Adaptive Beamforming Antenna Array Path Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current 5G wireless communication systems face challenges in dynamically adjusting the number of beams for optimal performance across varying communication conditions, particularly in managing beamforming and antenna element configurations to adapt to different polarization and frequency requirements.
Innovation Solution
An apparatus and method for beamforming in wireless communication systems that include an antenna array, a control unit to determine the number of beams, and a communication unit to configure paths for forming multiple beams with different polarizations, allowing adaptive beamforming based on communication conditions by controlling the paths between signal processing circuits and antenna elements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the number of beams is fixed in the antenna array configuration, then the device complexity is reduced, but the adaptability to different communication conditions deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic beamforming by enabling the antenna array to adaptively adjust the number of beams formed based on real-time communication conditions. The system transitions from a static beam configuration to a dynamic one where beam parameters can be modified according to channel state, interference levels, and traffic requirements, thereby resolving the contradiction between adaptability and complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the beamforming parameters (number of beams, beam directions, beam widths) dynamically based on communication conditions. By adjusting these parameters adaptively, the system achieves versatility in handling different scenarios without requiring a completely different hardware architecture, thus balancing adaptability with manageable complexity.
2Reliability
If multiple antenna subsets are configured to form multiple beams, then the coverage and data transmission quality are improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the antenna array into multiple antenna subsets, where each subset is responsible for forming a specific beam. This segmentation allows independent optimization of each beam's parameters and simplifies the control of individual subsets while achieving overall improved coverage and transmission quality through coordinated operation of multiple subsets.
Solution Approach 2:
The antenna subsets are designed to be multi-functional, capable of forming different types of beams (e.g., wide beams for coverage, narrow beams for high data rate) and supporting various polarization configurations. This universality allows the same hardware structure to serve multiple purposes, improving reliability without proportionally increasing complexity.
3Adaptability or versatility
If paths are configured adaptively to adjust beam number, then the adaptability to communication conditions is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback mechanisms where the system continuously monitors communication conditions (channel quality, interference, traffic load) and uses this information to adjust the beamforming parameters. The feedback loop enables adaptive path configuration that responds to changing conditions while maintaining manageable complexity through systematic control algorithms.
Solution Approach 2:
The beamforming system is designed to self-adjust its configuration based on monitored communication conditions, reducing the need for manual intervention or complex external control. The system automatically determines optimal beam parameters and reconfigures antenna paths accordingly, achieving adaptability while keeping the control architecture relatively simple.
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure relates to a pre-5th-generation (5G) or 5G communication system to be provided for supporting higher data rates beyond 4th-generation (4G) communication system such as long term evolution (LTE). An apparatus and a method for performing beamforming by using an antenna array in a wireless communication system are provided. The apparatus includes at least one antenna array comprising antenna elements, a control unit configured to determine a number of beams to be formed through the at least one antenna array, and a communication unit configured to adjust paths associated with the antenna elements in order to configure as many antenna subsets as the number of the beams, and to form at least one beam through at least one antenna subset configured from the at least one antenna array.