Antenna Panel Selection for mmWave Beam Steering
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Solution Overview
Problem
User equipment (UE) fails to account for obstructions and interference when selecting antenna modules for beamforming, leading to signal attenuation and increased power consumption due to obstructed line of sight and interference from connected accessories.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating object detection and accessory detection into beam management, the UE identifies obstructions and interference, selecting alternative antenna panels to ensure clear line of sight and minimize interference, thereby optimizing beam transmission.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If the UE selects an antenna module with line of sight to the base station, then the data rate and bandwidth are improved through beamforming over high frequency band, but the signal transmission reliability deteriorates when the line of sight is obstructed by physical objects or accessories
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary detection of obstructions and interference sources before beam transmission. The sensor detects whether there is an obstruction between the antenna panel and the intended reception point, and the UE determines interference conditions based on received signals, selecting antenna panels in advance that are free from obstructions and interference.
Solution Approach 2:
The sensor acts as an intermediary between the antenna panel and the base station, providing detection information about obstructions and interference. This intermediary detection mechanism enables the UE to make informed decisions about antenna panel selection, avoiding direct transmission through obstructed paths.
2Device complexity
If the UE attempts transmission through obstructed antenna paths, then the system maintains simple antenna selection procedures, but the transmission latency increases due to failed deliveries and subsequent retransmissions
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary detection of obstructions and interference sources before beam transmission. The sensor detects whether there is an obstruction between the antenna panel and the intended reception point, and the UE determines interference conditions based on received signals, selecting antenna panels in advance that are free from obstructions and interference.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses feedback from sensor detection and signal reception to continuously monitor transmission conditions. Based on this feedback, the UE dynamically selects antenna panels, avoiding obstructed paths and reducing the need for retransmissions, thereby reducing latency while maintaining manageable system complexity.
3Device complexity
If the UE retries failed beam transmissions, then the system maintains simple transmission protocols, but the power consumption increases due to increased number of operations
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary detection of obstructions and interference sources before beam transmission. The sensor detects whether there is an obstruction between the antenna panel and the intended reception point, and the UE determines interference conditions based on received signals, selecting antenna panels in advance that are free from obstructions and interference.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses feedback from sensor detection and signal reception to continuously monitor transmission conditions. Based on this feedback, the UE dynamically selects antenna panels, avoiding obstructed paths and reducing the need for retransmissions, thereby reducing power consumption while maintaining simple transmission protocols.
Data Source
AI summary
A method performed by a user equipment (UE) configured with a plurality of antenna panels. Each antenna panel is configured to beamform over a millimeter wave (mmWave) frequency band. The method includes identifying a predetermined condition corresponding to a first antenna panel of the plurality of antenna panels, selecting a second antenna panel of the plurality of antenna panels based on identifying the predetermined condition corresponding to the first antenna panel and transmitting a beam via the second antenna panel based on the selection.