Switching Antenna System for 5G Initial Access
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Solution Overview
Problem
Future wireless communications networks, particularly 5G and new radio (NR) systems, face challenges in efficiently supporting a wide range of devices with diverse data traffic profiles, including low latency, high data rates, and large numbers of devices such as IoT devices, while also ensuring initial access and mobility in environments with high propagation loss and varying device requirements.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a communications apparatus with a power amplifier, a controllable switch, an omnidirectional antenna, and an antenna array that forms directional beams, allowing for efficient initial access and mobility management by switching between omnidirectional and beamforming modes, using phase and amplitude control to optimize signal transmission and reception.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If beamforming is used for initial access in 5G/NR systems, then directional coverage and signal strength are improved, but device complexity and architectural complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the antenna system into two distinct parts: an omnidirectional antenna for initial access and an antenna array for beamforming. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized for its specific function, reducing the complexity of the overall system while maintaining the benefits of both approaches.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamic switching between omnidirectional and beamforming modes based on the operational phase. During initial access, the system dynamically transitions to omnidirectional mode to provide coverage, then switches to beamforming mode for dedicated communication, optimizing performance while managing complexity.
2Area of stationary object
If omnidirectional antenna is used for initial access, then coverage area is improved, but signal strength and directionality are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the advantages of omnidirectional and directional antennas by combining them in a single system. The omnidirectional antenna provides comprehensive coverage area, while the antenna array provides enhanced signal strength through beamforming, and both are integrated to serve different operational phases.
Solution Approach 2:
The system periodically switches between omnidirectional transmission for initial access and beamforming for dedicated communication. This periodic action ensures that devices first acquire coverage through omnidirectional signals, then transition to higher strength directional beams for sustained communication.
3Productivity
If antenna array with beamforming is used, then signal directionality and data rate are improved, but device complexity and power consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically activates the antenna array and beamforming functionality only when needed for dedicated communication phases, rather than continuously. This dynamic operation reduces power consumption while maintaining high data rates when the system is actively transmitting data.
Solution Approach 2:
Beamforming is activated periodically during dedicated communication phases rather than continuously. The system alternates between omnidirectional mode for initial access and beamforming mode for data transmission, reducing overall power consumption while maintaining high productivity when active.
4Device complexity
If single antenna system is used, then device complexity is reduced, but coverage and signal quality for diverse devices are insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The antenna system is segmented into two functional components with distinct roles. The omnidirectional antenna handles initial access for all devices, while the antenna array provides beamforming for devices requiring higher performance. This segmentation enables support for diverse devices without requiring each device to have complex antenna systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The combined antenna system serves multiple functions: initial access for all devices, dedicated communication for specific devices, and support for both coverage-oriented and capacity-oriented scenarios. This multi-functionality allows a single system to adapt to diverse device requirements.
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 the efficiency and performance of 5G/NR systems by simplifying front-end architectures, improving initial access and mobility, and extending coverage in high-frequency bands, while reducing complexity and power consumption.
Implementation Method 1
an antenna array coupled to a second output of the controllable switch, the antenna array comprising a plurality of antennas configured to form the signal into a beam of transmitted signals
Implementation Method 2
using phase and amplitude control to optimize signal transmission and reception
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2A
Figure 2B
AI summary
A communications apparatus comprises a power amplifier configured to amplify a signal for transmission, a controllable switch coupled to an output of the power amplifier, an omnidirectional antenna coupled to a first output of the controllable switch, an antenna array coupled to a second output of the controllable switch, the antenna array comprising a plurality of antennas configured to form the signal into a beam of transmitted signals, the beam having a directional bias with respect to a location of the communications apparatus, and a controller. The controller is configured to control the controllable switch to switch a between a first mode of operation of the communications apparatus in which the signal for transmission from the output of the power amplifier is fed to the omnidirectional antenna, and a second mode of operation of the communications apparatus in which the signal from the output of the power amplifier is fed to the antenna array.