Independent RF Module Sounding for Coherent Beam Combining
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing wireless communication systems face limitations in enhancing EIRP (Effective Isotropic Radiated Power) due to non-coherent beam combining of multiple RF modules, which is hindered by multi-path interference and lack of digital domain pre-coding flexibility, leading to reduced gain and coverage.
Innovation Solution
Implementing independent sounding for two or more RF modules by receiving multiple CSI-RS transmissions and providing CSI reports that indicate relative timing and phase offsets, allowing network nodes to adjust antenna module offsets for coherent beam combining.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If multiple RF modules are used for transmission, then the EIRP can be increased, but non-coherent beam combining due to multi-path interference and lack of digital domain pre-coding flexibility reduces the gain
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary actions by obtaining timing and phase offset information before beam combining occurs. The network node receives CSI reports containing timing offset information and phase offset information, then applies digital domain pre-coding adjustments to compensate for these offsets before coherent beam combining, ensuring the beams are properly synchronized and aligned.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes parameters by adjusting timing offsets and phase offsets in the digital domain. The network node uses the obtained timing offset information to adjust timing parameters and phase offset information to adjust phase parameters of the RF modules, enabling coherent beam combining and maximizing EIRP.
2Power
If digital domain pre-coding is implemented for coherent beam combining, then beam gain is improved, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements feedback by having the UE measure CSI-RS from multiple RF modules and report timing offset information and phase offset information back to the network node. The network node then uses this feedback to adjust digital domain pre-coding parameters, creating a closed-loop system that optimizes beam combining while managing complexity through intelligent control.
Solution Approach 2:
The system replaces mechanical or hardware-based beam forming adjustments with digital domain pre-coding. Instead of physically adjusting antenna positions or using complex RF phase shifters, the system uses digital signal processing to achieve timing and phase alignment, reducing hardware complexity while maintaining beam gain.
3Reliability
If timing and phase offset measurements are performed for each RF module, then coherent beam combining is enabled, but measurement and detection difficulty increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system achieves universality by using a single CSI measurement framework that simultaneously extracts both timing offset information and phase offset information. The UE measures CSI-RS and generates comprehensive CSI reports that contain multiple types of offset information in a unified process, reducing the need for separate measurement procedures and simplifying the overall measurement complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
Independent sounding for two or more RF modules for increased EIRP is described. An apparatus is configured to receive, from a network node, a CSI configuration. The CSI configuration is indicative of a format associated with at least one CSI report. The apparatus is configured to receive multiple CSI-RS transmissions during at least one CSI-RS occasion. The multiple CSI-RS transmissions include a CSI-RS from each logically combined set of antenna modules of the network node. The apparatus is configured to provide, for the network node, the at least one CSI report based on the format associated with the at least one CSI report and based on the CSI-RS. The at least one CSI report is indicative of at least one of a relative timing offset associated with the multiple CSI-RS transmissions or a relative phase offset associated with the multiple CSI-RS transmissions during the at least one CSI-RS occasion.