Beam Management via Path Loss Comparison Across Antenna Arrays
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Solution Overview
Problem
Beam management in wireless communication systems, particularly at high frequencies, requires significant resources due to repeated beam sweeps to identify appropriate beams with low path loss, often resulting in redundant measurements and increased latency.
Innovation Solution
A method and system for selectively adjusting control parameters of monitoring and reporting on downlink beam-swept transmissions of pilot signals based on path loss comparisons across multiple antenna arrays, allowing for more efficient beam management by tailoring monitoring and reporting frequencies and depths based on beam strengths.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If repeated beam sweeps are performed to identify appropriate beams with low path loss, then measurement precision is improved, but loss of time increases and productivity decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by performing path loss measurements using multiple antenna arrays before the actual beam selection process. The terminal device measures path loss values for multiple beams in advance using different antenna arrays, stores these measurements, and reuses them for beam selection decisions. This preliminary measurement approach eliminates the need for repeated beam sweeps, reducing latency while maintaining accurate beam identification.
2Reliability
If repeated beam sweeps are performed to identify appropriate beams, then reliability of beam selection is improved, but productivity decreases due to increased resource consumption
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs path loss measurements in advance using multiple antenna arrays and stores these measurements for future beam selection decisions. This preliminary action ensures reliable beam identification without requiring repeated resource-intensive beam sweeps, thereby maintaining high reliability while improving system throughput and productivity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses multiple antenna arrays to create redundant measurements of path loss for the same beams. Instead of performing repeated beam sweeps, the system copies the measurement process across multiple antenna arrays simultaneously, obtaining multiple path loss values for comparison. This copying approach ensures reliable beam selection through diverse measurement perspectives while avoiding the time loss associated with sequential repeated sweeps.
3Measurement precision
If multiple antenna arrays are used for path loss measurement, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies universality by designing the antenna arrays to serve multiple functions: they are used for both path loss measurement and actual data transmission. The same antenna arrays that measure path loss for beam selection are also the arrays used for communicating data, eliminating the need for separate dedicated measurement hardware. This multi-functionality approach improves measurement precision through multiple measurement opportunities while avoiding the complexity increase that would result from adding dedicated measurement arrays.
Data Source
AI summary
A method of operating a terminal having multiple antenna arrays includes, using the multiple antenna arrays: respectively monitoring and reporting on at least one downlink beam-sweeped transmission of pilot signals. The method also includes, based on a comparison of values indicative of a path loss of the pilot signals monitored using the multiple antenna arrays: selectively triggering adjustment of one or more values of at least one control parameter of said monitoring and reporting.