Butler matrix steering for multiple antennas

Abstract

Aspects of the present disclosure relate to beam steering at a multi-antenna device. The device receives an activation signal to activate one or more input ports of a Butler matrix and outputs signals from all output ports of the Butler matrix based on the activation of the one or more input ports. The signals output from the output ports have varying phase shifts relative to one another. Further, the device phase shifts the signals output from the output ports via a plurality of phase shifters respectively coupled to the output ports. The phase shifted signals also have varying phase shifts relative to one another and also have phase differences between adjacent phase shifted signals. Each of a plurality of antenna elements at the device receives a phase shifted signal from an associated phase shifter and outputs a beam based on the phase shifted signal received from the associated phase shifter.

Description

[0001] Cross-reference to related applications

[0002] This application claims priority and benefit to U.S. Application Serial No. 17 / 126,983, filed December 18, 2020, with the United States Patent and Trademark Office, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference as if their entire contents were fully set forth below for all applicable purposes. Technical Field

[0003] This disclosure relates generally to communication systems, and more specifically to techniques related to beamforming. Background Technology

[0004] Wireless communication systems are widely deployed to provide a variety of telecommunications services, such as telephone communication, video, data, messaging, and broadcasting. Typical wireless communication systems employ multiple access technologies that enable communication with multiple users by sharing available system resources. Examples of such multiple access technologies include Code Division Multiple Access (CDMA) systems, Time Division Multiple Access (TDMA) systems, Frequency Division Multiple Access (FDMA) systems, Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiple Access (OFDMA) systems, Single Carrier Frequency Division Multiple Access (SC-FDMA) systems, and Time Division Synchronous Code Division Multiple Access (TD-SCDMA) systems.

[0005] These multiple access technologies have been adopted in various telecommunications standards to provide a common protocol that enables different wireless devices to communicate at the municipal, national, regional, and even global levels. An example telecommunications standard is 5G New Radio (NR). 5G NR is part of the Continuous Mobile Broadband Evolution program promulgated by the 3rd Generation Partnership Project (3GPP) to meet new requirements associated with latency, reliability, security, scalability (e.g., with the Internet of Things (IoT)), and other requirements. 5G NR includes services associated with enhanced mobile broadband (eMBB), massive machine-type communications (mMTC), and ultra-reliable low-latency communications (URLLC). Some aspects of 5G NR can be based on the 4G Long Term Evolution (LTE) standard. Further improvements to 5G NR technology are needed. These improvements also apply to other multiple access technologies and telecommunications standards that adopt these technologies. Summary of the Invention

[0006] The following provides an overview of one or more aspects to offer a basic understanding of such aspects. This overview is not a comprehensive summary of all anticipated aspects and is neither intended to identify key or important elements of all aspects nor to depict the scope of any or all aspects. Its sole purpose is to present some concepts of one or more aspects as a prelude to the more detailed descriptions that follow.

[0007] This disclosure relates to apparatus, methods, and computer-readable media for beam steering in a multi-antenna wireless communication system using a Butler matrix. In one example, an apparatus for multi-antenna wireless communication is disclosed. The apparatus includes a Butler matrix comprising input ports and output ports, wherein the Butler matrix is ​​configured to: receive at least one activation signal to activate one or more of the input ports, and output signals from all output ports based on the one or more activated input ports, wherein the signals output from the output ports have varying phase shifts relative to each other. The apparatus also includes a plurality of phase shifters, each coupled to an output port of the Butler matrix, and configured to phase shift the signals output from the output ports, wherein the phase-shifted signals also have varying phase shifts relative to each other and a phase difference between adjacent phase-shifted signals.

[0008] In another example, a method for multi-antenna wireless communication is disclosed. The method includes: receiving at least one activation signal to activate one or more input ports of a plurality of input ports of a Butler matrix; outputting signals from all output ports of the Butler matrix based on the activation of the one or more input ports, wherein the signals output from the output ports have varying phase shifts relative to each other; and phase-shifting the signals output from the output ports via a plurality of phase shifters respectively coupled to the output ports, wherein the phase-shifted signals also have varying phase shifts relative to each other and a phase difference between adjacent phase-shifted signals.

[0009] In another example, an apparatus for multi-antenna wireless communication is disclosed. The apparatus includes: components for receiving at least one activation signal to activate one or more input ports of a plurality of input ports of a Butler matrix; components for outputting signals from all output ports of the Butler matrix based on the one or more activated input ports, wherein the signals output from the output ports have varying phase shifts relative to each other; and a plurality of phase-shifting components, respectively coupled to the output ports of the Butler matrix, for phase-shifting the signals output from the output ports, wherein the phase-shifted signals also have varying phase shifts relative to each other and a phase difference between adjacent phase-shifted signals.

[0010] In another example, a non-transitory computer-readable medium storing code is disclosed. The code includes instructions executable by a processor to: receive at least one activation signal to activate one or more input ports of a plurality of input ports of a Butler matrix; output signals from all output ports of the Butler matrix based on the one or more activated input ports, wherein the signals output from the output ports have varying phase shifts relative to each other; and phase shift the signals output from the output ports via a plurality of phase shifters respectively coupled to the output ports, wherein the phase-shifted signals also have varying phase shifts relative to each other and a phase difference between adjacent phase-shifted signals.

[0011] To achieve the foregoing and related objectives, one or more aspects include the features fully described below and specifically pointed out in the claims. The following description and drawings set forth certain illustrative features of one or more aspects in detail. However, these features indicate only a few of the various ways in which the principles of the aspects can be adopted, and this description is intended to include all such aspects and their equivalents. Attached Figure Description

[0012] Figure 1 This is a diagram illustrating an example of a wireless communication system and access network.

[0013] Figure 2A , Figure 2B , Figure 2C and Figure 2D The figures are examples illustrating the DL channel within the first radio frame, the UL channel within the second radio frame, and the UL channel within the third radio frame.

[0014] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram illustrating a first example beamforming circuit according to an aspect of this disclosure.

[0015] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram illustrating a second example beamforming circuit according to aspects of this disclosure.

[0016] Figure 5 An example multi-antenna design utilizing an 8×8 Butler matrix is ​​shown according to aspects of this disclosure.

[0017] Figure 6 An example multi-antenna design utilizing an 8×16 Butler matrix is ​​shown according to aspects of this disclosure.

[0018] Figure 7 This is a block diagram of a base station communicating with a UE in an access network according to aspects of this disclosure.

[0019] Figure 8This is a block diagram illustrating an example hardware implementation of an exemplary device 800 employing a processing system according to aspects of this disclosure.

[0020] Figure 9 This is a flowchart illustrating an exemplary process of multi-antenna wireless communication according to aspects of this disclosure.

[0021] Figure 10 This is a flowchart illustrating another exemplary process of multi-antenna wireless communication according to aspects of this disclosure.

[0022] Figure 11 This is a block diagram illustrating example components of an example UE according to aspects of this disclosure.

[0023] Figure 12 This is a block diagram illustrating example components of an example base station according to aspects of this disclosure. Detailed Implementation

[0024] The specific embodiments described below with reference to the accompanying drawings are intended as descriptions of various configurations and are not intended to represent the only configuration in which the concepts described herein can be practiced. The specific embodiments include detailed descriptions to provide a thorough understanding of the various concepts. However, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that these concepts can be implemented without these detailed descriptions. In some instances, well-known structures and components are shown in block diagram form to avoid obscuring such concepts.

[0025] Several aspects of a telecommunications system will now be described with reference to various apparatuses and methods. These apparatuses and methods will be described in the following detailed embodiments and illustrated in the accompanying drawings by various blocks, components, circuits, processes, algorithms, etc. (collectively, “elements”). These elements may be implemented using electronic hardware, computer software, or any combination thereof. Whether such elements are implemented as hardware or software depends on the specific application and design constraints of the overall system.

[0026] As an example, an element, any part of an element, or any combination of elements may be implemented as a “processing system” including one or more processors. Examples of processors include microprocessors, microcontrollers, graphics processing units (GPUs), central processing units (CPUs), application processors, digital signal processors (DSPs), reduced instruction set computing (RISC) processors, system-on-a-chip (SoCs), baseband processors, field-programmable gate arrays (FPGAs), programmable logic devices (PLDs), state machines, gated logic, discrete hardware circuits, and other suitable hardware configured to perform the various functions described throughout this disclosure. One or more processors in a processing system may execute software. Software should be interpreted broadly as instructions, instruction sets, code, code segments, program code, programs, subroutines, software components, applications, software applications, software packages, routines, subroutines, objects, executable programs, threads of execution, procedures, functions, etc., whether referring to software, firmware, middleware, microcode, hardware description languages, or others.

[0027] Therefore, in one or more examples, the described functionality can be implemented in hardware, software, or any combination thereof. If implemented in software, these functions can be stored or encoded as one or more instructions or code in a computer-readable medium. Computer-readable media include computer storage media. Storage media can be any available medium that can be accessed by a computer. By way of example and not limitation, such computer-readable media can include random access memory (RAM), read-only memory (ROM), electrically erasable programmable ROM (EEPROM), optical disk storage, magnetic disk storage, other magnetic storage devices, combinations of computer-readable media of the types described above, or any other medium that can be used to store computer-executable code in the form of computer-accessible instructions or data structures.

[0028] This disclosure relates to beam steering at a multi-antenna device (e.g., a user equipment (UE) or base station). The device receives an activation signal to activate one or more input ports of a plurality of Butler matrices, and outputs signals from all output ports of the Butler matrix based on the activation of one or more input ports. The signals output from the output ports have varying phase shifts relative to each other. Furthermore, the device phase-shifts the signals output from the output ports via a plurality of phase shifters respectively coupled to the output ports. The phase-shifted signals also have varying phase shifts relative to each other and a phase difference between adjacent phase-shifted signals.

[0029] On one hand, each of the multiple phase shifters is associated with one of the multiple antenna elements of the antenna array. Therefore, each of the multiple antenna elements receives a phase-shifted signal from its associated phase shifter and outputs a beam based on the phase-shifted signal received from its associated phase shifter. The beams output from the multiple antenna elements are output at different beam angles relative to each other and have a phase difference between adjacent beams.

[0030] On the other hand, multiple hybrid couplers are coupled to multiple phase shifters, respectively. Each hybrid coupler is also coupled to two antenna elements out of a plurality of antenna elements. Thus, each of the multiple hybrid couplers receives a phase-shifted signal from the corresponding phase shifter and outputs two signals based on the phase-shifted signal received from the corresponding phase shifter. These two signals have a 180° phase shift relative to each other and are output to two antenna elements respectively. Furthermore, each of the multiple antenna elements receives one of the two signals output from the coupled hybrid couplers and outputs a beam based on one of the two signals output from the coupled hybrid couplers. The beams output from the multiple antenna elements are output at different beam angles relative to each other and have a phase difference between adjacent beams.

[0031] Figure 1 This diagram illustrates an example of a wireless communication system and access network 100. The wireless communication system (also known as a wireless wide area network (WWAN)) includes base station 102, UE 104, evolved packet core (EPC) 160, and another core network 190 (e.g., a 5G core (5GC) or the core network of any other wireless communication technology). Base station 102 may include macro cells (high-power cellular base stations) and / or small cells (low-power cellular base stations). Macro cells include base stations. Small cells include femtocells, picocells, and microcells.

[0032] Base station 102 configured for 4G LTE (collectively referred to as Evolved Universal Mobile Telecommunications System (UMTS) Terrestrial Radio Access Network (E-UTRAN)) can be connected to EPC 160 via backhaul link 132 (e.g., S1 interface). Base station 102 configured for 5G NR (collectively referred to as Next Generation RAN (NG-RAN)) can be connected to core network 190 via backhaul link 184. Among other functions, base station 102 can perform one or more of the following functions: transmitting user data, radio channel encryption and decryption, integrity protection, header compression, mobility control functions (e.g., handover, dual connectivity), inter-cell interference coordination, connection establishment and release, load balancing, distribution of non-access stratum (NAS) messages, NAS node selection, synchronization, radio access network (RAN) sharing, multimedia broadcast multicast service (MBMS), subscriber and device tracking, RAN information management (RIM), paging, location, and delivery of warning messages. Base stations 102 can communicate with each other directly or indirectly (e.g., via EPC 160 or core network 190) via backhaul link 134 (e.g., X2 interface). Backhaul link 134 can be wired or wireless.

[0033] Base station 102 can communicate wirelessly with UE 104. Each base station 102 can provide communication coverage for a corresponding geographic coverage area 110. Overlapping geographic coverage areas 110 may exist. For example, small cell 102' may have a coverage area 110' that overlaps with the coverage areas 110 of one or more macro base stations 102. A network that includes both small cells and macro cells can be referred to as a heterogeneous network. The heterogeneous network may also include a Home Evolution Node B (eNB) (HeNB), which can provide services to a restricted group called a Closed Subscriber Group (CSG). The communication link 120 between base station 102 and UE 104 may include uplink (UL) (also known as reverse link) transmission from UE 104 to base station 102 and / or downlink (DL) (also known as forward link) transmission from base station 102 to UE 104. The communication link 120 may use multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO) antenna technologies, including spatial multiplexing, beamforming, and / or transmit diversity. The communication link may use one or more carriers. Base station 102 / UE 104 may use spectrum with a bandwidth of up to Y MHz per carrier (e.g., 5, 10, 15, 20, 100, 400 MHz, etc.), which is allocated in carrier aggregation for a total of up to Yx MHz (x component carriers) for transmission in each direction. These carriers may be adjacent or non-adjacent. The allocation of carriers may be asymmetric relative to DL and UL (e.g., DL may be allocated more or fewer carriers than UL). Component carriers may include primary component carriers and one or more secondary component carriers. The primary component carrier may be referred to as the primary cell (PCell), and the secondary component carrier may be referred to as the secondary cell (SCell).

[0034] Some UEs 104 can communicate with each other using device-to-device (D2D) communication link 158. D2D communication link 158 can use DL / UL WWAN spectrum. D2D communication link 158 can use one or more sidelink channels, such as Physical Sidelink Broadcast Channel (PSBCH), Physical Sidelink Discovery Channel (PSDCH), Physical Sidelink Shared Channel (PSSCH), and Physical Sidelink Control Channel (PSCCH). D2D communication can be achieved through various wireless D2D communication systems, such as FlashLinQ, WiMedia, Bluetooth, ZigBee, Wi-Fi based on the IEEE 802.11 standard, LTE, or NR.

[0035] The wireless communication system may also include a Wi-Fi access point (AP) 150, which communicates with a Wi-Fi station (STA) 152 via a communication link 154 in the 5 GHz unlicensed spectrum. When communicating in the unlicensed spectrum, the STA 152 / AP 150 may perform a free channel assessment (CCA) before communication to determine whether the channel is available.

[0036] Cell 102' can operate in licensed and / or unlicensed spectrum. When operating in unlicensed spectrum, cell 102' can employ NR and use the same 5 GHz unlicensed spectrum as Wi-Fi AP 150. Employing NR in unlicensed spectrum can improve the coverage and / or increase the capacity of the access network.

[0037] Base station 102, whether a small cell 102' or a large-scale cell (e.g., a macro base station), can include an eNB, a gNodeB (gNB), or another type of base station. Some base stations, such as gNB 180, can operate in conventional sub-6 GHz spectrum, millimeter wave (mmW) frequencies, and / or near-mmW frequencies for communication with UE 104. When gNB 180 operates in mmW or near-mmW frequencies, gNB 180 can be referred to as an mmW base station. Extremely high frequency (EHF) is a portion of the RF spectrum in the electromagnetic spectrum. The EHF frequency range is from 30 GHz to 300 GHz, with wavelengths between 1 mm and 10 mm. Radio waves in this band can be referred to as millimeter waves. Near-mmW can extend to frequencies up to 3 GHz with wavelengths of 100 mm. The ultra-high frequency (SHF) band extends between 3 GHz and 30 GHz and is also referred to as centimeter waves. Communication using mmW / near-mmW radio bands (e.g., 3 GHz-300 GHz) has extremely high path loss and short range. The mmW base station 180 can utilize beamforming 182 with the UE 104 to compensate for extremely high path loss and short range.

[0038] The electromagnetic spectrum is typically subdivided into various categories, bands, channels, etc., based on frequency / wavelength. In 5G NR, the two initial operating bands are designated as frequency range names FR1 (410MHz-7.125GHz) and FR2 (24.25GHz-52.6GHz). The frequencies between FR1 and FR2 are generally referred to as the mid-band frequencies. Although a portion of FR1 is greater than 6GHz, in various documents and articles, FR1 is often (interchangeably) referred to as the "below 6GHz" band. Similar naming issues sometimes arise with FR2; although FR2 differs from the Extremely High Frequency (EHF) band (30GHz-300GHz) designated as the "millimeter wave" band by the International Telecommunication Union (ITU), in documents and articles, FR2 is often (interchangeably) referred to as the millimeter wave band.

[0039] In light of the foregoing, unless otherwise stated, it should be understood that the terms "below 6 GHz" and the like, if used herein, can broadly refer to frequencies less than 6 GHz, within FR1, or including intermediate frequency band frequencies. Furthermore, unless otherwise stated, it should be understood that the terms "millimeter wave" and the like, if used herein, can broadly refer to frequencies that can include intermediate frequency band frequencies, within FR2, or within the EHF band.

[0040] Base station 180 can transmit beamforming signals to UE 104 in one or more transmit directions 182'. UE 104 can receive beamforming signals from base station 180 in one or more receive directions 182'. UE 104 can also transmit beamforming signals to base station 180 in one or more transmit directions. Base station 180 can receive beamforming signals from UE 104 in one or more receive directions. Base station 180 / UE 104 can perform beam training to determine the optimal receive and transmit directions for each of base station 180 / UE 104. The transmit and receive directions of base station 180 can be the same or different. The transmit and receive directions of UE 104 can be the same or different.

[0041] EPC 160 may include Mobility Management Entity (MME) 162, other MMEs 164, Serving Gateway 166, Multimedia Broadcast Multicast Service (MBMS) Gateway 168, Broadcast Multicast Service Center (BM-SC) 170, and Packet Data Network (PDN) Gateway 172. MME 162 can communicate with Home Subscriber Server (HSS) 174. MME 162 is the control node that handles signaling between UE 104 and EPC 160. Typically, MME 162 provides bearer and connection management. All user Internet Protocol (IP) packets are transmitted through Serving Gateway 166, which is itself connected to PDN Gateway 172. PDN Gateway 172 provides UE IP address allocation and other functions. PDN Gateway 172 and BM-SC 170 are connected to IP Service 176. IP Service 176 may include the Internet, intranet, IP Multimedia Subsystem (IMS), PS streaming service, and / or other IP services. The BM-SC 170 provides functionality for MBMS user service provisioning and delivery. It can serve as an entry point for content provider MBMS transmissions, authorize and initiate MBMS bearer services within a Public Land Mobile Network (PLMN), and schedule MBMS transmissions. The MBMS gateway 168 can distribute MBMS services to base stations 102 belonging to Multicast-Broadcast Single Frequency Network (MBSFN) areas belonging to broadcast-specific services, and can be responsible for session management (start / stop) and collecting billing information related to eMBMS.

[0042] The core network 190 may include Access and Mobility Management Functions (AMF) 192, other AMFs 193, Session Management Functions (SMF) 194, and User Plane Functions (UPF) 195. AMF 192 can communicate with Unified Data Management (UDM) 196. AMF 192 is the control node that handles signaling between UE 104 and the core network 190. Typically, AMF 192 provides QoS flow and session management. All user Internet Protocol (IP) packets are transmitted through UPF 195. UPF 195 provides UE IP address allocation and other functions. UPF 195 connects to IP services 197. IP services 197 may include the Internet, intranet, IP Multimedia Subsystem (IMS), PS streaming services, and / or other IP services.

[0043] A base station may also be referred to as a gNB, Node B, evolved Node B (eNB), access point, base transceiver, radio base station, radio transceiver, transceiver function, basic service set (BSS), extended service set (ESS), transmit / receive point (TRP), or any other suitable term. Base station 102 provides UE 104 with access to EPC 160 or core network 190. Examples of UE 104 include cellular phones, smartphones, Session Initiation Protocol (SIP) phones, laptops, personal digital assistants (PDAs), satellite radios, GPS devices, multimedia devices, video devices, digital audio players (e.g., MP3 players), cameras, game consoles, tablets, smart devices, wearable devices, vehicles, meters, air pumps, large or small kitchen appliances, healthcare devices, implants, sensors / actuators, displays, or any other similar functional devices. Some UE 104s may be referred to as IoT devices (e.g., parking timers, air pumps, toasters, vehicles, heart monitors, etc.). UE 104 may also be referred to as a station, mobile station, subscriber station, mobile unit, subscriber unit, radio unit, remote unit, mobile device, radio device, wireless communication device, remote device, mobile subscriber station, access terminal, mobile terminal, radio terminal, remote terminal, handheld device, user agent, mobile client, client, or any other suitable term.

[0044] Refer again Figure 1In some aspects, UE 104 may include UE beamdirection circuitry 198. UE beamdirection circuitry 198 may include a Butler matrix comprising input ports and output ports. The Butler matrix may be configured to receive at least one activation signal to activate one or more input ports and to output signals from all output ports based on one or more activated input ports, wherein the signals output from the output ports have a varying phase shift relative to each other. UE beamdirection circuitry 198 may also include a plurality of phase shifters respectively coupled to the output ports of the Butler matrix. The plurality of phase shifters are configured to phase shift the signals output from the output ports respectively. The phase-shifted signals also have a varying phase shift relative to each other and a phase difference between adjacent phase-shifted signals. UE beamdirection circuitry 198 may also include: an antenna array comprising a plurality of antenna elements, wherein each of the plurality of antenna elements is associated with one of the plurality of phase shifters. Each of the plurality of antenna elements is configured to receive a phase-shifted signal from the associated phase shifter and to output a beam based on the phase-shifted signal received from the associated phase shifter. The beams output from multiple antenna elements are output at different beam angles relative to each other, and there is a phase difference between adjacent beams.

[0045] Refer again Figure 1 In some aspects, base station 102 may include base station beamdirection circuitry 199. Base station beamdirection circuitry 199 may include a Butler matrix including input ports and output ports. The Butler matrix may be configured to receive at least one activation signal to activate one of the input ports and output signals from all output ports based on one or more activated input ports, wherein the signals output from the output ports have a varying phase shift relative to each other. Base station beamdirection circuitry 199 may also include a plurality of phase shifters respectively coupled to the output ports of the Butler matrix. The plurality of phase shifters are configured to phase shift the signals output from the output ports respectively. The phase-shifted signals also have a varying phase shift relative to each other and a phase difference between adjacent phase-shifted signals. Base station beamdirection circuitry 199 may also include: an antenna array including a plurality of antenna elements, wherein each of the plurality of antenna elements is associated with one of the plurality of phase shifters. Each of the plurality of antenna elements is configured to receive a phase-shifted signal from the associated phase shifter and output a beam based on the phase-shifted signal received from the associated phase shifter. Beams output from multiple antenna elements are output at different beam angles relative to each other and have a phase difference between adjacent beams. Although the following description may focus on 5G NR, the concepts described herein can be applied to other similar fields such as LTE, LTE-A, CDMA, GSM, and other wireless technologies.

[0046] Figure 2AFigure 200 shows an example of the first subframe within a radio frame structure (e.g., a 5G / NR frame structure). Figure 2B Figure 230 shows an example of a DL channel within a subframe (e.g., a 5G / NR subframe). Figure 2C Figure 250 shows an example of a second subframe within a radio frame structure (e.g., a 5G / NR frame structure). Figure 2D Figure 280 illustrates an example of a UL channel within a subframe (e.g., a 5G NR subframe). The radio frame structure can be FDD, where, for a given set of subcarriers (carrier system bandwidth), subframes within that set are dedicated to either DL or UL, or it can be TDD, where, for a given set of subcarriers (carrier system bandwidth), subframes within that set are dedicated to both DL and UL. Figure 2A , Figure 2C In the provided example, the radio frame structure is assumed to be TDD, subframe 4 is configured with slot format 28 (primarily DL), where D is DL, U is UL, and X is flexibly used between DL / UL, and subframe 3 is configured with slot format 34 (primarily UL). Although subframes 3 and 4 are shown as having slot formats 34 and 28 respectively, any particular subframe can be configured with any of the various available slot formats 0-61. Slot formats 0 and 1 are both DL and UL, respectively. Other slot formats 2-61 include a mixture of DL, UL, and flexible symbols. The UE is configured with a slot format via the received Slot Format Indicator (SFI) (dynamically via DL Control Information (DCI), or semi-statically / statically via Radio Resource Control (RRC) signaling). It should be noted that the following description also applies to radio frame structures as TDD.

[0047] Other wireless communication technologies can have different frame structures and / or different channels. A frame (10 ms) can be divided into 10 equal-sized subframes (1 ms). Each subframe can include one or more time slots. Subframes can also include micro-time slots, which can include 7, 4, or 2 symbols. Depending on the time slot configuration, each time slot can include 7 or 14 symbols. For time slot configuration 0, each time slot can include 14 symbols, while for time slot configuration 1, each time slot can include 7 symbols. Symbols on the DL can be Cyclic Prefix (CP) OFDM (CP-OFDM) symbols. Symbols on the UL can be CP-OFDM symbols (for high throughput) or Discrete Fourier Transform (DFT) Extended OFDM (DFT-s-OFDM) symbols (also known as Single Carrier Frequency Division Multiple Access (SC-FDMA) symbols) (for power-constrained cases; limited to single-stream transmission). The number of time slots in a subframe is based on the time slot configuration and parameter set (numerology). For slot configuration 0, different parameter sets μ0 to 5 allow 1, 2, 4, 8, 16, and 32 slots per subframe, respectively. For slot configuration 1, different parameter sets 0 to 2 allow 2, 4, and 8 slots per subframe, respectively. Therefore, for slot configuration 0 and parameter set μ, there are 14 symbols / slot and 2... μ Each time slot / subframe. Subcarrier spacing and symbol length / duration are functions of a parameter set. Subcarrier spacing can be equal to 2. μ *15kHz, where μ is the parameter set from 0 to 5. Thus, the subcarrier spacing is 15kHz for parameter set μ = 0, and 480kHz for parameter set μ = 5. The symbol length / duration is inversely correlated with the subcarrier spacing. Figures 2A-2D Examples are provided for a slot configuration of 0 with 14 symbols per slot and a parameter set μ=0 with 1 slot per subframe. The subcarrier spacing is 15kHz and the symbol duration is approximately 66.7μs.

[0048] A resource grid can be used to represent the frame structure. Each time slot consists of a resource block (RB) that extends 12 consecutive subcarriers (also known as a physical RB (PRB)). The resource grid is divided into multiple resource elements (REs). The number of bits carried by each RE depends on the modulation scheme.

[0049] like Figure 2A As shown, some REs carry the UE's reference (pilot) signal (RS). The RS may include a demodulated RS (DM-RS) (represented as R for a specific configuration). x (Where 100x is the port number, but other DM-RS configurations are also possible) and the Channel State Information Reference Signal (CSI-RS) used for channel estimation at the UE. RS may also include Beam Measurement RS (BRS), Beam Refinement RS (BRRS), and Phase Tracking RS (PT-RS).

[0050] Figure 2B Examples of individual DL channels within a subframe of a frame are shown. The Physical Downlink Control Channel (PDCCH) carries the DCI within one or more Control Channel Elements (CCEs), each CCE comprising nine RE Groups (REGs), each REG comprising four consecutive REs in an OFDM symbol. The Primary Synchronization Signal (PSS) may be located within symbol 2 of a specific subframe of the frame. UE 104 uses the PSS to determine subframe / symbol timing and physical layer identifiers. The Secondary Synchronization Signal (SSS) may be located within symbol 4 of a specific subframe of the frame. The UE uses the SSS to determine the Physical Layer Cell Identifier Group Number and radio frame timing. Based on the Physical Layer Identifier and Physical Layer Cell Identifier Group Number, the UE can determine the Physical Cell Identifier (PCI). Based on the PCI, the UE can determine the location of the aforementioned DM-RS. The Physical Broadcast Channel (PBCH) carrying the Primary Information Block (MIB) may be logically grouped with the PSS and SSS to form a Synchronization Signal (SS) / PBCH block. The MIB provides multiple RBs and System Frame Numbers (SFNs) within the system bandwidth. The Physical Downlink Shared Channel (PDSCH) carries user data, broadcast system information (such as System Information Blocks (SIBs)) that are not transmitted via the PBCH, and paging messages.

[0051] like Figure 2C As shown, some REs carry DM-RS (denoted as R for a specific configuration, but other DM-RS configurations are also possible) for channel estimation at the base station. The UE can transmit DM-RS for the Physical Uplink Control Channel (PUCCH) and DM-RS for the Physical Uplink Shared Channel (PUSCH). The PUSCH DM-RS can be transmitted in the first one or two symbols of the PUSCH. The PUCCH DM-RS can be transmitted in different configurations depending on whether a short or long PUCCH is transmitted, and depending on the specific PUCCH format used. Although not shown, the UE can transmit a Sounding Reference Signal (SRS). The base station can use the SRS for channel quality estimation to enable frequency-dependent scheduling on the UL.

[0052] Figure 2D Examples of various UL channels within a subframe of a frame are shown. In one configuration, the PUCCH can be positioned as indicated. The PUCCH carries uplink control information (UCI), such as scheduling requests, channel quality indicators (CQI), precoding matrix indicators (PMI), rank indicators (RI), and HARQ ACK / NACK feedback. The PUSCH carries data and may additionally be used to carry buffer status reports (BSR), power headroom reports (PHR), and / or UCI.

[0053] In some aspects, to provide higher throughput at a lower cost, multiple links can be used per panel (e.g., each antenna area), where each link is separated from other links by a different plane wave angle of arrival. For example, these aspects can be applied to sub-THz communications (e.g., 140 GHz or 300 GHz), where the relatively lower wavelengths allow for the use of relatively small antennas and relatively small inter-antenna distances. This allows for a greater number of antennas and supports more links with narrower beams and larger inter-beam spacing, which allows for better spectral efficiency. In a non-limiting aspect, for example, all links associated with a panel can be configured to have orthogonal patterns. In one implementation, a Butler matrix can be used to provide such links; the Butler matrix is ​​a beamforming circuit configured to feed a uniform distribution and phase difference (e.g., constant phase difference) between adjacent antenna elements to the antenna array.

[0054] On one hand, a Butler matrix can be implemented using interconnected phase shifters and hybrid couplers. However, this aspect is not limited to this, and alternatively, a Butler matrix can be implemented using fewer component types (e.g., using only hybrid couplers) or more component types (e.g., using phase shifters, hybrid couplers, and frequency dividers, etc.). On one hand, for example, to transmit radio frequency (RF) signals via an antenna array, a modem can select one or more ports of the Butler matrix such that the Butler matrix receives one or more signals at these ports and generates output signals with different phases at opposite ports for transmission on multiple antenna elements coupled to the opposite ports. Furthermore, the Butler matrix can provide reciprocity for receiving RF signals. For example, the Butler matrix can receive RF signals with different phases via multiple ports coupled to multiple antenna elements, then phase-shift and combine them to provide one or more signals on one or more opposite ports selected by the modem for signal reception. On one hand, each antenna element of the antenna array can be coupled to one port of the Butler matrix, for example, via one or more low-noise amplifiers (LNAs), power amplifiers (PAs), etc., to compensate for insertion loss. The phase shifters in a Butler matrix can be active phase shifters (requiring a power supply connection) or passive phase shifters (not requiring a power supply connection). In a non-limiting aspect, for example, the phase shifters in a Butler matrix can be implemented using delay lines.

[0055] In one aspect, the modem and / or another component of the wireless communication device may control the Butler matrix and / or other associated components (e.g., control the gain of an amplifier that connects the output port of the Butler matrix to an antenna element) to form a desired beam for transmitting RF signals and / or to receive RF signals on the desired beam. In another aspect, for example, the modem and / or another component of the wireless communication device may control the Butler matrix and / or other associated components to generate multiple signals as phase-shifted versions of each other, so as to generate a beam by transmitting such signals via multiple antenna elements of an antenna array.

[0056] In a non-limiting example, to transmit a desired beam, a Butler matrix having N input ports and the same number of N output ports allows feeding the phase difference between adjacent antenna elements in an antenna array with N antenna elements to the antenna array, and each of the N input ports of the Butler matrix can be associated with a different desired beam to be generated by the antenna array. In one aspect, for example, the Butler matrix can be configured to generate N orthogonally spaced beams with plane angles of:

[0057]

[0058] Where λ is the wavelength, which is equal to the phase velocity of the wave (the magnitude of the phase velocity) divided by the carrier frequency (for example, in free space λ = (3 × 10⁻⁶) / 2π × 10⁻⁶). 8 (m / s) / carrier frequency), d is the distance between adjacent antennas (e.g., it can be ~ = λ / 2), and k is:

[0059] k = -N+1:2:N-1,

[0060] Furthermore, this beam configuration is generated by the phase difference between adjacent antennas:

[0061]

[0062] On the one hand, for example, A hybrid coupler and A fixed phase shifter can be used to implement the Butler matrix.

[0063] For example, refer to Figure 3In a non-limiting aspect, a 4×4 Butler matrix 300 can be implemented to transmit a desired beam 316 via a plurality of antenna elements 312 of antenna array 314. The 4×4 Butler matrix 300 is a Butler matrix having four input ports 308 and four output ports 310, wherein each output port 310 is associated with one antenna element 312 of antenna array 314. Although some aspects of the invention have been described herein with respect to the transmission of a desired beam using a Butler matrix, the invention is not limited thereto, and each aspect can also be used for the reception of a desired beam. For example, although... Figure 3 This document describes the use of a 4×4 Butler matrix 300 to transmit the desired beam 316, but this aspect is not limited thereto, and the 4×4 Butler matrix 300 can also be used to receive the desired beam 316, in which case the 4×4 Butler matrix 300 receives the signal at the output port 310 and then generates the signal at one or more input ports 308.

[0064] Example 4×4 Butler matrix 300 includes two 45° phase shifters 302, four 3dB 90° hybrid couplers 304, and two frequency dividers 306. Each 45° phase shifter 302 is a two-port circuit that receives a signal at one port and outputs a 45° phase-shifted version of that signal at the other port. Each 3dB 90° hybrid coupler 304 is a circuit with two input ports and two output ports. The 3dB 90° hybrid coupler 304 separates the power of the input signal received at the input port between the two output signals generated at the two output ports and also results in a 90° phase shift between the two output signals generated at the two output ports. Each frequency divider 306 is a four-port circuit in which one conductor (connecting the first input port to the first output port) crosses another conductor (connecting the second input port to the second output port) with an air gap between them.

[0065] A 45° phase shifter 302, a 3dB 90° hybrid coupler 304, and a frequency divider 306 are configured and arranged such that activation of an input port 308 of the 4×4 Butler matrix 300 (by receiving an activation signal) results in activation of all output ports 310 of the 4×4 Butler matrix 300, but with varying phase shifts relative to each other, such that the interaction of the RF transmissions of the antenna elements 312 fed by the output ports 310 produces a beam 316 corresponding to the activated input port 308. Table 1 provides example phases on each output port 310 of an example 4×4 Butler matrix 300, showing the activation of one input port 308 to produce beam 316.

[0066] Table 1 Example phase on each output port of the 4×4 Butler matrix in response to activation of each input port.

[0067] Therefore, Butler matrices can be implemented to provide beamforming capability for uniform rectangular arrays (URAs) in passively fed N×N networks (N input ports and N output ports), where the N output ports of the Butler matrix are connected to corresponding antenna elements, and the N input ports of the Butler matrix represent N orthogonal beam ports. Compared to beamforming using N phased arrays, Butler matrices can offer lower power consumption, complexity, and / or cost. Furthermore, N×N Butler matrices can be designed, replicated, cascaded, etc., to realize 3D Butler matrices connected to N×N URAs, thereby creating N×N beam orthogonal plane waves.

[0068] In a non-restrictive aspect, for example, each has 2 n One input port and 2 n Multiple Butler matrices with 2 output ports can be configured and arranged to achieve connection to a 2 n ×2 n The 3D Butler matrix of the URA of the antenna elements is used to create 2 n ×2 n A beam of orthogonal plane waves. For example, reference... Figure 4 In a non-limiting example, a 3D Butler matrix 400 with 16 input ports and 16 output ports can be configured to provide passive feeding to a 4×4 antenna array 402 having 16 antenna elements 403 arranged in four rows, with each row comprising four antenna elements 403. That is, although in Figure 1 The 4×4 antenna element 403 is schematically shown in a row, but the antenna array 402 is 2D and includes a 4×4 matrix of antenna elements 403.

[0069] In this non-limiting example, the 3D Butler matrix 400 includes a first-layer 2D Butler matrix 404 having 16 input ports and 16 output ports, and a second-layer 2D Butler matrix 406 having 16 input ports and 16 output ports, wherein each of the first-layer 2D Butler matrix 404 and the second-layer 2D Butler matrix 406 includes four 4×4 Butler matrices 408. In a non-limiting aspect, each of the 4×4 Butler matrices 408 in the first-layer 2D Butler matrix 404 or the second-layer 2D Butler matrix 406 can, for example, use a phase shifter and a hybrid coupler similar to those described above. Figure 3 The described 4×4 Butler matrix 300 is implemented such that activating the input port of each 4×4 Butler matrix 408 activates all the output ports of that 4×4 Butler matrix 408.

[0070] On one hand, the output ports of the first-layer 2D Butler matrix 404 are connected to the input ports of the second-layer 2D Butler matrix 406, such that the four output ports of each 4×4 Butler matrix 408 in the first-layer 2D Butler matrix 404 are connected to the four input ports of four different 4×4 Butler matrices in the second-layer 2D Butler matrix 406. Therefore, activation of the output ports of the first-layer 2D Butler matrix 404 activates one input port of each 4×4 Butler matrix 408 in the second-layer 2D Butler matrix 406, thereby activating all output ports of the second-layer 2D Butler matrix 406. Thus, when an input port of the first-layer 2D Butler matrix 404 is activated, all output ports of the second-layer 2D Butler matrix 406 are activated, resulting in the activation of all antenna elements 403 in the 4×4 antenna array 402.

[0071] Furthermore, assuming that the 4×4 Butler matrices 408 in the first-layer 2D Butler matrix 404 are identical to each other, and the 4×4 Butler matrices 408 in the second-layer 2D Butler matrix 406 are also identical to each other, then the output port of the first-layer 2D Butler matrix 404 is connected to the input port of the second-layer 2D Butler matrix 406, such that the selection of the 4×4 Butler matrices 408 in the first-layer 2D Butler matrix 404 leads to the selection of the same input port of each of the 4×4 Butler matrices 408 in the second-layer 2D Butler matrix 406. For example, in one aspect, the selection of the first 4×4 Butler matrix 408 in the first-layer 2D Butler matrix 404 leads to the selection of the first input port of each of the 4×4 Butler matrices 408 in the second-layer 2D Butler matrix 406, while the selection of the second 4×4 Butler matrix 408 in the first-layer 2D Butler matrix 404 leads to the selection of the second input port of each of the 4×4 Butler matrices 408 in the second-layer 2D Butler matrix 406, and so on.

[0072] In a non-limiting aspect, different 4×4 Butler matrices 408 in the first-layer 2D Butler matrix 404 can be associated with different beam elevation angles, and different input ports of the 4×4 Butler matrices 408 in the first-layer 2D Butler matrix 404 can be associated with different beam azimuth angles. For example, the four Butler matrices 408 in the first-layer 2D Butler matrix 404 can be associated with four different beam elevation angles, and the four input ports of the 4×4 Butler matrices 408 in the first-layer 2D Butler matrix 404 can be associated with four different beam azimuth angles. For example, to achieve a beam with a desired azimuth and a desired elevation angle, the input ports of the Butler matrices 408 in the first-layer 2D Butler matrix 404 are activated, wherein the input ports are associated with the desired azimuth angle, and the Butler matrices 408 are associated with the desired beam elevation angle.

[0073] However, this aspect is not limited to this. For example, in an alternative aspect, different 4×4 Butler matrices 408 in the first-layer 2D Butler matrix 404 can be associated with different beam azimuth angles, and different input ports of the 4×4 Butler matrices 408 in the first-layer 2D Butler matrix 404 can be associated with different beam elevation angles. In this case, in order to achieve a beam with a desired azimuth and a desired elevation angle, the input ports of the Butler matrices 408 in the first-layer 2D Butler matrix 404 are activated, wherein the input ports are associated with the desired elevation angle, and the Butler matrices 408 are associated with the desired beam azimuth angle.

[0074] although Figure 4 The 4×4 antenna array 402 in the figure is symmetrical, but this aspect is not limited thereto. For example, a 3D Butler matrix can be configured to feed an antenna array of size A×B, where A is different from B. For example, to feed an A×B antenna array, the 3D Butler matrix may include a second layer of 2D Butler matrices having B A×A Butler matrices (B Butler matrices, each with A input ports and A output ports).

[0075] On one hand, Butler matrix beam steering can be used to enhance spherical coverage and support beam angle of arrival shifts. For example, phase shifters (active or passive) can be added to the output of the Butler matrix to enable common beam steering for improved spherical coverage (which increases throughput) and improved beam tracking (which enhances link stability).

[0076] On one hand, when a phase shifter is added to the Butler matrix output (and before the antennas), it can produce the same phase difference between adjacent antennas. This creates a common beamforming for all beam directions. On the other hand, the phase shifter can produce different phase differences between adjacent antennas. Typically, different phase differences between adjacent antennas distort the beam shape, width, and / or angle. For each beam, the phase difference produces a different beam angle. With small phase differences, the beams remain nearly orthogonal. It should be noted that the added phase shifter will maintain good reciprocity so that the system can operate for both uplink and downlink communication.

[0077] In some examples, the added phase shifter can be an active phase shifter, such as a Cartesian phase shifter, a varactor diode phase shifter, a microelectromechanical system (MEMS) phase shifter, a ferrite phase shifter, or another phase shifter, to compensate for the high insertion loss of the Butler matrix. In other examples, the added phase shifter can be a passive phase shifter, such as a delay line, a switched delay line, a high-pass or low-pass filter, a Schiffman phase shifter, a reflective phase shifter, a load line, etc. The use of passive phase shifters can reduce complexity, power consumption, and cost.

[0078] On the one hand, the added phase shifter can have a phase difference (e.g., in the case of using two panels, each panel has a different phase difference) or several bits (e.g., for adjustable Butler orientation).

[0079] On the one hand, the added phase shifter can also be used for uniform rectangular arrays (URAs). In such an implementation, the Butler matrix is ​​a matrix with N... 2 A 3D matrix of inputs, outputs, and phase shifters.

[0080] Figure 5 An example multi-antenna design 500 utilizing an 8×8 Butler matrix 502 is shown. The 8×8 Butler matrix 502 includes 12 90° hybrid couplers and 8 phase shifters. Each input is numbered with the same number indicating the transmission angle.

[0081] On the one hand, the ideal S of the 8×8 Butler matrix 502 21 The matrix can be as follows, where columns represent different inputs and rows represent different antennas:

[0082] S of an 8×8 Butler matrix 21 matrix

[0083]

[0084] like Figure 5 As shown, eight additional phase shifters 510 can be attached to the eight outputs 506 of the 8×8 Butler matrix 502. The phase difference between adjacent antennas 514 is p, where p is constant for all inputs (S). 21The columns in the matrix are the same, and in S 21 Each row of the matrix is ​​increased. In some respects, the phase difference between adjacent antennas 514 can be different.

[0085] Figure 6 An example multi-antenna design 600 utilizing an 8×16 Butler matrix is ​​shown. The 8×16 Butler matrix comprises an 8×8 Butler matrix 602, whose outputs are coupled to eight initial outputs 606 of eight 180° hybrid couplers 604. Using this design, the 8×8 Butler matrix 602 can be expanded to 16 outputs 612 feeding 16 antennas 614 to ensure higher beam spacing and increased array gain.

[0086] like Figure 6 As shown, eight additional phase shifters 610 can be attached to the eight outputs 606 of the 8×8 Butler matrix 602 (before the eight 180° hybrid couplers 604). This may work for the case of p = (180 - 2πk) / N, where p is the phase difference or additional phase, N is the number of inputs, and k is an integer. Alternatively, 16 additional phase shifters can be attached after the eight 180° hybrid couplers 604 and before the 16 antennas 614. The added phase shifters (whether eight or sixteen) can facilitate the ability to perform small-angle beam steering (for spherical coverage).

[0087] On one hand, the equation p = (180 - 2πk) / N can be derived as follows. For example, given an input quantity N = 8, the number of antennas in the antenna array is 16, and the expected phase difference (e.g., a constant phase difference) between adjacent phase-shifted signals, the left antenna of the antenna array can have additional phases of p, 2p, 3p, 4p, 5p, 6p, 7p, and 8p, and the right antenna of the antenna array can have additional phases of p + 180, 2p + 180, 3p + 180, 4p + 180, 5p + 180, 6p + 180, 7p + 180, and 8p + 180. Therefore, the rightmost antenna of the left antenna (left array) will have a phase difference of p = + 2π with the leftmost antenna of the right antenna (right array). This means p + 180 (right array) - Np (left array) = p + 2πk (where k is an integer, and in this example N = 8). Therefore, Np = 180 - 2πk, leading to the equation p = (180 - 2πk) / N. It should be noted that the values ​​used in the derivation of equation p = (180 - 2πk) / N are merely examples, and it is expected that other values ​​can be used to reduce complexity and / or design multi-antenna systems with small phase errors.

[0088] Figure 7This is a block diagram of base station 710 communicating with UE 750 in the access network. In the DL, IP packets from EPC 160 can be provided to controller / processor 775. Controller / processor 775 implements Layer 3 and Layer 2 functions. Layer 3 includes the Radio Resource Control (RRC) layer, and Layer 2 includes the Serving Data Adaptation Protocol (SDAP) layer, Packet Data Convergence Protocol (PDCP) layer, Radio Link Control (RLC) layer, and Media Access Control (MAC) layer. The controller / processor 775 provides RRC layer functions associated with broadcasting system information (e.g., MIB, SIB), RRC connection control (e.g., RRC connection paging, RRC connection establishment, RRC connection modification, and RRC connection release), inter-Radio Access Technology (RAT) mobility, and measurement configuration for UE measurement reporting; PDCP layer functions associated with header compression / decompression, security (encryption, decryption, integrity protection, integrity verification), and handover support functions; RLC layer functions associated with transmission of upper-layer packet data units (PDUs), error correction via ARQ, concatenation, segmentation, and reassembly of RLC service data units (SDUs), resegmentation of RLC data PDUs, and reordering of RLC data PDUs; and MAC layer functions associated with mapping between logical channels and transport channels, multiplexing of MAC SDUs onto transport blocks (TBs), demultiplexing of MAC SDUs from TBs, scheduling information reporting, error correction via HARQ, priority processing, and logical channel priority ordering.

[0089] Transmit (TX) processor 716 and receive (RX) processor 770 implement Layer 1 functions associated with various signal processing functions. Layer 1, including the physical (PHY) layer, may include error detection on the transport channel, forward error correction (FEC) encoding / decoding of the transport channel, interleaving, rate matching, mapping to the physical channel, modulation / demodulation of the physical channel, and MIMO antenna processing. TX processor 716 processes the mapping to the signal constellation based on various modulation schemes (e.g., binary phase shift keying (BPSK), quadrature phase shift keying (QPSK), M-phase shift keying (M-PSK), M-quadrature amplitude modulation (M-QAM)). The encoded and modulated symbols can then be divided into parallel streams. Each stream can then be mapped to OFDM subcarriers, multiplexed with a reference signal (e.g., a pilot) in the time and / or frequency domains, and then combined using an inverse fast Fourier transform (IFFT) to produce a physical channel carrying a stream of time-domain OFDM symbols. The OFDM streams are spatially pre-decoded to produce multiple spatial streams. The channel estimate from channel estimator 774 can be used to determine the decoding and modulation scheme, as well as for spatial processing. The channel estimate can be derived from the reference signal transmitted by UE 750 and / or channel condition feedback. Each spatial stream can then be provided to a different antenna 720 via a separate transmitter 718TX. Each transmitter 718TX can modulate an RF carrier with the corresponding spatial stream for transmission.

[0090] At UE 750, each receiver 754RX receives signals through its corresponding antenna 752. Each receiver 754RX recovers the information modulated onto the RF carrier and provides this information to the receive (RX) processor 756. The TX processor 768 and RX processor 756 implement Layer 1 functions associated with various signal processing functions. The RX processor 756 can perform spatial processing on this information to recover any spatial streams destined for UE 750. If multiple spatial streams are destined for UE 750, they can be combined by the RX processor 756 into a single OFDM symbol stream. The RX processor 756 then uses a Fast Fourier Transform (FFT) to transform the OFDM symbol stream from the time domain to the frequency domain. The frequency domain signal comprises a separate OFDM symbol stream for each subcarrier of the OFDM signal. By determining the most probable signal constellation point transmitted by base station 710, the symbols and reference signals on each subcarrier are recovered and demodulated. These soft decisions can be based on a channel estimate calculated by the channel estimator 758. The soft decision is then decoded and deinterleaved to recover the data and control signals originally transmitted by base station 710 on the physical channel. The data and control signals are then provided to controller / processor 759, which implements layer 3 and layer 2 functions.

[0091] The controller / processor 759 may be associated with a memory 760 that stores program code and data. The memory 760 may be referred to as a computer-readable medium. In the UL, the controller / processor 759 provides demultiplexing, packet reassembly, decryption, header decompression, and control signal processing between the transport and logical channels to recover IP packets from the EPC 160. The controller / processor 759 is also responsible for error detection to support HARQ operation using ACK and / or NACK protocols.

[0092] Similar to the functions described in conjunction with the DL transmissions performed by base station 710, controller / processor 759 provides RRC layer functions associated with system information (e.g., MIB, SIB) acquisition, RRC connectivity, and measurement reporting; PDCP layer functions associated with header compression / decompression and security (encryption, decryption, integrity protection, integrity verification); RLC layer functions associated with upper-layer PDU transmission, error correction via ARQ, concatenation, segmentation, and reassembly of RLC SDUs, resegmentation of RLC data PDUs, and reordering of RLC data PDUs; and MAC layer functions associated with mapping between logical channels and transport channels, multiplexing of MAC SDUs to TBs, demultiplexing of MAC SDUs from TBs, scheduling information reporting, error correction via HARQ, priority processing, and logical channel priority ordering.

[0093] The TX processor 768 can use the channel estimate derived from the reference signal or feedback transmitted from the base station 710 by the channel estimator 758 to select an appropriate decoding and modulation scheme and facilitate spatial processing. The spatial stream generated by the TX processor 768 can be provided to different antennas 752 via individual transmitters 754TX. Each transmitter 754TX can use the corresponding spatial stream to modulate an RF carrier for transmission.

[0094] UL transmission is processed at base station 710 in a manner similar to that described in conjunction with the receiver function at UE 750. Each receiver 718RX receives a signal via its corresponding antenna 720. Each receiver 718RX recovers the information modulated onto the RF carrier and provides this information to the RX processor 770.

[0095] The controller / processor 775 may be associated with a memory 776 that stores program code and data. The memory 776 may be referred to as a computer-readable medium. In the UL, the controller / processor 775 provides demultiplexing, packet reassembly, decryption, header decompression, and control signal processing between the transport and logical channels to recover IP packets from the UE 750. IP packets from the controller / processor 775 can be provided to the EPC 160. The controller / processor 775 is also responsible for error detection to support HARQ operation using ACK and / or NACK protocols.

[0096] At least one of the TX processor 768, RX processor 756, and controller / processor 759 can be configured to perform operations related to... Figure 1 The UE beam steering circuit 198 relates to the following aspects. For example, the UE 750 may include a UE beam steering circuit 798 (e.g., including a Butler matrix, phase shifter, hybrid coupler, and / or other circuitry), the UE beam steering circuit 798 being configured to perform the above-mentioned aspects. Figure 1 The operation of the UE beam steering circuit described in 198.

[0097] At least one of the TX processor 716, RX processor 770, and controller / processor 775 can be configured to perform operations related to... Figure 1 The BS beam steering circuit 199 relates to the following aspects. For example, the BS 710 may include the BS beam steering circuit 799 (e.g., including a Butler matrix, phase shifter, hybrid coupler, and / or other circuitry), the BS beam steering circuit 799 being configured to perform the above-mentioned aspects. Figure 1 The operation of the BS beam steering circuit 199 is described.

[0098] Figure 8 This is a block diagram illustrating an example hardware implementation of an exemplary device 800 employing a processing system 814. For example, such as... Figure 1 , Figure 7 , Figure 11 or Figure 12 As shown in any one or more of the examples, device 800 may be a UE or a base station. Device 800 may be implemented using a processing system 814 including one or more processors 804. Examples of processors 804 include microprocessors, microcontrollers, digital signal processors (DSPs), field-programmable gate arrays (FPGAs), programmable logic devices (PLDs), state machines, gated logic, discrete hardware circuitry, and other suitable hardware configured to perform the various functions described throughout this disclosure. In various examples, device 800 may be configured to perform any one or more of the functions described herein. That is, processor 804 used in device 800 may include UE beamdirection circuitry 198 / 798 or BS beamdirection circuitry 199 / 799, and is used to implement the functions described below. Figure 9 and Figure 10 Any one or more of the processes and procedures shown in the document.

[0099] In this example, the processing system 814 can be implemented using a bus architecture, typically represented by bus 802. Depending on the specific application and overall design constraints of the processing system 814, bus 802 may include any number of interconnect buses and bridges. Bus 802 communicatively couples together various circuits including one or more processors (typically represented by processor 804), memory 805, and computer-readable media (typically represented by computer-readable media 806). Bus 802 may also link various other circuits, such as timing sources, peripherals, voltage regulators, and power management circuits, which are well known in the art and therefore will not be described further. Bus interface 808 provides an interface between bus 802 and transceiver 810. Transceiver 810 provides a communication interface or component for communicating with various other devices via a transmission medium. In some examples, transceiver 810 may include phase shifter 816 for digital and / or analog beamforming via one or more antenna arrays 830. Depending on the nature of the device, a user interface 812 (e.g., keyboard, display, speaker, microphone, joystick) may also be provided. Of course, such a user interface 812 is optional and can be omitted in some examples (such as base stations).

[0100] In some aspects of this disclosure, processor 804 (e.g., UE beamdirection circuit 198 / 798 or BS beamdirection circuit 199 / 799) may include switching / enabling circuit 840, configured for various functions, including, for example, associating multiple antenna elements of an antenna array with the output port of a Butler matrix. The switching / enabling circuit 840 may be configured for a receive mode for the antenna array to receive signals and for a transmit mode for the antenna array to transmit signals. The switching / enabling circuit 840 may also be configured to enable multiple phase shifters to phase-shift signals output from the output port, and / or disable multiple phase shifters to phase-shift signals output from the output port, respectively. For example, the switching / enabling circuit 840 may be configured to implement the following regarding... Figure 9 (including, for example, boxes 902 and 904) and about Figure 10 (e.g., boxes 1002 and 1004) describe one or more of the functions. Processor 804 may also include Butler matrix activation circuitry 842, configured for various functions including, for example, receiving at least one activation signal to activate one or more of a plurality of input ports of the Butler matrix, and outputting signals from all output ports of the Butler matrix based on the activation of one or more input ports, wherein the signals output from the output ports have a varying phase shift relative to each other. For example, Butler matrix activation circuitry 842 may be configured to implement the following regarding... Figure 9 (For example, including boxes 906 and 908) and about Figure 10 (e.g., including blocks 1006 and 1008) one or more of the functions described. Processor 804 may also include phase-shift / hybrid coupling circuitry 844, configured for various functions, including, for example, phase-shifting a signal output from an output port via a plurality of phase shifters respectively coupled to an output port, wherein the phase-shifted signals also have varying phase shifts relative to each other and a phase difference (e.g., a constant phase difference) between adjacent phase-shifted signals. Phase-shift / hybrid coupling circuitry 844 may also be configured to receive a phase-shifted signal from a respective phase shifter at each of a plurality of hybrid couplers respectively coupled to the plurality of phase shifters, and based on the phase-shifted signal received from the respective phase shifter, output two signals from each of the plurality of hybrid couplers, wherein the two signals have a 180° phase shift relative to each other, and are respectively output to two antenna elements of a plurality of antenna elements coupled to a respective one of the plurality of hybrid couplers. For example, phase-shift / hybrid coupling circuitry 844 may be configured to implement the following regarding... Figure 9 (For example, including box 910) one or more functions described, and about Figure 10 (e.g., including the functions described in boxes 1010, 1012, and 1014). Processor 804 may also include beam output circuitry 846, configured for various functions, including, for example, receiving a phase-shifted signal from an associated phase shifter at each of the plurality of antenna elements, and outputting a beam from each of the plurality of antenna elements based on the phase-shifted signal received from the associated phase shifter, wherein the beams output from the plurality of antenna elements are output at beam angles different from each other and have a phase difference (e.g., a constant phase difference) between adjacent beams. Beam output circuitry 846 may also be configured to receive, at each of the plurality of antenna elements, one of two signals output from a corresponding one of the plurality of hybrid couplers, and output a beam from each of the plurality of antenna elements based on one of the two signals output from a corresponding one of the plurality of hybrid couplers, wherein the beams output from the plurality of antenna elements are output at beam angles different from each other and have a phase difference (e.g., a constant / identical phase difference) between adjacent beams. For example, beam output circuitry 846 may be configured to implement the following regarding... Figure 9 (For example, including boxes 912 and 914) and about Figure 10 (For example, including one or more of the functions described in boxes 1016 and 1018).

[0101] Processor 804 is responsible for managing bus 802 and general processing, including executing software stored in computer-readable medium 806. When executed by processor 804, this software causes processing system 814 to perform various functions described below for any particular device. Computer-readable medium 806 and memory 805 may also be used to store data manipulated by processor 804 while executing the software.

[0102] One or more processors 804 in the processing system can execute software. Software should be interpreted broadly as instructions, instruction sets, code, code segments, program code, programs, subroutines, software modules, application programs, software applications, software packages, routines, subroutines, objects, executable programs, execution threads, flows, functions, etc., whether referring to software, firmware, middleware, microcode, hardware description languages, or others. The software may reside in a computer-readable medium 806. The computer-readable medium 806 may be a non-transitory computer-readable medium. For example, non-transitory computer-readable media include magnetic storage devices (e.g., hard disks, floppy disks, magnetic stripes), optical disks (e.g., optical discs (CDs) or digital versatile discs (DVDs)), smart cards, flash memory devices (e.g., card, stick, or key drives), random access memory (RAM), read-only memory (ROM), programmable ROM (PROM), erasable PROM (EPROM), electrically erasable PROM (EEPROM), registers, removable disks, and any other suitable medium for storing software and / or instructions that can be accessed and read by a computer. The computer-readable medium 806 may be located within, outside, or distributed across multiple entities including the processing system 814. The computer-readable medium 806 may be embodied in a computer program product. For example, a computer program product may include a computer-readable medium within packaging material. Those skilled in the art will recognize how best to implement the functionality described throughout this disclosure, depending on the specific application and the overall design constraints imposed on the system.

[0103] In one or more examples, the computer-readable storage medium 806 may include a switching / enabling instruction 850 configured for various functions, including, for example, associating multiple antenna elements of an antenna array with the output port of a Butler matrix. The switching / enabling instruction 850 may be configured for a receive mode for the antenna array to receive signals and for a transmit mode for the antenna array to transmit signals. The switching / enabling instruction 850 may also be configured to enable multiple phase shifters to phase-shift signals output from the output port, and / or disable multiple phase shifters to phase-shift signals output from the output port, respectively. For example, the switching / enabling instruction 850 may be configured to implement the following... Figure 9 (For example, including boxes 902 and 904) and about Figure 10 (e.g., boxes 1002 and 1004) describe one or more of the functions. The computer-readable storage medium 806 may also include Butler matrix activation instructions 852, configured for various functions including, for example, receiving at least one activation signal to activate one or more of a plurality of input ports of the Butler matrix, and outputting signals from all output ports of the Butler matrix based on the activation of one or more input ports, wherein the signals output from the output ports have a varying phase shift relative to each other. For example, the Butler matrix activation instructions 852 may be configured to implement the following regarding... Figure 9 (For example, including boxes 906 and 908) and about Figure 10 (e.g., including boxes 1006 and 1008) one or more of the functions described. The computer-readable storage medium 806 may also include a phase-shift / hybrid coupling instruction 854 configured for various functions, including, for example, phase-shifting a signal output from an output port via a plurality of phase shifters respectively coupled to the output port, wherein the phase-shifted signals also have varying phase shifts relative to each other and a phase difference (e.g., a constant phase difference) between adjacent phase-shifted signals. The phase-shift / hybrid coupling instruction 854 may also be configured to receive a phase-shifted signal from a respective phase shifter at each of a plurality of hybrid couplers respectively coupled to the plurality of phase shifters, and output two signals from each of the plurality of hybrid couplers based on the phase-shifted signals received from the respective phase shifters. These two signals have a 180° phase shift relative to each other and are respectively output to two antenna elements of a plurality of antenna elements coupled to a respective one of the plurality of hybrid couplers. For example, the phase-shift / hybrid coupling instruction 854 may be configured to implement the following regarding Figure 9 (For example, including box 910) one or more functions described, and about Figure 10(For example, including the functions described in boxes 1010, 1012, and 1014). The computer-readable storage medium 806 may also include beamout instructions 856 configured for various functions, including, for example, receiving a phase-shifted signal from an associated phase shifter at each of the plurality of antenna elements, and outputting a beam from each of the plurality of antenna elements based on the phase-shifted signal received from the associated phase shifter, wherein the beams output from the plurality of antenna elements are output at beam angles different from each other and have a phase difference (e.g., a constant phase difference) between adjacent beams. The beamout instructions 856 may also be configured to receive, at each of the plurality of antenna elements, one of two signals output from a corresponding one of the plurality of hybrid couplers, and output a beam from each of the plurality of hybrid couplers based on one of the two signals output from a corresponding one of the plurality of hybrid couplers, wherein the beams output from the plurality of antenna elements are output at beam angles different from each other and have a phase difference (e.g., a constant phase difference) between adjacent beams. For example, the beamout instructions 856 may be configured to implement the following regarding... Figure 9 (For example, including boxes 912 and 914) and about Figure 10 (For example, including one or more of the functions described in boxes 1016 and 1018).

[0104] Figure 9 This is a flowchart illustrating an exemplary process 900 of multi-antenna wireless communication according to aspects of this disclosure. As described below, in certain embodiments within the scope of this disclosure, some or all of the illustrated features may be omitted, and some illustrated features may not be necessary for implementing all aspects. In some examples, process 900 may be... Figure 8 The device 800 shown is used to perform this action; the device 800 can be as follows: Figure 1 , Figure 7 , Figure 11 or Figure 12 Any one or more of the UEs or base stations shown. In some examples, process 900 may be performed by any suitable means or component for performing the functions or algorithms described below.

[0105] At block 902, the device can associate multiple antenna elements (e.g., antenna 514) of the antenna array with an output port (e.g., output port 506) of a Butler matrix (e.g., Butler matrix 502) via switching / enabling circuitry (e.g., switching / enabling circuitry 840 and / or switch 1192 / 1292). The switching circuitry configures the device to a receive mode for receiving signals from the antenna array and a transmit mode for transmitting signals from the antenna array. At block 904, the device can also enable multiple phase shifters (e.g., phase shifter 510) via switching / enabling circuitry to individually phase-shift signals output from the output port. If needed, the device can also (via switching / enabling circuitry) disable multiple phase shifters from individually phase-shifting signals output from the output port.

[0106] At block 906, the device may receive at least one activation signal to activate one or more input ports (e.g., input port 508) of a plurality of input ports of the Butler matrix. In one aspect, receiving at least one activation signal activates different input ports.

[0107] At block 908, the device can output signals from all output ports of the Butler matrix based on the activation of one or more input ports. The signals output from the output ports have varying phase shifts relative to each other. On one hand, outputting signals from all output ports includes outputting signals in different phase modes based on the activation of different input ports. On the other hand, the signals output from the output ports have a uniform phase distribution and phase difference (e.g., a constant phase difference) between adjacent signals.

[0108] At block 910, the device can phase-shift the signal output from the output port via multiple phase shifters (e.g., phase shifter 510) respectively coupled to the output port. The phase-shifted signals also have varying phase shifts relative to each other and a phase difference (e.g., a constant phase difference) between adjacent phase-shifted signals.

[0109] In one aspect, each of the multiple phase shifters is associated with one of the multiple antenna elements of the antenna array. Therefore, at block 912, the device can receive a phase-shifted signal from the associated phase shifter at each of the multiple antenna elements, respectively associated with the multiple phase shifters. Furthermore, at block 914, the device can output a beam from each of the multiple antenna elements based on the phase-shifted signal received from the associated phase shifter. The beams output from the multiple antenna elements are output with different beam angles relative to each other and have a phase difference (e.g., a constant phase difference) between adjacent beams. In one aspect, the number of multiple antenna elements (e.g., 8 antenna elements) is equal to the number of multiple phase shifters (e.g., 8 phase shifters).

[0110] In one configuration, a device 800 for wireless communication includes: components (e.g., switching / enabling circuitry 840 and / or switch 1192 / 1292) for associating multiple antenna element components (e.g., antenna 514, antenna array 830, or antenna array 144) for output beams with output ports of a Butler matrix; components for enabling multiple phase-shifting components / disabling multiple phase-shifting components to phase-shift signals output from the output ports respectively (e.g., switching / enabling circuitry 840 and / or switch 1192 / 1292); components for receiving at least one activation signal to activate one or more input ports of a plurality of input ports of the Butler matrix (e.g., Butler matrix 502 and / or Butler matrix activation circuitry 842); and components for outputting signals from all output ports of the Butler matrix based on one or more activated input ports (e.g., Butler matrix 502 and / or Butler matrix activation circuitry 842), wherein the signals output from the output ports have varying relative to each other. Phase shifting, with multiple phase shifting components respectively coupled to the output port of the Butler matrix (e.g., phase shifter 510, phase shift / hybrid coupling circuit 844, and / or phase shifter 816), for phase shifting signals output from the output port respectively, wherein the phase-shifted signals also have varying phase shifts relative to each other and phase differences (e.g., constant phase differences) between adjacent phase-shifted signals; components for receiving phase-shifted signals from associated phase shifting components at each of the multiple antenna element components (e.g., antenna 514, antenna array 830, antenna array 144, and / or beam output circuit 846); and components for outputting beams from each of the multiple antenna element components based on the phase-shifted signals received from associated phase shifting components (e.g., antenna 514, antenna array 830, antenna array 144, and / or beam output circuit 846), wherein the beams output from the multiple antenna element components are output with different beam angles relative to each other and have phase differences (e.g., constant phase differences) between adjacent beams.

[0111] On the one hand, the aforementioned components can be Figure 8 The processor 804 shown is configured to perform the functions listed above. Alternatively, the aforementioned components may be circuitry or any means configured to perform the functions listed above. Of course, in the above example, the circuitry included in the processor 804 is provided merely as an example, and other components for performing the described functions may include, but are not limited to, instructions stored in the computer-readable storage medium 806, or... Figure 1 , Figure 7 , Figure 11 or Figure 12 Any other suitable device or component described in any of them, and using, for example, references herein. Figure 9The described process and / or algorithm.

[0112] Figure 10 This is a flowchart illustrating another exemplary process 1000 of multi-antenna wireless communication according to aspects of this disclosure. As described below, in certain embodiments within the scope of this disclosure, some or all of the illustrated features may be omitted, and some illustrated features may not be necessary for implementing all aspects. In some examples, process 1000 may be... Figure 8 The device 800 shown is used to perform this action; the device 800 can be as follows: Figure 1 , Figure 7 , Figure 11 or Figure 12 Any one or more of the UEs or base stations shown. In some examples, process 1000 may be performed by any suitable means or component for performing the functions or algorithms described below.

[0113] At block 1002, the device can associate multiple antenna elements (e.g., antenna 614) of the antenna array with an output port (e.g., output port 606) of a Butler matrix (e.g., Butler matrix 602) via switching / enabling circuitry (e.g., switching / enabling circuitry 840 and / or switch 1192 / 1292). The switching circuitry configures the device to a receive mode for receiving signals from the antenna array and a transmit mode for transmitting signals from the antenna array. At block 1004, the device can also enable multiple phase shifters (e.g., phase shifter 610) via switching / enabling circuitry to individually phase-shift signals output from the output port. If desired, the device can also (via switching / enabling circuitry) disable multiple phase shifters from individually phase-shifting signals output from the output port.

[0114] At block 1006, the device may receive at least one activation signal to activate one or more input ports (e.g., input port 608) of a plurality of input ports of the Butler matrix. In one aspect, receiving at least one activation signal activates different input ports.

[0115] At block 1008, the device can output signals from all output ports of the Butler matrix based on the activation of one or more input ports. The signals output from the output ports have varying phase shifts relative to each other. On one hand, outputting signals from all output ports includes outputting signals in different phase modes based on the activation of different input ports. On the other hand, the signals output from the output ports have a uniform phase distribution and phase difference (e.g., a constant phase difference) between adjacent signals.

[0116] At block 1010, the device can phase-shift a signal output from the output port via multiple phase shifters (e.g., phase shifter 610) respectively coupled to the output port. The phase-shifted signals also have varying phase shifts relative to each other and a phase difference (e.g., a constant phase difference) between adjacent phase-shifted signals.

[0117] On one hand, multiple hybrid couplers (e.g., 180° hybrid coupler 604) are coupled to multiple phase shifters, respectively. Each hybrid coupler can also be coupled to two antenna elements (e.g., antenna 614) among multiple antenna elements. Therefore, at block 1012, the device can receive a phase-shifted signal from the corresponding phase shifter at each of the multiple hybrid couplers. Furthermore, at block 1014, the device can output two signals from each of the multiple hybrid couplers based on the phase-shifted signal received from the corresponding phase shifter. These two signals have a 180° phase shift from each other and are respectively output to two antenna elements among the multiple antenna elements coupled to the corresponding one of the multiple hybrid couplers. At block 1016, the device can receive one of the two signals output from the corresponding one of the multiple hybrid couplers at each of the multiple antenna elements. At block 1018, the device can output a beam from each of the multiple antenna elements based on one of the two signals output from the corresponding one of the multiple hybrid couplers. The beams output from multiple antenna elements are output at different beam angles relative to each other and have a phase difference (e.g., a constant phase difference) between adjacent beams. In one respect, the number of multiple antenna elements (e.g., 16 antenna elements) is twice the number of multiple phase shifters (e.g., 8 phase shifters).

[0118] In one configuration, the device 800 for wireless communication includes: components (e.g., switching / enabling circuitry 840 and / or switch 1192 / 1292) for associating a plurality of antenna element components (e.g., antenna 614, antenna array 830, or antenna array 144) for output beams with output ports of a Butler matrix; components for enabling a plurality of phase-shifting components / disabling a plurality of phase-shifting components to phase-shift signals output from the output ports respectively (e.g., switching / enabling circuitry 840 and / or switch 1192 / 1292); and components for receiving at least one activation signal to activate one or more of a plurality of input ports of the Butler matrix. Components (e.g., Butler matrix 602 and / or Butler matrix activation circuit 842); components for outputting signals from all output ports of the Butler matrix based on one or more activated input ports (e.g., Butler matrix 602 and / or Butler matrix activation circuit 842), wherein the signals output from the output ports have varying phase shifts relative to each other, and multiple phase shifting components are respectively coupled to the output ports of the Butler matrix (e.g., phase shifter 610, phase shift / hybrid coupling circuit 844, and / or phase shifter 816) for respectively phase shifting the signals output from the output ports, wherein the phase-shifted signals also have varying phase shifts relative to each other and between adjacent phase-shifted signals. The components include: a phase-shifted signal (e.g., a constant phase difference) between the components; a component for receiving a phase-shifted signal from a corresponding phase-shifting component at each of the plurality of hybrid coupling components (e.g., a 180° hybrid coupler 604, a phase-shift / hybrid coupling circuit 844, and / or a phase shifter 816); a component for outputting two signals from each of the plurality of hybrid coupling components based on the phase-shifted signal received from the corresponding phase-shifting component (e.g., a 180° hybrid coupler 604, a phase-shift / hybrid coupling circuit 844, and / or a phase shifter 816), wherein the two signals have a 180° phase shift between them and are respectively output to two antenna element components among the plurality of antenna element components; and a component for receiving a phase-shifted signal from a corresponding phase-shifting component at each of the plurality of antenna element components. Each of the unit components receives one of two signals output from a corresponding one of the plurality of hybrid coupling components (e.g., antenna 614, antenna array 830, antenna array 144, and / or beam output circuit 846); and a component (e.g., antenna 614, antenna array 830, antenna array 144, and / or beam output circuit 840) for outputting a beam from each of the plurality of antenna element components based on one of the two signals output from a corresponding one of the plurality of hybrid coupling components, wherein the beams output from the plurality of antenna element components are output with different beam angles relative to each other and have a phase difference (e.g., constant phase difference) between adjacent beams.

[0119] On the one hand, the aforementioned components can be Figure 8The processor 804 shown is configured to perform the functions listed above. Alternatively, the aforementioned components may be circuitry or any means configured to perform the functions listed above. Of course, in the above example, the circuitry included in the processor 804 is provided merely as an example, and other components for performing the described functions may include, but are not limited to, instructions stored in the computer-readable storage medium 806, or... Figure 1 , Figure 7 , Figure 11 or Figure 12 Any other suitable device or component described in any of them, and using, for example, references herein. Figure 10 The described process and / or algorithm.

[0120] Figure 11 An example implementation of UE 104 is shown, which may include various components, some of which have been described above and will be further described herein. These components include components such as one or more processors 1112, memory 1116, and transceiver 1102 that communicate via one or more buses 1144. These components may operate in conjunction with modem 140, antenna array 144, and / or beamdirection circuitry 198 to implement one or more functions related to beamdirection in multi-antenna wireless communication as described herein. Figure 11 As described above, beam steering circuitry 198, including, for example, a Butler matrix, phase shifters, and / or hybrid couplers, is configured and arranged to couple antenna array 144 to RF front-end 1188 of UE 104. However, this aspect is not limited thereto. For example, in an alternative aspect, beam steering circuitry 198 may be configured and arranged to couple RF front-end 1188 to transceiver 1102.

[0121] In one aspect, one or more processors 1112 may include modem 140 and / or may be part of modem 140 using one or more modem processors. Therefore, the various functions described herein with reference to beamforming may be included in modem 140 and / or processor 1112, and in one aspect, may be performed by a single processor, while in other aspects, different functions may be performed by a combination of two or more different processors. For example, in one aspect, one or more processors 1112 may include any one or any combination of a modem processor, baseband processor, digital signal processor, transmit processor, receiver processor, or transceiver processor associated with transceiver 1102. In other aspects, some features of one or more processors 1112 and / or modem 140 described herein with reference to beamforming may be performed by transceiver 1102.

[0122] Furthermore, memory 1116 may be configured to store data used herein and / or a local version of application 1175 executed by at least one processor 1112. Memory 1116 may include any type of computer-readable medium that can be used by a computer or at least one processor 1112, such as random access memory (RAM), read-only memory (ROM), magnetic tape, magnetic disk, optical disk, volatile memory, non-volatile memory, and any combination thereof. For example, in one aspect, when UE 104 operates at least one processor 1112 to perform the beamforming function described herein, memory 1116 may be a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium storing one or more computer-executable codes and / or data associated therewith.

[0123] Transceiver 1102 may include at least one receiver 1106 and at least one transmitter 1108. Receiver 1106 may include processor-executable hardware, firmware, and / or software code for receiving data, the code including instructions and stored in memory (e.g., a computer-readable medium). For example, receiver 1106 may be a radio frequency (RF) receiver. In one aspect, receiver 1106 may receive signals transmitted by at least one base station 102. Additionally, receiver 1106 may process such received signals and may also acquire measurements of the signals, such as, but not limited to, Ec / Io, signal-to-noise ratio (SNR), reference signal received power (RSRP), received signal strength indicator (RSSI), etc. Transmitter 1108 may include processor-executable hardware, firmware, and / or software code for transmitting data, the code including instructions and stored in memory (e.g., a computer-readable medium). Suitable examples of transmitter 1108 may include, but are not limited to, RF transmitters.

[0124] Furthermore, in one aspect, UE 104 may include an RF front-end 288, which can communicate with beam-directing circuitry 198, one or more antennas 144, and transceiver 1102 to receive and transmit radio transmissions, such as wireless communications transmitted by at least one base station 102 or wireless transmissions transmitted by UE 104. RF front-end 1188 may be connected to one or more antennas 144 via beam-directing circuitry 198 and may include one or more low-noise amplifiers (LNAs) 1190, one or more switches 1192, one or more power amplifiers (PAs) 1198, and one or more filters 1196 for transmitting and receiving RF signals.

[0125] On one hand, the LNA 1190 can amplify the received signal at a desired output level. On another hand, each LNA 1190 can have specified minimum and maximum gain values. On yet another hand, the RF front end 1188 can use one or more switches 1192 to select a specific LNA 1190 and its specified gain value based on the desired gain value for a particular application.

[0126] Furthermore, for example, the RF front end 1188 can use one or more PAs 1198 to amplify the RF output signal at a desired output power level. In one aspect, each PA 1198 can have specified minimum and maximum gain values. In another aspect, the RF front end 1188 can use one or more switches 1192 to select a specific PA 1198 and its specified gain value based on the desired gain value for a particular application.

[0127] Furthermore, for example, the RF front-end 1188 may use one or more filters 1196 to filter the received signal to obtain the input RF signal. Similarly, in one aspect, for example, a corresponding filter 1196 may be used to filter the output from a corresponding PA 1198 to produce an output signal for transmission. In one aspect, each filter 1196 may be connected to a specific LNA 1190 and / or PA 1198. In one aspect, based on the configuration specified by the transceiver 1102 and / or processor 1112, the RF front-end 1188 may use one or more switches 1192 to select a transmit or receive path using specified filters 1196, LNA 1190, and / or PA 1198.

[0128] Therefore, transceiver 1102 can be configured to transmit and receive wireless signals via beamforming circuitry 198 and RF front end 1188 through one or more antennas 144. In one aspect, transceiver 1102 can be tuned to operate at a specified frequency, enabling UE 104 to communicate with, for example, one or more base stations 102 or one or more cells associated with one or more base stations 102. For example, in one aspect, modem 140 can configure transceiver 1102 to operate at a specified frequency and power level based on UE configuration of UE 104 and the communication protocol used by modem 140.

[0129] In one aspect, modem 140 may be a multi-band, multi-mode modem capable of processing digital data and communicating with transceiver 1102, enabling digital data to be transmitted and received using transceiver 1102. In another aspect, modem 140 may be multi-band and can be configured to support multiple frequency bands for a specific communication protocol. In another aspect, modem 140 may be multi-mode and configured to support multiple operating networks and communication protocols. In another aspect, modem 140 may control one or more components of UE 104 (e.g., RF front-end 1188, transceiver 1102, beamdirection circuitry 198) to transmit and / or receive signals from the network based on a specified modem configuration. In another aspect, modem configuration may be based on the modem's mode and the frequency band used. In yet another aspect, modem configuration may be based on UE configuration information associated with UE 104 provided by the network during cell selection and / or cell reselection.

[0130] On one hand, processor 1112 can correspond to the above combination. Figure 7 UE 750 and / or Figure 8 The device 800 described herein is one or more processors. Similarly, memory 1116 may correspond to the above combination. Figure 7 UE 750 and / or Figure 8 The memory described in device 800.

[0131] In one configuration, UE 104, UE 750, or device 800 may be an apparatus for multi-antenna wireless communication, including components for performing multi-antenna wireless communication by the UE as described in any of the appended claims. These components may be one or more of the aforementioned components of UE 104 and / or processor 1112 of UE 104, configured to perform the functions listed for the aforementioned components. As described above, processor 1112 may include the components referenced above. Figure 7 The UE 750 is described as having a TX processor 768, an RX processor 756, and a controller / processor 759. Thus, in one configuration, the aforementioned components may be the TX processor 768, the RX processor 756, and the controller / processor 759, which are configured to perform the functions listed above.

[0132] Figure 12An example implementation of base station 102 is shown, which may include various components, some of which have been described above and will be further described herein. These components include components such as one or more processors 1212, memory 1216, and transceiver 1202 that communicate via one or more buses 1244. These components may operate in conjunction with modem 140, antenna array 144, and / or beamforming circuitry 199 to implement one or more functions related to beamforming in multi-antenna wireless communication as described herein. Figure 12 As described above, beam steering circuitry 199, including, for example, a Butler matrix, phase shifters, and / or hybrid couplers, is configured and arranged to couple antenna array 144 to RF front-end 1288 of base station 102. However, this aspect is not limited thereto. For example, in an alternative aspect, beam steering circuitry 199 may be configured and arranged to couple RF front-end 1288 to transceiver 1202.

[0133] In one aspect, one or more processors 1212 may include modem 140 and / or may be part of modem 140 using one or more modem processors. Therefore, the various functions described herein with reference to beamforming may be included in modem 140 and / or processor 1212, and in one aspect, may be performed by a single processor, while in other aspects, different functions may be performed by a combination of two or more different processors. For example, in one aspect, one or more processors 1212 may include any one or any combination of a modem processor, baseband processor, digital signal processor, transmit processor, receiver processor, or transceiver processor associated with transceiver 1202. In other aspects, some features of one or more processors 1212 and / or modem 140 described herein with reference to beamforming may be performed by transceiver 1202.

[0134] Furthermore, memory 1216 may be configured to store data used herein and / or a local version of application 1275 executed by at least one processor 1212. Memory 1216 may include any type of computer-readable medium that can be used by a computer or at least one processor 1212, such as random access memory (RAM), read-only memory (ROM), magnetic tape, magnetic disk, optical disk, volatile memory, non-volatile memory, and any combination thereof. For example, in one aspect, when base station 102 operates at least one processor 1212 to perform the beamforming function described herein, memory 1216 may be a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium storing one or more computer-executable codes and / or data associated therewith.

[0135] Transceiver 1202 may include at least one receiver 1206 and at least one transmitter 1208. Receiver 1206 may include hardware, firmware, and / or software code executable by a processor for receiving data, the code including instructions and stored in memory (e.g., a computer-readable medium). For example, receiver 1206 may be a radio frequency (RF) receiver. In one aspect, receiver 1206 may receive signals transmitted by at least one UE 104. Additionally, receiver 1206 may process such received signals and may also acquire measurements of the signals, such as, but not limited to, Ec / Io, signal-to-noise ratio (SNR), reference signal received power (RSRP), received signal strength indicator (RSSI), etc. Transmitter 1208 may include processor-executable hardware, firmware, and / or software code for transmitting data, the code including instructions and stored in memory (e.g., a computer-readable medium). Suitable examples of transmitter 1208 may include, but are not limited to, RF transmitters.

[0136] Furthermore, in one aspect, base station 102 may include an RF front-end 1288, which can communicate with beamdirection circuitry 199, one or more antennas 144, and transceiver 1202 to receive and transmit radio transmissions, such as wireless communications transmitted by other base stations 102 or wireless transmissions transmitted by UE 104. The RF front-end 1288 may be connected to one or more antennas 144 via beamdirection circuitry 199 and may include one or more low-noise amplifiers (LNAs) 1290, one or more switches 1292, one or more power amplifiers (PAs) 1298, and one or more filters 1296 for transmitting and receiving RF signals.

[0137] On one hand, the LNA 1290 can amplify the received signal at a desired output level. On another hand, each LNA 1290 can have specified minimum and maximum gain values. On yet another hand, the RF front end 1288 can use one or more switches 1292 to select a specific LNA 1290 and its specified gain value based on the desired gain value for a particular application.

[0138] Furthermore, for example, the RF front-end 1288 can use one or more PAs 1298 to amplify the RF output signal at a desired output power level. In one aspect, each PA 1298 can have specified minimum and maximum gain values. In another aspect, the RF front-end 1288 can use one or more switches 1292 to select a specific PA 1298 and its specified gain value based on the desired gain value for a particular application.

[0139] Furthermore, for example, the RF front-end 1288 may use one or more filters 1296 to filter the received signal to obtain the input RF signal. Similarly, in one aspect, for example, a corresponding filter 1296 may be used to filter the output from a corresponding PA 1298 to produce an output signal for transmission. In one aspect, each filter 1296 may be connected to a specific LNA 1290 and / or PA 1298. In one aspect, based on the configuration specified by the transceiver 1202 and / or processor 1212, the RF front-end 1288 may use one or more switches 1292 to select a transmit or receive path using specified filters 1296, LNA 1290, and / or PA 1298.

[0140] Therefore, transceiver 1202 can be configured to transmit and receive wireless signals via beamforming circuitry 199 and RF front end 1288 through one or more antennas 144. In one aspect, transceiver 1202 can be tuned to operate at a specified frequency, enabling base station 102 to communicate with, for example, one or more UEs 104 or one or more cells associated with one or more other base stations 102. For example, in one aspect, modem 140 can configure transceiver 1202 to operate at a specified frequency and power level based on the base station configuration of base station 102 and the communication protocol used by modem 140.

[0141] In one aspect, modem 140 may be a multi-band, multi-mode modem capable of processing digital data and communicating with transceiver 1202, enabling digital data to be transmitted and received using transceiver 1202. In another aspect, modem 140 may be multi-band and can be configured to support multiple frequency bands for a specific communication protocol. In another aspect, modem 140 may be multi-mode and configured to support multiple operating networks and communication protocols. In one aspect, modem 140 may control one or more components of base station 102 (e.g., RF front-end 1288, transceiver 1202, beamdirection circuitry 199) to transmit and / or receive signals from the network based on a specified modem configuration. In one aspect, modem configuration may be based on the modem's mode and the frequency band used. In another aspect, modem configuration may be based on base station configuration information associated with base station 102.

[0142] On one hand, processor 1212 can correspond to the above combination. Figure 7 Base station 710 and / or Figure 8 The device 800 described herein is one or more processors. Similarly, memory 1216 may correspond to the above combination. Figure 7 Base station 710 and / or Figure 8 The memory described in device 800.

[0143] In one configuration, base station 102, base station 1110, or device 800 may be an apparatus for multi-antenna wireless communication, including components for performing multi-antenna wireless communication by the base station as described in any of the appended claims. These components may be one or more of the aforementioned components of base station 102 and / or processor 1212 of base station 102, which is configured to perform the functions listed for the aforementioned components. As described above, processor 1212 may include the components referenced above. Figure 7 The base station 1110 is described as having a TX processor 716, an RX processor 770, and a controller / processor 775. Thus, in one configuration, the aforementioned components may be the TX processor 716, the RX processor 770, and the controller / processor 775, which are configured to perform the functions listed above.

[0144] Several aspects of wireless communication networks have been presented with reference to exemplary embodiments. As will be readily understood by those skilled in the art, the various aspects described herein can be extended to other telecommunications systems, network architectures, and communication standards.

[0145] For example, aspects can be implemented within other systems defined by 3GPP, such as Long Term Evolution (LTE), Evolved Packet System (EPS), Universal Mobile Telecommunications System (UMTS), and / or Global System for Mobile Communications (GSM). Aspects can also be extended to systems defined by 3GPP2 (3GPP2), such as CDMA2000 and / or Evolved Data Optimized (EV-DO). Other examples can be implemented in systems employing IEEE 802.11 (Wi-Fi), IEEE 802.16 (WiMAX), IEEE 802.20, Ultra Wideband (UWB), Bluetooth, and / or other suitable systems. The actual telecommunications standards, network architecture, and / or communication standards adopted will depend on the specific application and the overall design constraints imposed on the system.

[0146] In this disclosure, the term “exemplary” is used to mean “serving as an example, instance, or illustration.” Any implementation or aspect described herein as “exemplary” is not necessarily to be construed as being more preferred or advantageous than other aspects of this disclosure. Similarly, the term “aspect” does not require that all aspects of this disclosure include the features, advantages, or modes of operation discussed. The term “coupled” is used herein to refer to direct or indirect coupling between two objects. For example, if object A is in physical contact with object B, and object B is in contact with object C, then objects A and C can be considered coupled to each other even if they are not in direct physical contact. For example, the first object can be coupled to the second object even if the first object is never in direct physical contact with the second object. The terms “circuit” and “circuit system” are used broadly and are intended to include hardware implementations of electrical devices and conductors, as well as software implementations of information and instructions, which, when connected and configured, enable the performance of the functions described in this disclosure, without limiting the type of electronic circuit, which, when executed by a processor, enables the performance of the functions described in this disclosure.

[0147] Figures 1 to 12 One or more of the components, steps, features, and / or functions shown herein may be rearranged and / or combined into a single component, step, feature, or function, or embodied in several components, steps, or functions. Additional elements, components, steps, and / or functions may be added without departing from the novel features disclosed herein. Figures 1 to 12 The apparatus, devices, and / or components shown herein can be configured to perform one or more of the methods, features, or steps described herein. The novel algorithms described herein can also be effectively implemented in software and / or embodied in hardware.

[0148] It should be understood that the specific order or hierarchy of steps in the disclosed method is an illustration of an exemplary process. Based on design preferences, it should be understood that the specific order or hierarchy of steps in the method may be rearranged. The appended method claims present the elements of the various steps in an exemplary order and, unless specifically stated therein, are not intended to limit one to the specific order or hierarchy presented.

[0149] The following provides an overview of aspects of this disclosure:

[0150] Aspect 1: A method for multi-antenna wireless communication, comprising: receiving at least one activation signal to activate one or more input ports of a plurality of input ports of a Butler matrix; outputting signals from all output ports of the Butler matrix based on the activation of the one or more input ports, wherein the signals output from the output ports have varying phase shifts relative to each other; and phase-shifting the signals output from the output ports via a plurality of phase shifters respectively coupled to the output ports, wherein the phase-shifted signals also have varying phase shifts relative to each other and a phase difference between adjacent phase-shifted signals.

[0151] Aspect 2: According to the method of aspect 1, wherein: receiving at least one activation signal activates different input ports; and outputting signals from all output ports includes outputting signals in different phase modes based on the activation of different input ports.

[0152] Aspect 3: According to the method of aspect 1 or 2, the signal output from the output port has a uniform phase distribution and a phase difference between adjacent signals.

[0153] Aspect 4: The method according to any one of aspects 1 to 3 further includes: receiving a phase-shifted signal from the associated phase shifter at each of the plurality of antenna elements respectively associated with the plurality of phase shifters; and outputting a beam from each of the plurality of antenna elements based on the phase-shifted signal received from the associated phase shifter, wherein the beams output from the plurality of antenna elements are output with different beam angles relative to each other and have a phase difference between adjacent beams.

[0154] Aspect 5: According to the method of any one of Aspects 1 to 4, wherein the number of multiple antenna elements is equal to the number of multiple phase shifters.

[0155] Aspect 6: The method according to any one of aspects 1 to 3 further includes: receiving a phase-shifted signal from a respective phase shifter at each of a plurality of hybrid couplers respectively coupled to a plurality of phase shifters; outputting two signals from each of the plurality of hybrid couplers based on the phase-shifted signal received from the respective phase shifter, wherein the two signals have a 180° phase shift from each other, and outputting them to two antenna elements of a plurality of antenna elements coupled to a respective one of the plurality of hybrid couplers; receiving one of the two signals output from a respective one of the plurality of hybrid couplers at each of the plurality of antenna elements; and outputting a beam from each of the plurality of antenna elements based on one of the two signals output from a respective one of the plurality of hybrid couplers, wherein the beams output from the plurality of antenna elements are output at different beam angles relative to each other and have a phase difference between adjacent beams.

[0156] Aspect 7: According to the method of any one of aspects 1 to 3 and 6, the number of multiple antenna elements is twice the number of multiple phase shifters.

[0157] Aspect 8: The method according to any one of aspects 1 to 7 further includes: enabling multiple phase shifters to perform phase shifting on signals output from the output port respectively; or disabling multiple phase shifters to perform phase shifting on signals output from the output port respectively.

[0158] Aspect 9: The method according to any one of aspects 1 to 8 further includes: associating a plurality of antenna elements with the output port of the Butler matrix via a switching circuit, wherein the switching circuit is configurable for a receiving mode for receiving signals by the antenna array and for a transmitting mode for transmitting signals by the antenna array.

[0159] Aspect 10: A UE or base station, comprising: at least one processor and a memory coupled to the at least one processor, the at least one processor and the memory being configured to perform a method according to any one of aspects 1 to 9.

[0160] Aspect 11: A UE or base station including at least one component for performing a method according to any one of aspects 1 to 9.

[0161] Aspect 12: A non-transitory computer-readable medium storing code at a UE or base station, the code including instructions executable by a processor to perform a method according to any one of Examples 1 to 9.

Claims

1. An apparatus for wireless communication at a device, comprising: One or more Butler matrices, each including an input port and an output port, wherein the one or more Butler matrices are configured to cause the device to: Receive at least one activation signal to activate one or more of the input ports, and Signals are output from all output ports based on one or more active input ports, wherein the signals output from the output ports have varying phase shifts relative to each other; and A plurality of phase shifters, each coupled to an output port of one or more Butler matrices, are configured to phase-shift signals output from the output ports, wherein the phase-shifted signals are configured to have varying phase shifts relative to each other and a phase difference between adjacent phase-shifted signals; and A plurality of hybrid couplers, each coupled to a plurality of phase shifters, wherein each of the plurality of hybrid couplers is located outside the one or more Butler matrices and between the plurality of phase shifters and a plurality of antenna elements, and wherein each hybrid coupler is configured to cause the device to: Receive the phase-shifted signal from the corresponding phase shifter; and Two signals are output based on the phase-shifted signals received from the respective phase shifters, wherein the two signals are phase-shifted relative to each other.

2. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein, The one or more Butler matrices are also configured to cause the device to: Receive the at least one activation signal to activate different input ports; and Based on different activated input ports, the signals are output from all output ports in different phase modes.

3. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein, The signal output from the output port has a uniform phase distribution and a phase difference between adjacent signals.

4. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein, The one or more Butler matrices, the plurality of phase shifters, and the plurality of hybrid couplers are coupled to: transceiver; and An antenna array including the plurality of antenna elements, Each of the plurality of antenna elements is associated with one of the plurality of hybrid couplers.

5. The apparatus according to claim 4, wherein, Each of the plurality of antenna elements is configured to cause the device to: Receive one of the two signals from the associated hybrid coupler; as well as Based on the signal received from the associated hybrid coupler, the output beam is... The beams output from the plurality of antenna elements are output at different beam angles relative to each other, and there is a phase difference between adjacent beams.

6. The apparatus according to claim 4, wherein, The number of the plurality of antenna elements is twice the number of the plurality of phase shifters: Each hybrid coupler is further coupled to two of the plurality of antenna elements, wherein each of the plurality of hybrid couplers is configured to cause the device to: Based on the phase-shifted signal received from the respective phase shifter, two signals are output, wherein the two signals are phase-shifted by 180° relative to each other, and are respectively output to the two antenna elements. Each of the plurality of antenna elements is configured to cause the device to: Receive one of the two signals output from the coupled hybrid coupler, and Based on one of the two signals output from the coupled hybrid coupler, and The beams output from the plurality of antenna elements are output at different beam angles relative to each other, and there is a phase difference between adjacent beams.

7. The apparatus according to claim 4, further comprising: A switching circuit is configured to cause the device to associate the plurality of antenna elements with the output ports of the one or more Butler matrices. The switching circuit can be configured to a receive mode for receiving signals from the antenna array, and can also be configured to a transmit mode for transmitting signals from the antenna array.

8. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising an enabling circuit configured to cause the apparatus to: This enables the plurality of phase shifters to perform phase shifting on the signals output from the output ports, respectively; and The multiple phase shifters are prohibited from performing phase shifts on the signals output from the output ports respectively.

9. A method for wireless communication at a device, comprising: Receive at least one activation signal to activate one or more input ports of one or more Butler matrices; Based on the activation of the one or more input ports, a signal is output from the output port of the one or more Butler matrices, wherein the signal output from the output port has a varying phase shift relative to each other; The signal output from the output port is phase-shifted by a plurality of phase shifters respectively coupled to the output port, wherein the phase-shifted signals also have varying phase shifts relative to each other and phase differences between adjacent phase-shifted signals; At each of the plurality of hybrid couplers respectively coupled to the plurality of phase shifters, a phase-shifted signal is received from the corresponding phase shifter, wherein each of the plurality of hybrid couplers is located outside the one or more Butler matrices and between the plurality of phase shifters and the plurality of antenna elements; and Based on the phase-shifted signal received from the respective phase shifter, two signals are output from each of the plurality of hybrid couplers, wherein the two signals are phase-shifted relative to each other.

10. The method according to claim 9, wherein: Receive at least one activation signal to activate different input ports; as well as Outputting the signal from all output ports includes outputting the signal in different phase modes based on the activation of the different input ports.

11. The method according to claim 9, wherein, The signal output from the output port has a uniform phase distribution and a phase difference between adjacent signals.

12. The method according to claim 9, further comprising: At each of the plurality of antenna elements associated with one of the plurality of hybrid couplers, one of the two signals is received from the associated hybrid coupler; as well as Based on the signal received from the associated hybrid coupler, an output beam is generated from each of the plurality of antenna elements. The beams output from the plurality of antenna elements are output at different beam angles relative to each other, and there is a phase difference between adjacent beams.

13. The method of claim 9, further comprising: Based on the phase-shifted signal received from the respective phase shifter, two signals are output from each of the plurality of hybrid couplers, wherein the two signals are phase-shifted by 180° from each other, and are respectively output to two antenna elements of the plurality of antenna elements of the associated hybrid coupler coupled to the plurality of hybrid couplers; At each of the plurality of antenna elements, one of the two signals output from a corresponding one of the plurality of hybrid couplers is received; and Based on one of the two signals output from the corresponding one of the plurality of hybrid couplers, a beam is output from each of the plurality of antenna elements. The beams output from the plurality of antenna elements are output at different beam angles relative to each other, and there is a phase difference between adjacent beams.

14. The method according to claim 13, wherein, The number of the plurality of antenna elements is twice the number of the plurality of phase shifters.

15. The method of claim 9, further comprising: This enables the plurality of phase shifters to perform phase shifting on the signals output from the output ports, respectively. or The multiple phase shifters are prohibited from performing phase shifts on the signals output from the output ports respectively.

16. An apparatus for wireless communication at a device, comprising: A component for receiving at least one activation signal to activate one or more input port components of a plurality of input port components of a Butler matrix component; A component for outputting signals from the output port components of one or more Butler matrix components based on one or more activated input port components, wherein the signals output from the output port components have varying phase shifts relative to each other; and Multiple phase-shifting components are respectively coupled to the output port components of the one or more Butler matrix components for phase-shifting the signals output from the output port components, wherein the phase-shifted signals are configured to have varying phase shifts relative to each other and phase differences between adjacent phase-shifted signals; A component for receiving a phase-shifted signal from a respective phase-shifting component at each of a plurality of hybrid coupling components respectively coupled to the plurality of phase-shifting components, wherein each of the plurality of hybrid coupling components is located outside the one or more Butler matrix components and between the plurality of phase-shifting components and a plurality of antenna element components for output beam; and For outputting two signals from each of the plurality of hybrid coupling components based on the phase-shifted signal received from the respective phase-shifting component, wherein the two signals are phase-shifted relative to each other.

17. The apparatus according to claim 16, wherein: The component for receiving the at least one activation signal is configured to activate different input port components; as well as The component for outputting the signal is configured to output the signal from all output port components in different phase modes based on different activated input port components.

18. The apparatus according to claim 16, wherein, The signal output from the output port component has a uniform phase distribution and a phase difference between adjacent signals.

19. The apparatus according to claim 16, wherein, Each of the plurality of antenna element components for outputting a beam is associated with one of the plurality of hybrid coupling components, and the device further includes: A component for receiving one of the two signals from an associated hybrid coupling component at each of the plurality of antenna element components; and A component for outputting a beam from each of the plurality of antenna element components based on the one signal received from the associated hybrid coupling component. The beams output from the plurality of antenna element components are output at different beam angles relative to each other, and there is a phase difference between adjacent beams.

20. The apparatus according to claim 16, wherein, Each hybrid coupling component is also coupled to two of the plurality of antenna element components for output beam, and the device further includes: A component for outputting two signals from each of the plurality of hybrid coupling components based on the phase-shifted signal received from the respective phase-shifting component, wherein the two signals are phase-shifted by 180° relative to each other and are respectively output to the two antenna element components; A component for receiving, at each of the plurality of antenna element components, one of the two signals output from a corresponding one of the plurality of hybrid coupling components; and A component for outputting a beam from each of the plurality of antenna element components based on one of the two signals output from a corresponding one of the plurality of hybrid coupling components. The beams output from the plurality of antenna element components are output at different beam angles relative to each other, and there is a phase difference between adjacent beams.

21. The apparatus according to claim 20, wherein, The number of the plurality of antenna element components is twice the number of the plurality of phase-shifting components.

22. The apparatus of claim 16, further comprising: A component for enabling the plurality of phase-shifting components to respectively phase-shift the signal output from the output port component; or A component used to prevent the plurality of phase-shifting components from performing phase shifting on the signal output from the output port component.

23. A non-transitory computer-readable medium storing code at a device, the code comprising instructions executable by one or more processors to cause the device to perform the following operations: Receive at least one activation signal to activate one or more input ports of one or more Butler matrices; Signals are output from the output ports of the one or more Butler matrices based on one or more activated input ports, wherein, The signals output from the output port have a varying phase shift relative to each other; The signal output from the output port is phase-shifted via a plurality of phase shifters respectively coupled to the output port, wherein the phase-shifted signals are configured to have a varying phase shift relative to each other and a phase difference between adjacent phase-shifted signals; At each of the plurality of hybrid couplers that are respectively coupled to the plurality of phase shifters, a phase-shifted signal is received from the corresponding phase shifter, wherein each of the plurality of hybrid couplers is located outside the one or more Butler matrices and between the plurality of phase shifters and the plurality of antenna elements; as well as Based on the phase-shifted signal received from the respective phase shifter, two signals are output from each of the plurality of hybrid couplers, wherein the two signals are phase-shifted relative to each other.

24. The non-transitory computer-readable medium according to claim 23, wherein: The instructions, which can be executed by the one or more processors, activate different input ports to cause the device to receive at least one activation signal. as well as The instructions, which can be executed by the one or more processors, cause the output ports to output the signal, and output the signal from all output ports in different phase modes based on different active input ports.

25. The non-transitory computer-readable medium according to claim 23, wherein, The signal output from the output port has a uniform phase distribution and a phase difference between adjacent signals.

26. The non-transitory computer-readable medium of claim 23, further comprising code, the code including instructions executable by the one or more processors to cause the device to perform the following operations: At each of the plurality of antenna elements associated with one of the plurality of hybrid couplers, a signal of one of the two signals is received from the associated hybrid coupler; and Based on the signal received from the associated hybrid coupler, an output beam is generated from each of the plurality of antenna elements. in, The beams output from the plurality of antenna elements are output at different beam angles relative to each other and have a phase difference between adjacent beams.

27. The non-transitory computer-readable medium of claim 23, further comprising code, the code including instructions executable by the one or more processors to cause the device to perform the following operations: Based on the phase-shifted signal received from the respective phase shifter, two signals are output from each of the plurality of hybrid couplers, wherein, The two signals are phase-shifted by 180° and are respectively output to two antenna elements of the plurality of antenna elements of the associated hybrid coupler coupled to the plurality of hybrid couplers; At each of the plurality of antenna elements, one of the two signals output from a corresponding one of the plurality of hybrid couplers is received; as well as Based on one of the two signals output from the corresponding one of the hybrid couplers, a beam is output from each of the plurality of antenna elements. The beams output from the plurality of antenna elements are output at different beam angles relative to each other, and there is a phase difference between adjacent beams.

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