Antenna Array Precoder Transformation for Mutual Coupling

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing antenna array systems with mutual coupling face challenges in maintaining equal radiated power across different precoders, leading to errors in channel quality evaluation and data rate optimization due to variations in transmit power.

Innovation Solution

Transforming precoders using a transformation matrix with eigenvectors and a diagonal matrix of inverse eigenvalues to ensure equal radiated power across antenna patterns, allowing existing precoders to map to equal energy patterns without requiring additional signaling.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If precoders with equal L2 norm are used in antenna arrays with mutual coupling, then compatibility with existing standards is maintained, but radiated power varies across different precoders leading to channel quality evaluation errors

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecompatibility with existing precoder standardsVSAvoidchannel quality evaluation accuracy
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent transforms the precoder parameters by applying a transformation matrix that accounts for mutual coupling effects. This changes the parameter space from equal L2-norm precoders to equal radiated power precoders, resolving the contradiction by adapting the parameter definition to the physical reality of coupled antennas while maintaining standard compatibility through the transformation relationship

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Measurement precision

If precoders are transformed to achieve equal radiated power, then channel quality evaluation accuracy improves, but additional signaling and processing complexity are required

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvechannel quality evaluation accuracyVSAvoidtransformation matrix computation and signaling
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The transformation matrix is pre-computed based on the known antenna impedance matrix and mutual coupling characteristics. This preliminary action eliminates the need for real-time computation during operation, reducing processing complexity while maintaining the accuracy benefits of equal radiated power precoding

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The transformation matrix acts as an intermediary that bridges the gap between standard-compliant equal L2-norm precoders and the physically accurate equal radiated power precoders. It translates between the two representations without requiring fundamental changes to the system architecture or signaling protocols

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Device complexity

If mutual coupling is ignored in precoder design, then system simplicity is maintained, but transmit power varies across antenna patterns reducing system efficiency

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveprecoder design simplicityVSAvoidtransmit power efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent modifies the precoder parameter definition to incorporate mutual coupling effects through the transformation matrix. This changes the design from ignoring coupling to explicitly accounting for it, resolving the contradiction by making the system slightly more complex but significantly more energy efficient through equal radiated power normalization

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Data Source

PatentEP3323206B1Method and apparatus for equal energy codebooks for antenna arrays with mutual coupling
Publication Date: 2019.07.10 MOTOROLA MOBILITY LLC
  • EP3323206B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3323206B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3323206B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4

AI summary

A method (700) and apparatus (800) provide equal energy codebooks for antenna arrays with mutual coupling. A plurality of precoders can be received (720) from a codebook in a transmitter having an antenna array. Each precoder of the plurality of precoders can be transformed (730) using a transformation that maps each precoder to equal radiated power to generate transformed precoders. A transformation matrix for the transformation can be a matrix with column vectors equal to the eigenvectors of a Hermitian and non-negative definite matrix multiplied by a diagonal matrix with the value of each diagonal element equal to the inverse of the positive square root of the eigenvalue of the corresponding eigenvector. A signal can be received (740) for transmission. A transformed precoder of the plurality of transformed precoders can be applied (750) to the signal to generate a precoded signal for transmission over a physical channel. The precoded signal can be transmitted (770).