Multi-RAT Spectrum Translation for 5G-to-Sub-THz Links
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current 5G NR systems face challenges in achieving high data rates and connectivity, particularly in cell-edge and indoor use cases due to limited bandwidth utilization and propagation losses, necessitating the expansion to sub-THz spectrums for higher bandwidths, which are not natively compatible with existing radio technologies.
Innovation Solution
A multi-RAT translator architecture that converts signals between 5G NR and sub-THz frequencies, utilizing FR1 and FR2 bands for efficient communication, enabling frequency and spatial multiplexing, and adding reference signals to facilitate seamless transitions across different frequency spectrums.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If current 5G NR systems operate in FR1 and FR2 frequency ranges, then existing circuitry can be used, but bandwidth utilization is limited and data rates are insufficient for high-demand applications
Solution Approach 1:
A translator device is introduced as an intermediary between the base station and user equipment. This translator receives signals from the base station in FR1/FR2 bands, converts them to sub-THz frequencies, and transmits to user equipment. This mediator enables bandwidth expansion to sub-THz while maintaining compatibility with existing 5G NR infrastructure, resolving the contradiction between increased bandwidth and compatibility.
2Productivity
If sub-THz frequency spectrum is used to increase bandwidth, then higher data rates are achieved, but propagation losses increase and signal coverage deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system transitions from traditional single-frequency operation to a two-dimensional frequency architecture. User equipment communicates with the translator in sub-THz band for high data rates, while the translator maintains backhaul connection with base station in FR1/FR2 bands. This dimensional separation allows exploitation of sub-THz bandwidth potential while relying on more propagation-resilient lower frequencies for reliable connectivity.
3Quantity of substance
If frequency spectrum is expanded to sub-THz range, then bandwidth availability increases, but deployment complexity and infrastructure requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The translator device is designed with multi-functionality to reduce deployment complexity. It simultaneously performs signal reception from base station, frequency conversion to sub-THz, signal transmission to user equipment, and maintains compatibility with existing 5G NR protocols. This universal design consolidates multiple functions into a single deployable unit, reducing overall infrastructure complexity despite the expansion to sub-THz spectrum.
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods described herein may introduce an intermediary device between radio access networks using a first spectrum and user equipment using a second spectrum. The intermediary device may process communication signals from either the first spectrum or the second spectrum into a format usable by the other of the first spectrum or the second spectrum. The intermediary device may be referred to as a multi-radio access technology (multi-RAT) translator.