Millimeter-Wave Antenna Array Reconfiguration for Link Margin Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Operating a smaller antenna array in wireless communication devices can adversely affect the link margin, leading to decreased received signal strengths and increased communication failures, especially at higher frequencies.
Innovation Solution
Devices communicate an array indication message to adjust the antenna array size at both ends of a millimeter wave link, allowing devices to maintain a sufficient link margin by selecting a subset of antenna elements based on power availability and other conditions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If a device operates a smaller antenna array, then power consumption and device complexity are reduced, but the link margin and received signal strength deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic antenna array reconfiguration where devices can adjust the number of operating antenna elements based on current link conditions. The antenna array transitions from a static configuration to a dynamic one, allowing the system to operate with fewer antenna elements when conditions permit (reducing power consumption) while maintaining the ability to expand the array when link margin requirements demand it.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the operational parameters of the antenna array by adjusting the number of active antenna elements. This parameter change allows the device to optimize between power consumption and link margin by selectively activating or deactivating antenna elements based on link budget requirements and power availability.
2Device complexity
If a device operates a smaller antenna array, then device complexity is reduced, but communication reliability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic antenna array reconfiguration where devices can adjust the number of operating antenna elements based on current link conditions. The antenna array transitions from a static configuration to a dynamic one, allowing the system to operate with fewer antenna elements when conditions permit (reducing power consumption) while maintaining the ability to expand the array when link margin requirements demand it.
Solution Approach 2:
The system employs feedback mechanisms where devices exchange array indication messages to inform each other about their antenna array configurations. This feedback allows both ends of the link to coordinate their antenna operations, ensuring that communication reliability is maintained even when using reduced antenna arrays by allowing the receiving device to adjust its expectations and the transmitting device to optimize its transmission parameters.
3Use of energy by moving object
If antenna array size is reduced, then power savings are achieved, but received signal strength decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The system changes the operational parameters of the antenna array by adjusting the number of active antenna elements. This parameter change allows the device to optimize between power consumption and link margin by selectively activating or deactivating antenna elements based on link budget requirements and power availability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamic antenna array reconfiguration where devices can adjust the number of operating antenna elements based on current link conditions. The antenna array transitions from a static configuration to a dynamic one, allowing the system to operate with fewer antenna elements when conditions permit (reducing power consumption) while maintaining the ability to expand the array when link margin requirements demand it.
Data Source
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AI summary
Methods, systems, and devices for wireless communications are described. In some systems, a first device and a second device may communicate over a communication link using a set of antenna elements. The first device may identify one or more antenna array reconfiguration trigger conditions and may correspondingly select a first subset of antenna elements for operation. The first device may transmit a message to the second device including an indication of the antenna array reconfiguration at the first device, a request for the second device to modify the second device's antenna array configuration, or both. The second device may receive the message and, based on the indication or the request, may modify its antenna array configuration. For example, the second device may select a second subset of antenna elements based on the selected first subset of antenna elements. The devices may communicate using their modified antenna array configurations.