Method and apparatus for wireless communication

Abstract

Methods and apparatuses for wireless communication can be provided. An apparatus can receive a plurality of input signals from a network node through a plurality of antennas. The apparatus can perform autonomous beamforming by adjusting phases of the plurality of input signals to generate an autonomously beamformed signal. The apparatus can perform at least one of digital beamforming and analog beamforming on the autonomously beamformed signal based on a reference signal from the network node to generate a beamformed signal. By utilizing the present invention, wireless communication can be better performed.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to wireless communication, and more particularly to a hybrid beamforming method and apparatus for using an autonomous beamformer in mobile communication. Background Technology

[0002] In traditional wireless communication systems with Multiple-Input Multiple-Output (MIMO) technology, such as in the 5G (5G) architecture of the Third Generation Partnership Project (3GPP), th In Generation 5G (New Radio, NR) systems, multiple input signals are received by multiple antennas of a receiver. Because the input signals have different propagation paths / channels, the received input signals may have different phases. Therefore, the receiver needs beamforming schemes to process and combine the signals. The receiver needs to adjust / align the phases of the input signals so that they do not interfere with each other.

[0003] In traditional receivers (such as User Equipment (UE)), beamforming (e.g., phase adjustment) is performed based on reference signals from network nodes. The receiver relies on these reference signals to determine the phase difference of each input signal. However, this requirement for reference signals incurs significant signaling overhead on the network side. Network nodes need to transmit / broadcast a large number of reference signals for beamforming at the receiver. These reference signals consume substantial radio resources and increase the signaling overhead of the communication system.

[0004] Therefore, reducing reference signal overhead and improving radio efficiency have become key challenges for newly developed communication systems (such as sixth generation). th This is an important issue in Generation 6G. Therefore, there is a need to provide appropriate solutions to perform beamforming using fewer reference signals. Summary of the Invention

[0005] A method and apparatus for performing hybrid beamforming using an autonomous beamformer in mobile communications can be provided. Specifically, the apparatus can receive multiple input signals from a network node via multiple antennas. The apparatus can perform autonomous beamforming to generate an autonomously beamformed signal by adjusting the phases of the multiple input signals. The apparatus can perform at least one of digital beamforming and analog beamforming on the autonomously beamformed signal based on a reference signal from the network node to generate a beamformed signal. Accordingly, the apparatus can perform beamforming using a smaller number of reference signals from the network node.

[0006] A method for wireless communication includes: receiving a plurality of input signals from a network node via a plurality of antennas by a device; performing autonomous beamforming by the device by adjusting the phase of the plurality of input signals to generate an autonomously beamformed signal; and performing at least one of digital beamforming and analog beamforming on the autonomously beamformed signal based on a reference signal from the network node to generate a beamformed signal.

[0007] An apparatus for wireless communication includes: a plurality of antennas for receiving a plurality of input signals from a network node; an autonomous beamformer for performing autonomous beamforming by adjusting the phase of the plurality of input signals to generate an autonomously beamformed signal; and at least one of a digital beamformer and an analog beamformer for performing at least one of digital beamforming and analog beamforming on the autonomously beamformed signal based on a reference signal from the network node to generate a beamformed signal.

[0008] By utilizing this invention, wireless communication can be improved.

[0009] Other embodiments and advantages will be described in the detailed description below. This invention is not intended to be defined. The invention is defined by the claims. Attached Figure Description

[0010] The accompanying drawings illustrate embodiments of the invention, wherein the same numbers may denote the same components.

[0011] Figure 1 An exemplary wireless communication network supporting hybrid beamforming using an autonomous beamformer may be exemplified according to embodiments of the present invention.

[0012] Figure 2 This is a simplified block diagram of a base station (BS) and a user unit according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0013] Figure 3 An embodiment of a conventional receiver according to an embodiment of the present invention may be illustrated.

[0014] Figure 4 An embodiment of an autonomous beamformer according to an embodiment of the present invention may be illustrated.

[0015] Figure 5 An example of hybrid beamforming utilizing an autonomous beamformer according to an embodiment of the present invention may be illustrated.

[0016] Figure 6 An example of hybrid beamforming utilizing an autonomous beamformer according to an embodiment of the present invention may be illustrated.

[0017] Figure 7 This is a flowchart of a hybrid beamforming method using an autonomous beamformer according to an embodiment of the present invention. Detailed Implementation

[0018] The present invention will now be described in detail with reference to some embodiments thereof, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings.

[0019] Figure 1 An exemplary wireless communication network 100 (e.g., a 6G network) supporting hybrid beamforming using an autonomous beamformer, according to embodiments of the present invention, may be exemplified. Network 100 may include a UE 110 communicatively connected to a BS 121, wherein the BS 121 operates in a licensed frequency band (e.g., 30 GHz to 300 GHz) of access network 120, which may provide radio access using Radio Access Technology (RAT). Access network 120 may connect to core network 130 via an NG interface, specifically, via an NG user-plane part (NG-u) to a User Plane Function (UPF), and via an NG control-plane part (NG-c) to an Access and Mobility Management Function (AMF). A base station may connect to multiple UPFs / AMFs for load sharing and redundancy. UE 110 may be a smartphone, wearable device, vehicle, Internet of Things (IoT) device, tablet, etc. Alternatively, UE 110 can be a notebook (NB) or personal computer (PC) with a data card inserted or installed, wherein the data card may contain a modem and a radio frequency (RF) transceiver to provide wireless communication capabilities.

[0020] BS 121 can provide communication coverage for a geographic coverage area, where communication with UE 110 can be supported via communication link 101. Communication link 101 shown in network 100 may include uplink (UL) transmission from UE 110 to BS 121 (e.g., on the Physical Uplink Control Channel (PUCCH) or Physical Uplink Shared Channel (PUSCH)) or downlink (DL) transmission from BS 121 to UE 110 (e.g., on the Physical Downlink Control Channel (PDCCH) or Physical Downlink Shared Channel (PDSCH)).

[0021] Figure 2 This is a simplified block diagram of BS 121 and UE 110 according to an embodiment of the present invention. For BS 121, antenna 197 can transmit and receive radio signals. Antenna 197 may include multiple antennas / sub-antennas. An RF transceiver module 196 coupled to antenna 197 can receive RF signals from antenna 197, convert the RF signals into baseband signals, and send the baseband signals to processor 193. RF transceiver module 196 can also convert the baseband signals received from processor 193 into RF signals and transmit them to antenna 197. Transceiver module 196 and antenna 197 can form an antenna array. Processor 193 can process the received baseband signals and invoke different functional modules and circuits to execute features in BS 121. Storage medium 192 can store program instructions and data 190 to control the operation of BS 121.

[0022] Similarly, for UE 110, antenna 177 can transmit and receive RF signals. Antenna 177 may include multiple antennas / sub-antennas. An RF transceiver module 176 coupled to antenna 177 can receive RF signals from antenna 177, convert the RF signals into baseband signals, and send the baseband signals to processor 173. RF transceiver module 176 can also convert the received baseband signals from processor 173 into RF signals and transmit them to antenna 177. Transceiver module 176 and antenna 177 can form an antenna array. Processor 173 can process the received baseband signals and invoke different functional modules and circuits to execute features in UE 110. Storage medium 172 can store program instructions and data 170 to control the operation of UE 110.

[0023] BS 121 and UE 110 may also include functional modules and circuits that can be implemented and configured to perform embodiments of the present invention. Figure 2 In the example, BS 121 may include a set of control function modules and circuitry 180. Reference signal circuitry 182 can generate and process reference signals. Configuration and control circuitry 181 can provide different parameters to configure and control UE 110. UE 110 may include a set of beamforming modules and circuitry 160. Autonomous beamformer circuitry 162 can perform autonomous beamforming. Digital / analog beamformer circuitry 161 can perform digital / analog beamforming based on the reference signal from BS 121.

[0024] Please note that different functional modules and circuits can be implemented and configured through software, firmware, hardware, and any combination thereof. When the aforementioned functional modules and circuits are executed by processors 193 and 173 (e.g., by executing program codes 190 and 170), they can allow BS 121 and UE 110 to execute embodiments of the present invention.

[0025] Figure 3 An embodiment of a conventional receiver according to an embodiment of the present invention may be illustrated. Receiver 300 may include an eight-element receiving antenna array. The antenna array may include eight antennas for receiving input signals. Each antenna may be electrically coupled to a low-noise amplifier (LNA) for amplifying the input signal. Each LNA may be electrically coupled to a phase shifter for adjusting the phase of the input signal. Each phase shifter may be electrically coupled to a power amplifier (PA) for amplifying the amplitude of the input signal. The eight PAs may be electrically coupled to an adder / signal combiner for combining the eight input signals and generating a beamformed signal.

[0026] Receiver 300 can perform analog beamforming using an analog beamformer. Specifically, the analog beamformer can be implemented using a phase shifter. The phase shifter can be configured to perform analog beamforming by adjusting the phase of the input signals according to a reference signal from a network node. For example, due to different propagation paths / delays, the eight input signals received by the antenna may have phase drift / phase difference relative to each other. Receiver 300 can also receive a reference signal from the network node. The phase shifter can then use the reference signal to determine the phase difference between the eight input signals. The phase shifter can be configured to adjust the phase of each input signal to eliminate the phase drift / phase difference between each input signal. Therefore, after analog beamforming, the phases of the eight input signals can be aligned / identical. There can be no phase difference / zero phase difference between the eight beamformed input signals. Accordingly, all eight input signals can be constructively combined by an adder / signal combiner, and there is no interference between the eight input signals.

[0027] However, in receiver 300, analog beamforming needs to be performed based on a reference signal received from the network node. Receiver 300 requires a sufficient number of Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiplexing (OFDM) symbols with the reference signal to determine the phase drift / phase difference in the antenna array. This will result in significant signaling overhead on the network node side. Moreover, a large amount of radio resources will be occupied / used by the reference signal.

[0028] Figure 4 An embodiment of an autonomous beamformer according to an embodiment of the present invention may be illustrated. The autonomous beamformer 400 may include two paths for receiving two input signals. The two input signals may be passed to a phase detector 410. The phase detector 410 may be configured to detect the phase difference between the two input signals. The autonomous beamformer 400 may also include a phase-to-voltage converter for converting the phase difference into a voltage control signal and a voltage-to-phase converter for converting the voltage control signal into a phase adjustment signal. The autonomous beamformer 400 may also include a phase shifter 420 for adjusting the phase of the input signals according to the voltage control signal.

[0029] The operating principle of the autonomous beamformer 400 is as follows: Figure 4 As shown. When a receiver receives an input signal (e.g., the input signal) at an incident angle θ, if two antenna elements are separated by a distance λ / 2 (where λ is the wavelength), the signals received at the two adjacent antenna elements will have a phase difference φ. in=πsinθ. A phase detector can detect the phase difference, and a direct current (DC) control voltage can be generated based on this phase difference. A phase-to-voltage conversion gain G1 can be formed. Then, the DC control voltage can be fed back to the phase shifter as the control voltage with a voltage-to-phase conversion gain G2. This allows for negative feedback loop operation in the phase domain, with wide bandwidth and a total loop gain of G1G2. Output residual phase difference φ out It can be represented as φ out =πsinθ / (1+G1G2). After performing autonomous beamforming, the output residual phase difference can be reduced to almost zero degrees (e.g., φ). out =πsinθ / (1+G1G2)~0°).

[0030] Autonomous beamformers can eliminate phase differences between multiple input signals by detecting phase differences at the receiver side, without using a reference signal from network nodes. However, autonomous beamformers cannot distinguish between interference signals and data signals. Although autonomous beamformers can align phase differences between input signals, they cannot eliminate interference signals. Both interference and data signals can be processed and amplified. When only an autonomous beamformer is used in the receiver, the performance / signal quality of the output signal is relatively poor because interference and data signals are mixed and combined. Therefore, the baseband processor following the autonomous beamformer will have difficulty processing (e.g., decoding) these signals. Therefore, it is worthwhile to investigate how to use autonomous beamformers to reduce the need for a reference signal and avoid the poor data performance / quality caused by autonomous beamformers.

[0031] Specifically, the device (e.g., a receiver) can be configured to receive multiple input signals from a network node via multiple antennas. The device can perform autonomous beamforming to generate an autonomously beamformed signal by adjusting the phases of the multiple input signals. The device can then perform at least one of digital beamforming and analog beamforming on the autonomously beamformed signal based on a reference signal from the network node to generate a beamformed signal.

[0032] In autonomous beamforming, the device can detect and compensate for the phase difference between multiple input signals. For example, the device can adjust the first phase of a first input signal (e.g., by adding / subtracting half the phase difference) and adjust the second phase of a second input signal (e.g., by subtracting / adding half the phase difference). The phase difference between the first and second phases can approach or equal to zero after compensation. After autonomous beamforming, the first and second input signals can be constructively combined. Autonomous beamforming can be performed based on multiple input signals without using a reference signal from a network node. Autonomous beamforming can be performed on each pair of input signals.

[0033] In digital beamforming, the device can adjust the phase and / or amplitude of the autonomous beamforming signal based on reference signals from network nodes. In analog beamforming, the device can adjust the phase of the autonomous beamforming signal based on reference signals from network nodes.

[0034] In one embodiment, at least one of digital beamforming and analog beamforming can be performed after autonomous beamforming. In one embodiment, autonomous beamforming can be performed on each pair of input signals from a plurality of input signals. In one embodiment, at least one of digital beamforming and analog beamforming can be performed on at least two autonomously beamformed signals.

[0035] Figure 5 An example of hybrid beamforming utilizing an autonomous beamformer according to an embodiment of the present invention may be illustrated. Figure 5 The architecture of an eight-element receiver antenna array can be illustrated. This antenna array can be a hybrid beamformer, which may include four sets of two-antenna analog beamforming implemented by autonomous beamformers and one set of four-stream digital beamformers implemented by mechanisms provided by network nodes. The eight antennas can be configured to receive input signals. Each antenna can be electrically coupled to an LNA used to amplify the input signal. The eight antenna elements can be divided into four groups, and the input signals received by two antenna elements in the same group can be combined using autonomous beamformers.

[0036] Specifically, a pair of antenna elements can be electrically coupled to an autonomous beamformer. Within each autonomous beamformer, each LNA can be electrically coupled to a phase shifter. The outputs of the two phase shifters can be electrically coupled to a phase detector. The phase detector can be configured to detect the phase difference between two input signals. The phase detector can then control the phase shifters to adjust the phase of each input signal. The phase difference between the two input signals can be compensated for by phase adjustment. For example, the phase difference between the two input signals can be 60 degrees. The phase detector can control a first phase shifter to adjust the first input signal by -30 degrees and control a second phase shifter to adjust the second input signal by +30 degrees. Accordingly, the phase difference between the first and second input signals can be 0 degrees after phase adjustment. The first and second input signals can then be passed to an adder or signal combiner. Because the phase difference is eliminated, the first and second input signals can be constructively combined.

[0037] Four sets of autonomous beamformers can be electrically coupled to a four-stream digital beamformer. Each stream of the digital beamformer can include a power amplifier (PA), mixer, filter, and analog-to-digital converter (ADC) for converting the input signal into a baseband digital signal. The four baseband digital signals can then be passed to the baseband digital beamforming circuitry for digital beamforming. In digital beamforming, the phase and amplitude of each stream can also be adjusted based on a reference signal from the network nodes. Using the reference signal from the network nodes, the digital beamformer is able to eliminate interference signals and amplify the data signal. Accordingly, the digital beamformer can combine four stream input signals without interference and phase difference.

[0038] use Figure 5 The autonomous beamformer shown allows the receiver to autonomously perform dual-antenna simulated beamforming without support from network nodes (such as reference signals). (Compared to...) Figure 3 Compared to antenna arrays without autonomous beamformers, Figure 5 Antenna arrays in a network can use fewer OFDM symbols to determine the receive beamformer. Without an autonomous beamformer, network nodes typically need to provide mechanisms to support simulated beam alignment between the transmitter and receiver. Specifically, network nodes need to provide a sufficient number of OFDM symbols to determine the receive beamformer for the antenna array. For example, two OFDM symbols might be needed to determine the receive beamformer. Figure 5The diagram shows the receive beamformer for a binary antenna array. Network nodes also need to provide a Transmission Configuration Indicator (TCI) mechanism for the Physical Downlink Shared Channel (PDSCH) to inform the UE that the receive beamformer used for the PDSCH is the same as the beamformer used to receive known pilot signals (such as reference signals). Therefore, introducing an autonomous beamformer into a hybrid beamformer can significantly reduce the demand and overhead of reference / control signals from the network node, thereby alleviating the burden on the network node and radio resources. Accordingly, by combining an autonomous beamformer and a digital beamformer, the hybrid beamformer can improve radio efficiency and maintain good signal quality / performance at the receiver.

[0039] Figure 6 Another embodiment of hybrid beamforming with an autonomous beamformer according to an embodiment of the present invention may be illustrated. Figure 6 An analog beamformer may be shown, which may include four sets of dual-antenna analog beamforming implemented by autonomous beamformers, and may then include a set of four-stream analog beamformers implemented by a mechanism provided by network nodes. Figure 6 The operating principle of autonomous beamformers in China Figure 5 similar.

[0040] Specifically, four sets of autonomous beamformers can be electrically coupled to a four-stream analog beamformer to perform analog beamforming using mechanisms supported by the network nodes. Each stream of the analog beamformer can include a power amplifier (PA) and a phase shifter. The four analog signals can be passed to an adder or signal combiner for combination. In analog beamforming, the phase of each stream can also be adjusted based on a reference signal from the network nodes. Using the reference signal from the network nodes, the analog beamformer is able to eliminate interference signals and amplify the data signal. Accordingly, the analog beamformer can combine four stream input signals without interference and phase difference.

[0041] Using an autonomous beamformer, the receiver can autonomously perform dual-antenna simulated beamforming without support from network nodes (such as reference signals). Figure 3 Compared to antenna arrays without autonomous beamformers, Figure 6The antenna array in the hybrid beamformer can use a relatively small number of OFDM symbols to determine the receive beamforming. Using an autonomous beamformer followed by an analog beamformer, the receiver can eliminate interference signals from the data signal and amplify the data signal according to the reference signal from the network node. The analog beamformer can combine four-stream input signals without interference and phase difference. Therefore, introducing an autonomous beamformer into the hybrid beamformer can significantly reduce the requirement and overhead of reference / control signals from the network node, thereby alleviating the burden on the network node and radio resources. Accordingly, by combining an autonomous beamformer and an analog beamformer, the hybrid beamformer can improve radio efficiency and maintain good signal quality / performance at the receiver.

[0042] In some embodiments of the invention, both digital and analog beamforming can be performed after autonomous beamforming. Similarly, by combining an autonomous beamformer with both digital and analog beamformers, radio efficiency can be improved and good signal quality / performance can be maintained at the receiver.

[0043] Figure 7 This is a flowchart of a hybrid beamforming method utilizing an autonomous beamformer according to a novel aspect. In step 701, the device can receive multiple input signals from a network node via multiple antennas. In step 702, the device can perform autonomous beamforming to generate an autonomously beamformed signal by adjusting the phases of the multiple input signals. In step 703, the device can perform at least one of digital beamforming and analog beamforming on the autonomously beamformed signal based on a reference signal from the network node to generate a beamformed signal.

[0044] In one embodiment, the device can detect and compensate for the phase difference between multiple input signals.

[0045] In one embodiment, the device can adjust a first phase of the first input signal (e.g., add / subtract half the phase difference to the first phase) and adjust a second phase of the second input signal (e.g., subtract / add half the phase difference to the second phase). After compensation, the phase difference between the first and second phases can be zero. After autonomous beamforming, the first and second input signals can be constructively combined.

[0046] In one embodiment, the device can adjust the phase of the autonomous beamforming signal and / or adjust the amplitude of the autonomous beamforming signal based on reference signals from network nodes when performing digital beamforming.

[0047] In one embodiment, the device can adjust the phase of the autonomous beamforming signal based on reference signals from network nodes when performing simulated beamforming.

[0048] While the present invention has been disclosed above with reference to specific embodiments for guidance purposes, the invention is not limited thereto. Accordingly, various modifications, adjustments, and combinations can be made to the various features of the above embodiments without departing from the scope set forth in the claims of the present invention.

Claims

1. A method for wireless communication, comprising: The device receives multiple input signals from network nodes via multiple antennas; The device performs autonomous beamforming by adjusting the phase of the plurality of input signals to generate autonomous beamforming signals; as well as The device performs at least one of digital beamforming and analog beamforming on the autonomous beamforming signal based on a reference signal from the network node to generate a beamformed signal. The simulated beamforming further includes: The device adjusts the phase of the autonomous beamforming signal based on the reference signal from the network node.

2. The method for wireless communication as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The autonomous beamforming also includes: The device detects the phase difference between the plurality of input signals; and The phase difference is compensated by the device.

3. The method for wireless communication as described in claim 2, characterized in that, The compensation also includes: The device adjusts the first phase of the first input signal; and The second phase of the second input signal is adjusted by the device. After the compensation, the phase difference between the first phase and the second phase is zero.

4. The method for wireless communication as described in claim 3, characterized in that, After the autonomous beamforming, the first input signal and the second input signal are constructively combined.

5. The method for wireless communication as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The digital beamforming also includes: The device adjusts the phase of the autonomous beamforming signal based on the reference signal from the network node; and / or The device adjusts the amplitude of the autonomous beamforming signal based on the reference signal from the network node.

6. The method for wireless communication as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The autonomous beamforming is performed based on the plurality of input signals, without using the reference signals from the network nodes.

7. The method for wireless communication as described in claim 1, characterized in that, At least one of the digital beamforming and the analog beamforming is performed after the autonomous beamforming.

8. The method for wireless communication as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The autonomous beamforming is performed on each pair of input signals from the plurality of input signals.

9. The method for wireless communication as described in claim 1, characterized in that, Perform at least one of the digital beamforming and the analog beamforming on at least two of the autonomous beamforming signals.

10. An apparatus for wireless communication, comprising: Multiple antennas receive multiple input signals from network nodes; An autonomous beamformer performs autonomous beamforming by adjusting the phase of the plurality of input signals to generate an autonomous beamforming signal; as well as At least one of a digital beamformer and an analog beamformer performs at least one of digital beamforming and analog beamforming on the autonomously beamformed signal based on a reference signal from the network node to generate a beamformed signal. During the execution of the simulated beamforming, the simulated beamformer also: The phase of the autonomous beamforming signal is adjusted based on the reference signal from the network node.

11. The apparatus as claimed in claim 10, characterized in that, In performing the autonomous beamforming, the autonomous beamformer also: Detecting the phase difference between the plurality of input signals; and The phase difference is compensated.

12. The apparatus as claimed in claim 11, characterized in that, In compensating for the phase difference, the autonomous beamformer also: Adjust the first phase of the first input signal; and Adjust the second phase of the second input signal. After the compensation, the phase difference between the first phase and the second phase is zero.

13. The apparatus as claimed in claim 12, characterized in that, After the autonomous beamforming, the first input signal and the second input signal are constructively combined.

14. The apparatus as claimed in claim 10, characterized in that, In performing the digital beamforming, the digital beamformer also: The phase of the autonomous beamforming signal is adjusted according to the reference signal from the network node; and / or The amplitude of the autonomous beamforming signal is adjusted based on the reference signal from the network node.

15. The apparatus as claimed in claim 10, characterized in that, The autonomous beamformer performs autonomous beamforming based on the plurality of input signals, without using the reference signals from the network nodes.

16. The apparatus as claimed in claim 10, characterized in that, At least one of the digital beamforming and the analog beamforming is performed after the autonomous beamforming.

17. The apparatus as claimed in claim 10, characterized in that, The autonomous beamformer performs autonomous beamforming on each pair of the plurality of input signals.

18. The apparatus as claimed in claim 10, characterized in that, At least one of the digital beamformer and the analog beamformer performs at least one of the digital beamforming and the analog beamforming on at least two autonomous beamforming signals.

19. A storage medium storing program instructions that, when executed by a processor, cause the processor to perform the steps of the method for wireless communication according to any one of claims 1-9.

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