Discrete Antenna Coherence Signaling for Stable Uplink Array Gain
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Solution Overview
Problem
Achieving reliable uplink coherence between discrete antenna elements in wireless communication systems is challenging due to factors like unsynchronized digital-to-analog-converters, fractional synthesizers, and varying antenna placements, leading to inconsistent phase relationships and reduced array gain.
Innovation Solution
Implementing an antenna coherence establishment procedure using signaling to configure discrete antenna elements with a coherence threshold, utilizing a first element as an anchor and obtaining phase relationships between elements to compensate for differences.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If discrete antenna elements are used in wireless communication systems, then device complexity is reduced and ease of manufacture is improved, but uplink coherence and array gain deteriorate due to unsynchronized converters and varying placements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by performing coherence establishment procedures before actual communication. The network node sends coherence establishment indications to configure antenna elements in advance, and UEs perform calibration and phase relationship establishment before data transmission begins. This preliminary configuration ensures coherence is pre-established, resolving the contradiction between ease of manufacture and uplink coherence reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements feedback mechanisms where UEs provide feedback information about their antenna configurations and phase relationships to network nodes. The network node uses this feedback to adjust coherence establishment procedures and configure antenna elements accordingly. This feedback loop ensures that discrete antenna elements achieve consistent coherence despite manufacturing variations, maintaining reliability while preserving ease of manufacture.
2Reliability
If antenna coherence establishment procedures are implemented via signaling, then uplink coherence and array gain are improved, but device complexity and signaling overhead increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies universality by designing coherence establishment procedures that serve multiple functions. The same signaling mechanisms used for coherence establishment also serve for antenna configuration, calibration, and phase alignment. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate dedicated procedures, thereby limiting the increase in device complexity while still achieving improved uplink coherence through comprehensive signaling.
3Reliability
If phase relationships between antenna elements are calibrated, then array gain and signal quality are improved, but loss of time and computational resources increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by performing phase calibration and coherence establishment before actual data transmission begins. The network node and UEs complete all necessary calibration procedures, phase relationship establishment, and coherence configuration in advance. This ensures that when data transmission occurs, the antenna elements are already coherent, minimizing time loss during critical transmission periods while maintaining high signal quality.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements continuity of useful action by maintaining coherence establishment procedures as an ongoing process rather than a one-time calibration. The system continuously monitors and adjusts phase relationships to maintain coherence throughout operation. This continuous approach ensures signal quality is consistently maintained without requiring repeated time-consuming calibration procedures, effectively managing the trade-off between signal quality and time loss.
Data Source
AI summary
Various aspects of the present disclosure generally relate to wireless communication. In some aspects, a user equipment (UE) may transmit an assistance indication that requests antenna coherence assistance to configure two or more discrete antenna elements with a coherence that satisfies a coherence threshold. The UE may perform, based at least in part on signaling, an antenna coherence establishment procedure that is based at least in part on: using a first discrete antenna element of the two or more discrete antenna elements as an anchor antenna element, and obtaining a respective phase relationship between the anchor antenna element and at least a second discrete antenna element of the two or more discrete antenna elements. Numerous other aspects are described.