Automatic Gain Control for Millimeter Wave Multi-Beam Signals
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional communication apparatuses with multiple antennas struggle to process signals with varying directivity patterns in a single packet, leading to issues with automatic gain control and data processing due to wide dynamic ranges, especially when using millimeter wave frequencies like 60 GHz, which have higher propagation loss and shorter communication distances.
Innovation Solution
A communication apparatus with multiple antennas, including a synchronization unit to specify the start position of transmission requests with multiple beam patterns and an automatic gain control unit to adjust gain settings for each beam pattern, allowing for effective processing of signals with wide dynamic ranges by deriving reception intensity and determining the requested beam pattern.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a single AGC setting value is used for the entire packet, then the AGC circuit is simple and operates normally for single directivity signals, but it cannot handle signals with multiple directivity patterns that have wide dynamic ranges
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the packet processing into multiple sections, each corresponding to a different directivity pattern. The AGC setting values are segmented and applied separately to each section rather than using a single uniform setting for the entire packet. This allows each section to be optimized for its specific directivity characteristics while maintaining overall system functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces dynamic AGC setting values that change throughout the packet duration. Instead of a static single setting, the system dynamically switches between different AGC settings based on the active directivity pattern, enabling adaptation to varying signal conditions within the same packet.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple AGC circuits are provided for different directivity patterns, then signals with wide dynamic ranges can be processed, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a single AGC circuit that performs multiple functions by switching between different AGC setting values. Rather than providing separate AGC circuits for each directivity pattern, the same hardware resource is universally applied to handle various patterns through dynamic reconfiguration of its operational parameters.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the operational parameters (AGC setting values) of the existing circuit rather than adding new hardware. By dynamically adjusting the AGC setting values based on the detected directivity pattern, the system achieves multi-functionality without increasing physical device complexity.
3Productivity
If automatic gain control is performed only at the head of the packet, then processing is simple and fast, but signals with varying directivity patterns throughout the packet cannot be properly controlled
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary detection of the directivity pattern at the head of the packet to determine which AGC setting values should be applied subsequently. This preliminary action enables the system to prepare the appropriate gain control parameters in advance, ensuring accurate control throughout the packet while maintaining efficient processing.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent incorporates feedback mechanisms where the received signal characteristics are continuously monitored and used to adjust the AGC setting values throughout packet processing. This feedback loop ensures that gain control remains accurate even as different directivity patterns are applied to different sections of the packet.
Data Source
AI summary
Provided is a communication apparatus including a first communication unit for performing communication using a carrier having a first frequency, a second communication unit having a plurality of antennas, for performing communication using a carrier having a second frequency, a first communication processing unit for processing a signal received by the first communication unit and causing to transmit a signal, and a second communication processing unit for processing a signal received by the second communication unit and causing to transmit a signal. The second communication processing unit includes a synchronization unit for specifying a start position of a second transmission request in which a plurality of transmission beam patterns are set in one packet based on information indicating reception initiation, and an automatic gain control unit for performing automatic gain control based on a first automatic gain control setting value.