Multi-User Scheduling with Beam Squinting in Wideband Channels

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Solution Overview

Problem

Beam squinting effects in wideband channels cause challenges for analog beamforming in directing beams to user equipment (UE) in 5G NR and 6G wireless technology, particularly at millimeter wave (mmWave) and terahertz (THz) frequency bands.

Innovation Solution

The proposed solution involves frequency division multiplexing (FDM) users on beams by partitioning wideband frequency channels into subbands and using these subbands for communication, taking advantage of the beam squinting effect to increase spectral efficiency and throughput.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Strength

If beamforming is used for mmWave and THz bands to increase link budget, then signal strength is improved, but beam squinting effects cause deviation from intended direction

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvelink budgetVSAvoidbeam direction accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The wideband frequency channel is divided into multiple subbands (e.g., 2, 3, or more subbands) to enable independent frequency management. This segmentation allows the system to exploit beam squinting effects in different subbands differently, resolving the contradiction between maintaining beam strength and achieving accurate beam direction.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the frequency parameter by using frequency division multiplexing across different subbands. By assigning different subbands to different users or communication tasks, the system transforms the beam squinting effect from a harmful deviation into a useful mechanism for spatial separation and multiplexing.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Speed

If wideband frequency channel is used for communication, then data rate is improved, but beam squinting effects increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedata rateVSAvoidbeam squinting effect

Core Design Contradiction:

SpeedVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent converts the harmful beam squinting effect into a beneficial resource by using frequency division multiplexing. The beam squinting-induced frequency-dependent phase shifts are exploited to create spatial separation between users, enabling simultaneous communications without requiring additional spectral resources.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #22Blessing in disguise (Convert harm into benefit)

Solution Approach 2:

By segmenting the wideband channel into subbands and assigning different subbands to different users, the system maintains high data rates while managing beam squinting effects through structured frequency allocation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

3Productivity

If frequency division multiplexing is used to exploit beam squinting, then spectral efficiency is improved, but system complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvespectral efficiencyVSAvoidscheduling complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The frequency channel is segmented into subbands that can be independently managed and scheduled. This segmentation simplifies the scheduling process by breaking down the complex wideband resource allocation into manageable subband assignments, while still achieving high spectral efficiency through frequency division multiplexing.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

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

This approach allows for increased spectral efficiency and throughput by effectively utilizing the deviation from boresight direction due to frequency-dependent beam squinting, enabling multiple UEs to be communicated with during the same time period using the same beam but different subbands.

Implementation Method 1

beam squinting effects of a wideband channel can provide challenges for analog beamforming in directing the beam to the UE. 'Beam squinting', as used herein, refers to an unfocusing of the intended direction of the beam across frequency when phase shifting is used to steer the direction of the beam.

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectBeam squinting:

Implementation Method 2

The present disclosure proposes to take advantage of the beam squinting effect by frequency division multiplexing (FDM) users on the beams.

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectFrequency division multiplexing:

Data Source

PatentUS20250038901A1Methods and apparatuses for multi-user scheduling with beam squinting

Publication Date: 2025.01.30 GOOGLE LLC

AI summary

A network entity transmits, to a first UE and a second UE, a plurality of reference signals via a plurality of beams corresponding to a plurality of subbands, receives, from the first UE, a first indicator of a first beam of the plurality of beams and a first subband of the plurality of subbands satisfying a first threshold, receives, from the second UE, a second indicator of the first beam and a second subband of the plurality of subbands satisfying a second threshold, the second subband being different from the first subband. The network entity further communicates, with the first UE in a slot, a first communication via the first beam and the first subband, and communicates, with the second UE in the slot, a second communication via the first beam and the second subband.