Beam Alignment Verification Using Receive Power Comparisons
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Solution Overview
Problem
In wireless communication systems, particularly in 5G networks, there is a challenge in detecting and correcting beam misalignment between user equipment (UE) and base stations, which can lead to reduced performance due to changes in user location, movement, or environmental factors, affecting signal propagation and beamforming gain.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus that determine a beam alignment reference value and a beam alignment test value by comparing receive power measurements using different beam widths at the user equipment, allowing the UE to assess whether its beam is aligned with the base station's transmit beam, and initiating a beam realignment procedure if misalignment is detected.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If beamforming is used to improve signal strength and data rate, then wireless performance is improved, but beam misalignment occurs due to user movement or environmental changes, reducing communication reliability
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary beam alignment measurements by comparing receive power through different beam configurations before actual communication occurs. The UE determines beam alignment reference values and test values in advance, allowing the system to proactively detect and correct potential misalignment issues before they degrade communication reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the UE continuously monitors beam alignment by comparing reference values (obtained through aligned beams) with test values (obtained through current beam configurations). When misalignment is detected through this feedback loop, the system can trigger beam realignment procedures to restore optimal performance.
2Productivity
If narrow beams are used to increase beamforming gain, then data rate is improved, but the system becomes more sensitive to misalignment, reducing ease of operation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the UE continuously monitors beam alignment by comparing reference values (obtained through aligned beams) with test values (obtained through current beam configurations). When misalignment is detected through this feedback loop, the system can trigger beam realignment procedures to restore optimal performance.
Solution Approach 2:
The UE autonomously performs beam alignment verification by independently determining reference values, test values, and detecting misalignment conditions without requiring network intervention. This self-service capability allows the device to automatically maintain optimal beam alignment, reducing operational complexity despite using narrow beams for high data rates.
3Reliability
If beam alignment verification is performed continuously to maintain reliability, then beam alignment is preserved, but signaling overhead and processing complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of continuous verification, the patent performs beam alignment checks partially - by comparing reference values with test values at specific intervals or triggered by events. This partial action approach maintains sufficient reliability while reducing the excessive complexity and overhead of continuous monitoring.
Data Source
AI summary
A method may include determining, by a user equipment, a beam alignment reference value and a beam alignment test value; and determining, by the user equipment, based on the beam alignment reference value and the beam alignment test value, that a user equipment receive beam used by the user equipment is not aligned with a transmit beam of the base station.