mmWave UAV Communication Links for Coverage and Interference Limits
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional cellular networks are inadequate for UAV operation due to limited RF coverage and increased interference from UAVs' location above ground, restricting their autonomous flight capabilities.
Innovation Solution
A communication system utilizing millimeter wave (mmWave) technology, including base stations with mmWave antennas and UAVs equipped with communication elements, to establish secure and reliable mmWave communication networks for UAVs, employing non-orthogonal multiple access (NOMA) and rate-splitting multiple access (RSMA) for improved spectral efficiency and security.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional cellular networks are used for UAV communication, then basic connectivity is provided, but RF coverage is substantially weakened at high altitudes and interference with ground-based communications increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the frequency parameter from conventional cellular bands to millimeter wave bands (24 GHz to 100 GHz). This parameter change enables better RF coverage at high altitudes and reduces interference with ground-based communications by utilizing a different frequency spectrum that is less congested and more suitable for aerial communication.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the communication system into dedicated mmWave base stations for aerial communication and conventional base stations for ground communication. This segmentation allows each system to be optimized for its specific use case, with mmWave systems providing reliable coverage for UAVs without interfering with ground-based cellular networks.
2Reliability
If mmWave communication is implemented for UAVs, then RF coverage and spectral efficiency are improved, but system complexity increases due to separate mmWave and RF network infrastructure
Solution Approach 1:
The patent designs mmWave base stations that can serve multiple functions: providing communication for UAVs, enabling autonomous flight operations, and potentially serving as relay nodes. This multi-functionality justifies the additional infrastructure by maximizing the utility of each mmWave base station and reducing the need for even more systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces mmWave base stations as intermediary nodes between UAVs and the ground-based cellular network. These intermediaries handle the complex mmWave communication with UAVs and translate/relay information to the conventional network, isolating the complexity to specific intermediary components rather than requiring complete system overhaul.
3Ease of operation
If line-of-sight radio controllers are used for UAV control, then direct control is achieved, but flight radius is limited by LOS requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces mmWave base stations as intermediary relay nodes that receive control signals from ground controllers and forward them to UAVs beyond line-of-sight range. This intermediary system extends the effective control radius while maintaining direct control capabilities through the relay infrastructure.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from direct ground-to-UAV line-of-sight control to a multi-dimensional control architecture involving ground controllers, aerial mmWave base stations, and UAVs. By adding the vertical dimension with aerial base stations, the system achieves beyond-line-of-sight control while maintaining direct communication paths through the three-dimensional space.
Data Source
AI summary
Systems, devices, and methods are described for controlling, and communicating with, unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) over a millimeter wave (mmWave) communication network established between a base station and the UAVs. A communication system may include one or more unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs). The communication system may further include one or more base stations including millimeter wave (mmWave) antennas configured to generate control signals to the one or more UAVs over an mmWave communication network.