DOA Estimation Using Sum and Difference Beam Switching
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Solution Overview
Problem
In 5G communications systems, precise direction-of-arrival (DOA) estimation is crucial for stable communications, but existing methods face challenges in achieving high precision and stability, especially in millimeter wave bands.
Innovation Solution
A communications device and method utilizing sum and difference beams, where a receiver phase shifter forms these beams based on an estimated DOA, and a receiver controller calculates an offset vector to refine the estimation, enabling improved DOA accuracy by modifying the estimated DOA and adjusting beam formation accordingly.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional DOA estimation methods are used in 5G millimeter wave systems, then basic communication functionality is maintained, but DOA estimation precision and stability are insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the DOA estimation process into distinct phases: initial coarse estimation using sum beam, followed by refined estimation using difference beam. This segmentation allows each phase to optimize for its specific purpose, improving overall precision while maintaining stability through structured progression.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamic beam switching between sum beam and difference beam based on estimation accuracy requirements. The system transitions from sum beam (broader coverage, lower precision) to difference beam (narrower coverage, higher precision) as the estimation process progresses, adapting the beam type to the current estimation stage.
2Measurement precision
If sum beam and difference beam are used for DOA estimation, then estimation precision is improved, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the beam forming system multi-functional by enabling it to perform both sum beam and difference beam operations using the same hardware infrastructure. This universality allows the system to achieve high precision DOA estimation without requiring separate dedicated hardware for each beam type, thus managing complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the beam forming parameters (switching between sum and difference beam configurations) to achieve different estimation objectives. By adjusting parameters rather than adding hardware, the system achieves enhanced precision while controlling complexity through software-controlled parameter modification.
Data Source
AI summary
A communications device and a data receiving method thereof are provided. The communications device includes: a receiver antenna receiving data; a receiver phase shifter forming a first sum beam and a first difference beam based on a first estimated direction-of-arrival (DOA); a receiver radio frequency (RF) chain generating first difference beam output using the first difference beam formed during a first data period of the received data and generating first sum beam output using the first sum beam formed in a second data period of the received data, which is different from the first data period; and a receiver controller calculating an offset vector between an actual DOA and the first estimated DOA based on the first difference beam output and the first sum beam output.