Integrated Millimeter-Wave Beam Training for Multi-Link Timing

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing beam training procedures in millimeter wave (mmW) wireless communication networks involve significant processing and signaling overhead due to the need for beam sweeping operations, particularly in multi-link operations involving omni-directional and directional communications.

Innovation Solution

Implementing a timing synchronization function (TSF) coordination mechanism using a sub-7 GHz link to manage beam sweeping procedures in the 60 GHz band, reducing sweep packet sizes and improving timing coordination between access point (AP) and non-AP multi-link devices (MLDs) by aggregating feedback via the sub-7 GHz link.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If beam sweeping operations are performed in mmW networks, then directional communication quality is improved, but processing overhead and signaling overhead increase significantly

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedirectional communication qualityVSAvoidprocessing overhead

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the beam training process by using omni-directional packets for initial beam identification and directional sweep packets only for refinement. This division reduces the overall processing overhead by avoiding exhaustive directional sweeping for every communication scenario.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent performs preliminary beam identification using omni-directional packets before initiating directional beam sweeping. This preliminary action narrows down the search space, reducing the number of directional sweep packets needed and thereby reducing processing overhead while maintaining communication quality.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

2Reliability

If beam sweeping operations are performed in mmW networks, then directional communication quality is improved, but signaling overhead increases significantly

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedirectional communication qualityVSAvoidsignaling overhead

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of information

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts and removes unnecessary signaling elements from beam training packets. By using simplified omni-directional packets for initial training and reducing directional sweep packet complexity, the signaling overhead is significantly reduced while maintaining the essential information needed for beam identification.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent inverts the traditional approach by using omni-directional packets (simpler) first and then selectively applying directional packets (more complex) only when necessary. This inversion reduces overall signaling overhead by avoiding unnecessary complex directional signaling in scenarios where omni-directional communication suffices.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

3Ease of operation

If timing synchronization is not coordinated between links, then device operation is simpler, but clock drift occurs and feedback delivery is delayed

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedevice operation simplicityVSAvoidfeedback delivery delay

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a timing synchronization mechanism where the AP MLD provides timing references to the non-AP MLD, and the non-AP MLD provides feedback on beam quality. This coordinated feedback loop ensures timely delivery of beam training results while maintaining synchronization between omni-directional and directional links.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

4Loss of information

If sweep packet sizes are not reduced, then packet information completeness is maintained, but latency in beam training increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepacket information completenessVSAvoidbeam training latency

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of informationVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies partial action by using omni-directional packets that contain only essential identification information for initial beam training, and then using shorter directional sweep packets for refinement. This partial information approach reduces packet size and latency while obtaining sufficient information for effective beam training.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #16Partial or excessive action

Data Source

PatentUS20250286603A1Integrated millimeter wave (IMMW) beam training for multi-link operation (MLO)

Publication Date: 2025.09.11 QUALCOMM INC

AI summary

This disclosure provides methods, components, devices, and systems for integrated millimeter wave (IMMW) beam training for multi-link operation. Some aspects more specifically relate to beam sweeping and reporting for partnered 60 Gigahertz (GHz) and sub-7 GHz links. In some implementations, an access point (AP) multi-link device (MLD) may communicate with a non-AP MLD via a first omni-directional link, such as a sub7 link, and a second directional link, such as a 60 GHz link. The AP MLD may use the omni-directional link to configure one or more parameters and report feedback for the directional link. For example, the AP MLD may transmit, to the non-AP MLD via the first link, an indication of a timing synchronization function (TSF) value associated with the second link of the AP MLD. The AP MLD and the non-AP MLD may use the TSF value to support beam training operations for the second link.