Dual-Beam Antenna for 5G Pilot Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Massive beamforming in 5G wireless communications faces challenges in efficiently handling abrupt changes in propagation paths and the appearance of new user equipment (UEs) due to high pilot contamination and resource consumption in existing grid-of-beams approaches.
Innovation Solution
A wireless communication node with an antenna arrangement that radiates both narrow and wide beams, where narrow beams are used for communication with UEs and wide beams detect changes in propagation paths and new UEs, enabling beam finding and tracking with reduced pilot usage through dual polarization beamforming.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a grid-of-beams approach with many predetermined fixed beams is used to ensure full coverage and detect all UEs, then the system can detect changes in propagation paths and new UEs, but the number of pilot signals required increases significantly leading to pilot contamination and high resource consumption
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the beamforming approach into two distinct types: wide beams for detection purposes and narrow beams for communication purposes. This segmentation allows the system to use fewer wide beams for detecting new UEs and propagation path changes, while maintaining communication quality with targeted narrow beams, thereby reducing the total number of pilot signals required
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamic beam switching where the system transitions from wide beams during detection phase to narrow beams during communication phase. This dynamic adaptation allows the system to maintain reliability in detecting new UEs and propagation changes while optimizing resource usage by only using wide beams when necessary for detection
2Loss of information
If the number of beams in the grid-of-beams is increased to match the number of antenna elements to avoid information loss, then full coverage is achieved, but the complexity of measurement procedures in the UE increases comprehensively
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the beamforming function into detection beams and communication beams, allowing the UE to perform simpler measurements on wide detection beams while the network handles the complexity of narrow beam formation and switching, thereby reducing UE measurement complexity while preserving information
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces wide beams as an intermediary layer between the antenna array and the narrow communication beams. These wide beams serve as intermediaries that simplify UE measurements while still enabling the system to capture necessary channel information, which is then processed to establish targeted narrow beam communications
3Quantity of substance
If beam reference signals are transmitted only in a few beams to reduce resource consumption, then pilot contamination and resource usage are reduced, but the system cannot detect new UEs or changes in propagation paths in directions where no BRS are transmitted
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes wide beams multi-functional by using them for both detection of new UEs/propagation changes and as bases for establishing narrow communication beams. This multi-functionality allows the system to maintain adaptability with fewer beams, as the wide beams serve dual purposes rather than requiring separate detection and communication beam sets
Solution Approach 2:
The patent performs preliminary detection using wide beams before establishing narrow communication beams. This preliminary action allows the system to identify new UEs and propagation path changes with minimal pilot signaling, and only then activate the more resource-intensive narrow beams for actual communication, thus maintaining adaptability while reducing overall resource consumption
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 solution allows for efficient beam switching and multi-layer transmission in dynamic environments, maintaining functionality with reduced pilot consumption and full power amplifier utilization, effectively handling changes in propagation paths and new UE appearances.
Implementation Method 1
an antenna arrangement that is adapted to radiate at least one radiation beam of a first type and at least one radiation beam of a second type
Data Source
AI summary
A wireless communication node comprising an antenna arrangement that is adapted to radiate at least one radiation beam of a first type and at least one radiation beam of a second type. Said at least one radiation beam of the first type has a first type beamwidth (BT1) and said at least one radiation beam of the second type has a second type beamwidth (BT2) that exceeds the first type beamwidth (BT1). Said at least one radiation beam of the first type is arranged for communication with at least a first other node, and where said at least one radiation beam of the second type is arranged for detection of changes in propagation paths for said other node and/or appearances of further other nodes.