Interleaved Antenna Element Allocation for Multi-RAT Networks

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing antenna array configurations fail to fully exploit geometrical potential and consider coverage and load requirements when deploying multiple Radio Access Technologies (RATs) simultaneously, leading to suboptimal performance in wireless communication networks.

Innovation Solution

An interleaved assignment of antenna elements between different RATs in a split mode deployment, where the sizes of allocated sections are determined by radio coverage requirements and traffic loads to achieve a balance between cell-shaping and diversity, allowing for efficient support of multiple RATs.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If antenna elements are allocated to different RATs using traditional segmentation methods, then each RAT can be supported, but the geometrical potential of the antenna array is not fully exploited and performance is suboptimal

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesupport for multiple RATsVSAvoidnetwork performance

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The antenna array is segmented into multiple sections, where each section is assigned to a specific RAT. This segmentation allows different RATs to operate simultaneously with dedicated antenna resources while maintaining the ability to exploit the full geometrical potential of the array through proper section configuration and spacing.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Different sections of the antenna array are assigned different functional qualities based on the specific requirements of each RAT. Each section can be optimized for its designated RAT's characteristics (e.g., beamforming patterns, coverage requirements), thereby improving overall network performance while supporting multiple technologies.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

2Ease of manufacture

If antenna elements are allocated without considering coverage and load requirements, then deployment is simplified, but cell-shaping and diversity are compromised

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedeployment simplicityVSAvoidcoverage and capacity

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The antenna array configuration is made dynamic and adaptable to different operational conditions. The system can adjust which antenna sections are active and how they are configured based on real-time coverage requirements and traffic load conditions for different RATs, thereby optimizing both simplicity and performance.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent utilizes parameter changes in the antenna array configuration, such as adjusting the number of active antenna elements, their spacing, and phase relationships, to optimize cell-shaping and diversity characteristics according to specific coverage and load requirements while maintaining deployment simplicity through standardized configurations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Device complexity

If antenna sections for different RATs are not interleaved, then allocation is simpler, but diversity and flexibility are reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveallocation complexityVSAvoiddiversity and flexibility

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The antenna array is divided into interleaved sections assigned to different RATs, creating a structured pattern that balances allocation simplicity with performance optimization. This segmentation approach maintains manageable complexity while enabling diverse spatial configurations for improved flexibility and adaptability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces spatial interleaving in the antenna array configuration, utilizing the spatial dimension to interleave sections for different RATs. This dimensional approach to allocation simplifies the management of multiple RATs while simultaneously enhancing diversity and flexibility through optimized spatial distribution of antenna elements.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Data Source

PatentEP3633870B1Network node and method in a wireless communications network

Publication Date: 2021.12.08 TELEFONAKTIEBOLAGET LM ERICSSON (PUBL)

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AI summary

A method for allocating antenna elements of an antenna array is provided. The antenna array provides radio coverage for UEs operating in a wireless communications network. The antenna array supports at least a first RAT and a second RAT. A first radio coverage requirement of the first RAT and/or a first data traffic load of first UEs using the first RAT, are obtained (301). Further, a second radio coverage requirement of the second RAT and/or a second data traffic load of the second UEs using the second RAT, are obtained (302). The antenna elements are then allocated (303) between at least the first RAT and the second RAT, by assigning for the first RAT a number of first sections of antenna elements, and assigning for the second RAT a number of second sections of antenna elements. The assigning is performed by interleaving the one or more first section/s of antenna elements assigned for the first RAT with the second sections of antenna elements assigned for the second RAT. The first sizes of the assigned first sections and second sizes of the assigned second sections are based on the obtained first radio coverage requirement and the first data traffic load, and the obtained second radio coverage requirement and the second data traffic load.