Beamforming Transmission Device Multi-User RF Chain Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional antenna array designs require multiple RF chains to support multiple user equipment, leading to increased design complexity and power consumption due to their single beamforming direction.
Innovation Solution
A beamforming transmission device and method that uses a control unit to generate a control signal based on RF signals and channel state information from multiple user equipment, allowing a single RF unit to generate and transmit beamforming signals to multiple user equipment, reducing the need for multiple RF chains.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If traditional antenna array design employs multiple RF chains to support multiple user equipment, then the number of supported user equipment increases, but design complexity and power consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies universality by enabling a single RF chain to perform multiple functions - serving multiple user equipment simultaneously through beamforming technology. The antenna array generates multiple independent beams from one RF chain, allowing one component to handle multiple user equipment, thus resolving the contradiction between supporting more users and reducing system complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the functions of multiple RF chains into a single RF chain by combining beamforming capabilities with the antenna array. Instead of having separate RF chains for each user equipment, the system merges resource allocation and signal processing into one RF chain that dynamically serves multiple users through spatial beamforming, reducing overall system complexity
2Adaptability or versatility
If traditional antenna array design employs multiple RF chains to support multiple user equipment, then the number of supported user equipment increases, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The single RF chain is designed to universally serve multiple user equipment through beamforming, making one energy-consuming component perform the work of multiple components. This reduces total power consumption while maintaining the ability to support multiple users simultaneously through spatial multiplexing
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates virtual copies of signal paths through beamforming instead of physical copies through multiple RF chains. The single RF chain generates multiple beamformed signal copies directed at different user equipment, achieving the effect of multiple RF chains with the energy consumption of one
3Productivity
If traditional antenna array uses single beamforming direction, then RF chain count matches user equipment count, but the system cannot support multiple user equipment efficiently
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the single beamforming capability into multiple independent beams, each targeting a different user equipment. The antenna array is divided into multiple beamforming groups that can independently steer beams in different directions, allowing simultaneous service to multiple users with different spatial locations
Solution Approach 2:
The patent adds the spatial dimension to beamforming by enabling three-dimensional beam steering capabilities. Instead of single-direction beamforming, the system creates beams in multiple spatial dimensions and directions, allowing one RF chain to serve multiple users located at different spatial positions through angular and spatial separation
Data Source
AI summary
A beamforming transmission device includes a control unit, at least one radio frequency unit, and at least one signal transmission unit. The control unit is configured to receive a radio frequency signal and channel state information of at least two pieces of user equipment, and to generate a control signal according to the radio frequency signal and the channel state information of the at least two pieces of user equipment. The radio frequency unit is coupled to the control unit. The radio frequency unit is configured to receive the control signal and generate a beamforming signal according to the control signal. The signal transmission unit is coupled to the radio frequency unit. The signal transmission unit is configured to transmit the beamforming signal to the at least two pieces of user equipment.