Full-Duplex Multi-Antenna Architecture With Intelligent Surface Switching
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Solution Overview
Problem
The implementation of intelligent surfaces in wireless communication systems is complex and costly due to the difficulty in controlling large numbers of passive phase-shifters, making it an expensive solution for improving communication performance.
Innovation Solution
A wireless communication device with a full-duplex architecture and passive phase-shifters distributed in two sets, allowing for switching between modes to activate or deactivate chains and phase-shifters, enabling the device to function like an intelligent surface without the need for additional intelligent surfaces, by using a controlling module to manage interference cancellation and chain operations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If intelligent surfaces are implemented to improve communication performance, then spectral efficiency and flow rate are improved, but device complexity and implementation cost increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The wireless communication device is configured to perform multiple functions: it can operate as a conventional full-duplex MIMO device for direct communication, and simultaneously function as an intelligent surface for reflected communication. The same antenna elements and phase-shifters are reused for both purposes, eliminating the need for separate intelligent surface hardware and reducing overall system complexity and cost.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the intelligent surface functionality into the existing full-duplex MIMO device architecture. The phase-shifters that are already present for beamforming in full-duplex operation are also used to control signal reflection when the device operates as an intelligent surface, combining two previously separate functions into a single integrated system.
2Productivity
If intelligent surfaces are implemented to improve communication performance, then spectral efficiency is improved, but implementation cost increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The wireless communication device is configured to perform multiple functions: it can operate as a conventional full-duplex MIMO device for direct communication, and simultaneously function as an intelligent surface for reflected communication. The same antenna elements and phase-shifters are reused for both purposes, eliminating the need for separate intelligent surface hardware and reducing overall system complexity and cost.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of deploying a physically separate intelligent surface, the patent uses the full-duplex MIMO device to create a virtual or software-defined intelligent surface functionality. The signal processing and phase-shifting operations are implemented through software control of existing hardware, avoiding the need for additional physical infrastructure.
3Productivity
If full-duplex mode is used to improve spectral efficiency, then communication flow rate increases, but self-interference between emission and reception chains increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent converts the self-interference problem into a beneficial feature by using the emitted signal itself for calibration and channel estimation. The strong self-interference signal provides a known reference that can be used to characterize the emission chain and improve the accuracy of interference cancellation for received signals, turning a harmful factor into a calibration resource.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements feedback mechanisms where the received signal (containing both desired external signals and self-interference) is processed to estimate the self-interference component, which is then subtracted from the received signal. The system continuously adapts the cancellation parameters based on feedback from the received signal quality, improving performance over time.
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 improves spectral efficiency and communication flow rates while avoiding the complexity and cost of implementing intelligent surfaces, allowing for simultaneous signal emission and reception without loading multiple frequency bands.
Implementation Method 1
passive phase-shifters distributed according to a first set and a second set, said phase-shifters each including a first port and a second port
Implementation Method 2
power/low-noise amplifiers of emission/reception chains connected to said antenna elements
Implementation Method 3
array of antenna elements, said device having an architecture configured to emit and receive transmission beams via said antenna elements
Implementation Method 4
a junction circuit being arranged between the chains of each pair of chains
Data Source
AI summary
A wireless communication device having a full-duplex architecture is described, the device comprising phase shifters integrated into transmitting chains and receiving chains, respectively, which are connected to basic antennae. Each transmitting/receiving chain is associated with a receiving/transmitting chain so as to form a pair of chains, with a connection circuit arranged between the chains of each pair. The device also includes at least one control module configured to control switching means and to activate/deactivate analogue means and digital means 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.