Hybrid Precoding with Low-Bit ADCs for mmWave Power Reduction

Solution Overview

Problem

The high power consumption of traditional precoding solutions in millimeter wave (mmWave) systems makes precoding/combining processing in the baseband unfeasible due to the high power requirements of mixed-signal components, especially with the need for large antenna arrays in mmWave communications.

Innovation Solution

The implementation of hybrid precoding that divides precoding processing between analog and digital domains, using low-bit Analog to Digital Converters (ADCs) to reduce power consumption and hardware costs, while employing adaptive beamforming algorithms and phase shifters to control signal phases at each antenna, allowing for efficient multi-stream multiplexing.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If traditional precoding solutions with mixed-signal components are used, then precoding/combining processing can be performed in the baseband, but power consumption becomes excessively high

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprecoding processing capabilityVSAvoidpower consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The precoding function is segmented into two separate domains: analog precoding performed by phase shifters in the RF domain, and digital precoding performed by the low-bit ADC in the digital domain. This segmentation allows the system to avoid the high power consumption of traditional mixed-signal baseband processing while retaining both analog and digital precoding capabilities.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces the traditional mechanical/electronic mixed-signal baseband processing system with a hybrid system that substitutes digital signal processing in low-bit ADCs for analog phase manipulation. This substitution dramatically reduces power consumption while maintaining precoding functionality.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Use of energy by moving object

If low-bit ADCs are used for precoding, then power consumption and hardware costs are reduced, but signal processing precision may be compromised

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepower consumptionVSAvoidsignal processing precision

Core Design Contradiction:

Use of energy by moving objectVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The precoding function is segmented into two separate domains: analog precoding performed by phase shifters in the RF domain, and digital precoding performed by the low-bit ADC in the digital domain. This segmentation allows the system to avoid the high power consumption of traditional mixed-signal baseband processing while retaining both analog and digital precoding capabilities.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the precision parameter of the ADC from traditional high-bit resolution to low-bit resolution (1-3 bits), which dramatically reduces power consumption and hardware complexity. The hybrid architecture compensates for the reduced quantization precision through analog phase processing, maintaining overall system performance.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Reliability

If large antenna arrays are deployed for beamforming, then received link margin is improved, but hardware costs and system complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvereceived link marginVSAvoidhardware complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The precoding function is segmented into two separate domains: analog precoding performed by phase shifters in the RF domain, and digital precoding performed by the low-bit ADC in the digital domain. This segmentation allows the system to avoid the high power consumption of traditional mixed-signal baseband processing while retaining both analog and digital precoding capabilities.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the precision parameter of the ADC from traditional high-bit resolution to low-bit resolution (1-3 bits), which dramatically reduces power consumption and hardware complexity. The hybrid architecture compensates for the reduced quantization precision through analog phase processing, maintaining overall system performance.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Data Source

PatentUS10027389B2Hybrid precoding design for multiple input multiple output system with few-bit analog to digital converters

Publication Date: 2018.07.17 SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO LTD

AI summary

A mobile device includes a receiver configured to perform hybrid precoding on signals received through a large bandwidth communication. The receiver includes a plurality of antennas configured to receive wireless communications signals through the large bandwidth communication. The receiver also includes a number of radio frequency (RF) chains, each including a low-bit analog to digital converter (ADC) configured to preform precoding to receive the data and control signals. The receiver further includes a baseband processor configured to perform baseband detection.