Cross-Link Interference Framework for Full-Duplex Beam Selection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing wireless communication systems, particularly 5G NR, face challenges in managing self-interference and cross-link interference, which hinder efficient full duplex transmission and reception.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus are provided to determine and select optimal transmit and receive beam pairs by measuring self-interference and cross-link interference, using sounding reference signals and channel state information, to enable efficient full duplex operations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If full duplex transmission and reception are implemented, then spectral efficiency and productivity are improved, but self-interference and cross-link interference increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the antenna system into multiple antenna panels with independent beamforming capabilities. Each panel can be independently controlled to direct beams in specific directions, allowing the system to spatially separate transmission and reception paths. This segmentation enables full duplex operation by physically isolating the harmful self-interference and cross-link interference through spatial beam steering, thus maintaining high spectral efficiency while managing interference.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces spatial dimensionality through beamforming across multiple antenna panels. Instead of treating interference as a one-dimensional problem, the system uses three-dimensional spatial beam steering to redirect signals. By operating in the spatial domain, the system can simultaneously transmit and receive signals without interference by directing beams in different spatial directions, effectively resolving the contradiction between productivity and harmful factors.
2Reliability
If beamforming is used to reduce interference, then signal quality is improved, but the complexity of beam management increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs beam measurement and self-interference measurement procedures in advance to determine optimal beam pairs before actual communication begins. By pre-measuring channel characteristics and interference levels across multiple beam combinations, the system builds a database of beam performance metrics. This preliminary action eliminates the need for real-time complex beam management during communication, reducing operational complexity while maintaining high signal quality through pre-optimized beam selection.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements feedback mechanisms where user equipment reports beam measurement results and self-interference levels back to the network. Based on this feedback, the system dynamically selects optimal beam pairs for communication. The feedback loop includes measuring reference signals, calculating interference levels, and reporting results, which enables continuous optimization of beam selection. This feedback approach simplifies beam management by using measured data to automatically determine best beams without complex real-time calculations.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple antenna panels are deployed, then beam diversity and interference reduction are improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent designs antenna panels that serve multiple functions: each panel can act as both transmit and receive elements, and each panel can be configured for different beam directions. The same antenna panel structure supports both full duplex transmission and interference measurement operations. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate dedicated components for different operations, thereby managing device complexity while maintaining high beam diversity and adaptability across multiple spatial directions.
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure provides for a configuration that enables an apparatus to determine beam pairs for full duplex communication based on a cross-link interference procedure. The apparatus determines a subset of receive beams based on a beam measurement process, where each receive beam is associated with a different antenna array panel. In some aspects, the apparatus performs a channel measurement process based on the subset of receive beams. The apparatus sweeps through transmitted sounding reference signals from a same transmit beam corresponding to each receive beam of an antenna array panel and receives the transmitted sounding reference signals incrementally through other receive beams associated with other antenna array panels. The apparatus measures a self-interference for at least one beam pair of the subset of receive beams based on a received sounding reference signal. The apparatus selects one or more beam pairs based on a self-interference measurement or a signal-to-interference-plus-noise ratio.