Massive MIMO Array Reconfiguration Using Muted-Element Coupling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Massive MIMO systems face significant energy consumption due to active RF chains, leading to power hungry devices, and shutting down branches for power saving reduces capacity and coverage, especially under high traffic loads.
Innovation Solution
A reconfigurable active antenna array system (RAAS) with intelligent branch and switch management, utilizing mutual coupling between active and muted elements to optimize beamforming gain and reduce power consumption.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If RF branches are shut down to save power, then energy consumption is reduced, but capacity and coverage are degraded
Solution Approach 1:
The patent converts the harmful effect of muted antenna elements (which traditionally cause performance loss) into a beneficial effect by utilizing their parasitic coupling to enhance beamforming gain. The muted elements, instead of being completely inactive, are reconfigured to provide constructive interference and signal enhancement in desired directions, thereby maintaining capacity and coverage while achieving power savings.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the operational state of antenna elements from fully active to muted, and further reconfigures the electrical connections of muted elements through switch networks. By adjusting the coupling parameters and impedance states of muted elements, the system maintains their utility for beamforming while reducing their power consumption, thus resolving the contradiction between energy saving and performance maintenance.
2Adaptability or versatility
If reconfiguration switches are turned on to enable branch selection, then adaptability is improved, but power consumption increases due to high currents
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic reconfiguration of the antenna array by using controllable switches that can adaptively connect or disconnect antenna elements based on operational requirements. The switch network allows the system to dynamically adjust the active aperture and reconfigure the array geometry to optimize beamforming performance while minimizing power consumption during different operational modes.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The RAAS achieves energy-efficient operation with minimal impact on capacity and coverage by leveraging parasitic interactions of muted elements, enabling more branches to be shut down for power saving while maintaining performance.
Implementation Method 1
those antenna elements that are connected to the switched-off RF branches can still be utilized for enhancing the activated part of the array via mutual coupling interactions
Data Source
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AI summary
A method and radio interface having a reconfigurable massive multiple input-multiple output (MIMO) array system for energy efficient communications are provided. According to one aspect, a method includes, for a beam direction, one of activating and deactivating each of a plurality of radio frequency (RF), branches based at least in part on the beam direction and at least one power constraint, each RF branch being in electrical communication with at least one antenna of an antenna array of the radio interface. The method also includes, for the beam direction, configuring at least one switch of a plurality of switches positioned between antenna elements to selectively affect a mutual coupling between at least two antenna elements of the antenna array that are in electrical communication with deactivated RF branches, the configuring being based at least in part on the beam direction.