Antenna Module Boresight Switching Under Signal Blockage
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Solution Overview
Problem
Wireless communications systems face challenges in managing signal attenuation and blockage due to complex and dynamic environments, necessitating improved techniques for antenna module management to enhance signal strength, reliability, and network performance.
Innovation Solution
A method for wireless communications that involves a user equipment (UE) transmitting capability information about its antenna modules' boresight directions to a network entity, allowing the network entity to optimize beam switching and antenna module selection for improved spherical coverage and network performance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If multiple linear antenna arrays are used to improve spherical coverage, then coverage area is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The antenna module is segmented into multiple antenna elements arranged in a three-dimensional configuration, where each element contributes to different spatial directions. This segmentation allows the system to achieve spherical coverage through coordinated operation of individual elements rather than requiring multiple complete linear arrays, thereby reducing overall device complexity while maintaining coverage area.
2Reliability
If beam switching is implemented to overcome signal blockage, then reliability is improved, but switching time and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple antenna elements are pre-configured in different spatial orientations before transmission begins. When signal blockage is detected, the system can immediately switch to a pre-positioned alternative beam direction without requiring time-consuming real-time calculation and adjustment, thus maintaining reliability while minimizing switching time loss.
Solution Approach 2:
The antenna module employs dynamic beamforming capability where the phase and amplitude of each antenna element can be rapidly adjusted. This dynamic control allows for quick beam switching and adaptation to changing channel conditions, achieving high reliability with minimal switching time penalty through real-time electronic reconfiguration rather than mechanical movement.
Data Source
AI summary
Certain aspects of the present disclosure provide a method for wireless communications at a user equipment (UE). The UE transmits capability information corresponding to one or more antenna modules of the UE to a network entity. The capability information may include a quantity of boresight directions associated with each antenna module of the one or more antenna modules. The UE may receive from the network entity, after the capability information is transmitted, an indication of a beam switch and/or an antenna module switch. The beam switch indicates a switch from an active beam to a target beam. The antenna module switch indicates a switch from an active antenna module to a target antenna module.