Flexible Beamforming Control for Wireless Links
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing beamforming techniques require significant resources and high periodicity for determining antenna weights, leading to control overhead and latency issues, especially in high-frequency mmWave communications.
Innovation Solution
A method that activates different operational modes for determining antenna weights, using either predefined candidate values or calculations based on receive properties of pilot signals, to efficiently and accurately identify optimal beamforming configurations, reducing latency and control overhead.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If beam sweeps are employed to determine antenna weights at high frequencies, then the appropriate beam can be identified, but significant resources are consumed and control overhead increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the beam identification process into two distinct operational modes: a first mode using predefined candidate values for rapid identification, and a second mode using calculated values based on receive properties for higher precision. This segmentation allows the system to choose the appropriate level of complexity based on current needs, reducing overall control overhead while maintaining identification accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically switches between different operational modes for determining antenna weights. The first operational mode uses predefined candidate values for fast, low-overhead operation, while the second mode uses calculated values from receive properties when higher precision is needed. This dynamic adaptation resolves the contradiction by adjusting the complexity level according to actual requirements.
2Reliability
If beam sweeps are repeated at high periodicity for mobility reasons, then link performance is maintained, but latency increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements periodic beam sweeps but introduces operational modes that control the frequency and complexity of these sweeps. By using predefined candidate values in the first mode, the system can perform rapid beam identification that maintains link performance during mobility without requiring frequent, resource-intensive sweeps, thereby reducing latency.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary beam identification using predefined candidate values in the first operational mode, which provides sufficient accuracy for many scenarios. This preliminary action reduces the need for repeated, time-consuming beam sweeps, thereby maintaining link performance while reducing latency and resource consumption.
3Reliability
If continuous dedicated beam sweep is performed to search for redundant beams, then beam management is maintained, but resource consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts beam management resource consumption by switching between operational modes. The first mode uses predefined candidate values for energy-efficient operation when beam conditions are stable, while the second mode uses calculated values when redundant beams need to be searched. This dynamic approach maintains reliable beam management while significantly reducing continuous resource consumption.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses receive properties of pilot signals to self-determine antenna weights in the second operational mode, reducing the need for continuous dedicated beam sweeps. This self-service approach maintains beam management reliability while reducing resource consumption by leveraging existing signal measurements rather than requiring separate sweep operations.
Data Source
AI summary
A method of operating a device (101, 102) includes selecting between a first operational mode (8098) and a second operational mode (8099) for a wireless link (111) established between a terminal (102) and a base station (101) of the network; in response to selecting the first operational mode (8098): determining first values for antenna weights from a plurality of predefined candidate values; and in response to selecting the second operational mode (8099): determining second values for the antenna weights based on a calculation using a receive property of pilot signals (4021) communicated between the terminal (102) and the base station (101) as an input.