Dynamic Beam-Switching Latency for 5G Beam Refinement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current wireless communication systems, particularly in 5G and LTE, face challenges in optimizing beam refinement procedures due to varying latency requirements for inter- and intra-antenna module beam switching, which can lead to inefficient power usage and delayed beam refinement processes.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of dynamic signaling and latency selection techniques allows base stations and user equipment to configure and dynamically select appropriate latencies for beam refinement procedures based on feedback and specific beam refinement types, optimizing latency for each transmission to enhance beam refinement efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a fixed latency is used for all beam refinement procedures, then the system configuration is simple, but the beam refinement efficiency is reduced due to unnecessary delays
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by transitioning from a fixed latency configuration to a dynamic latency selection mechanism. The base station dynamically selects between multiple latency values (e.g., first latency and second latency) based on the specific beam refinement procedure type (intra-antenna module vs. inter-antenna module) and UE capabilities, allowing the system to adapt latency to actual operational requirements rather than using a static configuration
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the latency parameter from a fixed value to a variable parameter that can take multiple values depending on the beam refinement procedure type. The system configures multiple latency values and selects the appropriate one based on the procedure requirements, enabling optimization of beam refinement efficiency for different scenarios without excessive complexity
2Productivity
If dynamic latency selection is implemented, then beam refinement efficiency is improved, but the signaling and control complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the beam refinement procedures into distinct types (intra-antenna module beam refinement and inter-antenna module beam refinement) with different latency requirements. By segmenting the procedures and assigning specific latency values to each type, the system manages complexity through structured classification rather than handling all cases uniformly
Solution Approach 2:
The patent incorporates feedback mechanisms where the UE indicates its preferred latency through HARQ feedback or other uplink signals. This feedback allows the base station to adjust the latency selection based on actual UE needs, creating a closed-loop system that reduces complexity by using UE preferences rather than requiring complex base station decisions
3Reliability
If longer latency is used for inter-antenna module beam switching, then beam alignment reliability is improved, but the time delay increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by assigning different latency characteristics to different beam refinement scenarios. Intra-antenna module beam refinement uses shorter latency for quick adjustments, while inter-antenna module beam refinement uses longer latency for more reliable beam switching. This localized optimization ensures appropriate latency for each specific use case rather than applying a uniform latency policy
Data Source
AI summary
Certain aspects of the present disclosure provide techniques for beam refinement procedures including dynamic signaling and/or selection of beam-switching latency for beam refinement procedures using inter- and/or intra-antenna module beam switching. A method by a base station (BS) includes configuring a user equipment (UE) with one or more reference signal (RS) resource sets. Each of the one or more RS resource sets is associated with a first or second type of beam refinement procedure. The BS receives an indication from the UE of at least a first latency and a second latency, longer than the first latency. The BS dynamically selects, for each RS transmission using one of the configured resource sets, the first or second latency. The BS sends the RS transmissions at the selected latency with respect to downlink control information (DCI) triggering the RS transmissions for the first or second type of beam refinement procedure.