Distributed Uplink MIMO Using Multi-Band RF Repeater UEs
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing wireless communication systems, particularly 5G NR, face limitations in achieving maximum MIMO gain due to the imbalance in the number of antennas between base stations and user equipment, leading to suboptimal performance in uplink transmissions.
Innovation Solution
A distributed uplink MIMO framework is introduced, where multiple wireless devices act as repeaters to form a high-rank MIMO transmitter/receiver network by shifting RF signals between different frequency bands, allowing for enhanced channel rank and improved MIMO gains through non-coherent, partial-coherent, or full-coherent modes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional MIMO configuration is used with limited antennas at UE, then device complexity is reduced, but MIMO gain and channel rank are insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple wireless devices into a distributed MIMO network where each device acts as a virtual antenna element. Multiple UEs collaborate to form a unified transmit or receive array, effectively combining their antenna resources to achieve high MIMO gain without requiring each individual device to have complex antenna configurations.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extends the MIMO system from a single-device spatial dimension to a multi-device network dimension. By distributing antenna elements across multiple wireless devices in different spatial locations, the system achieves higher channel rank and MIMO gain by utilizing the additional spatial dimension provided by the distributed architecture.
2Reliability
If multiple frequency bands are used for signal transmission, then channel rank is enhanced, but frequency coordination complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the frequency spectrum into multiple bands and assigns different RF signals to different frequency bands. Each wireless device transmits or receives signals on specific frequency bands, allowing the system to enhance channel rank through frequency diversity while managing coordination complexity by dividing the frequency resource allocation across multiple devices.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent enables wireless devices to perform multiple functions across different frequency bands. Each device can transmit and receive signals on multiple frequency bands, converting RF signals between bands as needed. This multi-functionality allows the distributed MIMO network to achieve high channel rank while reusing the same hardware resources across different frequency domains.
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 enhances MIMO performance by leveraging multiple devices to expand the channel rank, optimizing uplink transmissions and achieving improved signal processing capabilities.
Implementation Method 1
The wireless device converts the Nr1 RF signals on the first frequency band to Nr2 RF signals on the second frequency band
Data Source
AI summary
In an aspect of the disclosure, a method, a computer-readable medium, and an apparatus are provided. The apparatus may be a UE. The UE determines that a base station is configured to communicate with the UE on reference frequency band. The UE transmits Nr1 RF signals at Nt1 antennas on first frequency band. Nt1 is a positive integer. The UE transmits Nr2 RF signals at Nt2 antennas on second frequency band. Nt2 is a positive integer. The Nr1 RF signals and the Nr2 RF signals carry L layers of data generated at the UE and to be received at the base station. L is a positive integer and greater than each of the Nt1 and the Nt2.