Antenna array apparatus, and phase-set configuration method, apparatus, and device

Abstract

An antenna array apparatus, and a phase-set configuration method, apparatus, and device. In the present application, the antenna array apparatus comprises a plurality of phase shifters and antenna elements respectively connected to the phase shifters. Each phase shifter is configured with a phase set, the phase set of each phase shifter comprises one or more phase values, and the phase sets of the respective phase shifters are not completely identical. Any one of the phase shifters is configured to adjust the phase of the connected antenna element on the basis of the phase set of the phase shifter. Because the phase values in the phase sets of the respective phase shifters are not completely identical, exhibiting a "non-uniform" characteristic, the phase adjustment made by each phase shifter to the antenna array connected thereto is not concentrated on several identical phase values. The antenna elements connected to the respective phase shifters have different phase values, so that the antenna array apparatus can flexibly adjust the phases of the antenna elements, thereby achieving improved beamforming performance and enhancing the beamforming capability of the antenna array apparatus.

Description

An antenna array device, a phase set configuration method, apparatus, and equipment.

[0001] Cross-references to related applications

[0002] This application claims priority to Chinese Patent Application No. 202410951318.1, filed on July 15, 2024, entitled "An antenna array device, phase set configuration method, apparatus and equipment", the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. Technical Field

[0003] This application relates to the field of communication technology, and in particular to an antenna array device, a phase set configuration method, apparatus and equipment. Background Technology

[0004] Large MIMO (Multi-Infrared Array) antennas consist of numerous antenna elements arranged in an array. Beamforming can be achieved by controlling the amplitude and phase of these antenna elements (i.e., the amplitude and phase of the signals they transmit). In multi-antenna technology, the spatial electromagnetic field is obtained by coherently superimposing the radiation fields of each antenna element according to their amplitude and phase. Due to the interference and diffraction characteristics of waves, signals with different amplitudes and phases emitted by different antenna elements, after being superimposed, will have increased energy in some directions and decreased energy in others, resulting in a narrow beam radiating in a specific direction. Given this characteristic of multi-antenna systems, intervening in the beamforming process—that is, intentionally changing the amplitude or phase of the transmitted signal of each antenna element—to give the final beam the required width and orientation, is called beamforming.

[0005] It is evident that phase adjustment is becoming increasingly important in new communication scenarios, gradually becoming a key means of beamforming. The phase adjustment of an antenna array is often achieved through a phase shifter connected to it. Each phase shifter has a corresponding phase set, and the phase shifter can only adjust the phase of the connected antenna array based on a few discrete phase values ​​contained in that phase set. The addition of scenario-specific beamforming requirements such as upper sidelobe suppression makes the selection of phase values ​​in the phase shifter's phase set more stringent. Therefore, setting the phase values ​​within the phase shifter's phase set has become a challenge. Summary of the Invention

[0006] This application provides an antenna array device, a phase set configuration method, an apparatus, and a device for improving the beamforming capability of the antenna array device.

[0007] In a first aspect, this application also provides an antenna array device, which includes a plurality of phase shifters and an antenna element connected to each phase shifter. Each phase shifter is configured with a phase set, and the phase set of each phase shifter includes one or more phase values. The phase sets of each phase shifter are not completely identical.

[0008] Any phase shifter is used to adjust the phase of the connected antenna array based on the phase set of the phase shifter.

[0009] With the above-mentioned device, since the phase values ​​of the phase set of each phase shifter are not exactly the same and have the characteristic of "non-homogeneous", the set of phase values ​​that each phase shifter can achieve for the connected antenna array is no longer the same. The phase values ​​of the antenna array connected to each phase shifter are different, which makes the antenna array device able to flexibly adjust the phase of the antenna array, resulting in better beamforming effect and stronger beamforming capability of the antenna array device.

[0010] In one possible implementation, multiple phase values ​​in the phase set of each phase shifter are mapped to multiple phase angles in a circle in a non-uniform distribution.

[0011] With the above-mentioned device, the multiple phase values ​​of the phase set of each phase shifter have the characteristic of "non-uniformity". The design of multiple phase values ​​within the phase set of each phase shifter is more flexible and adaptable to a wider range of scenarios.

[0012] In one possible implementation, each phase shifter's phase set includes K phase values, where K is a positive integer. After each phase shifter adjusts the phase of the connected antenna array, the antenna arrays connected to multiple phase shifters form one of N target beams.

[0013] Through the above-mentioned device, the multiple phase shifters cooperate with each other to enable the antenna elements connected to the multiple phase shifters to form N target beams respectively, ensuring that the antenna array device has a strong beamforming capability and can achieve the expected beamforming target.

[0014] In one possible implementation, for any phase shifter's phase set, the K phase values ​​in the phase set are determined based on N primary phase values, which are used to form N target beams. This allows the phase shifter to adjust the phase of the connected phase elements based on the phase set to form N target beams.

[0015] In one possible implementation, N primary phase values ​​are N optimal phase values, that is, one primary phase value is one optimal phase value, and the beam dominance index of the N target beams indicated by the N optimal phase values ​​is better than the beam dominance index of the N target beams indicated by other phase values.

[0016] With the above-mentioned device, the K phase values ​​determined based on the N optimal phase values ​​can achieve a better beamforming index, further ensuring that the antenna array device has a strong beamforming capability.

[0017] In one possible implementation, the K phase values ​​in the phase set are either K of the N primary phase values ​​or K of the N optimal phase values. Determining the K phase values ​​is relatively simple and quick.

[0018] In one possible implementation, after the antenna array connected to multiple phase shifters forms N target beams, there are M suppression regions within the radiation range of the antenna array connected to the multiple phase shifters, and each suppression region satisfies the constraint conditions.

[0019] In one possible implementation, the M suppression regions can be M strip regions with non-overlapping upper sidelobes, which can meet the requirements for upper sidelobe suppression in new communication scenarios and effectively expand the applicable scenarios of the antenna array device.

[0020] With the above-mentioned device, since multiple phase shifters cooperate with each other, the antenna array connected to the multiple phase shifters can form N target beams respectively, while also storing M suppression regions, making the antenna array device suitable for more complex beamforming scenarios.

[0021] In one possible implementation, the constraint is that the beam suppression index within each suppression region does not exceed a preset threshold. The beam suppression index is determined based on the intensity of N target beams within the suppression region. The intensity of the target beams within each suppression region can be effectively suppressed.

[0022] In one possible implementation, the K phase values ​​in the phase set determined by the N primary phase values ​​are determined as follows:

[0023] K candidate phase values ​​are selected from N primary phase values, and these K candidate phase values ​​can be used to form N target beams.

[0024] The K candidate phase values ​​are optimized based on the constraints of each suppression region to obtain K phase values.

[0025] With the above device, the K phase values ​​are optimized based on the K candidate phase values, which can ensure that the phase set of the phase shifter can be used to form N target beams and also ensure the formation of M suppression regions.

[0026] In one possible implementation, the phase shifter comprises E switching units, where E = log₂K, and the state s of each switching unit is... i It satisfies the following with any of the K phase values ​​f(s):

[0027] in, b∈{0,1} E And b≠(0,0,…0), c 0、 c b It is a constant.

[0028] With the above-mentioned device, the conversion between the state and phase value of the E switching units of the phase shifter is simpler, and the state of each switching unit can be quickly determined when the phase value is known.

[0029] In one possible implementation, the objective function for solving for N primary phase values ​​is a binary tensor. A polynomial function, where m∈[1,N] r ], n∈[1,N c N, consisting of multiple phase shifters connected to antenna elements. r ×N c Rectangular array, binary tensor Any element in the equation is used to characterize the state of a switching unit in a phase shifter.

[0030] With the above-described device, since there is a correspondence between the states of the E switching units of the phase shifter and the phase values, the objective function can be transformed into a function of the states of the E switching units of the phase shifter. Therefore, the process of solving for the N primary phase values ​​can be transformed into the process of solving for the states of the E switching units of the phase shifter.

[0031] In one possible implementation, the polynomial function includes some or all of the following:

[0032] Among them, the coefficient tensor It is a function of the beamforming or suppression direction (θ,φ), m∈[1,N] r ], n∈[1,N c ].

[0033] With the above-mentioned device, the structure of the objective function is simpler, making it easier to solve for the states of the E switching units of the phase shifter corresponding to the N primary phase values.

[0034] Secondly, this application also provides a phase set configuration method, which is used to configure a phase set including K phase values ​​for each of a plurality of phase shifters, where K is a positive integer. The beneficial effects of this second aspect can be found in the relevant description of the first aspect, and will not be repeated here. In this method:

[0035] For any phase shifter, the configuration device acquires N primary phase values, which are used to form the N target beams.

[0036] The configuration device obtains K phase values ​​based on N primary phase values.

[0037] Using the above method, the phase value of the phase set of each phase shifter is obtained based on N primary phase values, which can effectively ensure that each phase shifter can form one of the N target beams after adjusting the phase of the connected antenna array.

[0038] In one possible implementation, the phase set of each phase shifter is not exactly the same.

[0039] In one possible implementation, multiple phase values ​​in the phase set of each phase shifter are mapped to multiple phase angles in a circle in a non-uniform distribution.

[0040] In one possible implementation, N primary phase values ​​are N optimal phase values, and the beam dominance index of the N target beams indicated by the N optimal phase values ​​is better than the beam dominance index of the N target beams indicated by the other phase values.

[0041] In one possible implementation, after each phase shifter adjusts the phase of the connected antenna array based on the phase set of each phase shifter, the antenna arrays connected to multiple phase shifters form one of N target beams.

[0042] In one possible implementation, after the antenna array connected to multiple phase shifters forms N target beams, there are M suppression regions within the radiation range of the antenna array connected to the multiple phase shifters, and each suppression region satisfies the constraint conditions.

[0043] In one possible implementation, when the configuration device obtains K phase values ​​based on N primary phase values, it determines K candidate phase values ​​from the N primary phase values. These K candidate phase values ​​can be used to form N target beams. Based on an optimization objective, the K candidate phase values ​​are optimized to obtain K phase values. The optimization objective is: there are M suppression regions within the radiation range of the antenna array connected to the multiple phase shifters, and each suppression region satisfies a constraint condition.

[0044] In one possible implementation, the constraint is that the beam suppression index in each suppression region is not greater than a preset threshold, and the beam suppression index is determined based on the intensity of N target beams in the suppression region.

[0045] In one possible implementation, the M suppression regions are M strip regions whose upper sidelobes do not overlap.

[0046] In one possible implementation, when the configuration device optimizes K candidate phase values ​​based on constraints, it performs multiple iterative optimizations on the K candidate phase values ​​according to the constraints that M suppression regions need to satisfy. Each iterative optimization includes adjusting the K candidate phase values ​​of each phase shifter.

[0047] In one possible implementation, when the configuration device acquires N primary phase values, it acquires the N primary phase values ​​based on the directions and intensities of the N target beams.

[0048] In one possible implementation, the phase shifter comprises E switching units, where E = log₂K, and the state s of each switching unit is... i It satisfies the following with any of the K phase values ​​f(s):

[0049] in, b∈{0,1} E And b≠(0,0,…0), c 0、 c b It is a constant.

[0050] In one possible implementation, the objective function for solving for N primary phase values ​​is a polynomial function of a binary tensor S, where each element of the binary tensor S represents the state s of each switching unit. i .

[0051] In one possible implementation, the polynomial function includes some or all of the following:

[0052] Among them, the coefficient tensor It is a function of the beamforming or suppression direction (θ,φ), m∈[1,N] r ], n∈[1,N c ].

[0053] Thirdly, this application also provides a phase encoding method for encoding Q target phases, wherein:

[0054] For any target phase, the encoding device encodes the target phase as a value state of P binary variables. When the P binary variables are in a value state, the dot product of the step vector and the coefficient vector of the P binary variables is equal to the target phase. The step vector includes a constant term and also includes first-order terms and / or higher-order terms of the P binary variables. The first-order term is any one of the P binary variables, and the higher-order term is the product of multiple binary variables among the P binary variables.

[0055] Using the above method, Q target phases can be encoded without redundancy using P binary variables, resulting in high encoding efficiency.

[0056] In one possible implementation, Q and P are positive integers, and Q and P satisfy: P = log₂Q

[0057] Through the above method, there is a quadratic relationship between Q and P, ensuring that any one of the Q target phases can be converted into a value state of the P binary variables.

[0058] In one possible implementation, the encoding device acquires multiple candidate coefficient vectors, the dot product of each candidate coefficient vector with the step vectors of P binary variables is equal to the target phase; the candidate coefficient vector containing the most zeros is taken as the coefficient vector.

[0059] By using the above method, the coefficient vector contains a large number of zeros, which makes the relationship between any target phase among the Q target phases and a value state of the P binary variables simpler, effectively ensuring coding efficiency.

[0060] In one possible implementation, when the encoding device acquires multiple candidate coefficient vectors, the process of acquiring any candidate coefficient vector C is as follows:

[0061] The encoding device acquires the encoding matrix U, which includes a constant term, a first-order term of P binary variables, and all values ​​of the higher-order terms.

[0062] The candidate coefficient vector C and the encoding matrix S satisfy:

[0063] C = U -1 L, where L is a complex vector constructed based on Q target phases.

[0064] The complex vectors required to obtain different candidate coefficient vectors are different.

[0065] Using the above method, the encoding device can easily and quickly obtain multiple candidate coefficient vectors.

[0066] In one possible implementation, the order of the Q target phases in the complex vector required to obtain different candidate coefficient vectors is different.

[0067] By changing the order of the Q target phases using the above method, different L values ​​can be obtained, which in turn yield different candidate coefficient vectors.

[0068] In one possible implementation, the Q target phases are determined based on the values ​​of Q trigonometric functions. This makes the encoding method also applicable to scenarios where the encoding is based on the values ​​of trigonometric functions.

[0069] In one possible implementation, the state u of each binary variable iIt satisfies the following with any one of the Q phase values ​​f(u):

[0070] in, b∈{0,1} P And b≠(0,0,…0), c 0、 c b These are the elements in the coefficient vector.

[0071] Using the method described above, the state u of each binary variable is... i The relationship between the phase value f(u) and any one of the Q phase values ​​is relatively simple, ensuring coding efficiency.

[0072] Fourthly, this application also provides a phase decoding method for decoding Q target phases. This method is the inverse of the phase decoding method in the third aspect, and the relevant beneficial effects can be found in the description of the third aspect, which will not be repeated here. In this method:

[0073] The decoding device acquires one value state of P binary variables and decodes one value state of P binary variables into one of Q target phases. When the P binary variables are in a value state, the dot product of the step vector and the coefficient vector of the P binary variables is equal to the target phase. The step vector includes a constant term and also includes first-order terms and / or higher-order terms of the P binary variables. The first-order term is any one of the P binary variables, and the higher-order term is the product of multiple binary variables among the P binary variables.

[0074] In one possible implementation, Q and P are positive integers, and Q and P satisfy: P = log₂Q

[0075] In one possible implementation, the decoding device acquires multiple candidate coefficient vectors, the dot product of each candidate coefficient vector with the step vectors of P binary variables is equal to the target phase; the candidate coefficient vector containing the most zeros is taken as the coefficient vector.

[0076] In one possible implementation, when the decoding device acquires multiple candidate coefficient vectors, the process of acquiring any candidate coefficient vector C is as follows:

[0077] The decoding device acquires the encoding matrix U, which includes a constant term and all values ​​of the first-order and higher-order terms of P binary variables.

[0078] The candidate coefficient vector C and the encoding matrix U satisfy:

[0079] C = U -1 L, where L is a complex vector constructed based on Q target phases.

[0080] The complex vectors required to obtain different candidate coefficient vectors are different.

[0081] In one possible implementation, the order of the Q target phases in the complex vector required to obtain different candidate coefficient vectors is different.

[0082] In one possible implementation, the Q target phases are determined based on the values ​​of the Q trigonometric functions.

[0083] In one possible implementation, the state u of each binary variable i It satisfies the following with any one of the Q phase values ​​f(u):

[0084] in, b∈{0,1} E And b≠(0,0,…0), c0, c b These are the elements in the coefficient vector.

[0085] Fifthly, this application also provides a configuration device that has the function of implementing the behavior in the method example of the second aspect described above. The beneficial effects are described in the first aspect and will not be repeated here. The function can be implemented by hardware or by hardware executing corresponding software. The hardware or software includes one or more modules corresponding to the above functions. In one possible design, the configuration device includes a phase optimization module, and optionally, an array control module, a measurement feedback module, and an antenna array. These modules can perform the corresponding functions in the method example of the second aspect described above, wherein...

[0086] For any phase shifter, the phase optimization module obtains N primary phase values, which are used to form N target beams; and K phase values ​​are obtained based on the N primary phase values.

[0087] The array control module controls the phase shifter based on the K phase values ​​obtained by the phase optimization module, so that the phase of the antenna array connected to the phase shifter is equal to the K phase values ​​respectively.

[0088] The measurement feedback module is used to measure the beam of the antenna array connected to each phase shifter and feed the measurement results back to the phase optimization module.

[0089] The phase optimization model is also used to adjust or optimize the primary phase value based on the measurement results.

[0090] For details on the functions that each module can perform, please refer to the method examples for a detailed description; they will not be repeated here.

[0091] Sixthly, this application also provides an encoding device that has the function of implementing the behavior in the method examples of the third aspect described above. The beneficial effects can be found in the description of the third aspect and will not be repeated here. The function can be implemented by hardware or by hardware executing corresponding software. The hardware or software includes one or more modules corresponding to the above functions. In one possible design, the configuration device includes a phase encoding module, and optionally, a coefficient calculation module. These modules can perform the corresponding functions in the method examples of the first or second aspect described above, as detailed in the method examples, and will not be repeated here.

[0092] Seventhly, this application also provides a decoding device that has the function of implementing the behavior in the method example of the fourth aspect described above. The beneficial effects can be found in the description of the fourth aspect and will not be repeated here. The function can be implemented by hardware or by hardware executing corresponding software. The hardware or software includes one or more modules corresponding to the above functions. In one possible design, the configuration device includes a phase decoding module, and optionally, a coefficient calculation module. These modules can perform the corresponding functions in the method example of the third aspect described above, as detailed in the method example description and will not be repeated here.

[0093] Eighthly, this application also provides a computing device including at least one processor and a memory, and may further include a network interface card (NIC). The at least one processor executes program instructions in the memory to perform the methods provided by any possible implementation of any of the second, third, and fourth aspects described above. The memory is coupled to the processor and stores computer program instructions and data necessary for the backup task allocation process. The NIC is used for communication with other devices.

[0094] Ninthly, this application provides a computing device system including at least one computing device. Each computing device includes a memory and a processor. The processor of the at least one computing device is used to access code in the memory to execute the methods provided by any of the second, third, and fourth aspects or any possible implementations of any of the aspects.

[0095] Tenthly, this application provides a computer-readable storage medium that, when executed by a computing device, allows the computing device to perform the method provided by any one of the second, third, and fourth aspects or any possible implementation of any one of them. The storage medium stores computer program instructions. The storage medium includes, but is not limited to, volatile memory, such as random access memory, and non-volatile memory, such as flash memory, hard disk drive (HDD), and solid-state drive (SSD).

[0096] In one aspect, this application provides a computing device program product, which includes computer program instructions. When executed by a computing device, the computing device performs the method provided by any one of the second, third, and fourth aspects or any possible implementation thereof. The computer program product can be a software installation package. When it is necessary to use the method provided by any one of the second, third, and fourth aspects or any possible implementation thereof, the computer program product can be downloaded and executed on the computing device.

[0097] In a twelfth aspect, this application also provides a computer chip connected to a memory, the chip being used to read and execute computer program instructions stored in the memory, and to execute the method provided by any one of the second, third, and fourth aspects or any possible implementation of any one aspect. Attached Figure Description

[0098] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of a communication system provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0099] Figure 2 is a schematic diagram of an antenna array device provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0100] Figures 3A and 3B are schematic diagrams illustrating the distribution of multiple phase angles according to an embodiment of this application;

[0101] Figure 4 is a schematic diagram of a phase set configuration method provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0102] Figure 5 is a schematic diagram of a configuration device provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0103] Figure 6A is a schematic diagram of the deployment of an antenna array device provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0104] Figure 6B is a schematic diagram of an antenna array device provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0105] Figures 6C to 6D are schematic diagrams of product specifications for an antenna array device provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0106] Figure 6E is a schematic diagram of the deployment of an antenna array device provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0107] Figure 6F is a schematic diagram of an antenna array device provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0108] Figure 7 is a schematic diagram of a phase encoding method provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0109] Figure 8 is a schematic diagram of a phase decoding method provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0110] Figure 9 is a schematic diagram of an encoding device provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0111] Figure 10 is a schematic diagram of a decoding device provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0112] Figures 11 and 12 are schematic diagrams of the structure of a computing device provided in an embodiment of this application. Detailed Implementation

[0113] In the embodiments of this application, "at least one" refers to one or more, and "more than one" refers to two or more. "And / or" describes the relationship between related objects, indicating that three relationships can exist. For example, A and / or B can represent: A alone, A and B simultaneously, or B alone, where A and B can be singular or plural. The character " / " generally indicates that the preceding and following related objects are in an "or" relationship. "At least one of the following" or similar expressions refer to any combination of these items, including any combination of single or plural items. For example, at least one of a, b, or c can represent: a, b, c, a and b, a and c, b and c, or a, b, and c, where each of a, b, and c can be an element itself or a set containing one or more elements.

[0114] In this application, terms such as "exemplary," "in some embodiments," and "in other embodiments" are used to indicate that something is an example, illustration, or description. Any embodiment or design that is described as "exemplary" in this application should not be construed as being more preferred or advantageous than other embodiments or designs. Rather, the term "exemplary" is used to present the concept in a specific manner.

[0115] In this application, the terms "of," "corresponding (relevant)," and "corresponding" may sometimes be used interchangeably. It should be noted that, unless a distinction is emphasized, their intended meanings are consistent. Similarly, in the embodiments of this application, "communication" and "transmission" may sometimes be used interchangeably. It should be noted that, unless a distinction is emphasized, their intended meanings are consistent. For example, transmission can include sending and / or receiving, and can be a noun or a verb.

[0116] It should be noted that the terms "first" and "second" used in the embodiments of this application are used only for the purpose of distinguishing descriptions and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance or order.

[0117] Figure 1 illustrates the architecture of a communication system provided in an embodiment of this application. The architecture of the communication system may include at least two devices, wherein the devices in the communication system can be any type of communication device with wireless transceiver function.

[0118] At least one device in this communication system is a multi-antenna device, and the multi-antenna device can transmit and receive signals directionally based on beamforming technology. Figure 1 only shows the first and second devices of the communication system interacting based on beamforming technology, but the number of devices included in the communication system of this application embodiment is not limited to two.

[0119] The first device shown in Figure 1 can be a terminal device or a network device, and the second device can also be a terminal device or a network device.

[0120] The terminal device involved in the embodiments of this application may be a device that provides voice and / or data connectivity to a user, a handheld device with wireless connectivity, or other processing devices connected to a wireless modem. In the embodiments of this application, the means for implementing the functions of the terminal device may be the terminal device itself; it may be a module or unit applicable to the terminal device; or it may be a means that supports the terminal device in implementing the function, such as a chip system, which may be installed in the terminal device or used in conjunction with the terminal device.

[0121] Terminal equipment, also known as user equipment (UE), access terminal, subscriber unit, user station, mobile station (MS), mobile station, remote station, remote terminal, mobile device, user terminal, terminal, wireless communication equipment, user agent, or user device. Mobile phones, cellular phones, smartphones, tablets, mice, remote controls, styluses, set-top boxes, routers, cameras, screens, smart screens, wireless data cards, personal digital assistants (PDAs), wireless modems, handsets, laptop computers, smartwatches, smart bracelets, wireless headphones, electronic whiteboards, machine-type communication (MTC) terminals, computers with wireless transceiver capabilities, virtual reality (VR) terminals, augmented reality (AR) terminals, smart home devices (e.g., refrigerators, televisions, air conditioners, washing machines, rice cookers, table lamps, electricity meters, etc.), intelligent robots, robotic arms, workshop equipment, wireless terminals in autonomous driving, wireless terminals in industrial control, wireless terminals in self-driving, wireless terminals in remote medical care, wireless terminals in smart grids, transportation security. Wireless terminals in various applications include those related to safety, smart cities, smart homes, in-vehicle terminals, in-vehicle screens, in-vehicle audio systems, car keys, roadside units (RSUs) with terminal functions, and flying equipment (e.g., intelligent robots, hot air balloons, drones, airplanes). The terminal equipment in this application can also be an in-vehicle module, in-vehicle component, in-vehicle chip, or in-vehicle unit integrated into a vehicle as one or more components or units. The terminal equipment can also be other devices with terminal functions; for example, it can be a device that functions as a terminal in device-to-device (D2D) communication.

[0122] The embodiments of this application do not limit the device form of the terminal. The device used to implement the functions of the terminal device can be the terminal device itself; it can also be a device that supports the terminal device in implementing the functions, such as a chip system. The device can be installed in the terminal device or used in conjunction with the terminal device. In the embodiments of this application, the chip system can be composed of chips or can include chips and other discrete components.

[0123] The network device involved in the embodiments of this application can be an access network device in a wireless network. For example, the network device can be a device deployed in a wireless access network to provide wireless communication functions for terminals. For example, the network device can be a radio access network (RAN) node that connects terminals to a wireless network. In the embodiments of this application, the means for implementing the functions of the network device can be the network device itself; it can be a module or unit that can be applied to the network device; or it can be a means that can support the network device in implementing the function, such as a chip system, which can be installed in the network device or used in conjunction with the network device.

[0124] Network equipment includes, but is not limited to: evolved Node B (eNB), radio network controller (RNC), Node B (NB), base station controller (BSC), base transceiver station (BTS), home base station (e.g., home evolved Node B, or home Node B, HNB), baseband unit (BBU), access point (AP), wireless relay node, wireless backhaul node, transmission point (TP), or transmission and reception point (TRP) in a wireless fidelity (WIFI) system, and can also be network equipment in 5G or 6G mobile communication systems. For example, next-generation Node B (gNB), transmission and reception point (TRP), or TP in an NR system; or one or a group of antenna panels (including multiple antenna panels) of a base station in a 5G mobile communication system; or, network equipment can also be network nodes constituting a gNB or transmission point. For example, BBU, or distributed unit (DU), etc.

[0125] In some deployments, a gNB may include a centralized unit (CU) and a dedicated unit (DU). The gNB may also include an active antenna unit (AAU). The CU implements some of the gNB's functions, and the DU implements others. For example, the CU handles non-real-time protocols and services, implementing Radio Resource Control (RRC) and Packet Data Convergence Protocol (PDCP) layer functions. The DU handles physical layer protocols and real-time services, implementing Radio Link Control (RLC), MAC, and physical (PHY) layer functions. The AAU implements some physical layer processing functions, radio frequency processing, and active antenna-related functions. Information from the RRC layer ultimately becomes information from the PHY layer, or is derived from PHY layer information. Therefore, in this architecture, higher-layer signaling (such as RRC layer signaling) can be considered to be sent by the DU, or by both the DU and AAU. It is understood that network devices can be one or more of CU nodes, DU nodes, and AAU nodes. In addition, the CU can be classified as a network device in the RAN or as a network device in the core network (CN), and this application does not limit this.

[0126] In one possible scenario, multiple RAN devices (or RAN nodes) collaborate to assist a terminal in achieving wireless access, with different RAN nodes implementing some of the base station's functions. For example, a RAN node can be a central unit (CU), a distributed unit (DU), a CU-control plane (CP), a CU-user plane (UP), or a radio unit (RU), etc. CUs and DUs can be set up separately or included in the same network element, such as a baseband unit (BBU). RUs can be included in radio equipment or radio units, such as remote radio units (RRUs), active antenna units (AAUs), or remote radio heads (RRHs).

[0127] In different systems, CU (or CU-CP and CU-UP), DU, or RU may have different names, but those skilled in the art will understand their meaning. For example, in an open-radio access network (ORAN) system, CU can also be called O-CU (open CU), DU can also be called O-DU, CU-CP can also be called O-CU-CP, CU-UP can also be called O-CU-UP, and RU can also be called O-RU. For ease of description, this application uses CU, CU-CP, CU-UP, DU, and RU as examples. Any of the units among CU (or CU-CP, CU-UP), DU, and RU in this application can be implemented through a software module, a hardware module, or a combination of software and hardware modules.

[0128] For example, if the embodiments of this application are applicable to 5G or 6G communication systems, the first device can be a network device, and the second device can be a terminal device. In some scenarios, the first device and the second device can also be terminal devices.

[0129] In the embodiments of this application, the device for transmitting or receiving signals based on beamforming is referred to as an antenna array device. In the aforementioned communication system, the first device or the second device can be an antenna array device.

[0130] Figure 2 is a schematic diagram of an antenna array device 100 provided in an embodiment of this application. The antenna array device 100 includes an antenna array 110.

[0131] The antenna array 110 includes multiple phase shifters 111 and antenna elements 112 connected to each phase shifter 111. This embodiment does not limit the number of antenna elements 112 connected to each phase shifter 111; a phase shifter 111 can connect to one or more antenna elements 112. In practical applications, the number of antenna elements 112 connected to each phase shifter 111 can be set according to specific requirements.

[0132] Each phase shifter 111 is configured with a phase set, which includes one or more phase values. The phase sets of each phase shifter 111 are not identical. The phase sets of each phase shifter 111 are not identical in the following two cases:

[0133] Case 1: The phase set of each phase shifter 111 is different.

[0134] Case 2: Among the phase sets of the multiple phase shifters 111, there are both identical phase sets and different phase sets.

[0135] It should be noted that, in the embodiments of this application, "two phase sets are the same" means that the phase values ​​in the two phase sets are exactly the same. "Two phase sets are different" means that the phase values ​​in the two phase sets are not exactly the same, that is, the same phase value is allowed to exist in two different phase sets.

[0136] For any phase shifter 111, multiple phase values ​​in the phase set of the phase shifter 111 satisfy the following: the multiple phase values ​​mapped to the multiple phase angles formed by the circumference are non-uniformly distributed.

[0137] Any phase value mapped onto a circle will be mapped to a phase angle. Since a phase value corresponds to a phase angle on the circle, mapping multiple phase angles onto a circle will form multiple phase angles. In order to more clearly define the distribution of multiple phase angles on the circle, in this embodiment of the application, the phase angles formed by mapping phase angles onto the circle are not less than 0 degrees and not greater than 360 degrees.

[0138] For multiple phase angles within a circle, there are two distribution methods: uniform distribution and non-uniform distribution. Uniform distribution means that the interval between any two adjacent phase angles within the circle is equal. As shown in Figure 3A, four phase angles uniformly distributed within a circle are exemplarily illustrated, with values ​​of 0 degrees, 90 degrees, 180 degrees, and 270 degrees. The interval between any two adjacent phase angles within this circle is 90 degrees. The interval between any two adjacent phase angles is min(ab mod 360, ba mod 360), where b and a are any two adjacent phase angles.

[0139] Another type is non-uniform distribution, which refers to any distribution pattern other than uniform distribution. If multiple phase angles are non-uniformly distributed, then at least two adjacent phase angles exist among these multiple phase angles, and the interval between these two adjacent phase angles is different from the interval between at least one other adjacent phase angle among these multiple phase angles. As shown in Figure 3B, four non-uniformly distributed phase angles in a circle are exemplarily illustrated, namely 0 degrees, 90 degrees, 180 degrees, and 260 degrees. In this circle, although the interval between any two adjacent phase angles of 0 degrees, 90 degrees, and 180 degrees is 90 degrees, the interval between adjacent phase angles of 180 degrees and 260 degrees is 80 degrees, and the interval between adjacent phase angles of 0 degrees and 260 degrees is 100 degrees.

[0140] In this embodiment, the multiple phase values ​​in the phase set of the phase shifter 111 satisfy the condition that the multiple phase angles formed by the multiple phase values ​​mapped onto the circumference are non-uniformly distributed. This means that the interval between any two adjacent phase angles within the circumference is not exactly the same. This distribution of phase angles also makes the multiple phase values ​​in the phase set of the phase shifter 111 "non-uniform". That is, at least one set of adjacent phase values ​​in the phase set of the phase shifter 111 has a difference that is different from the difference of other adjacent phase values. Here, a set of adjacent phase values ​​refers to two adjacent phase values ​​in the sequentially arranged multiple phase values. The first phase value and the last phase value in the sequentially arranged multiple phase values ​​can also be considered as a set of adjacent phase values.

[0141] For any phase shifter 111, the phase shifter 111 can adjust the phase of the connected antenna element 112 based on the phase set of the phase shifter 111, that is, the phase shifter 111 can adjust the phase of the connected antenna element 112 to any phase value in the phase set.

[0142] For the antenna array device 100, by adjusting the phase of the connected antenna elements 112 through the multiple phase shifters 111, the connected antenna elements 112 can form N target beams. After adjustment by the multiple phase shifters 111, the phase of the antenna array 110 connected to the multiple phase shifters 111 is different, and the target beams formed by the connected antenna elements 112 are different. Each time the multiple phase shifters 111 adjust the phase of the connected antenna elements 112, the connected antenna array 110 can form one of the N target beams. That is, after each phase shifter 111 adjusts the phase of the connected antenna element 112, the connected antenna elements 112 can form one of the N target beams.

[0143] In the embodiments of this application, the specific presentation of the N target beams is related to the beamforming capability that the antenna array device 100 needs to achieve. For any target beam, the target beam includes at least one shaping direction, and optionally, the target beam may also include a suppression direction.

[0144] Each phase shifter 111 has a phase set including K phase values, where K is a positive integer. These K phase values ​​are determined based on N primary phase values. The N primary phase values ​​are used to form N target beams. That is, for each phase shifter 111 there are N primary phase values, and each phase shifter 111 can form the N target beams based on its own N primary phase values.

[0145] This application does not limit the specific values ​​of the N primary phase values ​​or the gain effect they can bring. Any phase value that can be used to form a target beam can be used as a primary phase value. For example, the N primary phase values ​​can be N most effective phase values, that is, each primary phase value is an optimal phase value. The beamformation index of the N target beams indicated by the N optimal phase values ​​is better than the beamformation index of the N target beams indicated by other phase values. The N optimal phase values ​​are obtained by solving the phase of each phase shifter 111 when optimizing the formation of N target beams by the combined action of the antenna elements 112 connected to each phase shifter 111. In other words, the single objective in this solution process is for the antenna elements 112 connected to each phase shifter 111 to work together to form N target beams. For any phase shifter 111, when cooperating with other phase shifters 111 to form N target beams, the phase shifter 111 may have many phase values ​​(any of these multiple phase values ​​can be used as a primary phase value). The beamformation index of the N target beams indicated by the N optimal phase values ​​is the best N among the multiple possible phase values. The beamformation index of the N target beams indicated by the N optimal phase values ​​is better than the beamformation index of the N target beams indicated by other phase values.

[0146] The beamformation index of these N target beams characterizes the gain effect that these N target beams can bring. The specific calculation method for the beamformation index of these N target beams is as follows: any parameter that can characterize the gain effect brought by these N target beams can be used as the beamformation index of these N target beams. For example, the beamformation index of these N target beams can characterize the gain effect in the power dimension. Another example is that the beamformation index of these N target beams can characterize the gain effect in beamwidth. Yet another example is that the beamformation index of these N target beams can characterize the gain effect in beamforming uniformity.

[0147] The beam dominance index of the N target beams is related to the phase value of the antenna element 112. Therefore, the N phase values ​​can indicate the beam dominance index of the N target beams formed under the action of the N phase values.

[0148] Furthermore, in the process of solving the N primary phase values, it is not required that the phase set of each phase shifter 111 be the same. Therefore, in this process, the N primary phase values ​​of each phase shifter 111 may not be completely the same or completely different.

[0149] This application does not limit the relationship between K and N; K can be greater than N, equal to N, or less than N. The value of K is related to the properties of the phase shifter 111, that is, K characterizes the phase adjustment capability of the phase shifter 111. In other words, the larger the value of K, the smaller the phase adjustment granularity of the phase shifter 111, and the more possible phase values ​​of the connected antenna element 112. N and the direction and intensity of the N target beams are requirements for the beamforming capability of the antenna array device 100 (which can also be understood as the expected target for beamforming of the antenna array device 100), that is, the antenna array device 100 is required to form N target beams.

[0150] The embodiments of this application are not limited to determining K phase values ​​based on N primary phase values. For example, when K is less than N, the K phase values ​​can be K phase values ​​from the N primary phase values. Alternatively, the K phase values ​​can be obtained by further adjusting the N primary phase values.

[0151] For example, regarding the beamforming capability of the antenna array 112, in addition to requiring the antenna array 112 to form N target beams, it is further required that after forming N target beams, the antenna array 112 has M suppression regions within the radiation range of the antenna array 110, and each suppression region satisfies the constraint conditions.

[0152] In other words, the phase set of the multiple phase shifters 111 in the antenna array 112 needs to ensure that the antenna array 112 can form N target beams, and also needs to ensure that there are M suppression regions within the radiation range of the antenna array 110, each of which satisfies a constraint condition. That is, the beams need to be suppressed to a certain extent within these M suppression regions, and the degree of suppression is reflected by the constraint condition. The constraint condition that each suppression region needs to satisfy can be the same or different.

[0153] The constraint condition for the suppression region can be: the beam suppression index within each suppression region is not greater than a preset threshold. The beam suppression index is determined based on the intensity of the N target beams within the suppression region. Each target beam includes at least one shaping direction; optionally, each target beam may also include a suppression direction. The preset thresholds involved in the constraint conditions of each suppression region can be the same or different. This application does not limit the specific calculation method of the beam suppression index. For example, the beam suppression index can be the sum of the intensities of the N target beams within the suppression region, or it can be the average intensity of the N target beams within the suppression region.

[0154] When the beamforming capability of the antenna element 112 is further required to have M suppression regions, then the K phase values ​​in the phase set of each phase shifter 111 can be obtained by further processing the N primary phase values, as follows:

[0155] K candidate phase values ​​are determined based on N primary phase values.

[0156] The K candidate phase values ​​are optimized based on the constraints of each suppression region to obtain K phase values.

[0157] The specific implementation process will be described in detail during the configuration of the phase set, and will not be elaborated here.

[0158] For any phase shifter 111 of the antenna array device 100, the phase shifter 111 can adjust the phase of the connected antenna element 112 to a phase value in the phase set of the phase shifter 111. Typically, the phase shifter 111 includes multiple switching units, each with two states: closed and open. Each switching unit is independent; that is, the state of one switching unit does not affect the state of another. The phase shifter 111 controls the states of these multiple switching units to adjust the phase of the connected antenna element 112 to a phase value in the phase set of the phase shifter 111. Therefore, there is a correspondence between the states of the multiple switching units and the phase values ​​in the phase set. From an encoding perspective, there is an "encoding relationship" between the states of the multiple switching units and the phase values ​​in the phase set; that is, the states of the multiple switching units can be encoded as phase values ​​in the phase set, or the phase values ​​in the phase set can be encoded as the states of the multiple switching units.

[0159] Assume phase shifter 111 includes E switching units, where E and K are positive integers, and E and K satisfy: E = log₂K

[0160] The state s of each switching unit i It satisfies the following with any of the K phase values ​​f(s):

[0161] in, b∈{0,1} E And b≠(0,0,…0), c 0、 c b It is a constant.

[0162] The above formula embodies the "encoding relationship" between the states of the multiple switching units and the phase values ​​in the phase set. This formula can also be called an encoding polynomial. From the above "encoding relationship," it can be seen that any phase value f(s) among the K phase values ​​can be expressed as a polynomial consisting of a constant term, a first-order term of the states of the multiple switching units, and higher-order terms of the states of the multiple switching units. Here, the first-order term of the states of the multiple switching units is any switching state among the states of the multiple switching units, and the higher-order terms of the states of the multiple switching units are the product of the states of some of the switching units, where the number of some switching units is not less than 2.

[0163] The method for obtaining the "encoding relationship" between the states of these multiple switching units and the phase values ​​in the phase set will be described in detail below, and will not be elaborated here.

[0164] Given the “encoding relationship” between the states of the multiple switching units and the phase values ​​in the phase set, solving for the N primary phase values ​​of each phase shifter 111 can be transformed into solving for the states of the multiple switching units corresponding to each of the N primary phase values.

[0165] Assuming that antenna elements 112 in antenna array 110 constitute N r ×N c Rectangular array, N r N c These represent the number of antenna elements 112 in each column (column direction can be defined as the x-direction in the xy coordinate system) and each row (row direction can be defined as the y-direction in the xy coordinate system) of the rectangular array. The power density in the (θ,φ) direction can be expressed as the Hamiltonian:

[0166] Where ε is the power of each antenna element 112; k x k y y is the x and y components of the wavenumber vector of the electromagnetic wave; d is the spacing between antenna elements 112; and The phase of antenna element 112 is represented by coordinates (m,n) and (u,v) in the x and y directions, respectively, and can be taken from K or N values.

[0167] Based on the aforementioned "encoding relationship" between the states of the multiple switching units and the phase values ​​in the phase set, the phase value of the antenna element 112 with x and y coordinates (m, n) is equipped with log2 K binary variables. p = 1, 2, ..., log2 K. Wherein, there is a binary variable. It can represent the state of a switch unit, that is, a binary variable. In the aforementioned encoding relationship, s i In fact, the subscript 's' here is only used to characterize the position of antenna element 112.

[0168] The Hamiltonian H(θ,φ) described above can be expressed as a binary tensor. A polynomial function. This binary tensor. The polynomial function can protect some or all of the following:

[0169] First type, quadratic term:

[0170] The second type, 1 + log2 K terms:

[0171] The third type, 2log2 K-th term:

[0172] Among them, the coefficient tensor Functions relating to the beamforming or suppression direction (θ, φ):

[0173] Among them W s (θ,φ) represents the electric field intensity of a single antenna element 112 in the direction (θ,φ), c p and It is a constant that is independent of direction.

[0174] When solving for the solution to achieve the expected beamforming goal (such as the constraints that need to be satisfied by N target beams and M suppression regions mentioned in the embodiments of this application), the coefficient tensor is first calculated, and then a polynomial function of the binary tensor is constructed. This polynomial function of the binary tensor is then optimized to achieve the expected beamforming goal. During the optimization process, quantum algorithms or quantum annealing-inspired algorithms can be used. For example, simulated bifurcation and simulated coherent ising machines.

[0175] The structure of the antenna array device 100 and the composition of the phase set of the phase shifter 111 have been described in the above description. The configuration process of the phase set of the phase shifter 111 in the antenna array device 100 will be described below.

[0176] Figure 4 shows a phase set configuration method provided in an embodiment of this application. This method can be executed by a configuration device 500, which can configure a phase set containing K phase values ​​for each phase shifter 111 in the antenna array device 100.

[0177] Step 400: The configuration device 500 acquires the expected target of beamforming. For example, beamforming may require the formation of N target beams, each with its own forming direction and intensity. For any target beam, it includes at least one forming direction, and optionally, a suppression direction. Alternatively, beamforming may require the formation of N target beams, and the existence of M suppression regions within the radiation range of the antenna array 110, each suppression region needing to satisfy preset constraints. Explanations of suppression regions and constraints can be found above and will not be repeated here.

[0178] Step 401: The configuration device 500 solves for N primary phase values ​​of each phase shifter 111. These N primary phase values ​​represent the phase solution of each antenna element 112 connected to the multiple phase shifters 111 when forming N target beams. In other words, by solving for the N primary phase values ​​of each phase shifter 111, the configuration device 500 can construct an objective function. This objective function characterizes the beams that the antenna array 110 can form, and it is a function related to the phase of the antenna element 112. When the objective function characterizes the N target beams, the objective function is solved. For each target beam, a phase value of the antenna element 112 connected to each phase shifter 111 can be obtained. This phase value is the phase when the objective function characterizes the target beam. Since there are N target beams, each phase shifter 111 has N primary phase values. For details regarding the N primary phase values, please refer to the aforementioned content; they will not be repeated here.

[0179] For example, suppose that antenna elements 112 in antenna array 110 constitute N r ×N c For a rectangular array, the objective function can be the power density in a certain direction. When this direction is the shaping direction of the target beam, and the power density is the intensity of the target beam or a value processed based on the intensity of the target beam, the objective function can characterize the target beam. In this case, the solution of the objective function is the primary phase value of the antenna element 112 connected to each phase shifter 111.

[0180] The objective function can be represented as a Hamiltonian:

[0181] ε is the power of each antenna element 112; kx k y y is the x and y components of the wavenumber vector of the electromagnetic wave; d is the spacing between antenna elements 112; and The x and y coordinates are (m,n) and (u,v) respectively, representing the phase of antenna element 112.

[0182] The process of obtaining the N primary phase values ​​of each phase shifter 111 can be transformed into solving the above objective function problem. This application embodiment does not limit the solution method of the objective function; any algorithm capable of solving the objective function is applicable to this application embodiment.

[0183] Step 402: After acquiring N primary phase values ​​for each phase shifter 111, the configuration device 500 obtains K phase values ​​for any phase shifter 111 based on the N primary phase values ​​of the phase shifter 111. The set of the K phase values ​​is the phase set of the phase shifter 111.

[0184] The beamforming objectives differ, and the configuration device 500 obtains K phase values ​​based on the N primary phase values ​​of the phase shifter 111 in different ways. Specifically, they can be divided into the following two cases:

[0185] Case 1: If the expected goal of beamforming is only to form N target beams, and it is not required that there are M suppression regions within the radiation range of the antenna array 110, and each suppression region must meet the preset constraints.

[0186] In this case, the relationship between N and K is different, and the execution method of step 402 is also different.

[0187] When N equals K, then the N primary phase values ​​are the K phase values.

[0188] When N is less than K, it means that the antenna array device 100 only needs to form a small number of target beams, and the phase set of the phase shifter 111 only needs to ensure that it contains the N primary phase values, and the specific values ​​of the remaining (KN) phase values ​​in the phase set of the phase shifter 111 are not limited.

[0189] When N is greater than K, it means that the phase shifter 111 can only control the phase of the connected antenna element 112 to be equal to a few phase values, but the antenna array device 100 is required to form a large number of target beams. Therefore, K phase values ​​can be determined from the N primary phase values. This application embodiment does not limit the method of determining K phase values ​​from the N primary phase values, as long as the determined K phase values ​​are sufficient to enable the antenna array device 100 to form N target beams.

[0190] For example, an energy loss rate can be set for the antenna array device 100, which characterizes the energy loss of the antenna array device 100 when forming a beam. This energy loss rate can be determined based on the power of the antenna array device 100 when forming the beam and the intensity of the beam. Then, the K phase values ​​in the selected phase set of the plurality of phase shifters 111 must satisfy the following conditions: the antenna array device 100 can form N target beams, and the energy loss rate of the antenna array device 100 is minimized or within a preset range.

[0191] Case 2: If the expected target of the beamforming is to form N target beams, and there are M suppression regions within the radiation range of the antenna array 110, each suppression region must meet the preset constraints.

[0192] In this case, the N primary phase values ​​need to be further optimized to obtain K phase values. The execution method of step 402 will also be different depending on the relationship between N and K.

[0193] When N equals K, the N primary phase values ​​can be directly optimized. The optimization process for these N primary phase values ​​is an optimization process aimed at forming N target beams with M suppression regions. In this optimization process, an objective function can be constructed (the number of objective functions is not limited; there can be one or more). This objective function can characterize the beam formed by the antenna array 110. When the objective function satisfies the expected beamforming objective, the solution of the objective function is the K phase values ​​of each phase shifter 111.

[0194] In this optimization process, based on the N primary phase values ​​of each phase shifter 111, multiple iterations are performed. Each iteration is to adjust the phase value of each phase shifter 111 after the previous iteration. The first iteration is to adjust the primary phase value of each phase shifter 111 until the objective function meets the expected target of the preset beamforming.

[0195] When N is less than K, the N primary phase values ​​can be directly optimized. The optimization process for the N primary phase values ​​can be found in the previous description and will not be repeated here. The phase set of the phase shifter 111 only needs to ensure that it contains the optimized phase values ​​of the N primary phase values, and the specific values ​​of the remaining (KN) phase values ​​in the phase set of the phase shifter 111 are not limited.

[0196] When N is greater than K, K candidate phase values ​​are determined based on the N primary phase values. This application embodiment does not limit the method of determining the K candidate phase values ​​based on the N primary phase values; it only needs to ensure that the selected K candidate phase values ​​can guarantee that the antenna array device 100 can form N target beams. Then, the K candidate phase values ​​are optimized. The optimization method for the K candidate phase values ​​is similar to the optimization method for the N primary phase values, the only difference being the number of phase values ​​to be optimized.

[0197] Figure 5 shows a schematic diagram of the configuration device. From a logical perspective, the configuration device 500 includes an array control module 502, an antenna array 110, a phase optimization module 501, and a measurement feedback module 503.

[0198] The antenna array 110 includes multiple phase shifters 111 and an antenna element 112 connected to each phase shifter 111.

[0199] The phase optimization module 501 is used to calculate the phase that the antenna array 112 connected to each phase shifter 111 needs to achieve. After calculating the phase that the antenna array 112 connected to each phase shifter 111 needs to achieve, the phase optimization module 501 notifies the array control module 502 of the phase that the antenna array 112 connected to each phase shifter 111 needs to achieve.

[0200] The array control module 502 controls the antenna array 110. The array control module 502 controls each phase shifter 111 to adjust the phase of the antenna array 110 to which the phase shifter 111 is connected. The array control module 502 controls the phase shifter 111 based on the phase requirement of the antenna element 112 connected to each phase shifter 111 obtained from the phase optimization module 501, so that the phase of the antenna element 112 connected to the phase shifter 111 reaches the phase calculated by the phase optimization module 501.

[0201] The measurement feedback module 503 is used to measure the beam formed by the antenna array 110, such as measuring the direction and intensity of the beam, and feeds back the measurement results to the phase optimization module 501.

[0202] The phase optimization model can recalculate the phase that the antenna element 112 connected to each phase shifter 111 needs to achieve based on the measurement results.

[0203] The phase optimization module 501, array control module 502, and measurement feedback module 503 can execute the above process in a loop until the measurement result of the measurement feedback module 503 indicates that the linear array module has achieved the expected goal of beamforming.

[0204] The following describes the operations performed by each module in the configuration device 500 when the configuration device 500 executes the steps in the embodiment shown in FIG4.

[0205] In step 400, the phase optimization module 501 in the configuration device 500 obtains the expected target of beamforming.

[0206] For step 401: the configuration device 500 solves for N primary phase values ​​for each phase shifter 111.

[0207] Step 4011: The phase optimization module 501 calculates the phase that the antenna array 112 connected to each phase shifter 111 needs to achieve based on the direction and intensity of the N target beams. The phase optimization module 501 transmits a phase command, which carries the phase that the antenna array 112 connected to each phase shifter 111 needs to achieve.

[0208] Step 4012: The array control module 502 controls each phase shifter 111 in the antenna array 110 according to the received phase command, so that the phase of the antenna element 112 connected to each phase shifter 111 satisfies the phase command.

[0209] Step 4013: The measurement feedback module 503 measures the beam formed by the antenna array 110 and feeds back the measurement results to the phase optimization module 501.

[0210] Step 4014: The phase optimization module 501 analyzes the measurement results and determines whether the beam formed by the antenna array 110 is the target beam. If so, it records the phase of the antenna element 112 connected to each phase shifter 111, which is the primary phase value. Otherwise, the phase optimization module 501 adjusts the phase of the antenna element 112 connected to each phase shifter 111 and transmits the adjusted phase value to the array control module 502 again through a phase command. The array control module 502 then controls the phase shifter 111 according to the adjusted phase value so that the phase of the antenna element 112 connected to each phase shifter 111 satisfies the phase command. The above process is repeated until the measurement feedback module 503 shows that the beam formed by the antenna array 110 is N target beams.

[0211] It should be noted that in the actual beamforming process, the antenna array 110 will only form one beam at a time, rather than forming N beams at the same time. Therefore, for each target beam, steps 4011 to 4014 need to be executed sequentially inside the configuration device 500.

[0212] For step 402: Obtain K phase values ​​based on the N primary phase values ​​of the phase shifter 111.

[0213] The operation of selecting K candidate phase values ​​from N primary phase values ​​in cases 1 and 2 can be performed by the phase optimization module 501.

[0214] In scenario 2, the optimization process for N primary phase values ​​or K candidate phase values ​​can be completed by the phase optimization module 501, array control module 502, and measurement feedback module 503 working together. The optimization process for K candidate phase values ​​is illustrated below:

[0215] Step 4022: The optimization design module performs multiple iterations based on the K candidate phase values ​​of each phase shifter 111. Each iteration adjusts the phase value of each phase shifter 111 after the previous iteration. The first iteration adjusts the K candidate phase values ​​of each phase shifter 111 until the objective function meets the preset beamforming target. After iteration, the K phase values ​​of each phase shifter 111 are obtained. For each target beam formed, the antenna element 112 connected to each phase shifter 111 is one of the K phase values ​​of each phase shifter 111.

[0216] Step 4023: The optimization design module transmits K phase values ​​of each phase shifter 111 to the array control module 502 via phase commands. For any target beam, the array control module 502 controls each phase shifter 111 in the antenna array 110 according to the received phase commands, so that the phase of the antenna element 112 connected to each phase value is equal to one of the K phase values ​​required by each phase shifter 111.

[0217] Step 4023: The measurement feedback module 503 measures the beam formed by the antenna array 110 and feeds back the measurement results to the phase optimization module 501.

[0218] Step 4024: The phase optimization module 501 analyzes the measurement results and determines whether the beam formed by the antenna array 110 can form N target beams and whether each suppression region meets the constraint conditions. If so, the K phase values ​​of each phase shifter 111 can constitute the phase set of each phase shifter 111. Otherwise, the phase optimization module 501 adjusts the phase of the antenna element 112 connected to each phase shifter 111 and transmits the adjusted phase value to the array control module 502 again through the phase command. The array control module 502 then controls the phase shifter 111 according to the adjusted phase value so that the phase of the antenna element 112 connected to each phase shifter 111 meets the phase command. The above process is repeated until the measurement result of the measurement feedback module 503 indicates that the linear array module can form N target beams and whether each suppression region meets the constraint conditions.

[0219] The antenna array 110 in the configuration device 500 can be understood as the antenna array 110 in the aforementioned antenna array device 100. The configuration device 500 is capable of configuring phase sets for the phase shifters 111 of different antenna arrays 110.

[0220] Figure 6A shows a schematic diagram of one possible installation location for an antenna array device. In Figure 6A, the antenna array device 100 is installed near a base station. The base station controls the antenna array device 100 to send signals to or receive signals from a terminal. To easily distinguish between different types of antenna arrays 110, the antenna array 110 is labeled as the first antenna array 603 in Figure 6A. The first antenna array 603 in the antenna array device 100 adopts a reconfigurable intelligent surface (RIS) architecture. This first antenna array 603 contains X phase shifters 6031Ph. i (i = 1, 2, ..., X), each phase shifter 6031 is connected to one antenna element 6032. Each phase shifter 6032P i The phase set contains K phase values, namely A(i,1), A(i,2), ..., A(i,K). The K phase values ​​of different phase shifters 6031 can be different, that is, they are non-homogeneous.

[0221] Figure 6B shows a schematic diagram of a configuration device provided in this embodiment of the application. The configuration device 600 is used to configure the phase set of phasers in an antenna array 603 based on a RIS architecture. The configuration device 600 includes a first phase optimization module 601, a first array control module 602, a first measurement feedback module 604, and a first antenna array 603.

[0222] First, the first phase optimization module 601 determines the expected target of beamforming, such as N target beams and M (e.g., M=7) suppression regions. Each target beam includes at least one shaping direction, and each direction has a corresponding gain requirement (i.e., intensity). Optionally, each target beam may also include a suppression direction.

[0223] Next, the N primary phase values ​​for each phase shifter 6031 need to be solved. This step includes the following sub-steps:

[0224] Sub-step ①: The first phase optimization module 601 performs beamforming optimization according to the expected beamforming target, and transmits the optimization results to the first array control module 602 in the form of instructions. The optimization results indicate the N primary phase values ​​of each phase shifter 6031.

[0225] Sub-step ②: The first array control module 602 sets the phase value of each phase shifter 6031 in the first antenna array 603 according to the received instructions, and controls each phase shifter 6031 to perform beamforming. Each beamforming will form a beam.

[0226] Sub-step ③: The first measurement feedback module 604 measures the beam gain of the beamforming and transmits the measurement result to the first phase optimization module 601.

[0227] Sub-step ④: The first phase optimization module 601 analyzes the measurement results. If it determines that the beamforming has reached the expected target (e.g., whether it has reached one of the N target beams), it records the phase values ​​of all X phase shifters 6031 as the primary phase values ​​of the phase shifters 6031, for a total of X primary phase values. Otherwise, the first phase optimization module 601 adjusts the beamforming optimization result according to the measurement result of the first measurement feedback module 604, and transmits the adjusted result to the first array control module 602 in the form of an instruction, returning to sub-step ②. Since N target beams need to be formed, X*N primary phase values ​​will eventually be obtained;

[0228] Next, for any phase shifter 6031, K phase values ​​are obtained based on the N primary phase values ​​of the phase shifter 6031. In this step, K candidate phase values ​​are first determined based on the N primary phase values. After determining the K candidate phase values, K phase values ​​are determined based on the K candidate phase values.

[0229] For any phase shifter 6031, determining the K phase values ​​based on the K candidate phase values ​​includes the following sub-steps:

[0230] Sub-step 1) The first phase optimization module 601 iteratively optimizes the beamforming of N target beamformings based on X*K optimal initial values, and transmits the weight optimization results to the phase control module in the form of instructions. The weight optimization results indicate the K phase values ​​of each phase shifter 6031.

[0231] Sub-step 2): For each of the N target beams, the first array control module 602 sets the phase value (i.e., the analog weight) of each phase shifter 6031 in the first antenna array 603 according to the received instructions. Each phase shifter 6031 needs to select 1 from K phase values. The first antenna array 603 combines the analog weights to perform beamforming.

[0232] Sub-step 3) The first measurement feedback module 604 measures the result of each of the N target beamformings to obtain the beam gain measurement results of the N target beamforming directions and the suppression measurement results of the M suppression regions, and transmits these measurement results to the first phase optimization module 601.

[0233] Sub-step 4): The first phase optimization module 601 analyzes the measurement information. If it determines that the beamforming meets the expected target, the first phase optimization module 601 records the X*K phase values ​​as the final phase values; otherwise, the first phase optimization module 601 optimizes and adjusts the X*K phase values ​​according to the measurement results of the first measurement feedback module 604, and transmits the adjustment results to the first antenna array 603 for setting through the first array control module 602. Then, iterates again to optimize the beamforming of N target beams, and transmits the optimization results to the first array control module 602 in the form of instructions, returning to sub-step 2).

[0234] The X*K final phase values ​​recorded in the first phase optimization module 601 are the phase values ​​included in the phase set of the X phase shifters 6031 in the first antenna array 603 based on RIS.

[0235] Through experimentation, under the premise of ensuring the formation of N target beams, the optimization process of homogeneous and uniform phase values ​​(i.e., the phase set of each phase shifter 6031 is the same, and the phase values ​​in the phase set are uniformly distributed) does not necessarily guarantee that the M (e.g., M=7) suppression regions meet the constraints. The optimization process of non-homogeneous and non-uniform phase values ​​(the phase set of each phase shifter 6031 is not completely the same, and the phase values ​​in the phase set are non-uniformly distributed) can guarantee that the M suppression regions fully meet the beam suppression indicators (hereinafter referred to as product indicators) in the 3rd generation partnership project (3GPP) U6G (6GHz upper half) and the International Telecommunication Union standard Effective Isotropic Radiated Power Mask (ITU EIRP MASK) band protocol. The gain comparison of the antenna array device 100 under homogeneous and uniform phase and the antenna array device 100 under non-homogeneous and non-uniform phase forming N target beams can be seen in Figure 6C. It is evident that the gain of the antenna array device 100 under non-homogeneous and non-uniform phase conditions significantly better meets the product specifications. A comparison of the suppression effects of the antenna array device 100 under homogeneous and uniform phase conditions and the antenna array device 100 under non-homogeneous and non-uniform phase conditions in the M (M=7) suppression regions can be seen in Figure 6D. It is clear that the antenna array device 100 under non-homogeneous and non-uniform phase conditions suffers less loss.

[0236] Figure 6E shows another possible installation location for the antenna array device. In Figure 6E, the antenna array device 100 is located near the base station. The base station controls the antenna array device 100 to send signals to or receive signals from the terminal. In Figure 6E, the antenna array 110 is designated as the second antenna array 703. The second antenna array 703 in the antenna array device 100 adopts a massive multiple-in-multiple-out (MIMO) architecture. This second antenna array 703 includes Y antenna elements 7032 and X phase shifters 7031Ph. i (i = 1, 2, ..., X), each phase shifter 7031 is connected to w antenna elements 7032 (w is a positive integer greater than 1), that is, X = Y / w.

[0237] Figure 6F shows a schematic diagram of a configuration device provided in this application embodiment. The configuration device 700 is used to configure the phase set of phasers in a second antenna array 703 based on a Massive MIMO architecture. The configuration device 700 includes a second phase optimization module 701, a digital beamforming module 702, a phase control module 705, a second measurement feedback module 704, and a second antenna array 703.

[0238] First, the second phase optimization module 701 determines the expected target of beamforming, such as N target beams and M (e.g., M=7) suppression regions. Each target beam includes at least one shaping direction, and each direction has a corresponding gain requirement (i.e., intensity). Optionally, each target beam may also include a suppression direction.

[0239] Next, the N primary phase values ​​for each phase shifter 7031 need to be solved. This step includes the following sub-steps:

[0240] Sub-step ①: The phase optimization module 701 performs mixed-signal beamforming optimization according to the expected beamforming goal, and transmits the optimization results to the digital beamforming module 702 and the phase control module 705 respectively in the form of instructions. The optimization results transmitted to the digital beamforming module 702 indicate the digital weights. The optimization results transmitted to the phase control module 705 indicate the analog weights, which are the N primary phase values ​​of each phase shifter 7031.

[0241] Sub-step ②: The digital beamforming module 702 sets digital weights according to the received instructions; the phase control module 705 sets the phase value (analog weight) of each phase shifter 7031 in the second antenna array 703 according to the received instructions. The second antenna array 703 combines digital and analog weights to perform mixed digital-analog beamforming, and each time mixed digital-analog beamforming is performed, a beam is formed.

[0242] Sub-step ③: The second measurement feedback module 704 measures the beam gain of the beamforming and transmits the measurement result to the second phase optimization module 701;

[0243] Sub-step ④: The second phase optimization module 701 analyzes the measurement results. If it determines that the beamforming has reached the expected target (e.g., whether it has reached one of the N target beams), it records the phase values ​​of all X phase shifters 7031 as the primary phase values ​​of the phase shifters 7031, for a total of X primary phase values. Otherwise, the second phase optimization module 701 adjusts the beamforming optimization results based on the measurement results of the second measurement feedback module 704, and transmits the adjusted results to the digital beamforming module 702 and the analog discrete phase control module 705 respectively via commands, returning to sub-step ②.

[0244] Next, for any phase shifter 7031, K phase values ​​are obtained based on the N primary phase values ​​of the phase shifter 7031. In this step, K candidate phase values ​​are first determined based on the N primary phase values. After determining the K candidate phase values, K phase values ​​are determined based on the K candidate phase values.

[0245] For any phase shifter 7031, determining the K phase values ​​based on the K candidate phase values ​​includes the following sub-steps:

[0246] Sub-step 1) The second phase optimization module 701 iteratively optimizes the hybrid digital-analog beamforming of N target beams based on X*K candidate phase values. The optimization results are then transmitted to the digital beamforming module 702 and the phase control module 705 via commands. The optimization results transmitted to the digital beamforming module 702 indicate the digital weights, while the optimization results transmitted to the phase control module 705 indicate the analog weights, i.e., the K phase values ​​of each phase shifter 7031.

[0247] Sub-step 2): The digital beamforming module 702 performs digital beamforming on the corresponding beam according to the received instructions, and determines the digital weights; the phase control module 705 sets the phase value (analog weight) of each phase shifter 7031 of the second antenna array 703 according to the received instructions, and each phase shifter 7031 needs to select one from K phase values. The second antenna array 703 combines the digital weights and analog weights to perform mixed digital-analog beamforming.

[0248] Sub-step 3) The second measurement feedback module 704 measures the beamforming result of each of the N target beamformings to obtain the beam gain measurement results of the N beamformings and the suppression measurement results of the M suppression regions, and transmits these measurement results to the optimization design module.

[0249] The second phase optimization module 701 analyzes the measurement results. If it determines that the beamforming meets the expected target, the second phase optimization module 701 records the X*K phase values ​​as the final phase values; otherwise, the second phase optimization module 701 optimizes and adjusts the X*K phase values ​​according to the measurement results of the second measurement feedback module 704, and transmits the adjustment results to the second linear array 703 for setting via the phase control module 705. Then, iteratively, it performs mixed-signal beamforming optimization for N target beams, and transmits the optimization results to the analog phase control module 705 and the digital beamforming module 702 via commands, returning to step 2).

[0250] The X*K final phase values ​​recorded in the second phase optimization module 701 are the phase values ​​included in the phase set of the X phase shifters 7031 in the second antenna array 703 based on Massive MIMO.

[0251] The module division in this application embodiment is illustrative and only represents one logical functional division. In actual implementation, other division methods may be used. Furthermore, the functional modules in the various embodiments of this application can be integrated into a single processor, exist as separate physical entities, or be integrated into a single module. The integrated modules described above can be implemented in hardware or as software functional modules.

[0252] If the integrated module is implemented as a software functional module and sold or used as an independent product, it can be stored in a computer-readable storage medium. Based on this understanding, the technical solution of this application, in essence, or the part that contributes to the prior art, or all or part of the technical solution, can be embodied in the form of a software product. This computer software product is stored in a storage medium and includes several instructions to cause a terminal device (which may be a personal computer, mobile phone, or network device, etc.) or processor to execute all or part of the steps of the methods in the various embodiments of this application. The aforementioned storage medium includes various media capable of storing program code, such as USB flash drives, portable hard drives, read-only memory (ROM), random access memory (RAM), magnetic disks, or optical disks.

[0253] As mentioned in the preceding description, the states of these multiple switching units have an "encoding relationship" with the phase values ​​in the phase set; that is, the states of these multiple switching units can be encoded as phase values ​​in the phase set. This encoding method is applicable to scenarios where any number of binary variables and phases need to be converted to each other, where a binary variable is a variable with two possible values. Since the phases of trigonometric functions and complex numbers can be converted to each other, this encoding method is also applicable to scenarios where any number of binary variables and trigonometric function values ​​need to be converted to each other.

[0254] The following section introduces this encoding method between multiple binary variables and phase.

[0255] Suppose there are Q target phases and P binary variables. These P binary variables have multiple possible values. A fixed value for each binary variable represents one possible value state among the P binary variables. "Fixed value" means that the value of each binary variable is determined (not that the value of the binary variable is a fixed specific value); the specific value of each binary variable is not limited here.

[0256] For any target phase, the encoding device can encode the target phase as a value state of P binary variables. When the P binary variables are in a value state, the dot product of the step vector and the coefficient vector of the P binary variables is equal to the target phase. The step vector includes a constant term and also includes first-order terms and / or higher-order terms of the P binary variables. The first-order term is any one of the P binary variables, and the higher-order term is the product of multiple binary variables among the P binary variables.

[0257] It should be noted that the "product of multiple binary variables among P binary variables" can be different binary variables. For example, if there are four binary variables u1, u2, u3, u4, and two are selected, then the selected binary variables can be u1 and u2, which are different binary variables. The encoding or decoding method provided in this application embodiment is also applicable to the case where there are identical binary variables among the multiple binary variables. In this case, the identical binary variables among the multiple binary variables can be converted into different binary variables, and then the encoding or decoding method provided in this application embodiment is used.

[0258] That is, any target phase and P binary variables u i Satisfy: f(u)=(c 01 ,u1,u2,…,u i ,u1u2…m b (u),…,u1u2…u P )·(c 02 ,c1,…c i …)

[0259] in, b∈{0,1} P And b≠(0,0,…0), c 01 ,c 02 ,c1,…c i … is a constant. i Let u be a binary variable numbered i among P binary vectors. i When the values ​​are -1 and 1, the binary variable u i This can be understood as the state s of the switching unit in phase shifter 111. i .

[0260] (c 01 ,u1,u2…u i ,u1u2…m b (u) represents the step vector of P binary variables when they are in a certain value state. (c) 02 ,c1,…c i …) is the coefficient vector.

[0261] Furthermore, the above formula can be transformed into:

[0262] Among them, c 01 *c 02 =c0,c b These are the elements in the coefficient vector. This formula can also be called the coding polynomial.

[0263] Q and P are positive integers, and Q and P satisfy: P = log₂Q

[0264] In practical applications, users can provide the phases that need to be encoded, which can serve as target phases. However, the number of user-provided phases, Q1, may not satisfy the condition: P = log2Q1. In this case, Q2 auxiliary phases can be added, which can serve as special target phases. The total number of these Q2 auxiliary phases and the user-provided Q1 phases that need to be encoded is Q.

[0265] For any auxiliary phase f(u) and P binary variables, the following must be satisfied:

[0266] pass It can be seen that, given f(u) and c0, c b In this case, the values ​​of P binary variables can be obtained through this relation. Similarly, given the values ​​of P binary variables and c0, c... b In this case, the value of f(u) can be obtained through this relation.

[0267] c0, c b The elements in the coefficient vector (where c0 can be understood as the elements in the coefficient vector when the constant term in the step vector is 1) are known. Therefore, as long as the coefficient vector is known, the encoding relationship between the P binary variables and the target vector can be obtained.

[0268] The process of solving the coefficient vector is described below. Figure 7 is a schematic diagram of an encoding method provided in an embodiment of this application.

[0269] Step 701: The encoding device calculates all monomials m of the P binary variables. b (u):

[0270] b∈{0,1} P And b≠(0,0,…0)

[0271] Here, the index b traverses a P-dimensional (0,1) vector, and when its i-th component is 1, the corresponding monomial m of index b is... b (u) contains the i-th binary variable u i Otherwise, it does not contain u. For example, when P=2, the set of all generated monomials is {1,u0,u1,u0u1}.

[0272] Step 702: The encoding device calculates the encoding matrix U:

[0273] b∈{0,1} P ,u i ∈{-1,+1} P

[0274] Where -1 and +1 are binary variables u i Two possible values,

[0275] It should be noted that the embodiments of this application also apply to binary variables u. i In cases where the possible values ​​of a variable are not -1 or +1, the binary variable that can take values ​​other than -1 or +1 can be converted to u. i .

[0276] The encoding matrix U contains all possible values ​​of all monomials of P binary variables.

[0277] For example, when P = 2, T1, and T2 are -1 and 1 respectively, the encoding matrix U is:

[0278] Step 703: The encoding device calculates the coefficient vector C, which satisfies: c = U -1 L=2 -P UL

[0279] Here, L is a Q-dimensional complex vector constructed from the Q target phases. Assume the Q target phases are θ0, θ1, ..., θ... Q-1 The Q-dimensional complex vector L is

[0280] For example, when P = 2 and the Q-dimensional complex vector L is When, then the coefficient vector C satisfies:

[0281] From C=U -1 L=2 -P As can be seen from UL, the value of C is related to L. When the order of the complex expressions of each phase in L is different, C is also different.

[0282] In step 703, during the calculation of coefficient vector C, multiple coefficient vectors are obtained by changing the order of the complex expressions for each phase in L. For ease of distinction, the coefficient vectors calculated after changing the order of the complex expressions for each phase in L are called candidate coefficient vectors. These candidate coefficient vectors all function as coefficient vectors, ensuring that the target phase and the P binary variables satisfy... When determining the final coefficient vector, one of the multiple candidate coefficient vectors can be selected as the final coefficient vector. For example, the candidate coefficient vector containing the most zeros can be selected as the latest coefficient vector.

[0283] Generally, if there are Q target phases, the Q-dimensional complex vector L typically has Q! = Q·(Q-1)·(Q-2)·…2·1 possible representations (i.e., there are Q! ways to sort the complex expressions of the Q target phases). Based on the different representations of the Q-dimensional complex vector L, the corresponding candidate coefficient vectors are calculated. If all possible representations of the Q-dimensional complex vector L are enumerated, there will be Q! candidate coefficient vectors. In practical applications, it is possible to calculate only the candidate coefficient vectors for some of the representations of the Q-dimensional complex vector L.

[0284] For example, suppose we want to target 8 phases Encoding can be performed by following the process of solving the coefficient vector described above, which allows us to construct the following two encoding schemes (i.e., two f(u)):

[0285] Option 1

[0286] Option 2

[0287] Among them, f1(u1,u2,u3) contains only 4 monomials, while f2(u1,u2,u3) contains 6 monomials. The ranges of f1 and f2 are the same, but the coefficient vector of f1(u1,u2,u3) contains more zeros. The only difference is the order in which the target phase and the binary variables correspond on the truth table, as shown in Table 1.

[0288] Table 1

[0289] Step 704, the encoding device outputs the encoding polynomial f(u):

[0290] The encoding device has encoding capabilities and can be applied to the following three encoding scenarios:

[0291] Scenario 1: Output the correspondence between log2Q binary variables and Q target phases.

[0292] When calculating the correspondence between log2Q binary variables and Q target phases, the encoding device can execute steps 701 to 704 above to finally obtain the encoding polynomial, and thus obtain the correspondence between log2Q binary variables and Q target phases.

[0293] Scenario 2: Based on the Q target phases, output the values ​​of the P binary variables corresponding to the Zth target phase.

[0294] The position Z of the target phase to be encoded among the Q target phases is used to determine the corresponding row in the encoding matrix (i.e., the Zth row), and the value state of the P binary variables corresponding to the target phase to be encoded can be determined.

[0295] The following lists the correspondence between the encoding polynomial, coefficient vector, P binary variables, and target phase when P takes different values.

[0296] The first scenario is where Q = 4 and P = 2, and any binary variable has two possible values: -1 and 1.

[0297] The four target phases are {θ0, θ1, θ2, θ3}, and the two binary variables are {s1, s2}. The encoding polynomial is: f(s1, s2) = c0 + c1s1 + c2s2 + c3s1s2

[0298] Wherein, the coefficient vector C = {c0, c1, c2, c3} is:

[0299] The correspondence between the two binary variables and the four target phases is shown in Table 2.

[0300] Table 2

[0301] The second scenario is Q = 16, P = 4, where any binary variable has two possible values: -1 and 1.

[0302] The 16 target phases are {θ0, θ1, ..., θ 15 The four binary variables are {(s0,s1,s2,s3}, and the encoding polynomial is: f(s0,s1,s2,s3)=c0+c1s3+c2s2+c3s2s3+c4s1+c5s1s3+c6s1s2+c7s1s2s3+c8s0+c9s0s3+c 10 s0s2 +c 11 s0s2s3+c 12 s0s1+c 13 s0s1s3+c 14 s0s1s2+c 15 s0s1s2s3

[0303] Wherein, the coefficient vector C = {c0, c1, ..., c 15}for:

[0304] The correspondence between the four binary variables and the 16 target phases is shown in Table 3.

[0305] Table 3

[0306] In some encoding scenarios, it is necessary to encode the values ​​of trigonometric functions into a certain value state of P binary variables. The encoding relationship between the values ​​of trigonometric functions (which can be simply referred to as trigonometric function values) and P binary variables is similar to the encoding relationship between the target phase and P binary variables mentioned above, the only difference being that the trigonometric function values ​​need to be converted into their corresponding complex forms.

[0307] Typically, for Q angular variables θ = (θ0, θ1, ..., θ... Q-1 The desired approach is to use P = log₂Q binary variables (u₀, u₁, ..., uₙ). P-1 )∈{T1,T2} P Encode them separately. sinθ=(sinθ0,sinθ1,…sinθ) Q-1 ) cosθ=(cosθ0,cosθ1,…cosθ Q-1 )

[0308] because

[0309] Therefore, the encoding of trigonometric function values ​​is converted into the encoding of the target phase, meaning the target phase can be obtained based on trigonometric function values. Thus, the polynomial for encoding the sine function is:

[0310] Thus, the polynomial for encoding the cosine function is:

[0311] The explanation of the encoding matrix U can be found in the previous explanation, and will not be repeated here.

[0312] The sine function encoding polynomial can also be expressed as:

[0313] The cosine function encoding polynomial can also be represented as:

[0314] For example, when P=2, f(u)j=c j0 +c j1 u0+c j2 u1+c j3 u0u1,j=1,2.

[0315] When j = 1 and 2 represent the coefficient vector C' in the encoding polynomial for the sine function and the coefficient vector C'' in the encoding polynomial for the cosine function, respectively, the coefficient vectors C and C'' satisfy:

[0316] The correspondence between the two binary variables and the four sine function values, as well as the correspondence between the two binary variables and the four cosine function values, can be found in Table 4.

[0317] Table 4

[0318] The following section introduces this decoding method between multiple binary variables and phase.

[0319] Assume there are Q target phases and P binary variables. For an explanation of the Q target phases and P binary variables, please refer to the preceding content; it will not be repeated here.

[0320] The decoding device can decode Q target phases. For any target phase, the decoding device acquires one value state of P binary variables and decodes this value state into one of the Q target phases. Specifically, when the P binary variables are in their value states, the dot product of the step vector and coefficient vector of the P binary variables equals the target phase. The step vector includes a constant term, and also includes first-order and / or higher-order terms of the P binary variables. The first-order term is any one of the P binary variables, and the higher-order term is the product of multiple binary variables among the P binary variables. For a description of the step vector and coefficient vector of the P binary variables, please refer to the foregoing content; it will not be repeated here.

[0321] That is, any target phase and P binary variables u i Satisfy: f(u)=(c 01 ,u1,u2…u i ,u1u2…m b (u))·(c 02 ,c1,…c i …)

[0322] in, b∈{0,1} P And b≠(0,0,…0), c 01 ,c 02 ,c1,…c i … is a constant. i Let u be a binary variable numbered i among P binary vectors. i When the values ​​are -1 and 1, the binary variable u i This can be understood as the state s of the switching unit in phase shifter 111. i .

[0323] (c 01 ,u1,u2…u i ,u1u2…m b (u) represents the step vector of P binary variables when they are in a certain value state. (c) 02 ,c1,…c i …) is the coefficient vector.

[0324] Furthermore, the above formula can be transformed into:

[0325] Among them, c 01 *c 02 =c0,c b These are the elements in the coefficient vector. This formula can also be called the coding polynomial.

[0326] Q and P are positive integers, and Q and P satisfy: P = log₂Q

[0327] In practical applications, users can provide the phases that need to be encoded, which can serve as target phases. However, the number of user-provided phases, Q1, may not satisfy the condition: P = log2Q1. In this case, Q2 auxiliary phases can be added, which can serve as special target phases. The total number of these Q2 auxiliary phases and the user-provided Q1 phases that need to be encoded is Q.

[0328] For any auxiliary phase f(u) and P binary variables, the following must be satisfied:

[0329] pass It can be seen that, given f(u) and c0, c b In this case, the values ​​of P binary variables can be obtained through this relation. Similarly, given the values ​​of P binary variables and c0, c... b In this case, the value of f(u) can be obtained through this relation.

[0330] c0, c b The elements in the coefficient vector (where c0 can be understood as the elements in the coefficient vector when the constant term in the step vector is 1) are known. Therefore, as long as the coefficient vector is known, the encoding relationship between the P binary variables and the target vector can be obtained.

[0331] The process of solving the coefficient vector is described below. Figure 8 is a schematic diagram of an encoding method provided in an embodiment of this application.

[0332] Step 801: The decoding device calculates all monomials m of the P binary variables. b (u). The execution process is similar to that of step 701, as detailed in the foregoing description, and will not be repeated here.

[0333] Step 802: The decoding device calculates the encoding matrix U. The process is similar to step 702; please refer to the foregoing explanation for details, which will not be repeated here.

[0334] Step 803: The decoding device calculates the coefficient vector C, and the coefficient vector C and the encoding matrix U satisfy: C = U -1 L=2 -P UL

[0335] Where L is a Q-dimensional complex vector constructed from the Q target phases. Assume the Q target phases are θ0, θ1, ..., θ... Q-1 The Q-dimensional complex vector L is

[0336] From C=U `-1 L=2 -P As can be seen from U`L, the value of C is related to L. When the order of the complex expressions of each phase in L is different, C is also different.

[0337] In step 703, during the calculation of coefficient vector C, multiple coefficient vectors are obtained by changing the order of the complex expressions for each phase in L. For ease of distinction, the coefficient vectors calculated after changing the order of the complex expressions for each phase in L are called candidate coefficient vectors. These candidate coefficient vectors all function as coefficient vectors, ensuring that the target phase and the P binary variables satisfy... When determining the final coefficient vector, one of the multiple candidate coefficient vectors can be selected as the final coefficient vector. For example, the candidate coefficient vector containing the most zeros can be selected as the latest coefficient vector.

[0338] Generally, if there are Q target phases, the Q-dimensional complex vector L typically has Q! = Q·(Q-1)·(Q-2)·…2·1 possible representations (i.e., there are Q! ways to sort the complex expressions of the Q target phases). Based on the different representations of the Q-dimensional complex vector L, the corresponding candidate coefficient vectors are calculated. If all possible representations of the Q-dimensional complex vector L are enumerated, there will be Q! candidate coefficient vectors. In practical applications, it is possible to calculate only the candidate coefficient vectors for some of the representations of the Q-dimensional complex vector L.

[0339] Step 804, the decoding device outputs the encoding polynomial f(u):

[0340] The decoding device has decoding capabilities and can be applied to the following decoding scenarios:

[0341] Based on Q target phases and log2Q binary variables, output the target phase corresponding to that value state.

[0342] In this scenario, steps 801 to 804 can be executed. When step 803 is executed, the target phase corresponding to this value state can be calculated based on the encoding polynomial.

[0343] Based on the same inventive concept as the method embodiments, this application also provides an encoding device for executing the method executed by the encoding device in the method embodiments shown in FIG7. As shown in FIG9, the encoding device 900 includes a phase encoding module 901. Specifically, in the encoding device 900, the modules are connected through a communication path.

[0344] The phase encoding module 901 is used to encode any Q target phase among a set of target phases into a value state of P binary variables. When the P binary variables are in the value state, the dot product of the step vector and the coefficient vector of the P binary variables is equal to the target phase. The step vector is a vector composed of the first-order term, higher-order term, and constant term of the P binary variables. The first-order term is any one of the P binary variables, and the higher-order term is the product of multiple binary variables among the P binary variables.

[0345] As one possible implementation, Q and P are positive integers, and Q and P satisfy: P = log₂Q

[0346] In one possible implementation, the encoding device 900 further includes a coefficient calculation module 902, which is used to obtain multiple candidate coefficient vectors, wherein the dot product of each candidate coefficient vector with the step vectors of the P binary variables is equal to the target phase; and the candidate coefficient vector containing the most zeros is taken as the coefficient vector.

[0347] As one possible implementation, when the coefficient calculation module 902 obtains multiple candidate coefficient vectors, the process of obtaining any one of the candidate coefficient vectors C is as follows:

[0348] The coefficient calculation module 902 obtains the encoding matrix S, which includes all values ​​of the constant term, first-order term and higher-order term of the P binary variables;

[0349] The candidate coefficient vector C and the encoding matrix S satisfy:

[0350] C = S -1 P, where P is a complex vector constructed based on multiple target phases.

[0351] The complex vectors required to obtain different candidate coefficient vectors are different.

[0352] As one possible implementation, the order of the multiple target phases in the complex vector required by the coefficient calculation module 902 when obtaining different candidate coefficient vectors is different.

[0353] As one possible implementation, the Q target phases are determined based on the values ​​of Q trigonometric functions.

[0354] As one possible implementation, the state u of each binary variable i It satisfies the following with any one of the Q phase values ​​f(u):

[0355] in, b∈{0,1} E And b≠(0,0,…0), c 0、 c b These are the elements in the coefficient vector.

[0356] Based on the same inventive concept as the method embodiments, this application also provides an encoding device for executing the method executed by the encoding device in the method embodiments shown in FIG8. As shown in FIG10, the decoding device 1000 includes a phase decoding module 1001. Specifically, in the decoding device 1000, the modules are connected through a communication path.

[0357] The phase decoding module 1001 is used to obtain one value state of P binary variables and decode one value state of P binary variables into one of Q target phases. When the P binary variables are in a value state, the dot product of the step vector and the coefficient vector of the P binary variables is equal to the target phase. The step vector includes a constant term and also includes first-order terms and / or higher-order terms of the P binary variables. The first-order term is any one of the P binary variables, and the higher-order term is the product of multiple binary variables among the P binary variables.

[0358] As one possible implementation, Q and P are positive integers, and Q and P satisfy: P = log₂Q

[0359] As one possible implementation, the decoding device 1000 further includes a coefficient calculation module 1002, which acquires multiple candidate coefficient vectors, and the dot product of each candidate coefficient vector with the step vectors of P binary variables is equal to the target phase; the candidate coefficient vector containing the most 0s is taken as the coefficient vector.

[0360] As one possible implementation, when the coefficient calculation module 1002 obtains multiple candidate coefficient vectors, the process of obtaining any candidate coefficient vector C is as follows:

[0361] The coefficient calculation module 1002 obtains the encoding matrix U, which includes a constant term, a first-order term of P binary variables, and all values ​​of the higher-order terms.

[0362] The candidate coefficient vector C and the encoding matrix U satisfy:

[0363] C = U -1 L, where l is a complex vector constructed based on Q target phases.

[0364] The complex vectors required to obtain different candidate coefficient vectors are different.

[0365] As one possible implementation, the order of the Q target phases in the complex vector required to obtain different candidate coefficient vectors is different.

[0366] As one possible implementation, the Q target phases are determined based on the values ​​of the Q trigonometric functions.

[0367] As one possible implementation, the state u of each binary variable i It satisfies the following with any one of the Q phase values ​​f(u):

[0368] in, b∈{0,1} E And b≠(0,0,…0), c 0、 cb These are the elements in the coefficient vector.

[0369] The module division in this application embodiment is illustrative and only represents one logical functional division. In actual implementation, other division methods may be used. Furthermore, the functional modules in the various embodiments of this application can be integrated into a single processor, exist as separate physical entities, or be integrated into a single module. The integrated modules described above can be implemented in hardware or as software functional modules.

[0370] If the integrated module is implemented as a software functional module and sold or used as an independent product, it can be stored in a computer-readable storage medium. Based on this understanding, the technical solution of this application, in essence, or the part that contributes to the prior art, or all or part of the technical solution, can be embodied in the form of a software product. This computer software product is stored in a storage medium and includes several instructions to cause a terminal device (which may be a personal computer, mobile phone, or network device, etc.) or processor to execute all or part of the steps of the methods in the various embodiments of this application. The aforementioned storage medium includes various media capable of storing program code, such as USB flash drives, portable hard drives, read-only memory (ROM), random access memory (RAM), magnetic disks, or optical disks.

[0371] This application also provides a computing device 1100 as shown in FIG11. The computing device 1100 includes a bus 1101, a processor 1102, a network interface card 1103, and a memory 1104. The processor 1102, the memory 1104, and the network interface card 1103 communicate with each other via the bus 1101.

[0372] The processor 1102 can be a central processing unit (CPU), or other general-purpose processors, digital signal processors (DSPs), application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs), field-programmable gate arrays (FPGAs), or other programmable logic devices, discrete gate or transistor logic devices, discrete hardware components, etc.

[0373] The memory 1104 can be dynamic random access memory (DRAM). Besides DRAM, the memory 1104 can also be other types of random access memory, such as static random access memory (SRAM). Alternatively, the memory 1104 can also be read-only memory (ROM). For example, a read-only memory could be programmable read-only memory (PROM) or erasable programmable read-only memory (EPROM). The memory 1104 can also be flash memory, hard disk drive (HDD), or solid-state drive (SSD).

[0374] The memory 1104 stores computer program instructions, which the processor 1102 calls to execute the steps performed by configuration devices 500, 600, and 700 in the method described in FIG. 4. The memory 1104 may also include other software modules required for running processes, such as an operating system (e.g., multiple modules from configuration devices 500, 600, or 700). The operating system may be LINUX. TM UNIX TM WINDOWS TM wait.

[0375] or

[0376] The memory 1104 stores computer program instructions, which the processor 1102 calls to execute the steps performed by the encoding device in the method described in FIG7. The memory 1104 may also include other software modules required for the running process (such as multiple modules in the encoding device 900), such as an operating system. The operating system may be LINUX. TM UNIX TM WINDOWS TM wait.

[0377] or

[0378] The memory 1104 stores computer program instructions, which the processor 1102 calls to execute the steps performed by the decoding device in the method described in FIG8. The memory 1104 may also include other software modules required for the running process, such as an operating system (e.g., multiple modules in the decoding device 900). The operating system may be LINUX. TM UNIX TM WINDOWS TM wait.

[0379] This application also provides a computing device system, which includes at least one computing device 1200 as shown in FIG12. The computing device 1200 includes a bus 1201, a processor 1202, a network interface card (NIC) 1203, and a memory 1204. The processor 1202, the memory 1204, and the NIC 1203 communicate with each other via the bus 1201. At least one computing device 1200 in the computing device system communicates with each other through a communication path.

[0380] The specific types of processor 1202 and memory 1204 can be found in the descriptions of processor 1102 and memory 1104, and will not be repeated here. Processor 1202 executes computer program instructions stored in memory 1204 to perform some or all of the steps executed by configuration devices 500, 600, and 700 in the method described in FIG. 4. The memory may also include other software modules required for running processes, such as an operating system. The operating system may be LINUX. TM UNIX TM WINDOWS TM wait.

[0381] At least one computing device 1200 in the computing device system establishes communication with each other through a communication network, and each computing device 1200 runs any one or any multiple modules of configuration device 500, configuration device 600, or configuration device 700.

[0382] or,

[0383] The processor 1202 executes the computer program instructions stored in the memory 1204 to perform some or all of the steps executed by the encoding device in the method described in FIG7. The memory may also include other software modules required for the running process, such as an operating system. The operating system may be LINUX. TM UNIX TM WINDOWS TM wait.

[0384] At least one computing device 1200 in the computing device system establishes communication with each other through a communication network, and each computing device 1200 runs any one or any multiple modules of the encoding device 900.

[0385] or,

[0386] The processor 1202 executes the computer program instructions stored in the memory 1204 to perform some or all of the steps executed by the decoding device in the method described in FIG8. The memory may also include other software modules required for running processes, such as an operating system. The operating system may be LINUX. TM UNIX TM WINDOWS TM wait.

[0387] At least one computing device 1200 in the computing device system establishes communication with each other through a communication network, and each computing device 1200 runs any one or any multiple modules of the decoding device 1000.

[0388] The descriptions of the processes corresponding to the above-mentioned figures each have their own emphasis. For parts of a process that are not described in detail, please refer to the relevant descriptions of other processes.

[0389] In the above embodiments, implementation can be achieved entirely or partially through software, hardware, firmware, or any combination thereof. When implemented using software, it can be implemented entirely or partially in the form of a computer program product. A computer program product includes computer program instructions, which, when loaded and executed on a computer, generate entirely or partially the flow or function described in FIG. 4 of this embodiment.

[0390] The computer may be a general-purpose computer, a special-purpose computer, a computer network, or other programmable device. The computer instructions may be stored in a computer-readable storage medium or transmitted from one computer-readable storage medium to another. For example, the computer instructions may be transmitted from one website, computer, server, or data center to another via wired (e.g., coaxial cable, fiber optic, digital subscriber line) or wireless (e.g., infrared, wireless, microwave, etc.) means. The computer-readable storage medium may be any available medium that a computer can access or a data storage device such as a server or data center that integrates one or more available media. The available medium may be a magnetic medium (e.g., floppy disk, hard disk, magnetic tape), an optical medium (e.g., DVD), or a semiconductor medium (e.g., SSD).

[0391] Obviously, those skilled in the art can make various modifications and variations to this application without departing from the scope of this application. Therefore, if such modifications and variations fall within the scope of the claims of this application and their equivalents, this application also intends to include such modifications and variations.

Claims

1. An antenna array device, characterized by The device comprises a plurality of phase shifters and an antenna array connected to each phase shifter, each phase shifter is configured with a phase set, the phase set of each phase shifter comprises one or more phase values, and the phase sets of the phase shifters are not completely identical. Any of the phase shifters is configured to adjust the phase of the connected antenna array based on the phase set of the phase shifter.

2. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein, The plurality of phase values in the phase set of each phase shifter are non-uniformly distributed in a plurality of phase angles in a circle.

3. The apparatus of claim 2, wherein, The phase set of each phase shifter comprises K phase values, K is a positive integer, and after the phase of the connected antenna array is adjusted by each phase shifter, the antenna arrays connected to the plurality of phase shifters form one of N target beams.

4. The apparatus of claim 3, wherein, For any phase set of the phase shifters, the K phase values in the phase set are determined based on N primary phase values, and the N primary phase values are used to form the N target beams.

5. The apparatus of claim 3, wherein, The N primary phase values are N optimal phase values, and the beam quality indicators of the N target beams indicated by the N optimal phase values are better than those of the N target beams indicated by other phase values.

6. The apparatus of claim 5, wherein, The K phase values in the phase set are K of the N optimal phase values.

7. The apparatus of claim 3 or 4, wherein After the antenna arrays connected to the plurality of phase shifters form the N target beams, there are M suppression regions in the radiation range of the antenna arrays connected to the plurality of phase shifters, and each suppression region satisfies a constraint condition.

8. The apparatus of claim 7, wherein, The constraint condition is that the beam suppression indicator in each suppression region is not greater than a preset threshold, and the beam suppression indicator is determined based on the intensity of the N target beams in the suppression region.

9. The apparatus of claim 7 or 8, wherein, The M suppression regions are M strip-shaped regions with non-overlapping upper side lobes.

10. The apparatus of claim 4, wherein, The K phase values in the phase set are determined based on the N primary phase values, comprising: determining K candidate phase values from the N primary phase values; optimizing the K candidate phase values according to the constraint condition of each suppression region to obtain the K phase values.

11. The device of any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein, The phase shifter comprises E switch units, wherein E=log2K, the state s of each switch unit satisfies i Any one of the K phase values f(s) satisfies: wherein b e {0, 1} E and b≠(0,0,...0), c0, c b are constants.

12. The apparatus of claim 11, wherein, The objective function in solving the N primary phase values is a polynomial function of the binary tensor , wherein The N r ×N c rectangular array of the antenna elements connected by the plurality of phase shifters, the binary tensor Any element of the binary tensor is used to represent the state of a switch unit in one of the phase shifters.

13. The apparatus of claim 12, wherein, The polynomial function includes some or all of the following: where the coefficient tensor is a function of the beamforming or suppression direction (θ, φ), m e [1, N r ], n e [1, N c ], of an N r x N c rectangular array of antenna elements to which the plurality of phase shifters are connected.

14. A phase set configuration method, comprising: The method is used for configuring a phase set comprising K phase values for each phase shifter in a plurality of phase shifters, K is a positive integer, and the method comprises: For any of the phase shifters, obtaining N primary phase values, and the N primary phase values are used to form the N target beams; obtaining the K phase values based on the N primary phase values.

15. The method of claim 14, wherein, The phase sets of the phase shifters are not completely identical.

16. The method of claim 14 or 15, wherein, The plurality of phase values in the phase set of each phase shifter are non-uniformly distributed in a plurality of phase angles in a circle.

17. The method of any one of claims 14 to 16, wherein, The N primary phase values are N optimal phase values, and the beam quality indicators of the N target beams indicated by the N optimal phase values are better than those of the N target beams indicated by other phase values.

18. The method of any one of claims 14 to 17, wherein, After the phase of the connected antenna array is adjusted by each phase shifter based on the phase set of each phase shifter, the antenna arrays connected to the plurality of phase shifters form one of the N target beams.

19. The method of any one of claims 14 to 18, wherein, The K phase values are obtained based on the N primary phase values, comprising: determining K candidate phase values from the N primary phase values; The K candidate phase values are optimized based on an optimization target to obtain the K phase values, and the optimization target is that M suppression regions exist in a radiation range of an antenna array to which the plurality of phase shifters are connected, and each suppression region satisfies a constraint condition.

20. The method of claim 19, wherein, The constraint condition is that a beam suppression index in each suppression region is not greater than a preset threshold, and the beam suppression index is determined based on intensities of the N target beams in the suppression region.

21. The method of claim 19 or 20, wherein, The M suppression regions are M strip-shaped regions in which upper side lobes do not overlap.

22. The method of any one of claims 19 to 21, wherein, The optimization of the K candidate phase values based on the optimization target comprises The K candidate phase values are iteratively optimized multiple times according to constraint conditions that need to be satisfied by the M suppression regions, and each iteration optimization comprises adjusting the K candidate phase values of each phase shifter.

23. The method of any one of claims 14 to 22, wherein, The N primary phase values are obtained by The N primary phase values are obtained based on directions and intensities of the N target beams.

24. The method of any one of claims 14 to 23, wherein, The phase shifter comprises E switch units, wherein E=log2K, the state s of each switch unit satisfies i Any one of the K phase values f(s) satisfies: wherein b e {0, 1} E and b≠(0,0,...0), c0, c b are constants.

25. The method of claim 24, wherein, The objective function in solving the N primary phase values is a polynomial function of the binary tensor S, each element of the binary tensor S being the state s of each switching cell i .

26. The method of claim 25, wherein, The polynomial function includes some or all of the following: where the coefficient tensor is a function of the beamforming or suppression direction (θ, φ), m e [1, N r ], n e [1, N c ], of an N r x N c rectangular array of antenna elements to which the plurality of phase shifters are connected.

27. A computing device, comprising: The computing device comprises a processor and a memory; The memory is configured to store computer program instructions; The processor executes the computer program instructions in the memory to perform the method in any one of claims 14 to 26.

28. A computer-readable storage medium, characterized in that, The computer readable storage medium is executed by the computing device, and the computing device performs the method in any one of claims 14 to 26. The computer readable storage medium is executed by the computing device, and the computing device performs the method in any one of claims 14 to 26.

Images