Multi-Beam Combining for Spatial Diversity in Wireless Systems
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Solution Overview
Problem
In wireless communication systems, existing beam-forming techniques struggle to maximize spatial diversity and improve Signal to Interference plus Noise Ratio (SINR) due to antenna spacing limitations, which restricts the utilization of spatial diversity in Multiple Input Multiple Output (MIMO) systems.
Innovation Solution
A switched beam-forming apparatus and method using a multi-beam combining scheme, where beams with high Quality of Service (QoS) are selected and combined using an array antenna, hybrid couplers, and beam-forming units to maximize spatial diversity and reduce interference, by assigning weights and synchronizing beams to enhance SINR.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If antenna spacing is reduced to less than λ/2 to form beams in beam-forming system, then beam formation capability is improved, but spatial diversity utilization deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the single beam-forming function into multiple independent beam-forming units, each capable of forming beams in different directions. By segmenting the antenna array into multiple beam-forming modules with spacing greater than λ/2, the system simultaneously achieves beam formation capability and spatial diversity utilization through parallel operation of multiple units.
2Reliability
If multiple beams are combined to improve SINR, then Signal to Interference plus Noise Ratio is improved, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple beams from independent beam-forming units at the signal processing stage rather than requiring complex hardware integration. The beam combining is achieved through signal addition in the baseband processing domain, which improves SINR while avoiding proportional increases in hardware complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a beam selection and control unit as an intermediary that manages the complexity of multi-beam combining. This control unit selects appropriate beams from multiple sources and manages their combination, thereby simplifying the overall system architecture while maintaining high SINR performance.
3Adaptability or versatility
If antenna spacing is increased to utilize spatial diversity, then spatial diversity is maximized, but beam formation capability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the antenna array into multiple independent beam-forming units, each with appropriate inter-element spacing for beam formation. By distributing multiple such units across larger spatial separations, the system simultaneously achieves both beam formation capability within each unit and spatial diversity across the separated units.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from a single-dimension beam-forming approach to a multi-dimensional architecture where multiple beam-forming units operate in parallel across different spatial locations. This dimensional expansion allows the system to achieve both precise beam formation (within each unit) and spatial diversity (across separated units) simultaneously.
Data Source
AI summary
Provided is a switched beam-forming apparatus which includes a beam-forming unit forming a plurality of beams using an array antenna, a beam selection adjusting unit measuring Quality of Service (QoS) values of each of a plurality of signals received through the plurality of beams, a beam selecting unit selecting at least two beams with high QoS from among the plurality of beams according to the results of the QoS measuring, and a beam combining unit combining the at least two beams selected by the beam selecting unit.