Product Codebook Signaling for Massive MIMO Feedback

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing Massive MIMO systems face challenges in efficiently acquiring channel state information for large antenna arrays, particularly in Frequency-Division-Duplexing (FDD) systems, due to the need for high-dimensional codebooks that result in prohibitive UE feedback and computational complexity, making it difficult to support high-order Multi-User MIMO operations.

Innovation Solution

The implementation of a product codebook methodology that separates the codebook feedback process into azimuth and elevation dimensions, using Discrete-Fourier-Transform (DFT) vectors to define Rank-1 codebooks for arbitrary array sizes, allowing for efficient signaling and flexible codebook construction, and specifying a cross-pol type parameter to resolve ambiguity in 2D cross-polarization arrays.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If high-dimensional codebooks are used for large antenna arrays in Massive MIMO systems, then channel state information acquisition capability is improved, but UE feedback overhead and computational complexity increase prohibitively

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvechannel state information acquisition capabilityVSAvoidUE feedback overhead and computational complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The codebook is segmented into multiple subcodebooks, each corresponding to a specific antenna port configuration. Instead of using a single high-dimensional codebook that covers all possible antenna configurations, the system divides the codebook space into manageable segments. The UE is configured with a specific subcodebook based on its antenna capabilities, significantly reducing the feedback dimension and computational complexity while maintaining accurate channel state information acquisition for that specific configuration.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Adaptability or versatility

If large-dimensional codebooks are used to support arbitrary array sizes, then adaptability to different antenna configurations is improved, but feedback overhead and processing complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesupport for arbitrary array sizesVSAvoidfeedback overhead
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The codebook design implements universality by creating a set of standardized subcodebooks that can accommodate various antenna configurations through configuration parameters rather than requiring separate dedicated codebooks for each array size. The same subcodebook structure can be adapted to different antenna port counts (e.g., 2, 4, 8 ports) by adjusting the codebook dimension and selection parameters, providing broad adaptability without proportionally increasing feedback overhead.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Device complexity

If codebooks are designed for specific antenna configurations, then computational complexity is reduced, but flexibility to support different array sizes is limited

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecomputational complexityVSAvoidflexibility to support different array sizes
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The codebook system implements dynamics by allowing the UE to be dynamically configured with appropriate subcodebooks based on its antenna capabilities and the current transmission scenario. The network can adjust which subcodebook the UE uses through RRC signaling, enabling the system to adapt to different array sizes and configurations without requiring the UE to maintain multiple large codebooks in memory, thus balancing computational complexity with flexibility.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentEP3111598B1Method and apparatus for flexible product codebook signaling
Publication Date: 2019.03.27 NOKIA SOLUTIONS & NETWORKS OY
  • EP3111598B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3111598B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3111598B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A method and apparatus can be configured to transmit a number of azimuth antenna elements. The method can also comprise transmitting a number of elevation antenna elements. The method can also comprise receiving an azimuth precoder-matrix-indicator. The method can also comprise receiving an elevation precoder-matrix-indicator. The method can also comprise transmitting based on the received azimuth precoder-matrix-indicator and the received elevation precoder-matrix-indicator.