Phased Array Channel Sounding System for 5G
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current wireless channel sounding techniques are inefficient due to their slow measurement processes, particularly when using directional antennas to measure angle of arrival, which limits the speed and accuracy of channel parameter measurements in 5G wireless communication networks.
Innovation Solution
A phased array channel sounding system with multiple antennas capable of steerable transmit and receive beams, covering 360 degrees in azimuth, is used to generate and receive channel sounding waveforms, allowing for simultaneous measurement of wireless channel parameters across a wide range of frequencies, including millimeter waves, using advanced signal processing and antenna configurations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If directional antennas are used to measure angle of arrival by turning in incremental steps, then measurement cost is reduced, but measurement speed deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the measurement task into multiple parallel channels by using multiple antennas (at least two antennas) that simultaneously measure different spatial directions. Each antenna measures a specific angle of arrival independently, allowing parallel measurement instead of sequential stepping, thus resolving the contradiction between cost and speed.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from a single-antenna sequential measurement approach to a multi-antenna parallel measurement approach, adding the dimension of spatial distribution. By arranging antennas at different positions and orientations, the system achieves simultaneous multi-directional measurement capability without mechanical movement.
2Device complexity
If single antenna measurement is used, then device complexity is reduced, but measurement precision deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The measurement function is segmented across multiple antennas, where each antenna contributes to measuring specific channel parameters. This segmentation allows the system to achieve comprehensive and precise channel characterization (including angle of arrival, angle of departure, delay spread) by combining measurements from multiple antennas rather than relying on a single antenna.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines measurements from multiple antennas to achieve improved measurement precision. By merging the data from at least two antennas that simultaneously measure different directions, the system obtains more accurate and comprehensive channel parameters than a single antenna could provide alone.
3Device complexity
If incremental step measurement is used, then device complexity is reduced, but productivity deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The measurement process is segmented into parallel operations performed by multiple antennas simultaneously. Instead of one antenna sequentially measuring different directions through incremental steps, multiple antennas divide the measurement space and measure different directions at the same time, dramatically improving productivity while keeping individual antenna structures simple.
Solution Approach 2:
The system achieves continuous measurement across all directions by having multiple antennas operate simultaneously rather than sequentially. This eliminates the time gaps and incremental stepping required in single-antenna systems, maintaining continuous useful measurement action across the entire angular space.
Data Source
AI summary
A wireless channel sounding system may include a wireless channel sounding transmitter having at least two radio frequency front ends coupled to at least two phased array antennas to generate at least two radio frequency channel sounding waveforms from at least two baseband signals, the at least two phased array antennas each controllable to provide a respective transmit beam that is steerable in azimuth and elevation, and that comprises one of the at least two radio frequency channel sounding waveforms, where faces of the at least two phased array antennas are arranged to provide a transmit beam coverage over 360 degrees in azimuth, and a first processing system including at least one processor, in communication with the at least two radio frequency front ends, to provide the at least two baseband signals and steer the respective transmit beams via instructions to the at least two radio frequency front ends.