Beamforming Control Channel Region Mapping for Wireless Coverage
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Solution Overview
Problem
Wireless communication systems face challenges in securing a wide frequency band for higher data rates, leading to increased propagation path loss and reduced service coverage, especially in high-frequency bands like MilliMeter Wave (MMW) systems, which necessitates efficient beamforming techniques to extend propagation distance and reduce interference.
Innovation Solution
The method involves beamforming for transmitting and receiving control channels in wireless communication systems, specifically using Physical Downlink Control Channels (PDCCH) by configuring base stations and mobile stations to perform beam selection and tracking, thereby optimizing signal directivity and reducing interference through digital or analog beamforming structures.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If high-frequency bands (MMW systems) are used to secure wide frequency band for higher data rates, then data rate is improved, but propagation path loss increases and service coverage is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the coverage area into multiple beam regions, each served by a specific beam direction. The base station transmits control channels using different beams toward different spatial directions, effectively segmenting the overall coverage area into directional sectors that can be independently optimized for high-frequency transmission.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces spatial dimension through beamforming, transitioning from omnidirectional or limited-direction transmission to multi-directional beam transmission. By adding the spatial dimension with multiple beam directions, the system can achieve both high data rates in specific directions and extended overall coverage through directional signal focusing.
2Length of moving object
If beamforming is used to extend propagation distance and reduce interference, then signal directivity is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the beamforming process into discrete beam directions and beam regions. Instead of continuous complex beamforming, the system uses a finite set of predefined beam directions, each corresponding to a specific beam region. This segmentation simplifies the beamforming structure while maintaining extended propagation distance through directional transmission.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamic beam selection and tracking mechanisms where the base station and mobile station adaptively select and track the best beam directions based on channel conditions. This dynamic adaptation allows the system to maintain optimal signal directivity and propagation distance without requiring complex static beamforming structures.
3Adaptability or versatility
If mobile station performs blind detection of control channels without beam information, then adaptability is improved, but detection complexity and time increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transmits beam region information to the mobile station before the mobile station performs control channel detection. This preliminary provision of beam direction information allows the mobile station to narrow down the search space to specific beam regions, significantly reducing detection time while maintaining adaptability to different channel conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the base station transmits beam region information based on channel conditions and the mobile station uses this information to guide its detection process. This feedback loop enables the system to adapt to changing conditions while reducing the detection burden on the mobile station through informed search strategies.
Data Source
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AI summary
A method and apparatus for transmitting and receiving a control channel by beamforming in a wireless communication system are provided. The transmission method includes determining a plurality of pieces of control information to be transmitted on control channels and determining transmission beams for use in beamforming transmission of the plurality of pieces of control information, mapping at least one piece of beam region information indicating at least one beam region in a control channel region and the plurality of pieces of control information to the at least one beam region in the control channel region, at least one piece of control information corresponding to the same transmission beam being arranged in one beam region, and transmitting the mapped beam region information and the mapped control information by transmission beams corresponding to the beam regions in the control channel region.