Dynamic Antenna Calibration for Massive MIMO Beamforming
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing antenna calibration methods in massive MIMO systems are hindered by interference, leading to inaccurate calibration signals and compromised beamforming performance due to varying interference levels across different frequencies and antenna elements.
Innovation Solution
A method for dynamic antenna calibration that involves measuring interference levels and adapting calibration measurements using weighting values based on these levels, with the option to interpolate calibration values for frequencies with high interference and adjust calibration opportunity durations and intervals accordingly.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If antenna calibration measurements are performed without considering interference levels, then calibration can be completed quickly, but calibration accuracy deteriorates due to interference
Solution Approach 1:
The calibration method dynamically adjusts the calibration procedure based on measured interference levels. When interference is high, the method adapts by skipping calibration for affected antenna elements or using alternative calibration approaches, rather than performing static calibration regardless of conditions. This dynamic adaptation resolves the contradiction by making calibration accuracy dependent on real-time interference conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The method changes calibration parameters (such as whether to perform calibration, which antenna elements to calibrate, and weighting factors) based on interference level measurements. By modifying calibration parameters according to interference conditions, the system maintains accuracy when possible while accepting controlled degradation when necessary, resolving the time-accuracy tradeoff.
2Reliability
If calibration is performed for all antenna elements regardless of interference, then calibration completeness is maintained, but calibration reliability deteriorates due to high interference
Solution Approach 1:
The calibration procedure is segmented into different handling paths based on interference levels. Antenna elements are divided into groups: those calibrated normally under low interference, those skipped or alternatively calibrated under high interference. This segmentation allows the system to maintain reliability for critical elements while simplifying the overall procedure under challenging conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of performing full calibration on all antenna elements regardless of conditions, the method applies partial calibration only where reliable measurements can be obtained. This partial action approach maintains calibration reliability for the portions that can be accurately calibrated, while avoiding unreliable measurements that would degrade overall system reliability.
3Adaptability or versatility
If interference level measurements are performed for all frequencies, then interference awareness is improved, but measurement complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Frequency bands are segmented based on interference characteristics. The method identifies and flags specific frequencies or frequency ranges with high interference, then applies different calibration strategies for these segments versus clean frequencies. This selective approach provides interference adaptability without requiring complex processing of all frequencies uniformly.
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed is a method for a communication device comprising a plurality of antenna elements arranged in an antenna array structure and configured to perform dynamic calibration of the antenna elements for beamforming. The method comprises performing interference level measurements and antenna calibration measurements during an antenna calibration opportunity, and adapting the antenna calibration measurements for one or more of the antenna elements based on the measured interference level. Corresponding apparatus, communication device and computer program product are also disclosed.