Coverage Enhancing Device Phase Control for Coherent Propagation Paths
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing communication systems using coverage enhancing devices (CEDs) face issues with phase incoherence between different propagation paths, leading to suboptimal coverage enhancement and potential signal interference, especially when multiple CEDs are employed.
Innovation Solution
Implement methods for controlling CEDs to apply phase shifts dynamically, optimizing spatial filterings and beamforming to ensure coherent signal transmission across multiple propagation paths, using control circuitry to measure reception properties and adjust phase shifts based on feedback.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If multiple propagation paths via CEDs are used to increase coverage area, then coverage area is improved, but phase coherence between signal portions deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by dynamically adjusting the phase shift parameter of the CED based on feedback about signal reception properties. The CED changes its phase shift parameter in response to measured reception characteristics, thereby maintaining phase coherence across multiple propagation paths while preserving the coverage area benefit of using multiple paths.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements feedback by having the second communication node measure reception properties of reference signals and provide feedback to the first communication node, which then configures the CED to induce appropriate phase shifts. This closed-loop feedback mechanism ensures that phase coherence is maintained while utilizing multiple propagation paths for extended coverage.
2Reliability
If phase shifts are dynamically adjusted to improve coherence, then signal strength and coherence are improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The feedback mechanism simplifies the control complexity by using automatic adjustment based on measured reception properties. Rather than requiring complex manual configuration, the system uses feedback loops where the CED automatically adjusts its phase shift in response to measured signal characteristics, reducing the burden on complex control algorithms.
Solution Approach 2:
The CED performs self-adjustment by autonomously modifying its phase shift parameter based on feedback information about signal reception. This self-service capability reduces the need for complex external control systems, thereby improving reliability through adaptive coherence while limiting the increase in overall device complexity.
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
Enhances signal strength and coherence, improving communication quality by up to a factor of four compared to non-coherent transmission, and mitigating signal fading through adaptive phase adjustments.
Implementation Method 1
An RRD can be implemented by an array of antennas that can reflect incident electromagnetic waves/signals
Implementation Method 2
The antennas can impose a variable phase shift and typically provide no signal amplification
Data Source
AI summary
According to a first aspect, examples provide a method of operating a first communication node (CN), wherein the first CN is configured for controlling a first CED, wherein the first CED is reconfigurable to provide multiple spatial filterings, each one of the multiple spatial filtering being associated with a respective input spatial direction from which incident signals on a radio channel are accepted and with a respective output spatial direction into which the incident signals are transmitted by the first CED. The method comprises receiving, from a second CN on the radio channel, a first reference signal via a first propagation path and a second propagation path, wherein receiving the first reference signal via the first propagation path involves receiving a component of the reference signal via the first CED, measuring a first reception property of the first reference signal, and providing, to the first CED, a message for configuring the first CED to induce a first phase shift in the first propagation path. Further examples provide a further method of operating a first CN methods of operating a CED as well as respective first CNs, second CNs and CEDs.