Dynamic Antenna Subarray Switching for QCL Reporting

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current wireless communication systems face challenges in efficiently managing quasi co-location (QCL) relationships at high frequencies, particularly in frequency range 2 (FR2) and frequency range 4 (FR4), where antenna subarray configurations need to adapt to changing power, thermal, and channel conditions, leading to inefficiencies in uplink transmissions.

Innovation Solution

User equipment (UE) dynamically switches between antenna subarray configurations and indicates the corresponding QCL relationships to the base station, allowing for adaptive beamforming and improved channel alignment, using techniques such as sounding reference signals (SRS) and demodulation reference signals (DMRS) to manage QCL-Type A, B, C, or D relationships.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Quantity of substance

If antenna elements are made smaller to operate at high frequencies, then the number of antenna elements that can be packed in the same space increases, but the antenna element size decreases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvenumber of antenna elementsVSAvoidantenna element size

Core Design Contradiction:

Quantity of substanceVSLength of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides the antenna array into multiple subarrays, where each subarray can be independently configured and activated. This segmentation allows the system to utilize a large number of small antenna elements at high frequencies while managing complexity through selective activation of subarrays based on channel conditions, power requirements, and thermal constraints.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Adaptability or versatility

If the UE dynamically switches between antenna subarray configurations to address power and thermal requirements, then adaptability to changing conditions improves, but system complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveadaptability to power and thermal conditionsVSAvoidsystem complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements dynamic switching between different antenna subarray configurations based on real-time channel conditions, power requirements, and thermal states. The UE can activate different subsets of antenna elements and adjust beamforming parameters dynamically, enabling adaptation to changing operating conditions while managing complexity through standardized switching mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system changes physical parameters such as the active subset of antenna elements, beamforming weights, and QCL configurations to adapt to varying power and thermal conditions. By modifying these parameters dynamically, the UE can optimize performance while staying within operational constraints without requiring complete system redesign.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Productivity

If the UE uses a larger number of antenna elements for uplink transmissions at high frequencies, then spectral efficiency improves, but power consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvespectral efficiencyVSAvoidpower consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies partial action by activating only the necessary subset of antenna elements required to achieve the desired spectral efficiency and communication quality. Instead of using all available antenna elements continuously, the UE selectively activates subarrays based on current channel conditions, data rate requirements, and power constraints, thereby reducing overall power consumption while maintaining productivity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #16Partial or excessive action

4Reliability

If the UE dynamically changes antenna subarray configuration to address channel conditions, then transmission reliability improves, but the complexity of managing QCL relationships increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetransmission reliabilityVSAvoidQCL relationship management complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements feedback mechanisms where the UE monitors channel conditions, signal quality, and transmission performance to dynamically adjust antenna subarray configurations. Based on this feedback, the UE can switch between different QCL relationships and subarray setups to maintain reliable transmissions, with the feedback loop automatically managing the complexity of QCL relationship coordination between UE and base station.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Data Source

PatentUS11601925B2Quasi co-location relationship reporting

Publication Date: 2023.03.07 QUALCOMM INC

AI summary

Methods, systems, and devices for wireless communications are described. A user equipment (UE) may transmit a first uplink signal to a base station using a first antenna subarray configuration that is associated with a first quasi co-location (QCL) relationship. The UE may determine to switch from using the first antenna subarray configuration to using a second antenna subarray configuration associated with a second QCL relationship based on power, thermal, architectural, or channel conditions, or a combination thereof. The UE may transmit, to the base station, an indication of the second QCL relationship in response to determining to switch subarray configurations. The UE may transmit a second uplink signal using the second antenna subarray to the base station. In some cases, the first QCL relationship and the second QCL relationship may be a QCL-Type A, QCL-Type B, QCL-Type C, or QCL-Type D.