Beam Tracking via Bit Vector Selection in 5G Base Stations
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current beam tracking methods in 5G base stations are inefficient, as they require transmitting signals using all available fine beams, which reduces throughput due to the need for multiple time resources, and are complex to implement with UE-specific reference signals and measurement configurations.
Innovation Solution
The system configures remote units to transmit on a subset of beam patterns, combining signal strength measurements across these patterns to determine a bit vector for each user equipment (UE), allowing for the selection of a fine beam using fewer transmissions, scaling as O(log(N)) rather than O(N), and using common signals and configurations for all UEs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If all available fine beams are used for beam tracking, then measurement precision is improved, but productivity deteriorates due to reduced throughput from multiple time resources
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the full set of N fine beams into multiple beam patterns, where each pattern contains a subset of beams. Instead of using all beams simultaneously, the system segments them into groups that are activated in different time resources, reducing the number of active beams at any given time while maintaining tracking accuracy through pattern combination.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements periodic beam pattern transmission where different beam patterns are activated in alternating time resources. This periodic activation allows the system to cycle through multiple patterns, collecting measurement data over time without requiring all beams to be active simultaneously, thus preserving throughput while achieving accurate beam tracking.
2Measurement precision
If UE-specific reference signals and measurement configurations are used, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs common reference signals and measurement configurations that are universal across all user equipment, rather than UE-specific configurations. These common signals serve multiple UEs simultaneously, reducing the complexity of configuring and managing separate reference signals for each UE while maintaining adequate measurement precision through the beam pattern segmentation approach.
Data Source
AI summary
A system includes remote unit(s) (RU(s)). The RU(s) is/are configured to transmit at least one signal on a plurality of different beam patterns, each beam pattern comprising an active subset an inactive subset of a plurality of fine beams covering an area of a cell. The RU(s) is/are also configured to receive, from each of a plurality of user equipment (UEs) in the area, a respective signal strength measurement for each of the plurality of different beam patterns. The system also includes a centralized unit communicatively coupled to the plurality of RUs via a fronthaul interface. The centralized unit is configured to determine a bit vector for each UE based on a combination of the signal strength measurements from the respective UE. The centralized unit is configured also to select a respective fine beam for each UE based on the respective bit vector for the UE.