Hybrid Beamforming Subset Selection for MIMO Channel Correlation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Hybrid beamforming in wireless communication systems faces challenges in selecting optimal beam combinations for data transmission, particularly in managing channel correlation between RF chains, which affects performance in MIMO modes such as spatial multiplexing and diversity, leading to suboptimal Signal-to-Noise Ratio (SNR) gains and increased channel path independence.

Innovation Solution

A method for determining transmit beam combinations based on subset information, where analog beams with correlations less than a threshold are selected for spatial multiplexing or diversity, using a combination of channel quality calculations and correlation management to optimize beamforming coefficients and precoding matrices for improved channel quality and SNR.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If multiple analog beams are used for MIMO transmission, then data transmission capacity is improved, but channel correlation increases leading to performance degradation

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedata transmission capacityVSAvoidchannel independence
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the analog beams into multiple subsets based on their correlation characteristics. Each subset contains beams with correlations below a threshold value. This segmentation allows the system to select appropriate subsets for different MIMO modes, ensuring channel independence while maintaining transmission capacity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the parameter of beam correlation by selecting beams from different subsets with controlled correlation values. By adjusting which subsets are used for transmission, the system can optimize the correlation parameter to match the requirements of different MIMO modes, preventing performance degradation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Reliability

If beamforming coefficients are adjusted for optimal performance, then SNR gain is improved, but system complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveSNR gainVSAvoidbeamforming adjustment complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent performs preliminary classification of analog beams into subsets based on correlation values before actual transmission. This preliminary action organizes the beamforming coefficients in advance, allowing the system to simply select from pre-defined subsets rather than performing complex real-time adjustments, thus reducing system complexity while maintaining SNR gain.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

3Device complexity

If RF chains are reduced to lower cost, then device complexity is reduced, but beamforming flexibility is limited

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveRF chain quantityVSAvoidbeamforming adjustment capability
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the beamforming functionality across multiple subsets of analog beams, allowing a reduced number of RF chains to access a larger effective beam space. By selecting from multiple subsets with different correlation characteristics, the system achieves beamforming flexibility comparable to systems with more RF chains, thus lowering device complexity while maintaining adaptability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Data Source

PatentEP2995014B1Apparatus and method for selecting transmit and receive beam in a wireless communication system
Publication Date: 2018.09.19 SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO LTD
  • EP2995014B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2995014B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2995014B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A method for operating a receiving end in a wireless communication system includes receiving subset information on analog beams of a transmitting end, from a transmitting end, and determining a combination of transmit beams to be used for data signal transmission to the receiving end, on the basis of the subset information, wherein the subset information indicates at least one subset into which the analog beams are classified, and each analog beam of the at least one subset has a correlation equal to or less than a threshold, with one another. An apparatus for a receiving end includes a communication unit configured to receive subset information on analog beams of a transmitting end, from the transmitting end, and a controller configured to determine a combination of transmit beams to be used for data signal transmission to the receiving end, on the basis of the subset information.