Orthogonal Antenna Array Phasing for Per-User Beamforming
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing wireless network technologies lack the ability to perform per-user beamforming in both azimuth and elevation dimensions, resulting in suboptimal coverage for users as mechanical and electrical beam tilting apply the same downtilt to all users simultaneously.
Innovation Solution
The method involves phasing a first array and a second array of antenna elements to create a combined radiation pattern, with the first array's pattern being substantially orthogonal to the second, and controlling this combined pattern in the azimuth dimension based on uplink channel measurements and in the elevation dimension based on precoding feedback from user equipment (UE).
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If mechanical and electrical beam tilting are used to provide coverage for all users, then overall cell coverage is improved, but per-user optimization is lost as the same downtilt is applied to all users simultaneously
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the antenna array into multiple sub-arrays, where each sub-array can be independently controlled to form separate beams. This allows different downtilt values to be applied to different sub-arrays, enabling per-user optimization while maintaining overall coverage. The base station divides the antenna resources into multiple controllable groups that can be independently adjusted for different user equipment.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamic beamforming where the base station can adjust downtilt values for different sub-arrays in real-time based on user requirements. Instead of static uniform downtilt, the system dynamically adapts the beam patterns to optimize signal delivery for each user, allowing the beamforming parameters to change flexibly according to user position and channel conditions.
2Reliability
If uniform downtilt is applied to all antenna elements, then implementation simplicity is maintained, but coverage optimization for specific users is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The antenna array is divided into multiple sub-arrays that can be independently configured with different downtilt values. This segmentation allows the system to maintain simple uniform downtilt within each sub-array while achieving complex multi-user optimization across the entire array by adjusting individual sub-array parameters.
Solution Approach 2:
Different sub-arrays are assigned different local downtilt characteristics optimized for specific user locations or channel conditions. Each sub-array has its own quality parameters (downtilt values) tailored to local requirements, allowing optimized signal delivery for different users while keeping the overall system manageable through modular configuration.
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
This approach enables user-specific beamforming, improving coverage and gain by adapting beam patterns dynamically to optimize signal delivery for each user, enhancing overall network performance.
Implementation Method 1
phasing a first array including one or more antenna elements and a second array including one or more antenna elements to provide a combined radiation pattern
Implementation Method 2
the first array having a first radiation pattern and the second array having a second radiation pattern, wherein the first radiation pattern is substantially orthogonal to the second radiation pattern
Data Source
AI summary
Methods, apparatuses and computer-readable storage media perform phasing of a first array including one or more antenna elements and phasing of a second array including one or more antenna elements to provide a combined radiation pattern for the first and second arrays, the first array having a first radiation pattern and the second array having a second radiation pattern, wherein the first radiation pattern is substantially orthogonal to the second radiation pattern. The combined radiation pattern is controlled in a first dimension based upon an uplink channel measurement. The combined radiation pattern is controlled in a second dimension based upon a precoding feedback from a user equipment (UE).