3D Beamforming via Joint Phase-Time Arrays
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current wireless communication systems face challenges in efficiently managing high demand for wireless data traffic, particularly in 5G systems operating at higher frequency bands like mmWave and THz, where propagation loss is high and beamforming techniques are costly and power-consuming.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of 3D beamforming using joint phase-time arrays (JPTAs) in base stations, which involves determining azimuth and elevation information of user equipment, allocating bandwidth, and designing JPTA beams to efficiently serve multiple users simultaneously.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional beamforming techniques are used in 5G systems operating at higher frequency bands (mmWave and THz), then propagation loss can be mitigated, but the system becomes more costly and power-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges phase shifting and time delay operations into a unified JPTA beamforming structure. By combining these two functions into a single array architecture, the system achieves 3D beamforming capability while reducing the number of separate components needed, thereby lowering overall system cost and power consumption while maintaining propagation loss mitigation effectiveness
Solution Approach 2:
The JPTA beamforming structure serves multiple functions simultaneously: it performs phase shifting for beam steering, applies time delays for spatial filtering, and enables 3D beam shaping. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate beamforming modules, reducing system complexity and power consumption while maintaining reliable propagation loss mitigation
2Productivity
If 3D beamforming is implemented to serve multiple users simultaneously, then radio interface efficiency and coverage are enhanced, but the beam design complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the beamforming process into independent azimuth and elevation dimension controls. By separating these two dimensional operations, the system can serve multiple users simultaneously without requiring complex joint optimization of all parameters, thereby reducing overall beam design complexity while maintaining high radio interface efficiency
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from traditional 2D beamforming to 3D beamforming by adding the elevation dimension. This dimensional extension allows the system to serve multiple users at different spatial angles simultaneously, improving radio interface efficiency and coverage while managing complexity through structured 3D spatial separation
Data Source
AI summary
The disclosed technology can include three dimensional (3D) beamforming for joint phase-time arrays (JTPAs). In some embodiments, a method for operating a BS is provided. The method includes receiving information from a plurality of user equipment (UEs) and identifying, based on the received information, azimuth and elevation information associated with the UEs. The method further includes determining at least two UEs of the plurality of UEs to serve based at least in part on the azimuth and elevation information of the at least two UEs, respectively, determining bandwidth allocations for the at least two UEs, respectively, and determining joint-phase-time array (JPTA) beams for the at least two UEs, respectively, based on the bandwidth allocations and the azimuth and elevation information of the at least two UEs, respectively. The method further includes transmitting information on the JPTA beams to the at least two UEs, respectively.