Non-constant Modulus Codebook for MIMO Beamforming Gain

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO) transmission systems, particularly in LTE and 5G NR, face limitations due to the use of constant-modulus codebooks, which restrict the realization of full beamforming gains and lead to inefficient power amplification in RF front ends.

Innovation Solution

The implementation of non-constant modulus (NCM) codebooks, which allow dynamic gain control of each antenna element, enabling full beamforming gain by selecting a unit-power beamforming vector and constructing codebooks with quantization tables that optimize power amplification.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Loss of energy

If constant-modulus codebooks are used in MIMO transmission, then power amplifier efficiency is improved, but beamforming gain is limited and cannot be fully realized

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepower amplifier efficiencyVSAvoidbeamforming gain
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of energyVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the modulus parameter of the codebook from constant to non-constant, allowing different amplitude levels across antenna elements. This enables the system to achieve full beamforming gain by optimizing the amplitude distribution while maintaining power amplifier efficiency through coordinated power allocation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces dynamic gain control for each antenna element through non-constant modulus codebooks. The amplitude of each antenna element can be dynamically adjusted according to channel conditions and power constraints, enabling adaptive optimization of both beamforming gain and power amplifier efficiency.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Reliability

If non-constant modulus codebooks are used to achieve full beamforming gain, then device complexity increases, but transmission performance improves

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvebeamforming gainVSAvoidcodebook design complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the codebook design into structured components including amplitude vectors and phase matrices. This segmentation allows for systematic construction of non-constant modulus codebooks, reducing design complexity while maintaining the ability to achieve full beamforming gain through coordinated amplitude and phase control.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent systematically varies the modulus parameters of codebook entries to create non-constant modulus structures. By controlling the amplitude distribution across antenna elements with defined patterns, the patent reduces design complexity while enabling full beamforming gain realization.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Reliability

If dynamic gain control is implemented for each antenna element, then power amplifier linearity is improved, but system complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepower amplifier linearityVSAvoidgain control complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements dynamic gain control through non-constant modulus codebooks, where each antenna element's amplitude can be independently adjusted. This dynamic control improves power amplifier linearity by optimizing the operating point for each element while the structured codebook design keeps the control complexity manageable.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies different amplitude characteristics to different antenna elements through the non-constant modulus codebook structure. Each antenna element can have optimized gain characteristics suited to its specific channel conditions and power constraints, improving overall system linearity while maintaining coordinated control.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Data Source

PatentEP3725006B1Non-constant modulus codebook design
Publication Date: 2023.03.15 TELEFONAKTIEBOLAGET LM ERICSSON (PUBL)
  • EP3725006B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3725006B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3725006B1 patent drawingFigure 3A

AI summary

According to certain embodiments, a method for use in a wireless transmitter for simultaneously transmitting a plurality of wireless signals using a plurality of antenna elements comprises selecting a non-constant modulus (NCM) spatial precoder from a NCM codebook comprising a plurality of NCM spatial precoders. The plurality of the NCM spatial precoders are based on a unit-power beamforming vector optimized so that the wireless transmitter transmits up to the full power of each antenna element of the plurality of antenna elements while an overall transmitted power remains constant. The method further comprises applying the selected NCM spatial precoder to a data signal for generating a plurality of coded signals; and transmitting the plurality of coded signals as wireless signals via a power amplifier operating at full power.