Multi-antenna Radio Base Station Phase Error Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional multi-antenna radio base stations face challenges in detecting and handling relative phase errors between radio chains, requiring extra feeder signals and interrupting normal transmission/reception, and often necessitate a special detection/calibration branch.
Innovation Solution
Compiling precoding matrix statistics from user equipment feedback to represent phase coherency between radio chains, detecting relative phase errors, and compensating for them without additional signaling or a special detection/calibration branch, using existing feedback information to ensure phase coherency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional detection/calibration branch with special transceiver is used to detect phase errors, then phase error detection capability is improved, but device complexity and cost increase due to extra feeder and special radio chain
Solution Approach 1:
The invention makes the ordinary radio chains perform dual functions: both normal data transmission and phase error detection. By using the existing radio chains for both purposes through time-division multiplexing, the system eliminates the need for a separate detection/calibration branch, thereby reducing device complexity while maintaining phase error detection capability
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses itself for detection purposes by having ordinary radio chains detect phase errors in other radio chains. This self-service approach eliminates the need for external specialized detection equipment, reducing both device complexity and cost while maintaining detection precision
2Reliability
If conventional calibration method is used, then phase coherency is improved, but normal transmission/reception must be interrupted
Solution Approach 1:
The invention implements periodic calibration by inserting calibration signals at specific time intervals rather than requiring continuous interruption. This allows the system to maintain phase coherency through periodic adjustments while minimizing impact on normal transmission/reception operations
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically switches between normal operation mode and calibration mode on a per-radio-chain basis. While one radio chain undergoes calibration, others continue normal transmission/reception, allowing the system to adapt its operation to maintain both phase coherency and service continuity
3Measurement precision
If special detection/calibration branch is implemented, then phase error detection is improved, but loss of time due to operation interruption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically coordinates calibration activities across multiple radio chains, performing calibration on one chain while others remain operational. This dynamic approach minimizes the total time that any given transmission/reception function is interrupted while still achieving comprehensive phase error detection across all chains
Solution Approach 2:
By implementing periodic rather than continuous calibration, the system reduces the cumulative interruption time. Calibration is performed in brief periodic intervals rather than requiring extended continuous interruption, thereby reducing overall loss of time while maintaining detection precision
Data Source
AI summary
A radio base station has at least two radio chains and a precoder for precoding information symbols by a precoding matrix for multi-antenna transmission to a number of user equipment terminals. Precoding matrix statistics representative of phase coherency between at least two radio chains is compiled based on feedback information representative of preferred precoding matrix from one or more user equipment terminals (S1). A relative phase error is then detected between radio chains based on the compiled precoding matrix statistics (S2). It is then possible to compensate or otherwise adjust for the detected relative phase error (S3) based on the compiled precoding matrix statistics.