Sidelink Beam Configuration for Control-Data Reliability Tradeoffs

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing wireless communication systems face challenges in efficiently configuring and indicating beams for sidelink communication, particularly in high-frequency bands, which affect data rates and reliability in devices like vehicles and IoT devices.

Innovation Solution

The method involves communicating first and second stage sidelink control information (SCI) and data traffic on specific beams, with beam selection based on device capability and gaps between control and data regions, using beamforming techniques to optimize signal transmission and reception.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If beamforming is used in sidelink communication on higher frequency bands, then data rates are increased, but path loss and reliability issues worsen

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedata rateVSAvoidcommunication reliability
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements dynamic beam selection where the transmitting device determines whether to use the first beam (for control information) or second beam (for data traffic) based on real-time conditions including device capability and gap duration. This dynamic adaptation allows the system to optimize between data rate and reliability by selecting appropriate beams for different transmission types and conditions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the beam parameter dynamically by selecting from multiple beam configurations (first beam vs. second beam) based on transmission content and device capabilities. The beam selection is adjusted according to whether the device supports simultaneous beam operation and based on the time gap between control information and data traffic, thereby optimizing communication performance.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Reliability

If different beams are used for control information and data traffic, then communication reliability is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecommunication reliabilityVSAvoidbeam configuration complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the transmission process into two distinct parts using different beams: control information transmission on the first beam and data traffic transmission on the second beam. This segmentation allows each beam to be optimized for its specific function, improving overall reliability while maintaining manageable complexity through clear functional separation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The transmitting device autonomously determines beam selection based on its own capability assessment and the observed gap between control information and data traffic. This self-service approach reduces the need for complex external coordination and simplifies the overall system complexity while maintaining reliable communication.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

3Manufacturing precision

If beam capability assessment is performed, then beam configuration accuracy is improved, but signaling overhead increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvebeam configuration accuracyVSAvoidsignaling overhead
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSLoss of information

Solution Approach 1:

The patent performs beam capability assessment in advance before actual transmission begins. The transmitting device determines its beam capability and selects appropriate beams for control information and data traffic beforehand. This preliminary action ensures accurate beam configuration is established prior to transmission, reducing the need for subsequent adjustments and minimizing signaling overhead.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

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 enhances data rates and reliability in sidelink communication by optimizing beam configurations, addressing the limitations of existing systems in high-frequency bands.

Implementation Method 1

Beamforming is a signal processing technique used with an antenna array for directional signal transmission and/or reception. For example, an antenna in the antenna array can transmit a signal that is combined with other signals of other antennas of the same array in such a way that signals at particular angles experience constructive interference while others experience destructive interference.

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectBeamforming: Interference

Data Source

PatentEP4147372B1Sidelink beam configuration and indication
Publication Date: 2025.12.24 QUALCOMM INC
  • EP4147372B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4147372B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4147372B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

Aspects relate to mechanisms for a wireless communication device to configure and indicate one or more beams for sidelink communication with another wireless communication device. The sidelink communication can include first stage sidelink control information (SCI) and second stage SCI that may be communicated on a first beam configured on the wireless communication devices. The sidelink communication can further include sidelink data traffic that may be communication on a second beam. The second beam may be the first beam or a different beam based on at least one of a beam capability of at least the first wireless communication device or a gap between the sidelink data traffic and at least one of the first stage SCI or the second stage SCI.