Phased Array Antenna Beam Training Overhead Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current broadband communication systems face inefficiencies in beam training processes, particularly in millimeter-wave gigabit broadband systems, where simultaneous transmission and reception of beam training signals and data packets are not optimized, leading to increased overhead and reduced throughput.
Innovation Solution
The system employs a phased array antenna in the MGB Hub to dynamically create multiple beams, allowing simultaneous transmission of beam training signals and data packets to multiple CPEs using different beamformers and polarizations, enabling efficient beam training and data communication by reducing interference and optimizing spatial separation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If beam training signals and data packets are transmitted sequentially using traditional methods, then interference between training and data is avoided, but beam training overhead increases and system throughput decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines beam training signal transmission and data packet transmission into the same time-frequency resources by using different spatial beams. The hub station transmits beam training packets to multiple CPEs simultaneously using different beamformers, allowing both training and data communication to occur concurrently without interference, thereby reducing training overhead and increasing system throughput.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces spatial dimension through beamforming to resolve the conflict between training and data transmission. By transmitting different signals through different spatial directions (beams) using phased array antennas and beamformers, the system can simultaneously conduct beam training for multiple CPEs while maintaining data transmission, effectively adding a spatial dimension to separate the functions that traditionally competed for the same resources.
2Loss of time
If multiple CPEs are trained simultaneously using the same beam, then training time is reduced, but interference between CPEs increases and measurement precision deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the beam training process by assigning different beamformers to different CPEs. Each CPE receives beam training signals through a dedicated spatial beam, allowing simultaneous training of multiple CPEs without mutual interference. This segmentation in the spatial domain enables parallel training while maintaining measurement precision for each CPE.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies local quality by customizing the beamforming characteristics for each CPE based on its specific spatial location and channel conditions. Each beamformer is optimized to provide the appropriate beam shape, direction, and power distribution for its target CPE, ensuring high measurement precision for each individual CPE even when multiple CPEs are being trained simultaneously.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If beam training packets use multiple beamformers, then spatial separation and interference reduction are improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements multi-functionality by designing the hub station's beamformers to serve dual purposes: they enable simultaneous beam training for multiple CPEs and facilitate data transmission to those same CPEs. The phased array antenna system and beamforming algorithms are configured to handle both training and data functions through the same hardware resources, reducing the need for separate dedicated components and thereby limiting the increase in device complexity.
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 significantly reduces beam training overhead and enhances system throughput by allowing multiple CPEs to be trained simultaneously, improving the efficiency of beamforming and data transmission in millimeter-wave gigabit broadband systems.
Implementation Method 1
The system employs a phased array antenna in the MGB Hub to dynamically create multiple beams
Implementation Method 2
Each subarray may be configured with a different phase to enable transmission of the beam training packet to a different CPE
Implementation Method 3
Each subarray may be configured with a different phase to enable transmission of the beam training packet to a different CPE. Different polarizations may be used for different CPEs to further reduce interference
Data Source
AI summary
A consumer premise equipment (CPE) which may comprise a processor, a storage medium, and an antenna, wherein the processor may be operatively coupled to the storage medium and the antenna to receive, from multiple antennas of a hub station, a first beam training announcement signal that may inform the CPE to be ready to receive a beam training packet using one or more beams, wherein the beam training packet may include a plurality of symbols that are each beamformed using a different beamformer or precoder; and send, to the hub station, a beamforming feedback report based on measurements taken by the CPE, possibly as a result of the CPE receiving the first beam training announcement signal.