Phased Beam Alignment Pulse for 5G Network Direction
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current wireless communication systems in 5G and 6G require complex and time-consuming procedures for aligning beams in the right directions, which is inefficient and resource-intensive.
Innovation Solution
The method involves transmitting a phased beam-alignment pulse that spans an angular range with phase modulation varying monotonically between two angles, allowing the receiver to calculate the alignment angle based on the measured phase value.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of time
If traditional beam alignment procedures are used, then beam alignment can be achieved, but the process is complex and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-configuring the phased array to transmit a calibration pulse with known phase characteristics before actual beam alignment is needed. This calibration pulse establishes a reference framework that enables the receiver to calculate alignment angles without requiring complex real-time alignment procedures, thus reducing both time and complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical or iterative alignment methods with a phase-based calculation system. Instead of physically adjusting beams through complex procedures, the system uses phase measurements from a calibration pulse to mathematically determine alignment angles, substituting mechanical adjustment with computational solution.
2Productivity
If traditional beam alignment procedures are used, then beam alignment can be achieved, but resources are consumed excessively
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs periodic action by using a single calibration pulse transmission followed by phase measurement and calculation. This periodic approach replaces continuous or repeated resource-intensive alignment procedures with a one-time calibration signal that enables efficient subsequent beam alignment operations, significantly improving productivity while reducing energy consumption.
3Speed
If phased beam-alignment pulse is transmitted, then alignment angle can be determined rapidly, but phase measurement precision must be maintained
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback by having the receiver measure the phase of the calibration pulse and return this information to the transmitter. The transmitter then uses this feedback to calculate the precise alignment angle, creating a closed-loop system that maintains measurement precision while achieving rapid alignment determination through iterative refinement.
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 the time and resources required for beam alignment, enabling rapid and efficient determination of the optimal beam direction for communication, leading to improved communication quality and network performance.
Implementation Method 1
the first pulse is phase modulated according to a first phase value at the first angle and a second phase value at the second angle, and wherein the phase varies monotonically from the first phase value at the first angle to the second phase value at the second angle
Data Source
AI summary
Beam alignment is a critical requirement in 5G-Advanced and 6G due to the high density of user devices anticipated in the coming years. However, prior-art beam alignment procedures are slow and costly in terms of resource usage. Therefore, disclosed herein are methods enabling a user device to determine the direction toward the base station rapidly at very low cost. The base station emits a tailored pulse with an angle-dependent phase, varying from a first phase at a first angle, to a second phase at a second angle, followed by a uniform-phase calibrator pulse. The user device can measure the as-received phase of the tailored pulse relative to the calibrator pulse, and thereby determine the user's direction relative to the base station. The user device can then inform the base station of the received phase, which is proportional to the angle. Both user and base station thereby obtain instant beam alignment.