MU-MIMO Beam Pattern Stabilisation via Gyroscopic Phase Correction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Modern wireless communication networks face challenges in maintaining stable MU-MIMO beam patterns due to antenna array orientation changes caused by wind loading, leading to increased signalling overhead and interference, especially in MU-MIMO systems where nulls are sensitive to azimuth angle changes.
Innovation Solution
The method involves using a gyroscopic sensor to measure changes in antenna array orientation and applying phase corrections to the beamforming weights matrix, allowing for efficient stabilization of the MU-MIMO beam pattern without frequent channel sounding, by generating first and second phase shift values based on the array's motion and using these corrections to maintain beam pattern stability across the sector.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If frequent channel sounding is performed to track orientation changes, then beam pattern stability is improved, but signalling overhead increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by measuring array orientation changes using gyroscopic sensors and calculating the required phase corrections in advance. The correction phase values are computed before the beamforming operation based on predicted orientation drift, allowing the system to pre-compensate for expected changes rather than reacting to them through frequent channel sounding. This reduces the need for continuous feedback signalling while maintaining beam stability.
2Reliability
If phase corrections are applied to maintain beam pattern stability, then null depth is maintained, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical/orientation-based beam steering with a signal processing-based phase correction system. Instead of physically adjusting antenna orientations or using complex mechanical tracking systems, the invention uses electronic phase shifters controlled by correction values derived from simple gyroscopic measurements. This substitution maintains null depth through software-based phase adjustment rather than hardware reconfiguration, reducing mechanical complexity while preserving performance.
3Area of stationary object
If the antenna array is mounted on a tower for good coverage, then area of coverage is improved, but stability of the object's composition deteriorates due to wind loading
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback by continuously monitoring array orientation changes using gyroscopic sensors mounted on the antenna structure. The sensors provide real-time feedback on azimuth and elevation deviations caused by wind loading. This feedback is processed to calculate phase correction values that are applied to the beamforming weights, creating a closed-loop system that actively compensates for orientation changes and maintains stable beam patterns despite the tower's exposure to environmental forces.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This approach reduces signalling overhead, maintains null depth, and ensures predictable beam patterns, allowing for stable MU-MIMO operations even under wind-induced array orientation changes, thereby enhancing system capacity and performance.
Implementation Method 1
stabilisation of a beam pattern emitted from or received by an array of antenna elements... using a gyroscopic sensor to measure changes in antenna array orientation
Implementation Method 2
applying phase corrections to the beamforming weights matrix, allowing for efficient stabilization of the MU-MIMO beam pattern... generating first and second phase shift values based on the array's motion
Data Source
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AI summary
At least one Multi User Multiple Input Multiple Output MU-MIMO beam pattern (3) formed by an array of antenna elements (14) at an access point (1) of a point to multi-point wireless communication network comprising a plurality of subscriber modules is stabilised to correct for a change in orientation of the array between a first time interval and a second time interval. An output of a gyroscopic sensor (12) is processed to generate first phase corrections for the first time interval and second phase corrections for the second time interval. Signal propagation characteristics between each antenna element of the array and each of a first (2) and second (4) subscriber module are measured for the first time interval and, based on the measured signal propagation characteristics, the first phase corrections and the second phase corrections, a MU-MIMO beam pattern is formed for the second time interval having a main lobe towards the first (2) subscriber module and a null towards the second (4) subscriber module.