PAAM Beam Switching Using Neighbor Measurements in 5G mmWave
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
The challenge in 5G NR millimeter Wave (mmWave) communication networks is the dynamic switching of Phased Array Antenna Module (PAAM) configurations, which results in changes to beam gain and width, affecting reliable beam management and serving of multiple wireless devices efficiently.
Innovation Solution
A method and network node for beam management that involves selecting and switching to a suitable candidate beam using signal quality measurements from neighboring beams in different PAAM configurations, ensuring stable and efficient communication.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If PAAM configuration is dynamically switched to serve multiple wireless devices, then productivity is improved, but reliability deteriorates due to beam gain and width changes
Solution Approach 1:
The network node performs measurements on neighboring beams in advance before switching PAAM configuration. This preliminary measurement of signal quality in adjacent beams allows the system to predict and prepare for the new beam conditions that will result from the configuration change, ensuring seamless transition while maintaining communication quality.
Solution Approach 2:
The system measures signal quality of neighboring beams and uses this feedback information to select the appropriate candidate beam for use after PAAM configuration switching. This closed-loop feedback mechanism ensures that the beam selection is based on actual measured conditions, maintaining reliability while enabling dynamic reconfiguration for multiple devices.
2Productivity
If PAAM is split into multiple segments to serve multiple devices simultaneously, then productivity is improved, but manufacturing precision deteriorates in terms of beamforming accuracy
Solution Approach 1:
The PAAM is divided into multiple segments that can be independently controlled to serve different wireless devices simultaneously. Each segment can form its own beam, enabling multi-device service. The segmentation allows parallel operation of multiple beamforming units, improving productivity while maintaining sufficient precision through independent optimization of each segment.
Solution Approach 2:
Different segments of the PAAM are optimized for local beamforming requirements of different wireless devices. Each segment can adjust its phase and amplitude independently to create the optimal beam pattern for its assigned device, maintaining high beamforming precision locally even when the overall system is segmented for multi-device service.
3Adaptability or versatility
If beam switching is performed rapidly to adapt to channel changes, then adaptability is improved, but loss of time increases due to measurement and selection overhead
Solution Approach 1:
The network node measures and evaluates neighboring beams in advance before actual beam switching is required. This preliminary measurement and assessment of candidate beams creates a ready pool of pre-evaluated options, reducing the time needed for beam management decisions when channel changes occur, thus reducing time loss while maintaining adaptability.
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
Enables reliable and efficient beam management by dynamically adapting to PAAM configuration changes, maintaining communication quality with wireless devices.
Implementation Method 1
Beamforming means focusing the sent signals in different directions, for a network node especially in a direction of a wireless device with which the network node communicates
Implementation Method 2
A PAAM is an array antenna whose single radiators can be fed with different phase shifts
Data Source
AI summary
A method performed by a network node (130) of a wireless communication network (100) for beam management is provided. The network node (130) controls a Phased Array Antenna Module, PAAM (202), capable of beamforming for directed communications with a user equipment, UE (140). The method comprises: communicating (304) signals with the UE (140) over a serving beam (402) in a first beam pattern, the first beam pattern being formed by a first set of antenna elements of the PAAM (202); selecting (306) a number of measurement beams (404) in the first beam pattern; obtaining (308) a measurement of signal quality in each of the selected (306) number of measurement beams (404); selecting (310) a candidate beam (406), the candidate beam being a beam from a second beam pattern, formed by a second set of antenna elements of the PAAM (202), different from the first set of antenna elements, based on the individual measurements of signal quality of each of the number of measurement beams (404), the first beam pattern and the second beam; communicating (312) signals with the UE (140) over the selected (310) candidate beam (406) after switching to the second set of antenna elements.