Beamforming-Based AGC Scheduling for Massive MIMO Reception

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Solution Overview

Problem

In wireless communication systems, particularly in massive MIMO systems, setting the Automatic Gain Control (AGC) in receiving devices efficiently is a challenge, especially when beam sweeping is utilized, leading to mismatches between received signal power and AGC gain, which degrades performance.

Innovation Solution

A method and apparatus for a receiving device that involves obtaining beamforming parameters associated with incoming signals, scheduling AGC operations based on these parameters, and applying the AGC synchronously with beamforming to predict and adjust signal power levels, thereby reducing delays and mismatches.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If conventional AGC operation is used in massive MIMO systems, then the receiving device can process signals, but mismatches occur between received signal power and AGC gain due to beam sweeping, degrading performance

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesignal receiving performanceVSAvoiddata loss
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of information

Solution Approach 1:

The receiving device obtains beamforming parameters before performing AGC operation, allowing it to predict the received signal power in advance and schedule the AGC operation accordingly, preventing mismatches between AGC gain and actual signal power

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The system uses beamforming parameters as feedback information to adjust AGC operation timing and gain settings, creating a closed-loop control mechanism that adapts to changing signal conditions in massive MIMO systems

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

2Adaptability or versatility

If beam sweeping is utilized in massive MIMO systems, then coverage is improved, but mismatches between received signal power and AGC gain occur, degrading performance

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvebeam sweeping capabilityVSAvoidsignal receiving performance
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The receiving device obtains beamforming parameters associated with incoming signals before performing AGC operation, enabling it to anticipate signal power variations caused by beam sweeping and adjust AGC timing accordingly

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The system dynamically adjusts AGC operation timing and gain settings based on beamforming parameters, allowing the AGC to adapt to the dynamic signal conditions created by beam sweeping operations

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Device complexity

If AGC operation is performed without considering beamforming parameters, then the receiving device structure is simpler, but delays and mismatches occur between AGC gain and received signal power

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveAGC control structureVSAvoidAGC adjustment delay
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The receiving device schedules AGC operation based on beamforming parameters obtained in advance, allowing it to perform AGC adjustment at the optimal time without waiting for signal power measurements, thereby reducing delays

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The system uses readily available beamforming parameters (already obtained for beamforming operations) to control AGC timing, eliminating the need for separate signal power measurement and feedback mechanisms

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Data Source

PatentEP3586454B1Methods and apparatuses for receiving in a wireless communication system
Publication Date: 2022.05.18 TELEFONAKTIEBOLAGET LM ERICSSON (PUBL)
  • EP3586454B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3586454B1 patent drawingFigure 3~5
  • EP3586454B1 patent drawingFigure 6A~6B

AI summary

Embodiments of the present disclosure provide methods, apparatuses and computer program in a receiving device. A method comprises obtaining a beamforming (BF) parameter associated with a signal to be received; scheduling an automatic gain control (AGC) operation based on the BF parameter; and applying the AGC operation on the signal according to the scheduling. Embodiments of the present disclosure may increase accuracy of AGC control and reduce/avoid performance degradation caused by reaction delay of AGC.