Foldable 5G Antenna Beam Book Switching for Reliable mmWave Links
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Solution Overview
Problem
When the physical form of an electronic device changes, such as through folding or extension, the positions of its antenna arrays also change, leading to altered beam coverage, which can disrupt communication using beamforming techniques in 5G technology, particularly in ultra-high frequency bands like mmWave, where line-of-sight and high directivity are required.
Innovation Solution
The electronic device employs a method to switch between different 'beam books' – pre-defined sets of beamforming configurations – based on its physical form, allowing it to maintain effective communication by adjusting antenna module connections and beam patterns accordingly, thereby minimizing beam search time and ensuring consistent connectivity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of moving object
If the physical form of the electronic device is changed (folding or extension), then the display surface and portability are improved, but the positions of antenna arrays change leading to disrupted beam coverage and communication reliability
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the beamforming configuration adaptive to the device's physical state. The system dynamically switches between different beam books (first beam book for unfolded state, second beam book for folded state) based on real-time detection of the device's form factor, ensuring beam coverage remains reliable despite antenna position changes during folding or extension
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the parameter of beamforming configuration by selecting different beam books corresponding to different device states. When the device transitions from unfolded to folded state, the system changes the beamforming parameters (beam patterns, antenna module connections) to match the new antenna positions, thereby maintaining communication reliability
2Measurement precision
If beamforming with sharp beam pattern is used, then communication directivity is improved, but beam search time increases when device form changes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-configuring multiple beam books with different beam patterns optimized for specific device states. The first beam book contains sharp beam patterns for unfolded state, while the second beam book contains adjusted beam patterns for folded state. When device form changes, the system immediately switches to the pre-prepared appropriate beam book, avoiding time-consuming beam search
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple antenna arrays are positioned inside housing to form beams in different directions, then beam coverage in various directions is improved, but complexity of antenna module connections increases when adapting to form changes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by dividing the beamforming configuration into separate, state-specific beam books. Each beam book contains predefined connection configurations for antenna modules optimized for a particular device state. This segmentation allows the system to manage complexity by only activating the relevant configuration subset for the current state, rather than managing all possible configurations simultaneously
Data Source
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AI summary
The present disclosure provides an electronic device including a housing of which a shape is changeable, the plurality of antenna modules positioned inside the housing and including at least one antenna array, and at least one processor operatively connected to the plurality of antenna modules. The electronic device may detect a change in the shape of the housing and perform communication using a first beam book or a second beam book based on the change in the shape of the housing. In addition to the above, various embodiments identified through the specification are possible.