NR Beamwidth Adaptation for Stable UE-gNB Beam Alignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
In 5G communication systems, beam alignment between User Equipment (UE) and Next Generation Node B (gNB) is crucial for successful data transmission, but existing methods struggle to maintain alignment, especially with UE movement, leading to link failures and performance deterioration in millimeter wave systems.
Innovation Solution
Refining beam codebooks by tuning phase angles and gains of Power Amplifiers/Low Noise Amplifiers in UE antenna elements to generate beams with appropriate beamwidths, optimizing Reference Signal Received Power/Signal to Interference and Noise Ratio (RSRP/SINR) measurements, and aligning beams based on distance and channel conditions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If beamforming is used to increase transmission distance and decrease propagation loss, then signal transmission quality is improved, but beam alignment between UE and gNB becomes more critical and difficult to maintain
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic beam adjustment mechanisms where the UE can adaptively change beamwidth and beam direction based on movement detection. The system transitions from static pre-configured beams to dynamic beams that automatically adjust to maintain alignment, resolving the contradiction by making the beamforming system adaptive rather than fixed.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs feedback mechanisms where the UE monitors beam alignment quality and reports to the gNB. Based on this feedback, the gNB adjusts beam parameters (width, direction, power) to maintain optimal alignment. This closed-loop feedback system automatically compensates for alignment issues without increasing operational complexity for the user.
2Power
If narrow beamwidth is used to improve directional gain and transmission distance, then signal strength is improved, but beam alignment becomes more sensitive to UE movement causing link failures
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic beamwidth adjustment where the system automatically switches between narrow and wide beams based on UE movement state. When movement is detected, beamwidth increases to maintain alignment; when stationary, beamwidth narrows for maximum gain. This dynamic adaptation resolves the contradiction between signal strength and link stability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes beam parameters (width, direction, power) based on detected conditions. Specifically, beamwidth is adjusted as a variable parameter - narrow when UE is stationary for maximum gain, wide when UE moves to maintain alignment. This parameter adaptation directly resolves the contradiction by making beam characteristics conditional rather than fixed.
3Reliability
If wide beamwidth is used to accommodate UE movement and maintain alignment, then link reliability is improved, but transmission power is dispersed and signal strength decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses dynamic beamwidth adjustment where the system transitions between wide and narrow beams based on real-time movement detection. Wide beams are used temporarily during movement to maintain alignment reliability, then switch to narrow beams when stationary to concentrate power and maximize signal strength. This temporal separation resolves the contradiction.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements periodic beam sweeping and beam refinement procedures. The system periodically tests different beam parameters and adjusts to optimal settings. This periodic optimization allows the system to achieve high signal strength through narrow beams while periodically verifying alignment reliability, resolving the contradiction through time-multiplexed operation.
4Reliability
If beam sweeping is performed to ensure complete coverage during initial acquisition, then beam alignment is achieved, but transmission time and power consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies partial beam sweeping where the UE tests a subset of possible beam directions rather than all directions. Based on preliminary measurements and mobility patterns, the system focuses the sweep on likely beam directions, reducing acquisition time while still achieving reliable alignment. This partial action resolves the contradiction by eliminating unnecessary sweeping.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent performs preliminary beam measurements and predictions before actual data transmission. The system uses initial wide beams for quick acquisition, then refines to narrow beams for data transmission. This preliminary action separates acquisition from transmission, reducing overall time loss while ensuring reliable initial alignment.
Data Source
AI summary
A pre-5th-Generation (5G) or 5G communication system to be provided for supporting higher data rates Beyond 4th-Generation (4G) communication system such as Long Term Evolution (LTE). Methods and systems for adapting beamwidth of beams on NR physical channels are provided. Alignment between beams of a UE and a gNB is created by refining beam codebooks. Phase shifters and PAs/LNAs of antenna elements are tuned for refining the beam codebooks. Strength of a signal, received through different RX beams, is determined based on RSRP/SINR associated with the different RX beams. A direction is determined, along which RSRPs/SINRs associated with consecutive RX beams is increasing. A pair of RX beams is determined, the RSRP/SINR associated with a first beam being greater than e RSRP/SINR associated with a second beam, and the RSRP/SINR associated with the first beam is the greatest along the determined direction.