MIMO Antenna Selection via Transmission Capacity Optimization

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Solution Overview

Problem

In MIMO multi-carrier communication systems, selecting receive antennas based on signal strength is inefficient when multiple signal streams interfere, particularly in OFDM systems, leading to reduced system performance and increased power consumption.

Innovation Solution

A method and apparatus for selecting receive antennas by determining referenced sub-carriers, generating channel matrices, calculating transmission capacity parameters, and selecting groups of receive antennas based on these parameters to optimize signal detection performance, even during tone-interleaved preamble signal transmission.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Use of energy by moving object

If receive antennas are selected based on signal strength, then power consumption is reduced, but system performance deteriorates when multiple signal streams interfere

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepower consumptionVSAvoidsystem performance

Core Design Contradiction:

Use of energy by moving objectVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the selection parameter from signal strength to transmission capacity parameter. The transmission capacity parameter is calculated using channel matrices and incorporates information about multiple signal streams and their interference characteristics, allowing the system to select receive antennas based on their actual capacity to transmit information reliably rather than just their signal strength

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces a channel matrix as an intermediary structure to model the relationships between transmit antennas, receive antennas, and sub-carriers. The channel matrix captures the complete channel characteristics including interference between multiple signal streams, and the transmission capacity parameter is derived from this matrix, serving as a mediator between the physical channel and the selection decision

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Productivity

If multiple receive antennas are used to transmit multiple signal streams simultaneously, then transmission rate increases, but power consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetransmission rateVSAvoidpower consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies partial action by selecting only the necessary number of receive antennas (at least two) from the available receive antennas. Instead of using all receive antennas simultaneously, the system calculates transmission capacity parameters for different combinations and selects the optimal subset that achieves the required transmission rate while minimizing power consumption

Inventive Principle:

Principle #16Partial or excessive action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the selection criterion from simple signal strength to transmission capacity parameter that accounts for the ability to handle multiple signal streams. This allows the system to identify receive antenna combinations that can support multi-stream transmission efficiently, balancing transmission rate and power consumption

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Ease of operation

If receive antennas are selected based on signal energy strength, then signal detection is simplified, but interference between multiple signal streams cannot be managed

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesignal detectionVSAvoidinterference between signal streams

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces the channel matrix as an intermediary that models the complete interaction between transmit antennas, receive antennas, and sub-carriers. This matrix captures the interference relationships between multiple signal streams and allows the system to select receive antennas based on their ability to handle these interference patterns, rather than assuming simple signal detection

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the selection parameter from signal energy strength to transmission capacity parameter. This parameter is calculated using the channel matrix and incorporates information about interference between multiple signal streams, allowing the system to select receive antennas that can effectively manage interference while maintaining signal detection capability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Data Source

PatentUS7782972B2Apparatus and method for selecting antennas in MIMO multi-carrier system

Publication Date: 2010.08.24 REALTEK SEMICON CORP

AI summary

An apparatus and method for selecting antennas in a MIMO multi-carrier system is provided to effectively select a receive antenna group with better signal detection capability, thereby enhancing system performance. The apparatus includes a channel estimator and an antenna selector. The channel estimator generates a channel matrix of each MIMO channel in response to each sub-carrier. The antenna selector generates a parameter of transmission capacity for each possible receive antenna group in response to each sub-carrier, and selects a receive antenna group with an optimal overall transmission capacity according to the parameter of transmission capacity.