Antenna Panel Activation Timing for Reduced Switching Delay

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Solution Overview

Problem

In wireless communication systems, particularly in 5G new radio access technology, the delay caused by antenna panel switching results in unsuccessful signal transmission due to insufficient time for panel activation, leading to wasted resources and reduced transmission performance.

Innovation Solution

A signal transmission method that includes configuring antenna panels with service periodicity information, phase information, and active number information to reduce panel switching delays, allowing for efficient activation and deactivation of antenna panels.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If the terminal device switches the antenna panel after receiving scheduling signaling, then the beam can be switched to the correct direction, but the panel switching time causes the scheduled resource to arrive before the panel is ready, resulting in transmission failure

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesignal transmission success rateVSAvoidpanel switching delay
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The network device sends panel activation commands in advance before the scheduled resource arrives. The terminal device activates the target panel prior to the resource arrival time, ensuring the panel is ready before the signal needs to be transmitted or received. This preliminary activation eliminates the timing conflict between panel switching and resource arrival.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The system dynamically adjusts the panel activation timing based on the scheduled resource timing. The network device determines the appropriate activation time considering the terminal's panel switching capability, and sends activation commands at optimal moments to ensure panels are ready exactly when needed, adapting to different transmission scenarios.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Adaptability or versatility

If multiple antenna panels are configured for wide area coverage, then beam diversity is improved, but the complexity of panel management and switching increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvearea coverage capabilityVSAvoidpanel management complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The network device pre-configures multiple antenna panels and their corresponding beam information before transmission. By preparing the panel configuration in advance and sending activation commands proactively, the system manages multiple panels efficiently without requiring complex real-time switching decisions at the terminal.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The terminal device feeds back its panel capability information and switching capability to the network device. The network device uses this feedback to determine appropriate panel activation strategies, adapting the panel management approach to the terminal's actual capabilities, thereby reducing unnecessary complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Data Source

PatentEP4080774B1Signal transmission method and communication device
Publication Date: 2026.02.11 HUAWEI TECH CO LTD
  • EP4080774B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP4080774B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP4080774B1 patent drawingFigure 5~6

AI summary

A signal transmission method provided in embodiments of the present invention may include the following steps: A network device sends configuration information to a terminal device, where the configuration information includes service periodicity information of an antenna panel. The terminal device activates, based on the configuration information, an antenna panel associated with the configuration information. The implementation can implement flexible scheduling modes, and can be applicable to various antenna switching scenarios when a specific combination is configured, to optimize system performance.