Full-Duplex Multi-Antenna Phase Shifting for Self-Interference Control

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Solution Overview

Problem

The implementation of intelligent surfaces in wireless communication systems is complex and costly due to the challenging control of large numbers of passive phase shifters, which hinders efficient data transmission and reception, especially in massive MIMO systems.

Innovation Solution

A wireless communication device with a full-duplex architecture and distributed passive phase shifters that can alternate between modes to enable simultaneous transmission and reception, effectively acting as an intelligent surface without the need for additional costly components, by using switching means and interference cancellation mechanisms.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If intelligent surfaces are implemented using large numbers of passive phase shifters, then beamforming capability and spectral efficiency are improved, but device complexity and implementation cost increase significantly

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvespectral efficiencyVSAvoidcontrol complexity of phase shifters
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the intelligent surface functionality into the full-duplex wireless communication device by integrating passive phase shifters into the existing transmit and receive chains. Instead of implementing a separate intelligent surface system, the phase shifters are incorporated within the device's antenna elements, combining multiple functions into a unified structure that reduces overall system complexity while maintaining beamforming capability

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The passive phase shifters are designed to serve multiple functions: they enable beamforming for both transmission and reception, support full-duplex operation, and provide interference cancellation capabilities. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate intelligent surface components, reducing implementation cost and complexity while improving spectral efficiency

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Productivity

If intelligent surfaces are implemented with large numbers of passive phase shifters, then communication throughput is improved, but implementation cost increases due to additional components

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecommunication throughputVSAvoidimplementation cost
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the intelligent surface functionality with the existing full-duplex device structure, integrating passive phase shifters into the transmit and receive chains rather than adding a separate intelligent surface system. This merging approach reduces component count and implementation cost while maintaining the throughput benefits of intelligent surface technology

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The full-duplex device serves itself by implementing intelligent surface functionality within its own structure. The passive phase shifters are controlled by the device's own processing unit, eliminating the need for external control systems and reducing implementation cost. The device uses its dual transmit-receive capability to perform both communication and intelligent surface functions simultaneously

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

3Productivity

If full-duplex mode is implemented with activated transmission and reception chains, then spectral efficiency is improved, but self-interference and signal quality deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvespectral efficiencyVSAvoidself-interference
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent converts the harmful self-interference signal into a useful component for interference cancellation. By using passive phase shifters to control the transmit chain, the system can generate accurate models of the self-interference signal and subtract it from the receive signal. The harmful leakage is transformed into a known quantity that can be eliminated, enabling clean full-duplex operation

Inventive Principle:
Principle #22Blessing in disguise (Convert harm into benefit)

Solution Approach 2:

The passive phase shifters act as intermediaries between the transmit and receive chains, providing precise control over the transmit signal phase and amplitude. This control capability enables the system to manage self-interference by adjusting phase shifter settings to minimize leakage into the receive chain while maintaining transmit power, thereby mediating the conflict between transmission and reception

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

This solution enhances spectral efficiency and reduces costs by allowing the device to function like an intelligent surface, improving communication flow rates while avoiding the complexity and expense of traditional intelligent surface implementations.

Implementation Method 1

passive phase shifters distributed according to a first set and a second set, said phase shifters each comprising a first port and a second port

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPhase shifting:

Implementation Method 2

power/low noise amplifiers of transmission/reception chains

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectSignal amplification:

Implementation Method 3

at least one control module configured to control switching means of said device

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectSignal switching:

Implementation Method 4

activate/deactivate analog and digital interference cancellation means of said device

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectInterference cancellation: Interference

Data Source

PatentEP4173163B1Full-duplex, multi-antenna wireless communication device and method for controlling such a device
Publication Date: 2024.05.29 ORANGE SA
  • EP4173163B1 patent drawingFigure 1~3
  • EP4173163B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4173163B1 patent drawingFigure 4~5

AI summary

Full-duplex, multi-antenna wireless communication device and method for controlling such a device. The invention relates to a wireless communication device (DC_2) having a full-duplex architecture and comprising phase shifters (DP_TX_i, DP_RX_i) which are integrated into transmitting chains (C_TX_i) and receiving chains (C_RX_i), respectively, which are connected to basic antennae, each transmitting/receiving chain being associated with a receiving/transmitting chain so as to form a pair (PA_i) of chains, a connection circuit (300) being arranged between the chains of each pair. The device further comprises at least one control module (MOD_CO) which is configured to control switching means (400) and to activate/deactivate analogue means (MOD_EST_1) and digital means (MOD_EST_2) for cancelling interference and all or some of the transmitting/receiving chains so that the device is able to alternate between at least two different modes: - a first full-duplex transmitting/receiving mode, and - a second mode in which the device is able to reflect one or more transmission beams.