Antenna Subarray Switching for URLLC Reliability and Power

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current wireless communication systems face challenges in efficiently handling high-priority traffic such as ultra-reliable low-latency communication (URLLC) due to signal blocking and distortion, particularly with millimeter wave frequencies, where hybrid automatic repeat request (HARQ) mechanisms are insufficient.

Innovation Solution

The system configures user equipment (UE) to switch between single and multiple antenna subarray operations based on traffic type, using more active antenna subarrays for high-priority traffic like URLLC and fewer for low-priority traffic like enhanced mobile broadband (eMBB), thereby improving transmission reliability and conserving battery power.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If more antenna subarrays are activated for high-priority traffic, then transmission reliability is improved, but power consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetransmission reliabilityVSAvoidpower consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The system dynamically switches between single antenna subarray operation and multiple antenna subarray operation based on traffic type. For high-priority traffic (URLLC), multiple antenna subarrays are activated to improve reliability. For low-priority traffic (eMBB), single antenna subarray operation is used to conserve power. This dynamic adaptation resolves the contradiction between reliability and power consumption.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The invention changes the operational parameter of antenna subarray configuration based on traffic requirements. By switching between different antenna subarray configurations (single vs. multiple), the system adapts transmission reliability to match traffic priority while managing power consumption accordingly.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Reliability

If multiple antenna subarrays are used for high-priority traffic, then signal blocking and distortion are mitigated, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesignal transmission qualityVSAvoidantenna subarray configuration complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The antenna array is segmented into multiple independent antenna subarrays that can be independently activated or deactivated. This segmentation allows the system to use multiple subarrays for high-priority traffic to mitigate signal blocking and distortion, while keeping the overall system manageable through modular configuration.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The same antenna subarrays serve multiple functions: they are used for both high-priority and low-priority traffic, but activated in different configurations. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate hardware configurations for different traffic types, thereby managing device complexity while maintaining signal transmission quality.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Use of energy by moving object

If single antenna subarray operation is used for low-priority traffic, then power consumption is reduced, but transmission reliability decreases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepower consumptionVSAvoidtransmission reliability
Core Design Contradiction:
Use of energy by moving objectVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The system applies different operational qualities to different traffic types: single antenna subarray operation (lower quality, lower power) for low-priority traffic, and multiple antenna subarray operation (higher quality, higher power) for high-priority traffic. This local quality differentiation optimizes the balance between power consumption and transmission reliability for each traffic category.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Data Source

PatentEP3545628B1Techniques and apparatuses for switching between a single antenna subarray operation and a multiple antenna subarray operation for different traffic types
Publication Date: 2021.07.07 QUALCOMM INC
  • EP3545628B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3545628B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3545628B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A method, an apparatus, and a computer program product for wireless communication are provided. The apparatus may receive an indication of a traffic type, wherein the indication is received via a first radiofrequency (RF) band. The apparatus may configure the apparatus to switch from a first antenna subarray operation that uses a first set of antenna subarrays to a second antenna subarray operation that uses a second set of antenna subarrays based at least in part on receiving the indication of the traffic type, wherein the second antenna subarray operation uses a second RF band for a communication. The apparatus may transmit the communication using the second antenna subarray operation.