MIMO Antenna Panel Rotation Alignment Using Reference Signals

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Solution Overview

Problem

In multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO) wireless communication systems, achieving precise rotational alignment between antenna panels is crucial for maintaining orthogonality and preventing signal loss due to misalignment, which is challenging with existing methods that often require complex physical adjustments.

Innovation Solution

The described techniques enable wireless devices to communicate signaling indicating panel rotation capabilities, exchange panel rotation procedure configurations, and adjust angular rotations based on reference signals to align antenna panels dynamically, ensuring proper alignment without physical adjustments.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Manufacturing precision

If physical adjustments are used to align antenna panels, then alignment precision can be achieved, but device complexity and adjustment difficulty increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvealignment precisionVSAvoidadjustment complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces mechanical/physical adjustment systems with an electronic signal processing system. The alignment is achieved through digital signal processing of reference signals received from multiple antenna elements, rather than through physical rotation or positioning mechanisms. This substitution eliminates complex mechanical adjustment components while maintaining alignment precision through computational methods.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent uses reference signals as information copies of the channel characteristics to determine alignment. By measuring the reference signals received at multiple antenna elements and comparing the measured values against expected patterns, the system infers alignment status without direct physical measurement or adjustment mechanisms. This information-based approach simplifies the physical system while preserving alignment accuracy.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #26Copying

2Manufacturing precision

If complex physical adjustment mechanisms are implemented for antenna alignment, then alignment accuracy improves, but ease of operation deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvealignment accuracyVSAvoidalignment operation
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs self-alignment through autonomous signal processing. The wireless device automatically receives reference signals, processes the measurements from multiple antenna elements, determines the alignment state, and adjusts accordingly without requiring manual intervention or complex operational procedures. This self-service mechanism greatly simplifies operation while maintaining high alignment accuracy.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the measured reference signal values from multiple antenna elements are used to determine alignment status and guide adjustment decisions. The system continuously monitors the received signal characteristics and uses this feedback information to maintain optimal alignment, eliminating the need for complex manual adjustment procedures while ensuring accurate alignment.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

3Reliability

If traditional alignment methods are used, then orthogonality can be maintained, but signal loss due to misalignment occurs

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveorthogonality maintenanceVSAvoidsignal loss
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The patent performs alignment determination in advance by measuring reference signals before actual data transmission. By establishing the alignment state upfront through preliminary measurement and comparison of reference signal characteristics, the system ensures orthogonality is maintained during subsequent communications, preventing signal loss that would occur with misalignment. This proactive approach ensures reliable orthogonal communication from the outset.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentUS20240014550A1Rotational alignment for multiple-input multiple-output devices
Publication Date: 2024.01.11 QUALCOMM INC
  • US20240014550A1 patent drawing
  • US20240014550A1 patent drawing
  • US20240014550A1 patent drawing

AI summary

Methods, systems, and devices for wireless communication are described. Some wireless communications systems may support rotational alignment of a first antenna panel of a first device and a second antenna panel of a second device. The first and second devices may exchange signaling that indicates a panel rotation capability and a panel rotation procedure configuration based on the panel rotation capability. The second device may transmit a reference signal from a central antenna element of the second antenna panel based on the configuration. The first device may receive the reference signal via two antenna elements of the first antenna panel and may adjust an angular rotation of the first antenna panel based on the reference signal to modify a respective distance between each of the two antenna elements of the first antenna panel relative to the central antenna element of the second antenna panel.