Interleaved Multi-Beam Acquisition Waveform for mmWave Systems
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Solution Overview
Problem
Millimeter wave (mmWave) communication systems face challenges in efficient initial acquisition due to high propagation loss and power consumption constraints, which complicate beam alignment, automatic gain control (AGC), and automatic frequency correction (AFC) processes, leading to prolonged system acquisition times.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of an interleaved multi-beam acquisition waveform that concurrently performs beam selection, AGC, and AFC, by transmitting a first multi-beam sequence followed by a second multi-beam sequence after an AFC interval, allowing for simultaneous detection of acquisition and frequency correction bursts, and deferring AGC correction until the end to optimize signal detection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of time
If traditional acquisition methods are used for mmWave communications, then beam alignment and synchronization can be achieved, but system acquisition time becomes excessively long
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines beam alignment, automatic gain control (AGC), and automatic frequency correction (AFC) into a single concurrent acquisition process. The access point transmits multi-beam sequences that enable the user device to perform beam selection, AGC, and AFC simultaneously rather than sequentially, dramatically reducing acquisition time from traditional sequential methods to approximately 40-fold improvement.
Solution Approach 2:
The access point transmits preliminary multi-beam sequences containing acquisition bursts and frequency correction bursts before actual data communication begins. This preliminary action allows the user device to complete beam alignment, gain control, and frequency correction in advance, enabling rapid transition to data transmission without prolonged acquisition delays.
2Loss of energy
If narrow beams are used at RF for beamforming, then propagation loss is reduced through energy concentration, but existing acquisition methods become difficult and inefficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the acquisition process into distinct multi-beam sequences: a first multi-beam sequence for beam selection and initial synchronization, and a second multi-beam sequence for frequency correction. Each sequence contains specific burst types (acquisition bursts, frequency correction bursts) that are transmitted on defined patterns of antenna beams, allowing systematic completion of alignment and synchronization tasks.
Solution Approach 2:
The access point transmits multi-beam sequences in periodic intervals, with the second sequence following the first after a defined AFC interval. This periodic transmission pattern allows the user device to systematically cycle through beam patterns and complete synchronization operations, making the acquisition process manageable and efficient despite the narrow beam constraints.
Data Source
AI summary
Systems, methods, apparatuses, and computer program products for an interleaved multi-beam acquisition waveform providing concurrent beam selection, automatic gain control (AGC) and automatic frequency correction (AFC) are provided. The access point (AP) may send an acquisition waveform on multiple beams, then return and retransmit an AFC on the multiple beams thus interleaving beam switching with the acquisition and frequency correction waveforms. AGC correction can be deferred until the end, relying on the fact that the transmitter may be detected at close range using a one of the multi-beams that is attenuated.