Beam Gain Adjustment via Null Widening in Wireless Networks

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing wireless communication networks face challenges in adjusting beam gain effectively, particularly in systems with large antenna arrays, as existing methods are inadequate for reducing beam gain beyond power limitations and are computationally expensive, especially when using Reciprocity Assisted Transmission (RAT) and Multiple-Input Multiple-Output (MIMO) transmissions.

Innovation Solution

A mechanism is introduced for adjusting beam gain using a single beam widening parameter and an iterative procedure, involving a null widening parameter to modify the channel matrix, which allows for non-linear reduction of beam gain to meet pre-determined limits, utilizing a tabulated approach for initialization and iterative root finding methods.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If beamforming gain is increased to improve capacity and coverage, then network performance is improved, but interference to other systems increases and operator requirements are violated

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvenetwork capacity and coverageVSAvoidinterference to other systems
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies parameter changes by modifying the channel matrix through a null widening parameter (rho) that transforms the beamforming weights. This mathematical transformation adjusts the beam pattern parameters to reduce peak gain while maintaining coverage, thereby reducing interference to other systems while preserving network performance

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Productivity

If Reciprocity Assisted Transmission (RAT) and MIMO techniques are used to enhance transmission efficiency, then data rate is improved, but computational complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedata rateVSAvoidcomputational complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies preliminary action by pre-computing the null widening parameter and its effect on beam gain reduction. By determining the appropriate parameter transformation in advance based on the channel matrix, the system avoids complex real-time calculations during transmission, thereby reducing computational complexity while maintaining high data rates through RAT and MIMO

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

3Object-affected harmful factors

If beam gain is reduced to meet operator requirements, then interference is minimized, but communication quality may deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinterference levelVSAvoidcommunication quality
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies local quality by using the null widening parameter to selectively reduce beam gain only in specific directions where interference occurs, while maintaining adequate gain in other directions for communication quality. This localized adjustment through mathematical transformation of the channel matrix ensures interference reduction without compromising overall communication reliability

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Data Source

PatentEP3915198B1Methods, apparatus and machine-readable mediums relating to adjusting beam gain in wireless communication networks
Publication Date: 2025.09.17 TELEFONAKTIEBOLAGET LM ERICSSON (PUBL)
  • EP3915198B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3915198B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3915198B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

Embodiments of the disclosure provide a method for adjusting beam gain in a radio network node. The method comprises: obtaining a channel estimate based on a reference signal transmitted by a target wireless device; applying a set of weights to the channel estimate to obtain a weighted channel estimate; and outputting the weighted channel estimate for use in determining beamforming weights to be applied to signals output to a plurality of antenna elements for transmission to the target wireless device, wherein the beamforming weights are determined as a function of the weighted channel estimate.