Dynamic Phase Shifter Precision for Uplink Beamforming Interference
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Solution Overview
Problem
Low phase shifter or amplitude controller precision in wireless communication systems leads to increased interference during uplink beamforming, affecting neighboring network nodes.
Innovation Solution
Implementing dynamic precision management by adjusting phase shifters or amplitude controllers based on interference reports, switching to higher bit precision when interference occurs to mitigate side lobes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If low bit precision is used in phase shifters or amplitude controllers, then device complexity and power consumption are reduced, but interference increases affecting neighboring network nodes
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts the bit precision of phase shifters and amplitude controllers based on real-time interference conditions. The network entity receives interference reports from neighboring nodes and sends reconfiguration messages to UEs to change precision levels, transforming static precision settings into dynamic adaptive precision that responds to changing network conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the precision parameter of phase shifters and amplitude controllers from fixed to variable. By receiving reconfiguration messages from the network entity, UEs can adjust the bit precision parameter (e.g., from 6 bits to 8 bits) of their RF components, directly modifying the quantization levels and thereby controlling the trade-off between complexity and interference generation.
2Object-generated harmful factors
If high bit precision is used in phase shifters or amplitude controllers, then interference is reduced, but device complexity and power consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of continuously operating at high precision, the system uses dynamic precision adjustment where UEs switch between different bit precision levels based on interference reports. This allows the system to consume high power only when necessary (when interference is detected) and operate at low power during normal conditions, optimizing the energy-interference trade-off.
Solution Approach 2:
The bit precision parameter of RF components is changed from a fixed high value to a variable parameter that adapts to network conditions. The network entity controls this parameter by sending reconfiguration messages, enabling UEs to adjust their power consumption and interference generation characteristics dynamically rather than being locked into high-power high-precision operation.
3Object-generated harmful factors
If dynamic precision adjustment is implemented, then interference is mitigated, but signaling overhead between network entity and UEs increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements a feedback loop where neighboring network nodes monitor interference levels and report to the serving network entity, which then sends reconfiguration commands to UEs. This feedback mechanism enables intelligent precision adjustment based on actual interference conditions, minimizing unnecessary precision changes and reducing signaling overhead compared to continuous or predetermined adjustments.
Data Source
AI summary
Aspects of the present disclosure relate to signaling between network entities to mitigate, through management of phase shifter or amplitude controller precision, increased interference applied to a network node during uplink beamforming resulting from low phase shift or amplitude control precision. A UE transmits first uplink data in a first beam using a phase shifter or an amplitude controller configured with a first bit precision. The UE receives a message from a network entity indicating to change the first bit precision to a different, second bit precision in response to the first beam interfering with downlink communications from or to a network node. The UE afterwards transmits second uplink data in a second beam using the phase shifter or the amplitude controller reconfigured with the second bit precision. Thus, interference from lower precision phase shifters or amplitude controllers may be avoided.