Dynamic MIMO Antenna Element Selection for Correlation Management
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Solution Overview
Problem
MIMO antenna arrays in electronic devices experience performance degradation due to increased radiation correlation patterns between antenna elements, leading to reduced throughput and increased latency, especially in deformable devices like smartphones that change form factor, which affects both downlink and uplink communications and results in increased current drain.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a dynamic MIMO antenna array performance optimization method that adjusts the number of antenna elements based on radiation correlation patterns, using sensors to detect triggering events such as form factor changes, and processors to select or exclude antenna elements for MIMO communication based on correlation scores, ensuring optimal performance in both uplink and downlink directions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If MIMO antenna arrays are used to achieve fast data throughput rates, then communication speed is improved, but performance degrades under certain conditions leading to reduced throughput and increased latency
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic selection of antenna elements based on real-time correlation measurements. The system continuously monitors the correlation between antenna elements and adjusts the active antenna subset accordingly, transitioning between different MIMO configurations (e.g., 2x2, 4x4) to maintain optimal performance under varying conditions such as device form factor changes or environmental interference.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the operational parameters of the MIMO antenna array by selecting different subsets of antenna elements based on correlation scores. When high correlation is detected between certain antenna elements, the system excludes those elements from active MIMO operation, thereby changing the effective antenna configuration to maintain performance reliability.
2Productivity
If all antenna elements are used for MIMO communication to maximize throughput, then data rate is improved, but current drain increases reducing device runtime
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts or removes certain antenna elements from active MIMO operation when they exhibit high correlation with other elements. By excluding these redundant antenna elements, the system reduces the number of active RF chains and associated power consumption while maintaining adequate throughput performance through the use of remaining uncorrelated antenna elements.
3Use of energy by moving object
If the number of antenna elements is reduced to decrease current drain, then energy consumption is improved, but throughput capability is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts the number of active antenna elements based on real-time correlation measurements and throughput requirements. Rather than statically reducing antenna elements, the system maintains a pool of antenna elements and selectively activates subsets as needed, allowing it to scale between 2x2 and 4x4 MIMO configurations to balance power consumption and throughput performance.
4Reliability
If antenna elements are dynamically selected based on correlation patterns, then performance reliability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements self-service mechanisms where the system automatically performs correlation measurements, evaluates antenna element suitability, and makes selection decisions without requiring external intervention. The baseband processor or dedicated antenna management circuitry continuously monitors correlation patterns and autonomously reconfigures the active antenna subset, reducing the need for complex external control systems.
Data Source
AI summary
An electronic device includes a multiple input, multiple output (MIMO) antenna array comprising a plurality of antenna elements configured for MIMO communication across a network. One or more sensors detect a triggering event altering a radiation correlation pattern between at least two antenna elements of the plurality of antenna elements. One or more processors then select, in response to the one or more sensors detecting the triggering event, a quantity of antenna elements from the plurality of antenna elements available for engagement in the MIMO communication across the network as a function of the radiation correlation pattern.