Antenna Array Muting for Power and Interference Trade-off

Solution Overview

Problem

Current MIMO sleep mode in LTE AAS only considers power changes when switching off antenna elements, neglecting interference impact and system capacity, leading to inadequate power saving and throughput effects, and lacks flexibility in antenna elements switching off approaches.

Innovation Solution

The proposed solution determines antenna elements muting sequences based on UE feedback, considering signal power and interference, and employs row-wise and block-wise muting sequences in addition to column-wise, to optimize cell quality and power saving effects.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Use of energy by moving object

If antenna elements are switched off to reduce power consumption, then power saving is improved, but interference impact and system capacity deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepower consumptionVSAvoidinterference impact

Core Design Contradiction:

Use of energy by moving objectVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements dynamic antenna muting where the network device determines muting sequences based on real-time channel state information (CSI) feedback from user equipment. The muting pattern is not fixed but adapts dynamically to current system conditions, allowing optimization of power saving while maintaining acceptable interference levels and system capacity through feedback-driven decision making.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system employs CSI feedback mechanisms where user equipment measures and reports channel state information to the network device. This feedback loop enables the network device to make informed decisions about antenna muting patterns, balancing power consumption reduction against the impact on interference and system capacity by continuously adjusting muting sequences based on reported CSI.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

2Use of energy by moving object

If antenna elements are switched off to save power, then power saving is improved, but system capacity deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepower consumptionVSAvoidsystem capacity

Core Design Contradiction:

Use of energy by moving objectVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements dynamic antenna muting where the network device determines muting sequences based on real-time channel state information (CSI) feedback from user equipment. The muting pattern is not fixed but adapts dynamically to current system conditions, allowing optimization of power saving while maintaining acceptable interference levels and system capacity through feedback-driven decision making.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system applies partial muting strategies where not all antenna elements are muted simultaneously, and muting is applied selectively based on CSI feedback. The network device can choose to mute certain antenna elements or time periods partially rather than completely, balancing power saving benefits against system capacity maintenance by applying muting action only where and when necessary.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #16Partial or excessive action

3Device complexity

If fixed muting sequence is used, then device complexity is reduced, but adaptability to different conditions deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemuting sequence determinationVSAvoidantenna switching off flexibility

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The system implements self-service through autonomous determination of muting sequences by the network device based on received CSI feedback. Rather than requiring external configuration or complex centralized control, the network device automatically selects appropriate muting patterns from available sequences based on current channel conditions, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining high adaptability to varying operational conditions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements dynamic antenna muting where the network device determines muting sequences based on real-time channel state information (CSI) feedback from user equipment. The muting pattern is not fixed but adapts dynamically to current system conditions, allowing optimization of power saving while maintaining acceptable interference levels and system capacity through feedback-driven decision making.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentUS12101156B2Method and apparatus for multiple antenna systems

Publication Date: 2024.09.24 TELEFONAKTIEBOLAGET LM ERICSSON (PUBL)

AI summary

Embodiments of the present disclosure provide methods and apparatuses for multiple antenna systems. A method implemented at a network device may include: transmitting at least one reference signal to at least one user equipment by using at least one muting sequence of an antenna array; receiving measurement results of the at least one reference signal corresponding to the at least one muting sequence from the at least one user equipment; selecting one muting sequence from the at least one muting sequence based on the measurement results; and applying the selected muting sequence of the antenna array.