Beam Pattern Determination Using TTD and Phased Arrays
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current beam searching methods in wireless communication systems, such as phased arrays and True Time Delay (TTD) arrays, face inefficiencies in determining optimal beam patterns, leading to increased overhead and suboptimal performance due to frequency-dependent beam direction selection and varying Signal to Noise Ratio (SNR).
Innovation Solution
A wireless communication system that uses a processor to select transmission and reception beam candidates based on signal power, employing both TTD and phased arrays to form beams with phase and delay differences, allowing for efficient determination of optimal beam patterns with reduced signal transmission times.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If beam searching is performed by sequentially forming all transmission beams and reception beams using a phased array, then a single optimal transmission beam and reception beam are determined, but it takes a great number of signal transmission times resulting in overhead increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the beam searching process into two distinct phases: (1) initial beam direction identification using TTD array with delay differences, and (2) precise beam pattern determination using phased array with phase differences. This segmentation allows each method to be used where it is most effective, reducing overall search time while maintaining accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent performs preliminary beam direction identification using TTD array before conducting the main beam pattern determination using phased array. By pre-identifying candidate beam directions, the system reduces the search space for the subsequent phased array operation, significantly reducing the number of signal transmissions required.
2Loss of time
If TTD array is used for beam searching, then fewer signal transmission times are needed, but the optimal beam direction is not always selected due to frequency-dependent beam direction and varying SNR
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses TTD array as an intermediary tool to identify candidate beam directions before applying phased array for final determination. The TTD array serves as a preliminary filter that narrows down the search space, while the phased array acts as the precise measurement tool for final beam pattern determination.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent substitutes the frequency-dependent TTD array mechanism with a phase-independent phased array mechanism for the final beam pattern determination. By using phase differences instead of delay differences, the system achieves beam direction accuracy that is independent of frequency variations and SNR conditions.
3Measurement precision
If phased array is used for beam searching, then accurate beam pattern is determined, but overhead increases due to multiple signal transmissions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the beam searching task into two segments: coarse beam direction identification (TTD array) and fine beam pattern determination (phased array). This segmentation allows the computationally intensive phased array operation to be performed on a reduced set of candidate directions, improving overall efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent performs preliminary beam direction identification using TTD array before conducting the main beam pattern determination using phased array. By pre-identifying candidate beam directions, the system reduces the search space for the subsequent phased array operation, significantly reducing overhead.
4Speed
If TTD array determines beam direction based on frequency, then fast beam searching is achieved, but performance is limited due to SNR variation across frequencies
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses TTD array as an intermediary to quickly identify candidate beam directions, then employs phased array as a more reliable final determination tool. The TTD array provides speed while the phased array provides reliability, combining the advantages of both approaches.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the fundamental parameter used for beam forming from delay (frequency-dependent) to phase (frequency-independent). This parameter change allows the system to achieve fast initial search with TTD while ensuring reliable final determination with phased array that is not affected by SNR variation across frequencies.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The method significantly reduces the number of signal transmission times required to determine the optimal beam pattern, improving communication efficiency and spectral efficiency across varying SNR conditions.
Implementation Method 1
the first array setting a delay difference between a plurality of antennas
Implementation Method 2
the second array setting a phase difference between a plurality of antennas
Data Source
AI summary
A wireless communication system includes a wireless transmission device and a wireless reception device. The wireless reception device includes: a plurality of reception antennas; and a processor connected to the reception antennas. The processor executes a process including: selecting transmission beam candidates or reception beam candidates based on a reception power of a signal transmitted by using transmission beams of a first array or of a signal received by using reception beams of the first array, the first array setting a delay difference between a plurality of antennas; and determining a beam pattern of a transmission beam and a reception beam based on a reception power of a signal transmitted by using transmission beam candidates formed by a second array or of a signal received by using reception beam candidates formed by the second array, the second array setting a phase difference between a plurality of antennas.