Beamforming Training Data Unit Format for Wireless Systems

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Solution Overview

Problem

In wireless communication systems, especially those using IEEE 802.15.3c Draft D0.0 Standard, beamforming training packets face challenges due to the need for efficient transmission and reception of beamforming data units with shorter lengths, which can be misinterpreted as transmission errors or require additional fields not present in the standard formats, leading to difficulties in processing.

Innovation Solution

The introduction of a beamforming training (BFT) data unit format that is shorter than standard formats, with specific signaling mechanisms such as modified modulation schemes, spreading sequences, and header fields to indicate the BFT format, allowing for the transmission and processing of BFT information elements.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If beamforming training packets use standard data unit formats, then transmission reliability is improved, but transmission efficiency and training speed deteriorate due to longer packet lengths

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetransmission reliabilityVSAvoidbeamforming training speed
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The beamforming training packet is segmented into distinct functional portions: a standard-compliant header for reliability and a truncated payload containing only essential beamforming training information elements. This segmentation allows the packet to maintain standard format benefits while achieving shorter overall length for faster training.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Non-essential information elements are extracted and removed from the beamforming training packet, retaining only the critical training data. This extraction reduces packet length and transmission time while preserving the core beamforming training functionality needed for spatial gain optimization.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

2Productivity

If beamforming training packets are shortened to improve training efficiency, then productivity is improved, but the packets may be misinterpreted as transmission errors or require additional signaling fields

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvebeamforming training efficiencyVSAvoidpacket interpretation accuracy
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The packet type is identified and distinguished before full processing occurs. By recognizing the shortened beamforming training packet format in advance through specific identification mechanisms, the receiver can properly interpret the truncated structure without mistaking it for a transmission error or requiring additional error correction fields.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

3Device complexity

If standard data unit formats are used for all packets, then device complexity is reduced, but adaptability to different transmission requirements deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveprotocol processing complexityVSAvoidformat adaptability
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The communication system implements a universal packet handling mechanism that can process both standard-length data units and shortened beamforming training packets through a unified identification and routing framework. This multi-functionality allows the system to adapt to different transmission requirements without increasing overall device complexity.

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

Solution Approach 2:

Different packet formats are applied locally based on the specific transmission requirement: standard formats for general data transmission and truncated formats for beamforming training. This localized format selection optimizes each transmission type without requiring the entire system to accommodate all variations simultaneously.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Data Source

PatentEP2584750B1Physical layer data unit format
Publication Date: 2018.08.08 MARVELL WORLD TRADE LTD
  • EP2584750B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2584750B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2584750B1 patent drawingFigure 3A~3B

AI summary

In a wireless communication system wherein communication devices exchange information utilizing data units that conform to a first format, a beamforming training (BFT) data unit that conforms to a second format is transmitted, wherein a length of the BFT data unit is shorter than lengths supported by the first format, wherein the BFT data unit is for transmitting PHY beamforming training information. Information to indicate the BFT data unit conforms to the second format is transmitted to a receiving device. The BFT data unit is generated according to the second format, wherein the BFT data unit includes BFT information elements. The BFT data unit is then transmitted to the receiving device.