Single Beamformer for Multi-Beam Signal Separation in Wireless Systems
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current wireless communication systems face challenges in efficiently transmitting and receiving signals using multiple beams, particularly in high-frequency bands like 28 to 30 GHz, due to severe signal attenuation and the need for dense base station cells, which increases implementation costs and complexity.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus that generate and receive multiple beams using a single beamformer in a multi-antenna system, employing time-varying beam weights and frequency-modulation to separate beam responses, allowing for simultaneous acquisition of multiple beam responses with a single receiver, reducing the need for multiple reception units and minimizing signal processing time.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If multiple beamformers and reception units are used to generate and receive multiple beams simultaneously, then the capability to acquire multiple beam responses is improved, but the device complexity and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the functions of multiple beamformers and reception units into a single beamformer and reception unit. The single beamformer generates multiple beams by applying different beam weights to antenna elements, and the single reception unit receives all beam responses through frequency-domain separation. This combining approach maintains the capability to acquire multiple beam responses while significantly reducing device complexity and manufacturing cost.
Solution Approach 2:
The single beamformer and reception unit are designed to perform multiple functions: generating multiple beams with different directions, receiving signals from multiple beams, and separating beam responses through frequency modulation. This multi-functionality allows one device to replace what would traditionally require multiple specialized devices, reducing overall system complexity.
2Reliability
If multiple reception units are deployed to receive multiple beams, then the reliability of signal reception is improved, but the manufacturing cost and device complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple reception units into a single reception unit that can process multiple beam responses simultaneously. By using frequency-domain separation techniques, the single reception unit reliably receives and distinguishes signals from multiple beams without requiring multiple separate reception units, thereby reducing manufacturing cost while maintaining reception reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the frequency parameter of beam responses through frequency modulation with different modulation frequencies for each beam. This parameter change enables the single reception unit to distinguish and separate multiple beam responses in the frequency domain, ensuring reliable signal reception without needing multiple reception units.
3Productivity
If traditional multiple beamformer architecture is used, then multiple beam responses can be acquired, but the beam selection process time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs periodic frequency modulation with distinct modulation frequencies for different beams. This periodic action in the frequency domain allows the receiver to simultaneously process and separate multiple beam responses, enabling faster beam selection compared to sequential processing in traditional architectures.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the physical/mechanical approach of using multiple separate beamformers and reception units with a signal processing approach in the frequency domain. By substituting hardware multiplication with frequency-domain signal separation, the system achieves faster processing and reduced beam selection time.
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 reduces manufacturing costs, enables efficient signal processing, and speeds up the beam selection process, improving communication efficiency and adaptability in next-generation wireless communication systems.
Implementation Method 1
generating M number of beams according to the M number of beam directions and M number of modulation frequencies which are set according to the M number of respective beams
Implementation Method 2
frequency-modulating the M number of generated beam responses by using the modulation frequencies which are set according to the M number of respective beams
Implementation Method 3
band-pass filtering the M number of frequency-modulated beam responses and separating the M number of beam responses from each other
Data Source
AI summary
A method for receiving a signal by using M multiple beams in a multi-antenna system including N antenna elements, is provided in and embodiment of the present application. The method includes setting, by M beams, a beam direction for the M beams and a modulation frequency for frequency modulation of a beam response and generating the M beams according to the beam direction and the modulation frequency set by the beams. M beam responses are generated for a receiving signal by using the generated M beams and the generated M beam responses are frequency modulated by using the modulation frequency set by the beams. The frequency-modulated M beam responses are band-pass filtered so as to separate the M beam responses and the separated M beam responses are respectively demodulated.