Beamformed Wireless Transmissions Mitigating Beam Squint

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Solution Overview

Problem

Wireless communication networks face challenges in efficiently utilizing high-frequency spectrum due to beam squint issues, which cause radio link degradation with large antenna arrays and wide channel bandwidths.

Innovation Solution

A measurement and reporting framework is introduced, where wireless terminals measure and report parameters based on metrics related to antenna panel normals, allowing wireless network nodes to determine optimal communication configurations and mitigate beam squint effects.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If beamforming is used with large antenna arrays and wide channel bandwidths at high frequencies, then network capacity and reliability are improved, but beam squint causes radio link degradation

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvenetwork capacityVSAvoidradio link quality

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the parameter representation from traditional beam-based metrics to panel-normal-based metrics (angular distance, azimuth angle, elevation angle). This parameter transformation allows the system to maintain beamforming performance while compensating for beam squint effects by referencing angles relative to the panel normal rather than absolute beam directions

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces dynamic measurement and reporting of panel-normal-based parameters that adapt to changing channel conditions and beam squint effects. The wireless terminal continuously measures and reports angular distances and angles, allowing the network to dynamically adjust beamforming configurations to maintain link quality despite frequency-dependent beam deviations

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Device complexity

If traditional beamforming metrics are used without panel normal reference, then system complexity is low, but beam squint effects cannot be mitigated

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemeasurement framework complexityVSAvoidbeam squint mitigation capability

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent establishes panel normal reference frames in advance before beamforming operations. The wireless terminal determines panel normals and uses them as the reference for all subsequent angle measurements and parameter reporting, preparing the geometric foundation needed to mitigate beam squint before actual beamforming takes place

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the wireless terminal measures and reports panel-normal-based parameters (angular distance, azimuth, elevation) to the network. This feedback loop enables the network to assess beam squint effects and adjust beamforming configurations accordingly, creating a closed-loop system that actively compensates for beam squint

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Data Source

PatentUS12328166B2Beamformed transmissions in wireless communication networks

Publication Date: 2025.06.10 NOKIA TECHNOLOGIES OY

AI summary

According to an example aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method comprising, receiving, by a wireless network node, at least one parameter from a wireless terminal, wherein the at least one parameter is related to at least one transmit and/or receive beam of the wireless terminal and based on at least one metric with respect to a normal of at least one antenna panel of the wireless terminal, determining, based on the at least one parameter, a configuration for communicating with the wireless terminal and communicating with the wireless terminal according to the determined configuration.