NTN Beam Group Patterns for Power-Limited Downlink Coverage
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Solution Overview
Problem
Non-terrestrial networks face challenges in downlink coverage due to limited satellite transmission power and large coverage footprints, necessitating efficient beam group and beam pattern designs to optimize power usage and ensure comprehensive coverage.
Innovation Solution
The gNB configures beam groups and patterns based on satellite capabilities, including parameters such as beam number, power, and stability, and schedules transmissions accordingly to minimize interference and maximize simultaneous beam activation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If satellite transmission power is increased to enhance downlink coverage, then coverage area is improved, but power consumption increases and interference to other beams increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the coverage area into multiple beam groups and further segments beams within each group. By activating only selected beams from specific beam groups rather than all beams simultaneously, the system achieves comprehensive coverage through structured segmentation while reducing total power consumption and inter-beam interference.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically configures beam groups and selects which beams to activate based on current network conditions, satellite position, and service requirements. This dynamic approach allows optimal power distribution across different coverage areas at different times, improving overall coverage efficiency without excessive power consumption.
2Productivity
If more beams are activated simultaneously to serve more UEs, then service capacity is improved, but interference between beams increases
Solution Approach 1:
Beams are organized into beam groups where only selected groups are activated at any given time. Within each beam group, specific beams are chosen for activation based on UE distribution and service demands. This segmentation strategy enables serving multiple UEs simultaneously while maintaining sufficient spatial separation between active beams to minimize interference.
Solution Approach 2:
The system applies different beam activation strategies to different spatial regions and service scenarios. In areas with high UE density, more beams are activated; in regions with low activity, fewer beams are used. This localized quality adjustment optimizes service capacity in each region while controlling overall interference levels.
3Adaptability or versatility
If beam patterns are made more flexible to adapt to different scenarios, then adaptability is improved, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a hierarchical structure with beam groups containing individual beams. This segmentation provides a systematic framework for managing complexity while enabling flexible adaptation. The gNB can configure multiple beam groups with different patterns and selectively activate appropriate groups based on service scenarios, achieving adaptability without overwhelming system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The beam group configuration and beam selection are dynamically adjusted based on satellite ephemeris, coverage requirements, and service demands. This dynamic adaptability allows the system to respond to changing conditions without requiring complex reconfiguration of the entire beam system, as changes are localized to specific beam groups rather than the whole system.
Data Source
AI summary
A base station (gNB) is described. The gNB includes receiving circuitry configured to receive non-terrestrial network (NTN) satellite ephemeris and satellite capabilities information including an antenna set configuration, a number of beams in a coverage area, available power, supported beam group and/or beam pattern type, a maximum number of beam groups and/or beam patterns, and a maximum number of beams in a beam group or beam pattern, a beam stability and beam angle fluctuations. The gNB also includes transmitting circuitry configured to configure the beam groups and/or beam patterns based on the satellite capabilities, and schedule transmissions based on the configured beam groups and/or beam patterns.