Hybrid Beamforming Weight Determination via Gain Difference
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current wireless communication systems face inefficiencies in determining weights for beamforming, particularly in hybrid beamforming scenarios, which hinders quick and efficient performance in MIMO environments.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus for determining weights in hybrid beamforming by signaling a user equipment to repeatedly transmit an omnidirectional beam, receiving it through both omnidirectional and directional beams, and calculating weights based on gain differences to optimize hybrid beamforming without feedback from the user equipment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If conventional digital beamforming is used in MIMO environment, then precoding can be performed based on PMI feedback, but beamforming determination is slow and complex in hybrid beamforming scenarios
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the beamforming process into two distinct stages: analog beamforming for wide coverage and digital beamforming for precise weight determination. The base station first transmits reference signals using analog omnidirectional beams, then sequentially forms directional beams to receive feedback. This segmentation allows the system to benefit from both analog beam scanning simplicity and digital beamforming precision, resolving the contradiction between determination speed and scanning complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements preliminary action by having the base station pre-form directional beams in advance to receive feedback signals from user equipment. The base station sequentially forms directional beams corresponding to different directions before the actual data transmission, preparing the receiving paths ahead of time. This preliminary beam formation enables rapid weight determination without requiring complex real-time scanning during data transmission.
2Area of stationary object
If omnidirectional beam transmission is used for all directions, then coverage is maximized, but beamforming gain is reduced compared to directional beams
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs periodic action by having the base station sequentially form directional beams in different directions at different time instances. The base station first transmits reference signals using omnidirectional beams for initial coverage, then periodically switches to form directional beams corresponding to different spatial directions to receive feedback signals. This periodic switching between omnidirectional and directional modes allows the system to achieve both wide coverage and high beamforming gain at different stages.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamics by making the beamforming pattern adaptive and time-varying. The base station dynamically switches between omnidirectional beamforming mode for initial coverage and directional beamforming mode for precise signal reception. The system adjusts the beam direction and shape based on the transmission stage and spatial requirements, enabling flexible optimization of both coverage area and beamforming gain according to real-time conditions.
Data Source
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AI summary
A method for determining a weight for hybrid beamforming by a base station in a wireless communication system according to an embodiment of the present invention comprises the steps of: signaling, to a terminal, a configuration for repeatedly transmitting a first omni-directional beam equally formed in all directions; receiving the first omni-directional beam from the terminal by forming a second omni-directional beam; repeatedly receiving the first omni-directional beam from the terminal by sequentially forming a plurality of directional beams corresponding to a plurality of directions; and determining a weight for hybrid beamforming on the basis of a gain difference between the first omni-directional beam received through the second omni-directional beam and the first omni-directional beam received through a first directional beam among the plurality of directional beams.