Antenna Array Beamforming via Single and Multi-Band Segmentation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current beamforming systems in antenna arrays face challenges in adjusting beam width for different frequency bands, leading to inter-cell interference, performance deterioration, and increased probability of user equipment (UE) becoming null states, especially in non-line of sight (NLOS) environments.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus for controlling beam width in antenna arrays by forming different beam patterns using a combination of single-band and multi-band antennas in a 2D plane, allowing for adjustable beam width for each band to enhance link establishment between user equipment and base stations in various environments.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a single beam pattern is formed using a multi-band antenna set for all frequency bands, then the device complexity is reduced, but inter-cell interference increases and beam width cannot be optimized for specific bands
Solution Approach 1:
The antenna set is segmented into multiple subsets, where each subset is configured to form a beam pattern for a specific frequency band. This allows different beam widths to be formed for different bands, optimizing communication performance while reducing inter-cell interference through frequency-selective beamforming.
Solution Approach 2:
Different beam patterns with optimized beam widths are formed for different frequency bands based on local channel conditions. The beam width for each band is independently adjusted to match the specific propagation characteristics and interference environment of that band, achieving local optimization rather than uniform beamforming across all bands.
2Productivity
If beam width is reduced for higher data rates, then productivity increases, but the probability of UE becoming null states increases especially in NLOS environments
Solution Approach 1:
The beam width is made dynamic and adjustable for each frequency band based on channel conditions. In LOS environments, narrower beams are used to achieve high data rates, while in NLOS environments or when UE null states are detected, the beam width is widened to improve link reliability and maintain connectivity.
Solution Approach 2:
The beam width parameter is changed independently for each frequency band based on channel conditions, UE position, and environment type. This allows the system to optimize the trade-off between data rate and reliability by adjusting beam width according to specific operational requirements rather than using a fixed beam width for all bands.
3Adaptability or versatility
If different beam patterns are formed for different bands using separate antenna sets, then beam width optimization for each band is achieved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The antenna set is divided into multiple subsets that can be independently configured for different frequency bands. This segmentation enables flexible beam pattern formation for each band while using a unified physical antenna structure, achieving adaptability without requiring completely separate antenna systems for each band.
Solution Approach 2:
A single multi-band antenna set is designed to serve multiple frequency bands simultaneously, with each subset of antennas capable of forming beam patterns for specific bands. This universal antenna structure reduces overall device complexity compared to having dedicated single-band antenna sets for each frequency band.
Data Source
AI summary
A method and an apparatus for forming a beam in an antenna array are disclosed. The method for forming a beam in an antenna array comprises the steps of: forming a first beam pattern in a first band on the basis of a single-band antenna aggregation and a multi-band antenna aggregation; and forming other beam patterns in bands other than the first band on the basis of the multi-band antenna aggregation, wherein the single-band antenna aggregation includes a plurality of single-band antennas which operate only in the first band, the multi-band antenna aggregation includes multi-band antennas which operate in a plurality of bands including the first band, and the antenna array may be arranged in a two-dimensional plane such that distances between the plurality of single-band antennas and the plurality of multi-band antennas are constant.