Multi-Panel Antenna Beam Steering for Non-Co-Located Arrays
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional beam steering techniques for non-co-located antenna panels in multi-panel antenna arrays result in degraded communication performance due to misalignment of transmission directions, especially in large antenna arrays with increased inter-panel separation, leading to significant loss in communication quality.
Innovation Solution
Implement signaling mechanisms that adjust beam steering by determining a modified steered beam for each panel based on inter-panel separation, path loss estimates, differential signal strength, and observed time difference of arrival, enabling coordinated beamforming across non-co-located panels.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional beam steering techniques are used for non-co-located antenna panels, then device complexity is reduced, but communication performance deteriorates due to misalignment of transmission directions
Solution Approach 1:
The system measures the actual signal strength received from each antenna panel and uses this feedback to calculate and apply beam steering adjustments. The gNB receives signals from the UE, measures signal strength differences between panels, and adjusts beam directions accordingly to compensate for inter-panel separation effects.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the beam steering parameters (beam directions and signal strength adjustments) based on measured signal characteristics. By adjusting the beam direction and signal strength parameters for each panel according to the measured signal strength differences, the system optimizes communication performance while accounting for non-co-located panel geometry.
2Area of stationary object
If beam steering adjustments are implemented for multi-panel antenna arrays, then coverage area is improved, but device complexity increases due to additional signaling and measurement requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the antenna array into multiple separate panels, each capable of independent beam steering. By segmenting the large antenna array into manageable panels and applying individual beam adjustments to each panel based on measured signal strengths, the system extends coverage area while keeping each panel's complexity manageable.
Solution Approach 2:
The system applies beam steering adjustments selectively to compensate for the effects of inter-panel separation. Rather than requiring perfect alignment of all panels, the invention uses partial correction through adjusted beam directions and signal strength modifications to achieve adequate coverage extension.
3Quantity of substance
If inter-panel separation is increased in large antenna arrays, then data carrying capacity is improved, but transmission direction alignment deteriorates leading to signal loss
Solution Approach 1:
The system applies different beam steering characteristics to different antenna panels based on their local signal conditions. Each panel's beam direction and signal strength are adjusted locally according to the measured signal strength differences, allowing the system to maintain reliable communication while supporting large antenna arrays with increased inter-panel separation for higher data capacity.
Data Source
AI summary
Certain aspects of the present disclosure provide techniques for beam steering. A method generally includes obtaining a first signal communicated according to a first polarization; obtaining a second signal communicated according to a second polarization; and transmitting an indication of an imbalance between a signal strength of the first signal and a signal strength of the second signal.