Antenna Selection via Downlink Measurements for Uplink Performance

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current communication systems face challenges in optimizing antenna performance for uplink transmission in multimode devices, particularly in GSM/EDGE systems, where antenna selection based on channel measurements is not effectively implemented, leading to suboptimal link performance and potential compliance issues with regulations like Specific Absorption Rates.

Innovation Solution

Implementing a method for selecting the better-performing antenna for uplink transmission based on downlink channel measurements, leveraging the reciprocity of antenna radiation patterns to improve long-term link performance and reduce interference, while ensuring compliance with regulatory standards.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If antenna selection is not implemented based on channel measurements, then device complexity is reduced, but uplink link performance deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveuplink link performanceVSAvoidantenna selection mechanism
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent performs downlink channel measurements in advance to characterize antenna performance before uplink transmission. The mobile station measures downlink signals from multiple antennas, characterizes the channel quality for each antenna, and stores this information for later use in uplink antenna selection, thereby improving uplink performance without adding complex real-time selection mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements a feedback mechanism where downlink channel measurement results are used to inform uplink transmission decisions. The mobile station feeds back channel quality information to the network, which then uses this feedback to select the optimal antenna for uplink transmission, creating a closed-loop system that improves link reliability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

2Object-affected harmful factors

If the same antenna is used for both downlink reception and uplink transmission, then device complexity is reduced, but Specific Absorption Rate compliance may be violated

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveSpecific Absorption RateVSAvoidantenna switching mechanism
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces dynamic antenna selection based on channel conditions rather than using a fixed antenna configuration. The mobile station dynamically switches between antennas for uplink transmission based on downlink channel measurements, allowing the system to adapt to varying channel conditions and SAR requirements without requiring complex real-time monitoring.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the antenna parameter (which antenna is used for transmission) based on channel measurement results. By selecting different antennas for uplink transmission based on their characterized performance, the system can control the radiation pattern and reduce SAR in specific directions while maintaining transmission quality.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Data Source

PatentEP2650966B1Optimized uplink performance via antenna selection
Publication Date: 2018.10.24 BLACKBERRY LTD
  • EP2650966B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP2650966B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP2650966B1 patent drawingFigure 5a~5b

AI summary

Embodiments of the invention provide systems and methods for improving user equipment performance in up-link transmission by implementing antenna selection based on channel measurements in the down-link. In various embodiments, first and second antennas are used to receive signals on a downlink and to transmit signals on an uplink. A plurality of signals received on the downlink are used to generate a plurality of antenna parameter measurements derived from multiple correlations of a known reference sequence of data signals transmitted on the downlink. The plurality of antenna parameter measurements is then used to select either the first antenna or the second antenna or a combination of both through splitting of the signal for transmitting data signals by said user equipment device on the uplink.