Base Station Channel Sounding Using In-Service Grid Embedding
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional cellular wireless communication networks face challenges in efficiently measuring and characterizing wireless channel parameters, particularly in real-time, due to the limitations of single-input single-output channel sounding systems, which are slow and difficult to modify for advanced measurements.
Innovation Solution
The method involves using the transceivers and baseband processors of an in-service wireless cellular communications system to embed channel sounding waveforms into the time-frequency resource grid of a base station, allowing for channel characterization without the need for a dedicated transmitter, utilizing existing or modified waveforms and resources, and enabling real-time monitoring and optimization of channel properties.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a dedicated channel sounding transmitter is deployed, then channel measurement capability is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies universality by enabling in-service base stations to perform dual functions: normal cellular communication and channel sounding measurements. The base station transmits both communication signals and channel sounding waveforms (such as CSI-RS or synchronization signals) using the same infrastructure, eliminating the need for dedicated sounding transmitters and reducing overall system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the channel sounding function with existing in-service base stations. Instead of deploying separate dedicated transmitters, the channel sounding capability is integrated into the operational base station infrastructure, combining communication and measurement functions in a single device to reduce complexity and cost.
2Productivity
If traditional single-input single-output channel sounding systems are used, then system simplicity is maintained, but measurement speed and productivity deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from single-input single-output (SISO) to multi-input multi-output (MIMO) channel sounding by utilizing multiple antennas at both the base station and user equipment. This dimensional expansion enables parallel channel measurements across multiple spatial streams, dramatically increasing measurement speed and productivity while leveraging the spatial dimension for advanced MIMO channel characterization.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamic beam sweeping and beam management procedures where the base station dynamically adjusts transmit beams across multiple directions and time instances. This dynamic approach enables rapid channel sounding by adaptively steering beams to cover different spatial regions, significantly improving measurement speed compared to static SISO systems.
3Device complexity
If in-service base stations are used for channel sounding, then device complexity is reduced, but resource interference may increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the time-frequency resource grid by allocating specific resource elements and resource blocks exclusively for channel sounding waveforms. These dedicated resources are separated from normal communication data transmissions, ensuring that channel sounding signals do not interfere with user data and vice versa, thereby managing interference through resource partitioning.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements feedback mechanisms where channel sounding measurements are reported back to the base station, which then uses this information to optimize resource allocation and beam management. This feedback loop enables dynamic adjustment of sounding resources to minimize interference with ongoing communications while maintaining measurement accuracy.
Data Source
AI summary
A method may include a processing system of a channel sounding receiver having a processor detecting a synchronization signal within a time and frequency resource grid of a base station and measuring a channel property at a first location based upon the synchronization signal that is received at the first location. The method may further include the processing system receiving at a second location, from the base station, the synchronization signal, measuring a channel property at the second location based upon the synchronization signal that is received at the second location, and selecting between the first location and the second location for a deployment of a customer premises equipment based upon the channel property at the first location and the channel property at the second location.