Multi-element Array Antenna Channel Estimation for Wireless Networks
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Solution Overview
Problem
Communication systems using symbol-modulated orthogonal subcarrier communications face reduced channel capacity and increased multipath fading due to channel conditions, necessitating methods to enhance channel capacity and reduce interference.
Innovation Solution
The use of multi-element array antennas to estimate angle-of-arrival and generate beamforming coefficients for improved signal reception and transmission, allowing for increased channel capacity and reduced multipath fading effects through channel equalization and directional signal processing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If symbol-modulated orthogonal subcarrier communications are used, then the system is tolerant to multipath delay spread, but channel capacity is reduced due to multipath fading
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces spatial dimension by using multi-element array antennas to receive signals from multiple directions. This allows the system to exploit spatial diversity to combat multipath fading while maintaining the robustness of OFDM against delay spread, thereby resolving the contradiction between reliability and channel capacity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the reception parameters by implementing channel equalization techniques and beamforming based on angle-of-arrival estimation. These parameter changes enable the system to compensate for multipath fading effects and improve channel capacity while maintaining tolerance to multipath delay spread
2Device complexity
If conventional single-antenna reception is used, then the system structure is simple, but channel equalization is insufficient and multipath fading effects are strong
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the reception function across multiple antenna elements, where each element receives and processes signals independently. This segmentation enables spatial diversity and improves channel equalization performance while keeping each individual antenna element simple, thus resolving the contradiction between device complexity and reliability
3Productivity
If multi-element array antennas with beamforming are implemented, then channel capacity increases and multipath fading is reduced, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary angle-of-arrival estimation and channel estimation using training sequences before actual data transmission. This preliminary action allows the system to pre-compute beamforming weights and equalization filters, improving channel capacity and reducing multipath fading effects while managing device complexity through efficient preprocessing
Data Source
AI summary
A communication node of a wireless local area network utilizes a multi-element array antenna to estimate an angle-of-arrival for one or more signal sources which may communicate on symbol-modulated orthogonal subcarriers. Channel coefficients may be estimated from the angle-of-arrival for the one or more signal sources to increase channel capacity, improve channel equalization and reduce the effects of multipath fading. Beamforming based on the angle-of-arrival may also be performed for directional reception and/or transmission of communications with the one or more signal sources.