Millimeter Wave Beam Detection Without Calibration Network
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional antenna calibration methods and uplink detection mechanisms are not applicable to millimeter wave wireless communication systems due to small antenna spacing and significant link attenuation, making it difficult to achieve accurate beam-forming and orientation in high-frequency bands.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus that use predefined wide and narrow beams to detect and orient user equipment in millimeter wave systems without a calibration network, reducing the number of scans and scan time, and improving robustness against multi-path interference by using a hybrid digital-analog beam-forming architecture.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If traditional antenna calibration methods are used, then beam-forming accuracy is improved, but the method becomes inapplicable to millimeter wave systems due to small antenna spacing and significant link attenuation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the operating parameters by using millimeter wave frequencies (24GHz, 38GHz, etc.) instead of traditional lower frequencies, and adapts the antenna array configuration with smaller element spacing (e.g., 0.5λ to 1λ) suitable for high-frequency operation. This enables beam-forming technology to be applicable to millimeter wave systems despite the physical constraints.
2Manufacturing precision
If a calibration network is deployed, then uniform amplitude and phase are achieved, but there is no sufficient space to arrange the calibration network in millimeter wave systems
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and removes the calibration network component from the system, replacing it with a simplified calibration method that uses existing antenna elements. The calibration information is obtained through signal processing rather than physical calibration hardware, eliminating the space requirement for calibration networks in compact millimeter wave devices.
3Loss of energy
If line travels over short distance in millimeter wave system, then link attenuation is reduced, but amplitude and phase still significantly dither
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback mechanisms where the base station receives uplink signals from user equipment and uses this information to adjust downlink beamforming parameters. The system continuously monitors channel conditions and adapts beamforming weights to compensate for amplitude and phase variations, maintaining stable communication despite millimeter wave propagation challenges.
4Measurement precision
If beam scanning is performed to detect user equipment, then accurate orientation is achieved, but scan time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the beam scanning process into multiple stages: initial wide-beam scanning to quickly identify user equipment direction, followed by narrow-beam refinement for precise orientation. This hierarchical approach divides the scanning task into coarse and fine components, reducing overall scan time while maintaining accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent performs partial scanning by limiting the angular range of beam searches based on user equipment location information from other sources (e.g., GPS, previous connections). Instead of scanning all possible directions, the system focuses beam searching on likely user locations, significantly reducing scan time while maintaining detection accuracy.
Data Source
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AI summary
Disclosed are a method and apparatus for detecting a beam, which are used for realizing accurate beam forming under a millimeter wave wireless communication system where antenna array calibration is carried out without using a calibration network in the millimeter wave wireless communication system. The method for detecting a beam provided in the present application comprises: determining a beam with a pre-set width; and using the beam with the pre-set width to scan a user equipment.