Antenna Element Reconfiguration for mmWave QCL Link Adaptation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Wireless communications systems face challenges in efficiently adjusting antenna configurations and number of elements to overcome signal attenuation and improve communication quality in millimeter wave frequencies, particularly due to increased path loss and blockage.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus for adjusting antenna element configurations and quasi co-location (QCL) settings based on communication conditions, allowing devices to request and implement changes in antenna element operations to enhance signal quality and link budget.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If antenna configurations are adjusted to overcome signal attenuation in millimeter wave frequencies, then communication quality is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic adjustment of antenna configurations and QCL parameters based on real-time communication conditions. The network device and terminal device continuously monitor signal quality and adaptively change antenna element activations, QCL type assignments, and beamforming configurations to maintain optimal communication quality in millimeter wave environments
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes multiple parameters including the number of active antenna elements, QCL type configurations (Type A, B, C, D), beamforming weights, and resource allocation patterns. These parameter adjustments allow the system to adapt to varying channel conditions, blockage scenarios, and signal attenuation levels without requiring hardware redesign
2Reliability
If the number of antenna elements is increased to improve link budget, then signal quality is enhanced, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent activates only the necessary number of antenna elements based on current communication requirements. Instead of keeping all antenna elements continuously active, the system dynamically selects subsets of antenna elements to activate, adjusting the degree of antenna utilization to match the minimum required for maintaining acceptable link budget and communication quality
Solution Approach 2:
The system continuously monitors link budget requirements and dynamically adjusts the number of active antenna elements accordingly. When signal conditions are good, fewer antenna elements are activated to save power. When attenuation increases or blockage occurs, the system activates additional antenna elements to restore link budget, creating a dynamic power-performance balance
Data Source
AI summary
Methods, systems, and devices for wireless communications are described in which a first device may determine a state change based on a condition associated with communications between the first device and a second device and perform an adjustment for one or more sets of antenna elements of the first device based on the state change. A state change may, for example, include a change of an antenna configuration or a quasi co-location (QCL) configuration of the respective device. Based on determining the state change, the first device may transmit a state change request to the second device. According to the state change request, the second device may perform an adjustment for a set of one or more of its antenna elements. The second device may transmit an indication of an adjustment to the first device, and the first device and the second device may communicate according to the adjustment.