Beam Selection Using Channel Correlation Matrix in 5G NR
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing beam management techniques in wireless communication systems, particularly in 5G NR, face challenges with unreliable beam relationships due to blockage or out-of-coverage areas, leading to delayed and unreliable beam tracking performance.
Innovation Solution
A configuration for beam management that estimates a channel correlation matrix to select the highest quality beam among multiple beams in a single measurement, independent of beam relationships, by determining reference signal received power (RSRP) based on beam weights.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If beam management relies on parent, child, or neighbor beam relationships for tracking, then beam tracking can be performed using hierarchical relationships, but the beam tracking becomes unreliable and delayed in out-of-coverage areas or due to blockages
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the beam selection process from the hierarchical beam relationship framework and performs independent beam measurement and selection based on channel correlation matrix. This removes the dependency on parent-child-neighbor relationships that cause reliability issues and delays, allowing direct beam quality assessment without traversing hierarchical structures.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a channel correlation matrix as an intermediary tool to predict beam quality (RSRP) without requiring actual beam measurements or hierarchical relationships. This matrix serves as a mediator that enables reliable beam selection in out-of-coverage areas by providing predicted quality metrics based on spatial correlation rather than hierarchical beam tracking.
2Productivity
If all beams are measured simultaneously using channel correlation matrix, then beam selection speed and adaptability improve, but the computational complexity and measurement requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary measurements of a subset of beams to construct the channel correlation matrix before actual beam selection is needed. This preliminary action captures the spatial correlation characteristics of the channel, enabling rapid prediction of all beam qualities without requiring exhaustive simultaneous measurements of every beam at the time of selection.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses the channel correlation matrix as a model or copy of the channel characteristics to predict beam qualities. Instead of directly measuring all beams, the system creates a mathematical representation (correlation matrix) that captures the essential spatial relationships, then uses this copy to infer the quality of beams that haven't been directly measured, reducing measurement complexity while maintaining accuracy.
Data Source
AI summary
Methods and apparatus for beam management where a beam is selected based on an estimated channel correlation matrix. The apparatus determines a channel correlation matrix based on downlink SSB reference signal received at the UE. The apparatus estimates a RSRP of a plurality of beams associated with an uplink channel based on the channel correlation matrix and associated beam weights. The apparatus selects a first beam from the plurality of beams having a highest estimated RSRP for communication with a base station. The apparatus communicates with the base station via the first beam.