Beamforming Control Channel and Data Burst Segmentation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current wireless communication systems face challenges in increasing data capacity due to propagation path loss at higher frequency bands, which reduces service coverage and efficiency, especially in legacy cellular systems that struggle to secure broad frequency bands.

Innovation Solution

The implementation of beamforming techniques, including transmission (Tx) and reception (Rx) beamforming using antenna arrays, to improve directivity and reduce signal interference, particularly in Millimeter Wave (MMW) systems, which allows for broader frequency usage and increased propagation distance.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If higher frequency bands are used to increase data capacity, then spectral efficiency is improved, but propagation path loss increases and service coverage is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedata capacityVSAvoidservice coverage
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the downlink transmission into two distinct parts: a control channel transmitted using a first beamforming pattern and data bursts transmitted using a second beamforming pattern. This segmentation allows each part to be optimized independently - the control channel can use a broader beam for coverage while data bursts use focused beams for high-rate transmission, thus resolving the contradiction between coverage and data capacity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces the dimension of time by separating control channel and data burst transmissions in the time domain. The control channel is transmitted first with one beamforming configuration, followed by data bursts with another configuration. This temporal dimension allows the system to achieve both wide coverage for control signals and high data capacity for payload transmission without mutual interference.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Measurement precision

If beamforming is used to improve directivity and reduce interference, then signal reception sensitivity is improved, but system complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesignal reception sensitivityVSAvoidsystem complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs dynamic beamforming patterns where the base station can switch between different beamforming configurations for control channels and data bursts. The system dynamically adjusts beamforming parameters based on channel conditions and service requirements, allowing optimal signal reception sensitivity while managing complexity through adaptive rather than static configurations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent makes the beamforming system multi-functional by using the same antenna array and beamforming capability for both control channel transmission and data burst transmission, but with different beamforming patterns. This universal approach allows a single system to perform multiple functions (coverage optimization and high-rate transmission) without requiring separate hardware systems, thus managing complexity while achieving high reception sensitivity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentEP3910805B1Method and apparatus for transmitting and receiving data in a communication system using beamforming
Publication Date: 2023.04.12 SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO LTD
  • EP3910805B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3910805B1 patent drawingFigure 3~6
  • EP3910805B1 patent drawingFigure 7~9

AI summary

A method and apparatus for transmitting and receiving data in a communication system using beamforming are provided. The transmission method includes transmitting a control channel signal in a control channel region of a subframe using a first transmission beam of a base station. The transmission method also includes transmitting a data signal during a predetermined time period of a data region after the control channel region in the subframe using a second transmission beam determined based on the first transmission beam. The transmission method further includes transmitting a data signal in a remaining data region following the predetermined time period using a scheduled transmission beam.