MU-MIMO Scheduling via Angle of Arrival Grouping
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Solution Overview
Problem
In multi-user MIMO systems, accurately channel estimation and correct UE pairing are challenging when transmitting data to multiple UEs on the same frequency, leading to reduced overall gain due to interference and fading.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of beamforming and spatial domain separation techniques, using angles of arrival and departure, and channel state information reference signals to separate transmissions and optimize antenna configurations for each UE, allowing for precise channel estimation and pairing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If MU-MIMO transmits data to multiple UEs on the same frequency, then data throughput is improved, but interference and fading increase reducing overall gain
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the spatial domain by dividing UEs into different groups based on their angle of arrival (AoA) characteristics. By clustering UES with similar AoA together and assigning different spatial layers to different groups, the system separates interfering signals in the spatial domain, allowing multiple UEs to simultaneously receive data on the same frequency resources while maintaining link reliability through proper spatial separation.
2Measurement precision
If beamforming and spatial domain separation are implemented, then channel estimation precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary channel estimation and AoA calculation using reference signals (RS) before actual data transmission. By pre-determining the spatial characteristics and grouping UES based on their AoA from the reference signal measurements, the system prepares spatial separation parameters in advance, which simplifies the subsequent data transmission process and reduces real-time processing complexity while maintaining high channel estimation precision.
Data Source
AI summary
A technology that is operable to schedule data transfer for a multiple user multiple-input and multiple-output (MU-MIMO) communications network is disclosed. In one embodiment, an enhanced node B (eNode B) is configured with circuitry configured to receive a sounding signal from each of a plurality of user equipment (UEs). One or more major paths of the sounding signals from each of the plurality of UEs are determined. An angle of arrival (AoA) is determined that is associated with each of the one or more major paths. The plurality of UEs are grouped into one or more candidate MU-MIMO sets using the AoAs associated with each of the one or more major paths. Data transmissions are scheduled for one or more of the candidate UEs of the candidate MU-MIMO set on one or more of the major paths of each of the candidate UEs.