Intelligent Reflecting Surface Channel Estimation With Active Elements
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing wireless communication systems face challenges in effectively estimating channels, particularly in environments utilizing intelligent reflecting surfaces (IRS), which are crucial for enhancing communication capacity and reliability.
Innovation Solution
The method and device employ active elements in an IRS to estimate channels by modeling them as probability variables and using variational inference, considering reception values from both direct and reflected reference signals to improve channel estimation accuracy.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If IRS is used to enhance communication capacity, then communication reliability is improved, but channel estimation accuracy deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the channel estimation process into two separate estimations: one for the BS-IRS link using reference signals received at the base station, and another for the UE-IRS link using reception values provided by the IRS. This segmentation allows each estimation to be optimized independently, improving overall channel estimation accuracy in IRS-assisted communication systems.
2Measurement precision
If active elements are added to IRS for channel estimation, then channel estimation capability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the IRS multi-functional by enabling it to perform both signal reflection (passive function) and channel measurement (active function). The IRS can operate in different modes: reflecting reference signals for BS channel estimation and providing reception values for UE channel estimation. This universality allows channel estimation capability enhancement without requiring separate dedicated measurement devices, thus managing device complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
In order to estimate a channel in a wireless communication system, a method of operating a base station may comprise receiving reference signals from at least one user equipment (UE), estimating a channel based on the reference signals, performing scheduling for uplink communication, transmitting an uplink grant to the at least one UE based on a result of scheduling, and receiving uplink data from the at least one UE according to the uplink grant,