Multiple Transmission Panels: Backhaul-Aware Multichannel Uplink

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing multiple antenna techniques face operational limitations due to non-ideal backhaul links between remote radio heads (RRHs), which hinder effective implementation of spatial multiplexing and beamforming, leading to reduced throughput and latency in wireless communication systems.

Innovation Solution

Configuring multichannel uplink transmissions by considering the properties of backhaul links, such as throughput, latency, and error rates, to optimize the use of MIMO and beamforming techniques, and implementing inflow traffic shaping to distribute data across multiple channels effectively.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If multiple antenna techniques (MIMO, beamforming) are implemented using multiple RRHs, then spatial multiplexing capability and data rate are improved, but backhaul link limitations (throughput, latency) worsen the overall system performance

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedata rateVSAvoidbackhaul link performance
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The system changes operational parameters by selecting different transmission modes (MIMO, beamforming, or single panel) based on backhaul link conditions. When backhaul links are ideal, spatial multiplexing is enabled for high data rates; when backhaul links are non-ideal, the system switches to beamforming or single panel modes to maintain reliability, thus adapting to varying backhaul capacities

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The multi-TRP system dynamically adjusts its configuration based on real-time backhaul link status. The network can switch between different transmission schemes (MIMO, beamforming, single panel) depending on whether backhaul links are ideal or non-ideal, making the system adaptive and flexible rather than static

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Productivity

If multiple RRHs are deployed to increase transmission capacity, then spatial multiplexing opportunities increase, but backhaul link latency and throughput limitations worsen

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetransmission capacityVSAvoidbackhaul latency
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system changes the number of active panels and transmission mode based on backhaul conditions. When backhaul latency is high or throughput is limited, the system reduces the number of active panels or switches to beamforming mode, thereby reducing the data processing load on backhaul links and minimizing latency impact

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Productivity

If spatial multiplexing is implemented across multiple panels, then data rate increases, but device complexity and coordination requirements increase due to non-ideal backhaul links

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedata rateVSAvoidsystem coordination complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system changes the complexity level by selecting appropriate transmission modes based on backhaul capabilities. When backhaul links are ideal, complex MIMO operations across multiple panels are enabled for maximum data rate. When backhaul links are non-ideal, the system simplifies to beamforming or single panel modes, reducing coordination complexity while maintaining acceptable performance

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

Enhances end-to-end data throughput by tailoring multichannel UL transmissions to accommodate backhaul link limitations, reducing latency and optimizing traffic load on these links.

Implementation Method 1

beamforming: here, a spatial directivity for transmitting and/or receiving (communicating) is achieved by destructive and constructive interference at the multiple antennas

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectBeamforming: Interference

Implementation Method 2

spatial multiplexing (often referred to as Multiple Input Multiple Output, MIMO) can be used to increase the overall data rate. Here, multiple spatially diverse transmission paths are set-up between transmitter and receiver

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectSpatial multiplexing:

Data Source

PatentEP3834291B1Multiple transmission panels and non-ideal backhaul links
Publication Date: 2025.09.03 SONY GROUP CORP
  • EP3834291B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3834291B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP3834291B1 patent drawingFigure 5

AI summary

A method of configuring a multichannel uplink transmission (199) comprising multiple channels (151, 152, 159, 451, 452) between a wireless communication device (102) and multiple receive panels (1013-1, 1013-2) of at least one network node (101) is provided. The multiple receive panels (1013-1, 1013-2) and the at least one network node (101) are connected via backhaul links (1018-1, 1018-2). The method is carried out by the wireless communication device (102). The method comprises receiving, from the at least one network node (101), a downlink message encoding control data (4001) for the multichannel uplink transmission (199), the control data (4001) being associated with the backhaul links. The method further comprises configuring the multichannel uplink transmission (199) based on the control data (4001).