Antenna Calibration Signal Segmentation for Massive MIMO
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current antenna calibration methods in wireless communication systems, particularly in massive MIMO and FD-MIMO technologies, disrupt data traffic by occupying the entire carrier bandwidth for calibration, leading to interruptions in control and data channels, and require longer symbol durations as the number of antenna branches increases, impacting throughput and spectrum usage.
Innovation Solution
A method for flexible allocation of antenna calibration signals that splits them in time and frequency, allowing for simultaneous calibration of multiple antenna branches without fully occupying the carrier bandwidth, and uses overlapping signals to correct phase and amplitude drifts, thereby minimizing traffic interruption and processing load.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If antenna calibration signals occupy the whole carrier bandwidth for a period, then calibration accuracy is improved, but data traffic is interrupted and throughput decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the calibration process into multiple segments, calibrating different antenna branch groups in separate time periods rather than all at once. This segmentation allows data traffic to continue during calibration of other branches, reducing overall traffic interruption while maintaining calibration accuracy through systematic multi-phase calibration.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies partial action by calibrating only a subset of antenna branches in each time period rather than all branches simultaneously. This partial calibration approach reduces the time bandwidth product required for calibration, minimizing impact on data traffic while achieving sufficient calibration accuracy for operational requirements.
2Loss of time
If orthogonal signals are used to calibrate multiple antenna branches simultaneously, then calibration time is reduced, but the injection time increases when more antenna branches are calibrated
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the antenna branches into multiple groups and calibrates each group separately in different time periods. This segmentation prevents the need to increase injection time for all branches simultaneously, as each group is calibrated with appropriate time allocation, reducing overall calibration time without excessive injection duration.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements periodic calibration action by repeatedly calibrating different antenna branch groups in a cyclical manner. This periodic approach distributes the calibration process over multiple time periods, reducing the injection time required in any single period while achieving complete calibration of all branches through repeated cycles.
3Reliability
If antenna calibration is performed periodically, then calibration accuracy is maintained, but control and data channels are repeatedly impacted
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the periodic calibration process into multiple smaller calibration events distributed across different time periods. Instead of one lengthy periodic calibration that disrupts all channels, multiple shorter calibrations are performed sequentially on different antenna groups, reducing the cumulative impact on control and data channels while maintaining calibration accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent maintains continuity of useful action by allowing data traffic and control channels to operate continuously during calibration periods, rather than interrupting them completely. By calibrating antenna branches in segments that don't require full bandwidth occupation, useful communication actions continue uninterrupted while calibration proceeds on remaining branches.
Data Source
AI summary
Embodiments of the present disclosure provide methods and apparatus for antenna calibration. A method implemented at a network function comprises calibrating an antenna of the network function based on available time-frequency resources. The method further comprises communicating with at least one terminal device via the calibrated antenna.