wireless circuitry 24 to communicate with base station 34 using the selected beam B' and the corresponding antenna panel (e.g., the selected antenna panel with index P').

[0083] RFE reporter 84 can generate an RFE report RFE_REP and can provide the RFE report RFE_REP to radio component 26 for transmission to base station 34. The RFE report RFE_REP can include, for example, data generated by RFE calculator 74 for each beam B. i The generated RFE value for each prediction PROJECTED,i The TX power limit calculator 78 is used for each beam B. i The generated TX power limit P MAX,RFE,i and power back-off PBO i Information on the selected beam B', and the predicted RFE value for each panel, RFE_PROJ. Figure 5 This includes, and / or any other desired RFE-related information. Reporting this information to base station 34 (e.g., in the RFE report RFE_REP) allows the network to update the UL scheduling and / or beam selection of device 10 in a way that optimizes performance without exceeding RFE limits.

[0084] The RFE reporter 84 may include, for example, each beam B in the RFE report RFE_REP. i And / or the predicted PD value for each antenna panel AP. The predicted PD value (e.g., derived from the predicted RFE value). PROJECTED,i This can include absolute or relative values ​​(e.g., in mW / cm). 2 (in units). For absolute values, the network can, for example, compare the PD values ​​of different beams and select the beam that produces the lower PD. For relative values ​​(e.g., PD as a percentage of the regulatory PD limit), the network can compare the relative PD values ​​of different beams and select the beam that results in a lower BD. The network can update the scheduling of device 10 in a way that adapts to the selected beam and / or can indicate the selected beam to device 10 for subsequent transmissions. If necessary, the network can also decide to increase or decrease the scheduling resources of device 10 based on whether the relative PD exceeds the regulatory limit. For example, the network can choose to switch a beam that only results in a PD of 50% relative to the RFE limit, which would allow the network to double the UL scheduling, thereby doubling the UL throughput.

[0085] Alternatively or otherwise, the RFE reporter 84 may include each beam B in the RFE report RFE_REP. i RFE-related TX power limits (e.g., P) MAX,RFE,i ) and / or RFE-related TX power limits for each antenna panel AP (e.g., Figure 5 P MAX,RFE,P In other words, for each beam, device 10 can report the maximum TX power it can transmit based on its RFE regulatory limits. The network can compare the TX power values ​​of different beams and select beams that allow higher TX power values, resulting in increased throughput and coverage.

[0086] Alternatively or otherwise, the RFE reporter 84 may include each beam B in the RFE report RFE_REP. i and / or Power Back-Off (PBO) for each antenna panel AP i In other words, for each beam B i Device 10 can report the amount of transmit power backoff imposed due to RFE constraints. The network can preferably use beams that do not require TX power backoff, or at least use beams that require less TX power backoff, to optimize throughput and coverage.

[0087] Radio component 26 can use any desired waveform to transmit an RFE report RFE_REP to base station 34. As an example, radio component 26 may transmit the RFE report RFE_REP in a Media Access Control (MAC) element (CE) or via uplink control information (UCI). Both the MAC, CE, and UCI can be modified to carry the desired information from the RFE report RFE_REP (e.g., in a communication protocol managing communication between device 10 and base station 34). Device 10 may transmit the RFE report RFE_REP periodically (e.g., every X ms) or in response to an event or triggering condition (e.g., when the information to be reported changes, such as when the value to be reported changes by more than a threshold amount).

[0088] Upon transmitting an RFE report RFE_REP, device 10 may immediately begin communicating with base station 34 using the selected antenna panel AP and the selected beam B', or it may wait for an updated scheduling authorization (e.g., UL authorization) to be received from base station 34 (e.g., authorization to device 10 to communicate using the selected antenna panel AP or beam B', or using some other beam selected by the network). Generally, base station 34 and / or the network may perform any desired operations based on the RFE report RFE_REP. For example, the network may control (schedule) device 10 to change its active beam B, allocate more or less resources to device 10 for subsequent communication (e.g., by changing the UL duty cycle allocated to device 10), etc. As an example, when the RFE report RFE_REP indicates that there is no human target facing base station 34, base station 34 may grant more resources and / or increase the UL duty cycle of device 10.

[0089] Figure 7 This demonstrates how the spatial region overlapping with a given antenna panel AP can be divided into sections by... Figure 6 A diagram illustrating the spatial region mapped by region mapper 72. (See diagram for example.) Figure 6 As shown, the area mapper 72 can map a spatial region within the FOV 86 of a given antenna panel AP to the corresponding region Z. Figure 7 Nine regions Z are shown (e.g., Z1, Z2, ..., Z9). In general, FOV86 can be divided into any desired number of regions. Each region can be defined by two or more spatial coordinates (e.g., as shown by...). Figure 6 The range (set) of the index (j, k) is used to define the coordinates. Spatial coordinates can be range, angle of arrival, distance, elevation angle, azimuth angle, etc.

[0090] Region Mapper 72 ( Figure 6 ) can be made by proximity sensor 56 ( Figure 5Each detected target object 42 is mapped to a corresponding region Z (e.g., by comparing sensor data SENSDAT with known sensor data corresponding to each region Z in FOV 86). Region mapper 72 can output an index (j, k) representing the mapped region Z to RFE calculator 74. For example, if radar data generated by a proximity sensor (e.g., collected by antenna panel AP) indicates that target object 42 is located within the area spanned by region Z1, region mapper 72 can output the index (j, k) of region Z1. Generally, for the same transmit power, target object 42 will generate more RFE in region Z closer to antenna panel AP than in antenna region Z farther from antenna panel AP.

[0091] Figure 8 yes Figure 6 The illustration of RFE LUT 76. (See diagram below.) Figure 8 As shown, the entries in RFE LUT 76 can be composed of columns for region Z (e.g., from region Z1 to region ZQ) and beam B. i The rows (e.g., from beam B1 to beam B) N Parameterization. RFE LUT 76 may include different tables 77 for each frequency band. Entries in RFE LUT 76 may include known locations within a given region Z and signal beam B using each frequency band. i The RFE value for pre-calibration of device 10.

[0092] The RFE calculator 74 can be configured based on the active frequency band, the mapped region Z (e.g., determined by the region mapper 72 based on sensor data SENSDAT), and the corresponding beam B. i Retrieve the appropriate entry from RFE LUT 76 for a given beam B. i Map the RFE of target object 42. The RFE calculator 74 can output the corresponding entries as the predicted RFE. PROJECTED,i For example, entries in RFE LUT 76 can be populated during the pre-calibration of device 10. Entries in RFE LUT 76 can be updated over time if needed.

[0093] Figure 9 It is possible to be Figure 5 The flowchart of the operation performed by circuit 54 is used to communicate with base station 34 in a manner that optimizes wireless performance while complying with regulatory RFE restrictions. At operation 90, device 10 can pre-calibrate the RFE values ​​of each antenna panel AP at different RATs, frequency bands, and target locations around the antenna panel. These pre-calibrated values ​​can be stored in RFE LUT 76 (e.g., by using the maximum allowed TX power P). MAX,LIMITThe signal transmitted with a specific UL duty cycle is used to collect RFE values ​​while changing the position of the test target object around the antenna panel. This pre-calibration can be performed at the factory, during calibration, during manufacturing, and / or during the initialization of the device 10 (e.g., before end-user operation).

[0094] At operation 92 (e.g., during end-user operation of device 10). Figure 5 The proximity sensor 56 can generate sensor data SENSDAT. The sensor data SENSDAT can indicate the presence and location of one or more target objects 42 around the device 10.

[0095] At operation 94, circuit 54 can be based on Figure 5 The sensor data SENSDAT, antenna port RFE characteristics 58, RFE limits, and antenna performance metrics 66 are used to select an antenna panel AP (e.g., with index P') for subsequent communication with the base station 34. More generally, the circuit 54 can select any desired group of antennas 30 distributed on one or more antenna panels for communication with the base station 34.

[0096] At operation 96, beam manager 70 can select beam B' for subsequent communication with base station 34 based on sensor data SENSDAT, RFE LUT 76, RFE limit 64, and antenna performance metric 82. This may involve generating a beam with each beam B'. i Associated RFE information, such as predicted RFE values ​​for one or more antenna panels (e.g., for antenna panels with at least index P'). PROJECTED,i TX power limit P MAX,RFE,i and TX power back-off PBO i .

[0097] At operation 98, the RFE reporter 84 and radio component 26 can transmit an RFE report RFE_REP to the base station 34. The RFE report RFE_REP may include a per-panel predicted RFE. PROJECTED,P Predicted RFE value per beam PROJECTED,i Power limit per beam TX P MAX,RFE,i TX power back-off per beam (PBO) i And / or identify information about the selected beam B'. As an example, radio component 26 may use MAC CE or UCI to transmit an RFE report RFE_REP. Base station 34 and / or network may use the RFE report RFE_REP to update or change the UL scheduling (authorization) of device 10, update the active beam B used by device 10, etc.

[0098] At operation 100, device 10 may transmit radio data to base station 34 using a selected antenna panel AP (e.g., with index P'), a selected beam B', and / or a beam selected by the network based on the RFE report RFE_REP. Device 10 may transmit radio data while transmitting the RFE report (e.g., without waiting for acknowledgment or allocation from the network) or upon receiving a UL authorization or updated UL schedule from base station 34, such as one generated by the network in response to the RFE report RFE_REP.

[0099] This RFE-based antenna selection and beam management process helps maximize UL transmit power levels while keeping the RFE generated by device 10 within regulatory limits, resulting in maximized UL throughput and improved UL coverage. Alternatively, this can be used to minimize the total RFE generated by device 10 by selecting antenna panels and / or beams that result in fewer RFEs when using the same amount of UL transmit power. RFE metric reports for each beam and antenna panel (e.g., using the RFE report RFE_REP) help the network perform optimized beam selection and UL authorization scheduling.

[0100] Figure 10 It can be made by circuit 54 ( Figure 5 The flowchart illustrates the exemplary operation of selecting an antenna panel (or a set of antennas 30) to communicate with the base station 34. For example, it can be seen in the processing... Figure 9 Operation 94 is executed simultaneously Figure 10 The operation.

[0101] At operation 110, the RFE calculator 60 can generate a predicted RFE value RFE_PROJ for each (for each) antenna, antenna port, and / or antenna panel AP based on sensor data SENSDAT and antenna port RFE characteristics 58 (sometimes referred to in this document as the per-panel predicted RFE value RFE_PROJ).

[0102] At operation 112, the TX power limit calculator 62 can generate the TX power limit P- for each antenna, antenna port, and / or antenna panel AP based on the RFE limit 64 and the predicted RFE value RFE_PROJ. MAX,RFE,P .

[0103] At operation 114, antenna selector 68 can be based on TX power limiting P MAX,REF,P Antenna selector 68 uses antenna performance metrics 66 to select an antenna panel AP (indexed P') or a set of antenna panels for subsequent communication. Antenna selector 68 can provide beam manager 70 with information identifying the selected antenna panel or set of antenna panels (e.g., index P').

[0104] Figure 11 It can be generated by beam manager 70 ( Figure 6 The flowchart illustrates the exemplary operation of selecting beam B' to communicate with base station 34. For example, it can be seen in the processing... Figure 9 Execute operation 96 simultaneously Figure 11 The operation.

[0105] At operation 120, region mapper 72 ( Figure 6 The region mapper 72 can map a target object 42 around the device 10 to a spatial region Z of a selected antenna panel (or antenna group) or any other antenna panel (or antenna group) based on sensor data SENSDAT. The region mapper 72 can output the index (j, k) of the spatial region Z containing the target object 42 to the RFE calculator 74.

[0106] At operation 122, the RFE calculator 74 can generate each beam B of the selected antenna panel (or antenna group) or any other antenna panel (or antenna group) based on the RFE LUT 76 and the mapped region (e.g., index (j, k)). i The predicted RFE value PROJECTED,i (Sometimes referred to in this article as per-beam RFE value) PROJECTED,i ).

[0107] At operation 124, the TX power limit calculator 78 can base its calculations on the predicted RFE value. PROJECTED,i And RFE limit 64 to generate the TX power limit P of the selected antenna panel (or antenna group) or any other antenna panel (or antenna group). MAX,RFE,i and TX power back-off PBO i (Sometimes referred to in this paper as per-beam power limit P) MAX,RFE,i and per-beam TX power backoff PBO i ).

[0108] At operation 126, beam selector 80 can be based on TX power limiting P MAX,RFE,i TX power back-off PBO i The antenna performance metric 82 is used to select beam B'. Device 10 can then use the selected antenna panel (or antenna array) and beam B' to transmit wireless data to base station 34 (e.g., in...). Figure 9 (100 operations).

[0109] Device 10 may collect and / or use personally identifiable information. It is well known that the use of personally identifiable information should comply with privacy policies and practices generally recognized as meeting or exceeding industry or governmental requirements for protecting user privacy. Specifically, personally identifiable information data should be managed and processed to minimize the risk of unintentional or unauthorized access or use, and the nature of authorized use should be clearly explained to the user.

[0110] The above text combined Figures 1 to 11 The methods and operations described and operated may be performed by components of device 10 using software, firmware, and / or hardware (e.g., dedicated circuitry or hardware). The software code used to perform these operations may be stored on a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium (e.g., a tangible computer-readable storage medium) stored on one or more components of device 10 (e.g., ...). Figure 1 The storage circuit 16). This software code may sometimes be referred to as software, data, instructions, program instructions, or code. Non-transitory computer-readable storage media may include drives, non-volatile memory such as non-volatile random access memory (NVRAM), removable flash drives or other removable media, other types of random access memory, etc. The software stored on the non-transitory computer-readable storage medium may be processed by processing circuitry on one or more components of device 10 (e.g., Figure 1 The processing circuitry (e.g., 18) executes this process. The processing circuitry may include a microprocessor, a central processing unit (CPU), an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC) with processing circuitry, or other processing circuitry. Where applicable, Figures 1 to 4 The components can be implemented using hardware (e.g., circuit components, digital logic gates, one or more processors, etc.) and / or software. While the database is sometimes described herein as providing data to other components, one or more processors, memory controllers, or other components can actively access the database, retrieve stored data from the database, and pass the retrieved data to other components for corresponding processing. The regulatory RFE restrictions described herein are not required to be imposed by a government or regulatory agency and can be imposed otherwise or alternatively by the network operator, base station, or access point of the wireless network in which device 10 operates, by device 10 itself, by the manufacturer or designer of some or all of device 10, by wireless industry standards, protocols, or practices, by the software running on device 10, etc.

[0111] For one or more aspects, at least one of the components shown in one or more of the foregoing figures may be configured to perform one or more operations, techniques, processes, or methods as described herein. For example, the control circuitry described above in conjunction with one or more of the foregoing figures may be configured to operate according to one or more of the examples set forth herein. Similarly, the circuitry associated with the UE, base station, network element, etc., described above in conjunction with one or more of the foregoing figures may be configured to operate according to one or more of the examples shown herein.

[0112] An apparatus (e.g., electronic user equipment, wireless base station, etc.) may be provided, which includes components for performing one or more method elements described or associated with any of the methods or processes described herein.

[0113] One or more non-transitory computer-readable media, the one or more non-transitory computer-readable media including instructions that, when executed by one or more processors of an electronic device, cause the electronic device to perform one or more elements of any method or process described herein.

[0114] An apparatus comprising logic components, modules, or circuitry for performing one or more method elements described or associated with any method or process described herein.

[0115] An apparatus comprising: one or more processors and one or more non-transitory computer-readable storage media, the one or more non-transitory computer-readable storage media including instructions that, when executed by the one or more processors, cause the one or more processors to perform the methods, techniques or processes described herein.

[0116] Signals, datagrams, information elements, packets, frames, segments, PDUs, or messages or datagrams may be provided in the manner described or associated with any of the examples described herein.

[0117] Signals encoded in data, datagrams, IE, packets, frames, segments, PDUs, or messages may be provided in accordance with the manner described or associated with any of the examples described herein.

[0118] Electromagnetic signals carrying computer-readable instructions may be provided, wherein execution of the computer-readable instructions by one or more processors will cause the one or more processors to perform the methods, techniques or processes described or associated with any of the examples described herein.

[0119] A computer program comprising instructions, wherein execution of the program by a processing element will cause the processing element to perform the methods, techniques, or processes described or associated with any of the examples described herein.

[0120] Signals can be provided in wireless networks as shown and described herein.

[0121] Methods for communicating in a wireless network as shown and described herein may be provided.

[0122] Systems for providing wireless communication as shown and described herein may be provided.

[0123] Devices for providing wireless communication as shown and described herein may be provided.

[0124] Unless otherwise expressly stated, any of the examples above may be combined with any other example (or combination of examples). The foregoing description of one or more specific embodiments provides illustration and description, but is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the scope of the aspects to the precise form disclosed.

[0125] According to one embodiment, an electronic device is provided, the electronic device comprising: a set of antenna panels located at different positions and configured to transmit and receive radar signals; and one or more processors configured to identify the position of an object relative to the set of antenna panels based on the transmitted and received radar signals, and to transmit wireless data through an antenna panel selected from the set of antenna panels based on the identified position of the object.

[0126] According to another embodiment, the one or more processors are further configured to: generate predicted radio frequency exposure (RFE) values ​​for the set of antenna panels based on the transmitted and received radar signals, and select the antenna panel from the set of antenna panels based on the predicted RFE values.

[0127] According to another embodiment, the one or more processors are further configured to: generate transmit power limits for the set of antenna panels based on the predicted RFE value and regulatory RFE limits, and select the antenna panel from the set of antenna panels based on the transmit power limits.

[0128] According to another embodiment, the antenna panel in the set of antenna panels is selected based on a wireless performance metric associated with the set of antenna panels.

[0129] According to another embodiment, the wireless performance metric includes wireless performance metrics selected from the group consisting of: signal-to-noise ratio (SNR), reference signal received power (RSRP), and path loss.

[0130] According to another embodiment, the one or more processors are further configured to: use the antenna panels in the set of antenna panels to transmit to a wireless base station a signal that identifies the predicted RFE value of the set of antenna panels.

[0131] According to another embodiment, the set of antenna panels is configured to transmit and receive the radar signals within a set of signal beams, and the one or more processors are further configured to transmit the wireless data via a signal beam selected based on the location of the identified object within the set of signal beams.

[0132] According to another embodiment, the one or more processors are further configured to: generate predicted radio frequency exposure (RFE) values ​​for the set of signal beams based on the transmitted and received radar signals, and select the signal beams from the set of signal beams based on the predicted RFE values.

[0133] According to another embodiment, the one or more processors are further configured to: map the object to a spatial region based on the transmitted and received radar signals, and select a predicted RFE value from a lookup table of pre-calibrated RFE values ​​stored on the electronic device based on the spatial region.

[0134] According to another embodiment, the set of antenna panels includes a first antenna panel having a first set of antennas disposed on a first substrate and having a first field of view; and includes a second antenna panel having a second set of antennas disposed on a second substrate and having a second field of view that does not overlap with the first field of view.

[0135] According to one embodiment, an electronic device is provided, the electronic device comprising: an antenna located at different positions and configured to transmit and receive radar signals within a set of signal beams; and one or more processors configured to identify the position of an object relative to the antenna based on the transmitted and received radar signals, and to transmit wireless data via a signal beam selected from the set of signal beams based on the identified position of the object.

[0136] According to another embodiment, the one or more processors are configured to identify the location using at least a first spatial coordinate and a second spatial coordinate, wherein the signal beams in the set of signal beams are selected based on the first spatial coordinate and the second spatial coordinate.

[0137] According to another embodiment, the one or more processors are further configured to: generate predicted radio frequency exposure (RFE) values ​​for the set of signal beams based on the location of the identified object, and select the signal beam from the set of signal beams based on the predicted RFE values.

[0138] According to another embodiment, the one or more processors are further configured to: generate transmit power limits for the set of signal beams based on the predicted RFE value, and select the signal beams from the set of signal beams based on the transmit power limits.

[0139] According to another embodiment, the one or more processors are further configured to: generate transmit power backoff for the set of signal beams based on the predicted RFE value, and select the signal beams from the set of signal beams based on the transmit power backoff.

[0140] According to another embodiment, the signal beam in the set of signal beams is selected based on a wireless performance metric associated with the antenna, the wireless performance metric including signal-to-noise ratio (SNR), reference signal received power (RSRP), or path loss.

[0141] According to another embodiment, the one or more processors are further configured to use the signal beams in the set of signal beams to transmit to a wireless base station a signal that identifies the predicted RFE value of the set of signal beams.

[0142] According to one embodiment, a method for operating an electronic device to communicate with a wireless base station is provided, the method comprising: transmitting a radio frequency signal within a set of signal beams using a set of antenna panels; generating radio frequency exposure (RFE) information based on the transmitted radio frequency signal using one or more processors; and transmitting a report to the wireless base station using the signal beams in the set of signal beams using an antenna panel of the set of antenna panels, the report including the RFE information generated by the one or more processors.

[0143] According to another embodiment, the RFE information includes information selected from the group consisting of: daily antenna panel predicted RFE value, per-signal beam predicted RFE value, daily antenna panel transmit power limit value, per-signal beam transmit power limit value, and per-signal beam transmit power backoff value.

[0144] According to another implementation, transmitting the report includes using uplink control information (UCI) or media access control (MAC) control element (CE) to transmit the report.

[0145] The foregoing description is merely illustrative and various modifications can be made to the described implementation scheme. The described implementation scheme can be implemented independently or in any combination.

Claims

1. An electronic device, the electronic device comprising: A set of antenna panels, the set of antenna panels being located at different positions and configured to transmit and receive radar signals; and One or more processors, said one or more processors being configured to: The position of an object relative to the set of antenna panels is identified based on the transmitted and received radar signals. Wireless data is transmitted through an antenna panel selected from the set of antenna panels based on the location of the identified object, and Based on the transmitted and received radar signals, a predicted radio frequency exposure (RFE) value is generated for the set of antenna panels, and the antenna panels in the set of antenna panels are configured to transmit a report to a wireless base station including the predicted RFE value of the set of antenna panels.

2. The electronic device of claim 1, wherein the antenna panel in the set of antenna panels is selected based on the predicted RFE value.

3. The electronic device of claim 2, wherein the one or more processors are further configured to: The transmit power limit is generated for the set of antenna panels based on the predicted RFE value and regulatory RFE limit, wherein the antenna panel in the set of antenna panels is selected based on the transmit power limit.

4. The electronic device of claim 3, wherein the antenna panel in the set of antenna panels is selected based on a wireless performance metric associated with the set of antenna panels.

5. The electronic device of claim 4, wherein the wireless performance metric comprises a wireless performance metric selected from the group consisting of: signal-to-noise ratio (SNR), reference signal received power (RSRP), and path loss.

6. The electronic device of claim 1, wherein the set of antenna panels is configured to transmit and receive the radar signal within a set of signal beams, and the one or more processors are further configured to: The wireless data is transmitted using a signal beam selected from the set of signal beams based on the location of the identified object.

7. The electronic device of claim 6, wherein the one or more processors are further configured to: Additional predicted RFE values ​​are generated for the set of signal beams based on the transmitted and received radar signals, wherein the signal beams in the set of signal beams are selected based on the additional predicted RFE values.

8. The electronic device of claim 1, wherein the one or more processors are further configured to: Mapping the object to a spatial region based on the transmitted and received radar signals; and Based on the spatial region, the predicted RFE value is selected from a lookup table of pre-calibrated RFE values ​​stored on the electronic device.

9. The electronic device according to claim 1, wherein the set of antenna panels includes a first antenna panel and a second antenna panel, the first antenna panel having a first set of antennas disposed on a first substrate and having a first field of view, and the second antenna panel having a second set of antennas disposed on a second substrate and having a second field of view that does not overlap with the first field of view.

10. An electronic device, the electronic device comprising: Antennas located at different positions and configured to transmit and receive radar signals within a set of signal beams; and One or more processors, said one or more processors being configured to: The position of an object relative to the antenna is identified based on the transmitted and received radar signals. Wireless data is transmitted using a signal beam selected from the set of signal beams based on the location of the identified object. Based on the identified location, different corresponding predicted radio frequency exposure (RFE) values ​​are generated for each antenna, and the signal beams in the set of signal beams are configured to transmit a report to the wireless base station including the different corresponding predicted RFE values ​​for each antenna.

11. The electronic device of claim 10, wherein the one or more processors are configured to identify the location using at least a first spatial coordinate and a second spatial coordinate, the signal beams of the set of signal beams being selected based on the first spatial coordinate and the second spatial coordinate.

12. The electronic device of claim 10, wherein the one or more processors are further configured to: The report generates transmit power limits for the set of signal beams based on the predicted RFE value, wherein the signal beams in the set of signal beams are selected based on the transmit power limits, and wherein the report also includes the generated transmit power limits.

13. The electronic device of claim 12, wherein the one or more processors are further configured to: The transmit power backoff is generated for the set of signal beams based on the predicted RFE value, wherein the signal beams in the set of signal beams are selected based on the transmit power backoff, and wherein the report also includes the generated transmit power backoff.

14. The electronic device of claim 13, wherein the signal beam in the set of signal beams is selected based on a wireless performance metric associated with the antenna, the wireless performance metric including signal-to-noise ratio (SNR), reference signal received power (RSRP), or path loss.

15. A method for operating an electronic device to communicate with a wireless base station, the method comprising: Using a set of antenna panels, radio frequency signals are transmitted within a set of signal beams; Using one or more processors, radio frequency exposure (RFE) information is generated based on the transmitted radio frequency signals; as well as Using the antenna panels in the set of antenna panels, a report is transmitted to the wireless base station using the signal beams in the set of signal beams. The report includes RFE information generated by the one or more processors, wherein the RFE information in the report includes the corresponding predicted future RFE values ​​of the antenna panels in the set of antenna panels.

16. The method of claim 15, wherein the RFE information comprises information selected from the group consisting of: predicted RFE value per signal beam, transmit power limit value for each antenna panel, transmit power limit value per signal beam, and transmit power backoff value per signal beam.

17. The method of claim 15, wherein transmitting the report comprises transmitting the report using uplink control information (UCI) or media access control (MAC) control element (CE).

18. A computer-readable storage medium storing instructions that, when executed by one or more processors, cause the one or more processors to perform the method according to any one of claims 15 to 17.

19. A computer program product comprising a computer program that, when executed by a processor, causes the processor to perform the method according to any one of claims 15 to 17.

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