Single Array Antenna for Multi-Cooperative Beamforming

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

In wireless communication systems, particularly in the millimeter wave band, the installation of multiple array antennas for multi-cell cooperative schemes is hindered by space constraints and high manufacturing costs, leading to reduced reception performance and coverage due to limited Rx antenna gain and synchronization challenges between base stations.

Innovation Solution

A mobile terminal with a single array antenna capable of performing multi-cooperative transmission/reception using beam-forming in the ultra high frequency band, along with a base station controller that determines an active set of neighbor base stations for coordinated beam transmission and resource allocation, allowing for efficient scheduling and synchronization to enhance reception performance.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If multiple array antennas are installed for multi-cell cooperative schemes, then reception performance and coverage are improved, but space constraints and manufacturing costs increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvereception performanceVSAvoidspace constraints
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges multiple antenna functions into a single array antenna by implementing sequential beamforming. The mobile terminal uses one array antenna to sequentially form multiple beams corresponding to different base stations, combining the functionality of multiple antennas into a single structure through time-division multiplexing of beamforming operations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies periodic action by sequentially switching between different beams in a time-division manner. The mobile terminal periodically alternates between forming beams for different base stations, allowing a single antenna to serve multiple directional purposes through rhythmic switching of beamforming weights and directions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #19Periodic action

2Reliability

If multiple array antennas are installed for multi-cell cooperative schemes, then Rx antenna gain is improved, but manufacturing costs increase

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveRx antenna gainVSAvoidmanufacturing costs
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the functions of multiple high-cost array antennas into a single array antenna structure. By using sequential beamforming with one antenna, the system achieves the Rx antenna gain benefits of multiple antennas while reducing manufacturing costs associated with producing, testing, and integrating multiple separate antenna arrays.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The single array antenna is designed to perform multiple functions by dynamically adjusting beamforming parameters. It can serve as multiple directional antennas for different base stations by changing beamforming weights and directions, making one antenna structure universally applicable to multiple communication directions and purposes.

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

3Reliability

If multiple array antennas are installed for multi-cell cooperative schemes, then reception performance is improved, but synchronization challenges between base stations increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvereception performanceVSAvoidsynchronization requirements
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses periodic time-division switching of beams to sequentially communicate with different base stations. This periodic action reduces synchronization complexity because the mobile terminal transmits and receives on dedicated time slots for each base station, eliminating the need for precise simultaneous multi-directional synchronization that would be required with parallel multiple antenna operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #19Periodic action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent segments the communication process into separate time slots for different base stations. Instead of simultaneously managing multiple synchronized antenna beams, the system divides the communication timeline into discrete segments, each dedicated to one base station, thereby reducing the overall synchronization burden to manageable time-division multiplexing requirements.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

4Productivity

If beam-forming is applied in ultra high frequency band, then data rate and throughput are improved, but propagation loss increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedata rateVSAvoidpropagation loss
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies local quality by using beamforming to concentrate transmission energy in specific directional paths toward target base stations. Instead of isotropic radiation, the system creates focused electromagnetic energy channels along direct line-of-sight paths, improving signal strength and reducing propagation loss in the intended direction while maintaining high data rates through efficient spectral utilization.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

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 solution enables the mobile terminal to achieve Rx antenna gain with respect to multiple beams, reduce channel change-related link troubles, prevent ping-pong phenomena, and improve data rate and throughput at cell boundaries, while alleviating synchronization requirements between base stations.

Implementation Method 1

A mobile terminal with a single array antenna capable of performing multi-cooperative transmission/reception using beam-forming in the ultra high frequency band

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectBeam-forming:

Data Source

PatentEP2562941B1Mobile terminal and communication method thereof, base station controller and control method thereof, and multi-cooperative transmission system using the same and method thereof
Publication Date: 2018.03.07 SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO LTD
  • EP2562941B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2562941B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2562941B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A terminal and a communication method thereof, a base station controller and a control method thereof, and a wireless communication system and a method thereof are provided. The wireless communication system includes a terminal, a controller, and at least one base station. The terminal (200) has an array antenna and searches for neighbor base stations (100). The controller (300) determines an active set for multi-cooperative transmission/reception with respect to the terminal among searched neighbor base stations, and schedules beam transmission of each base station included in the determined active set. The at least one base station performs transmission/reception with the terminal using beam-forming in an ultra high frequency band, and provides resource information regarding uplink/downlink of each base station included in the active set to the terminal based on the scheduling by the controller.