Multi-Panel Uplink Transmission for mmWave Beamforming Efficiency
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing 5G/NR communication systems face challenges in optimizing uplink transmission due to hardware constraints at mmWave frequencies, limiting the number of CSI-RS ports and affecting beamforming efficiency, especially in scenarios requiring simultaneous multi-panel transmissions.
Innovation Solution
A user equipment (UE) is equipped with multiple antenna panels, allowing for flexible uplink transmission schemes including single panel, simultaneous multi-panel, or combined transmissions, based on identified panels for each layer, using codebook-based or non-codebook-based methods to enhance beamforming and coverage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If multiple antenna panels are used for uplink transmission, then beamforming gain and coverage are improved, but hardware constraints at mmWave frequencies limit the number of CSI-RS ports and affect beamforming efficiency
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the uplink transmission into multiple independent panels, where each panel can be independently selected and configured. This allows the system to overcome hardware constraints by dividing the transmission into manageable segments (panels) rather than treating it as a monolithic system, enabling flexible selection of panels based on channel conditions and hardware capabilities.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamic panel selection where the UE can flexibly choose which panels to use for uplink transmission based on real-time channel conditions, panel capabilities, and network requirements. This dynamic adaptation allows the system to optimize beamforming efficiency while working within hardware constraints by activating only the necessary panels.
2Productivity
If simultaneous multi-panel transmissions are implemented, then uplink transmission efficiency is improved, but the complexity of identifying and managing panels for each layer increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables the UE to autonomously identify and select appropriate panels for each layer without requiring complex network coordination. The UE performs self-service by evaluating its own panel capabilities and channel conditions to determine the optimal panel configuration, thereby improving transmission efficiency while managing complexity locally at the UE side.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements preliminary panel identification where the UE pre-identifies suitable panels based on capability information and channel conditions before actual transmission. This preliminary action allows the system to prepare the optimal panel configuration in advance, reducing real-time complexity during actual data transmission while maintaining high efficiency.
3Reliability
If dynamic panel selection and precoding are used, then beamforming optimization is improved, but the computational requirements and processing complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by optimizing precoding and panel selection specifically for each identified panel based on its individual characteristics and channel conditions, rather than applying a uniform approach across all panels. This localized optimization improves beamforming efficiency while reducing overall computational complexity by focusing processing resources only on the active panels.
Data Source
AI summary
Apparatuses and methods for uplink (UL) transmission are provided. A method for operating a user equipment (UE) includes receiving information about an UL transmission based on X panels. The method further includes identifying, based on the information, for each layer l of the UL transmission, nl panels among the X panels, where v is a number of layers of the UL transmission; determining the UL transmission based on the identified nl panels for each layer l; and transmitting the UL transmission based on the identified nl panels for each layer l. The UL transmission corresponds to one of a single panel (SP) transmission from one of the X panels, a simultaneous transmission from multiple of the X panels (STxMP), or a combination of the SP and STxMP, where a set S1 of the X panels is used for the SP transmission and a set S2 of the X panels is used for the STxMP.