Amplitude Control Capability Indication for mmW Beamforming
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Solution Overview
Problem
Millimeter wave (mmW) wireless communication systems face challenges in spectral efficiency and robustness due to antenna blockage, where existing phase shift control methods are insufficient in managing unequal signal amplitudes across antenna elements.
Innovation Solution
Implementing amplitude control in addition to phase shift control, allowing user equipment (UE) to indicate amplitude control capability to the base station, adjusting signal amplitudes for beamformed transmissions, and compensating for effective isotropic radiated power (EIRP) losses by adjusting modulation and coding schemes or boosting downlink power.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If phase shift control is used for beamforming in mmW systems, then beamforming capability is provided, but spectral efficiency and robustness deteriorate due to antenna blockage effects
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by transitioning from phase-only control to joint amplitude and phase control of antenna elements. The base station receives amplitude control capability indications from UEs and configures amplitude control parameters, enabling dynamic adjustment of both amplitude and phase parameters to adapt to blockage conditions and improve both robustness and spectral efficiency
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamics through dynamic capability indication mechanisms where UEs can indicate their amplitude control capability and blockage status to the base station. The base station then dynamically configures amplitude control parameters and adjusts beamforming strategies in real-time based on UE feedback and channel conditions
2Reliability
If amplitude control is applied to antenna elements, then robustness against antenna blockage is improved, but EIRP loss increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent manages EIRP loss through parameter changes by having the base station configure amplitude control parameters that balance blockage mitigation with power efficiency. The base station adjusts modulation and coding schemes (MCS) parameters based on amplitude control capability indications, optimizing the trade-off between robustness and EIRP loss
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements feedback mechanisms where UEs indicate their amplitude control capability and blockage status to the base station. The base station uses this feedback to configure appropriate amplitude control parameters and adjust downlink transmissions, creating a closed-loop system that optimizes performance while managing EIRP loss
3Adaptability or versatility
If amplitude control capability indication is implemented, then adaptability to blockage conditions is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by dividing the amplitude control capability indication into discrete, manageable components. The UE indicates capability through specific uplink messages or uplink grants, and the base station processes these segmented indications to configure appropriate parameters, reducing implementation complexity while maintaining adaptability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements universality by integrating amplitude control capability indication into existing uplink messaging structures. The same uplink messages used for scheduling requests and channel quality feedback are extended to carry amplitude control capability information, allowing multiple functions to be performed through unified messaging protocols
Data Source
AI summary
Methods, systems, and devices for wireless communications are described. A user equipment (UE) may transmit, to a base station, control signaling indicating a capability of the UE to apply an amplitude control procedure to one or more antenna elements for beamforming and indicating that the UE is applying the amplitude control procedure. The UE may receive a control message scheduling transmission of an uplink message. The UE may generate a signal including the uplink message using the amplitude control procedure, which may adjust one or more amplitudes of the signal. The UE may transmit the signal via the one or more antenna elements. In some cases, UE may indicate an amount of power loss in the signal based on the amplitude control procedure, and the base station may transmit downlink transmissions using a lower order modulation and coding scheme or an applied power boost to compensate for the power loss.