5G Base Station Downlink Control Channel Beam Configuration

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

In 5G wireless communication systems, existing technologies face challenges in efficiently transmitting downlink control channels, particularly in scenarios with blockages, where beamforming techniques may be less effective.

Innovation Solution

The use of beamforming with multiple transmission beams to configure and transmit downlink control channels, along with corresponding data channels, and feedback mechanisms for acknowledgement, to enhance robustness against blockages and improve communication efficiency.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Speed

If beamforming is used to transmit downlink control channels, then transmission distance and data rates are improved, but the system becomes more vulnerable to blockages

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedata rateVSAvoidblockage robustness
Core Design Contradiction:
SpeedVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides the transmission system into multiple independent beams instead of using a single omnidirectional transmission. Each beam can independently transmit control information, and the system can switch between beams or combine them when blockages occur. This segmentation allows the system to maintain reliability while achieving high data rates through directional beamforming.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent dynamically changes transmission parameters including beam direction, beam width, and transmission power based on channel conditions and blockage detection. By adjusting these parameters in real-time, the system can adapt to blockages and maintain both high data rates and reliability through optimized beamforming configurations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Reliability

If multiple transmission beams are used to improve blockage robustness, then reliability is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveblockage robustnessVSAvoidbeam management complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent performs beam management activities in advance, including pre-configuring multiple beams, pre-establishing beam switching mechanisms, and pre-determining fallback procedures. This preliminary preparation reduces the complexity of real-time beam management during actual transmission, as the system only needs to activate pre-configured beams rather than dynamically creating and managing complex beam structures on-the-fly.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements feedback mechanisms where the receiver provides information about successful beam reception and blockage conditions back to the transmitter. This feedback enables automated beam selection and switching without requiring complex manual control, thereby improving reliability while reducing operational complexity through intelligent automation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

3Power

If beamforming is applied to downlink control channels, then channel gain is improved, but the system becomes more sensitive to misalignment

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvechannel gainVSAvoidbeam alignment sensitivity
Core Design Contradiction:
PowerVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent incorporates reference signals and pilot beams that are transmitted beforehand to establish accurate beam alignment and provide tolerance for misalignment. These cushioning elements allow the system to compensate for positioning errors and maintain reliable communication even when perfect beam alignment is not achieved, thus preserving channel gain while reducing sensitivity to misalignment.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs dynamic beam adjustment capabilities that allow real-time modification of beam direction and orientation based on feedback information. This dynamic adaptation enables the system to correct misalignment issues during transmission, maintaining high channel gain while reducing the impact of initial misalignment through continuous optimization of beam parameters.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentUS11489643B2Apparatus and methods for communicating configuration information over a radio resource channel
Publication Date: 2022.11.01 SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO LTD
  • US11489643B2 patent drawing
  • US11489643B2 patent drawing
  • US11489643B2 patent drawing

AI summary

The present disclosure relates to a 5th generation (5G) or pre-5G communication system for supporting a higher data transmission rate beyond a 4th generation (4G) communication system such as long term evolution (LTE). The present disclosure is to transmit a downlink control channel in a wireless communication system. An operation method of a base station comprises the steps of: transmitting information on a configuration of a control channel using a plurality of transmission beams; transmitting control information through the control channel, using the plurality of transmission beams; and transmitting data through a data channel allocated by the control information, using at least one of the plurality of transmission beams.