Active Repeater Device for Dynamic Beam Pattern Switching
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional wireless communication systems face challenges with beam tracking and signal obstruction in 5G networks, particularly at high frequencies, leading to limited coverage and increased bandwidth and power consumption due to the need for constant location tracking of user equipment (UEs).
Innovation Solution
An active repeater device with a modular architecture that uses beam widening and multi-beam transmission modes to communicate with multiple UEs, reducing the need for constant tracking by transmitting beams only when assigned timeslots and covering a wider geographical area, thereby mitigating signal obstruction and improving coverage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If a base station uses a pencil-beam for RF signal transmission, then the signal directionality and transmission range are improved, but the coverage area is limited and constant tracking of UE location is required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic beam pattern switching between narrow pencil-beam and wide fan-beam modes based on operational requirements. The base station can transition from a fixed narrow beam to a dynamically adjustable wide beam that covers multiple directions simultaneously, eliminating the need for constant tracking while maintaining signal quality
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the beam width parameter dynamically by switching between different beam patterns. The narrow beam pattern provides high directionality for long-range communication, while the wide beam pattern expands coverage area by spreading RF signals across multiple angles, resolving the contradiction between transmission range and coverage area
2Reliability
If a base station constantly tracks UE location to maintain communication, then communication continuity is improved, but bandwidth and power consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of continuous tracking, the system uses periodic location updates combined with wide beam patterns that maintain coverage over larger areas. The base station periodically adjusts beam directions based on updated UE locations while the wide beam pattern ensures continuous coverage during transitions, reducing power consumption while maintaining communication reliability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intelligent beam management system that acts as an intermediary between UE location tracking and beam steering. This system optimizes tracking frequency and beam adjustment timing, reducing unnecessary power consumption while ensuring communication continuity through coordinated beam management
3Speed
If physical objects obstruct the pencil beam path, then signal transmission is blocked, but the narrow beam cannot cover alternative paths
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically switches from narrow pencil-beam mode to wide fan-beam mode when obstructions are detected. The wide beam pattern can bypass obstacles by spreading RF signals across multiple propagation paths including reflected and diffracted paths, maintaining signal transmission when direct line-of-sight is blocked
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes signal reflection and diffraction off physical objects that would normally be considered obstructions. The wide beam pattern intentionally directs RF signals to bounce off buildings, hills, and other structures to reach UEs in non-line-of-sight conditions, converting harmful obstructions into beneficial signal paths
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The active repeater device significantly reduces communication bandwidth and power consumption by avoiding constant tracking of UE locations, enhancing transmission range and coverage area, and maintaining signal quality through demodulator-less architecture and efficient beamforming.
Implementation Method 1
A radio frequency (RF) transmitter device may be configured to radiate radio waves in form of beams of RF signals
Implementation Method 2
An active repeater device with a modular architecture that uses beam widening and multi-beam transmission modes to communicate with multiple UEs
Data Source
AI summary
An active repeater device includes a primary sector and at least a secondary sector communicatively coupled to the primary sector receives or transmits a first beam of input RF signals having a first beam pattern from or to a base station, respectively. The primary sector includes an baseband signal processor and a first radio head (RH) unit. The secondary sector comprises a second RH unit. Beamforming coefficients are generated to convert the first beam pattern of the first beam of input RF signals to a second beam pattern based on a location of each of a plurality of user equipment (UEs). A second beam of output RF signals in the second beam pattern is transmitted from or received by, respectively, the secondary sector to or from, respectively, the plurality of UEs based on the generated beamforming coefficients and the received first beam of input RF signals.