Common Antenna Array Beamforming for mmWave Access and Backhaul
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing wireless communication systems using separate antenna systems for access and backhaul links in the mmWave band are bulky, expensive, and inefficient, and require complex designs that limit their effectiveness in high-throughput applications.
Innovation Solution
Utilizing a common antenna array for both access and backhaul links in mmWave communication systems, enabling simultaneous or time-division communication schemes to optimize antenna gain and reduce interference.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If separate antenna systems are used for access and backhaul links, then communication functionality is provided, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines separate access and backhaul antenna systems into a single integrated antenna array. The base station uses one common antenna array to perform both access communication with user equipment and backhaul communication with other base stations, eliminating the need for separate antenna systems and reducing overall device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated antenna array is designed to serve multiple functions simultaneously - it performs both access link communication with mobile devices and backhaul link communication with other base stations. This multi-functional antenna system reduces the total number of components while maintaining full communication capabilities.
2Adaptability or versatility
If separate antenna systems are used for access and backhaul links, then communication functionality is provided, but weight and volume increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges separate access and backhaul antenna systems into a single integrated antenna array, reducing the total volume occupied by antenna components. The unified structure eliminates redundant hardware and spatial separation requirements, thereby decreasing the overall system volume.
3Power
If a common antenna array is used for access and backhaul links, then antenna gain is optimized, but interference management becomes more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic beamforming and spatial filtering techniques that adapt in real-time to separate access and backhaul signals. The system dynamically adjusts beam directions, gains, and spatial filters based on current communication requirements, enabling the common antenna array to maintain high gain while effectively managing potential interference between different link types.
4Object-affected harmful factors
If separate antenna systems are used, then signal isolation is easier, but system cost and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses dynamic spatial filtering and beamforming to achieve signal isolation without physical separation. By adaptively adjusting the spatial response of the antenna array, the system can isolate access and backhaul signals in the spatial domain, eliminating the need for separate antenna systems while maintaining effective signal separation.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This approach allows for efficient, high-throughput wireless communication by maximizing antenna gain and reducing complexity, while maintaining effective coverage and reducing inter-small-cell distance.
Implementation Method 1
A phased antenna array may form a directive antenna pattern or a beam, which may be steered by setting appropriate signal phases at the antenna elements
Data Source
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AI summary
Some demonstrative embodiments include apparatuses, systems and/or methods of wireless backhaul and access communication via a common antenna array. For example, an apparatus may include a wireless communication unit to control an antenna array to form one or more first beams for communicating over one or more access links and to form one or more second beams for communicating over one or more backhaul links, the access links including wireless communication links between a wireless communication node and one or more mobile devices, and the backhaul links including wireless communication links between the wireless node and one or more other wireless communication nodes.