1-Bit AoA and AoD Estimation for Low-Power Antenna Arrays

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Solution Overview

Problem

In 6G systems, the use of ADCs with a low number of bits for antenna arrays leads to accuracy issues in angle of arrival (AoA) and angle of departure (AoD) estimation, which affects communication efficiency.

Innovation Solution

A method and apparatus for estimating AoA and AoD using 1-bit quantization in communication systems, enhancing accuracy through specific techniques.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Use of energy by moving object

If ADC with low number of bits is used, then power consumption is reduced, but angle estimation accuracy deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepower consumptionVSAvoidangle estimation accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

Use of energy by moving objectVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the quantization parameter from traditional multi-bit ADC to 1-bit ADC, fundamentally altering the signal processing approach. This parameter change enables low power consumption while maintaining angle estimation accuracy through specialized algorithms designed for extreme quantization

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces the traditional ADC-based signal processing mechanism with a 1-bit quantization mechanism combined with statistical signal processing. This substitution eliminates the need for high-resolution analog-to-digital conversion hardware, significantly reducing power consumption while achieving comparable or superior angle estimation performance

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Device complexity

If ADC with low number of bits is used, then device complexity is reduced, but angle estimation accuracy deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveADC complexityVSAvoidangle estimation accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs 1-bit ADCs which are extremely simple and low-cost components compared to high-resolution ADCs. Although 1-bit quantization seems to discard information, the patent recovers angle estimation accuracy through statistical processing of multiple measurements, making the simple ADCs effective for the intended application

Inventive Principle:

Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces statistical signal processing algorithms as an intermediary between the 1-bit quantized signals and the angle estimation output. This intermediary layer processes the coarse quantized data to extract precise angle information, bridging the gap between simple hardware and accurate measurement requirements

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentUS12474429B2Device and method for estimating angle of reception signal

Publication Date: 2025.11.18 LG ELECTRONICS INC

AI summary

Provided are a device and a method for estimating an angle of arrival (AoA) and an angle of departure (AoD) in a communication system having 1-bit quantization.