60 GHz Beamforming Training for Long-Range Association

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Solution Overview

Problem

Communication systems in the 60 GHz frequency range face challenges due to high free space path loss and beamforming training issues, leading to reduced antenna gain, coverage problems, and increased collision probability during association phases.

Innovation Solution

Implementing directive beamforming techniques in both communication devices, allowing for double directive beamforming training phases and modifying channel access protocols to enhance antenna gain, reduce collisions, and improve coverage.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Power

If STAs transmit directive beams to AP during association phase, then antenna gain is improved, but collision probability increases due to multiple STAs transmitting simultaneously

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveantenna gainVSAvoidcollision probability

Core Design Contradiction:

PowerVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The association phase is segmented into multiple time slots, with each slot dedicated to a specific AP receive beam. STAs are distributed across different time slots based on which AP beam they respond to, thereby segmenting the collision-prone transmission opportunity into multiple non-colliding intervals.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The system dynamically adapts the association procedure by having AP transmit different receive beams in different time slots and STAs dynamically selecting which time slot to respond in based on the AP beam they received. This dynamic time-division approach allows the system to accommodate multiple STAs without collisions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Area of stationary object

If AP listens omnidirectional during association phase, then coverage is improved, but collision probability increases due to inability to spatially separate STAs

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveAP coverageVSAvoidcollision probability

Core Design Contradiction:

Area of stationary objectVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The omnidirectional listening capability is segmented into multiple directional receive beams that are transmitted sequentially in different time slots. Each receive beam covers a specific spatial sector, and STAs in different sectors are assigned to different time slots, thereby maintaining coverage while enabling spatial separation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The AP periodically transmits different receive beams in a cyclic manner through multiple time slots. This periodic transmission of directional beams allows the system to cover all spatial directions over time while maintaining the ability to spatially separate and identify individual STAs.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #19Periodic action

3Reliability

If STAs transmit in random time slots during association phase, then collision probability is reduced, but antenna gain decreases due to lack of beam alignment

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecollision probabilityVSAvoidantenna gain

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSPower

Solution Approach 1:

Before STAs transmit their response, the AP performs preliminary action by transmitting a set of directional receive beams in different time slots. STAs use these preliminary beacon transmissions to identify which time slot and corresponding AP beam to respond to, ensuring that when they transmit, both devices are already aligned with the optimal beams.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

4Power

If more antennas per PAA are used, then directivity is improved, but half-power beam width decreases making beam alignment more difficult

Engineering Contradiction:

ImprovedirectivityVSAvoidbeam alignment

Core Design Contradiction:

PowerVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The beam alignment process is segmented into multiple coarse steps, with each time slot dedicated to a specific directional beam. Instead of requiring precise alignment in a single step, the system sequentially presents multiple directional options, allowing the receiver to identify the correct beam direction through the sequence, thereby simplifying the alignment task despite narrow beam widths.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The system employs periodic transmission of directional beams in a systematic sequence through multiple time slots. This periodic approach allows the receiver to sweep through different directions and identify the correct beam alignment point by point, making the alignment process more manageable despite the narrow HPBW of high-directivity beams.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #19Periodic action

Data Source

PatentUS12476692B2Communication devices and methods with beamforming training

Publication Date: 2025.11.18 SONY GROUP CORP

AI summary

A communication device, e.g. an access point, for RF-based communication with another communication device, e.g. a station, comprises antenna circuitry configured to transmit and receive RF signals and beamforming circuitry configured to perform beamforming. The beamforming circuitry controls the antenna circuitry to transmit data, in a beacon transmission phase prior to the beamforming training phase, using a set of third directive transmit beams in subsequent time slots and to listen, in the beamforming training phase, using a set of first directive receive beams in subsequent time slots that is different from the set of third directive transmit beams.