Tapered Antenna Array Compensation for Transmitter Distortions
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Solution Overview
Problem
Tapered antenna arrays in beamforming base stations require increased peak output power capabilities to maintain equivalent isotropic radiated power and over-the-air error vector magnitude, leading to higher costs and power consumption, while existing compensation methods either increase complexity or reduce achievable downlink data rates.
Innovation Solution
Split the antenna array into two subsets: one subset operates without power headroom to introduce distortions, and the other subset with power headroom to compensate these distortions by combining compensation signals with wanted signals, maintaining peak power capabilities comparable to non-tapered arrays.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If tapered antenna array is used to reduce sidelobes, then inter-beam interference is reduced, but peak output power capability must be increased to maintain equivalent isotropic radiated power and error vector magnitude
Solution Approach 1:
The antenna array is segmented into two functional subsets: a first subset of antennas that operate without power headroom and introduce controlled distortions, and a second subset of antennas that operate with power headroom and transmit compensation signals. This segmentation allows the system to use tapered antenna elements for interference reduction while compensating for the resulting signal distortions through the second subset, thereby maintaining equivalent isotropic radiated power and error vector magnitude without requiring increased peak output power capability across the entire array.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent converts the harmful effect of signal distortion introduced by tapered antenna elements into a beneficial compensation mechanism. By intentionally allowing the first subset to operate without power headroom and introduce distortions, then using the second subset with power headroom to generate compensation signals that counteract these distortions, the system transforms what would be a performance degradation into a controlled correction process, maintaining overall system performance while enabling tapered array benefits.
2Reliability
If compensation signals are calculated and combined with wanted signals, then distortion compensation is achieved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The signal processing function is segmented between two antenna subsets, where the first subset handles wanted signal transmission without compensation processing, and the second subset handles both wanted signal transmission and compensation signal generation. This segmentation distributes the computational burden and allows parallel processing, reducing overall system complexity compared to applying compensation processing to all antennas.
Solution Approach 2:
The second subset of antennas with power headroom serves a dual function: transmitting wanted signals and generating compensation signals for the first subset. This self-service approach allows the system to compensate for distortions using its own resources without requiring external compensation mechanisms or additional processing infrastructure, thereby limiting the increase in device complexity.
3Use of energy by moving object
If antennas operate without power headroom, then power efficiency is improved, but signal distortions increase
Solution Approach 1:
The antenna array is divided into two subsets with different power operating points: the first subset operates without power headroom to maximize power efficiency and reduce energy consumption, while the second subset operates with power headroom to generate compensation signals that correct the distortions introduced by the first subset. This segmentation allows the system to achieve overall power efficiency while maintaining signal quality through the corrective function of the second subset.
Solution Approach 2:
The second subset of antennas with power headroom acts as an intermediary that generates compensation signals to mediate between the power-efficient but distorting operation of the first subset and the requirement for high signal quality. These compensation signals serve as a corrective intermediary that counteracts the harmful distortions while allowing the first subset to maintain its power-efficient operating mode.
Data Source
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AI summary
Example embodiments provide a method (1100) for compensating transmitter distortions. The compensation can be performed with tapered antenna elements. The method comprises determining (1102) a first subset of antennas of an antenna array, wherein the first subset of antennas operate without a power headroom in relation to one or more thresholds; determining (1104) a second subset of antennas of the antenna array, wherein the second subset of antennas comprise one or more antennas that operate with a power headroom in relation to the one or more thresholds; calculating (1106) compensation signals for distortions of wanted signals to be transmitted with the first subset of antennas to one or more user devices; combining (1108) the compensation signals with wanted signals to be transmitted with the second subset of antennas to the one or more user devices; and transmitting (1110), with the second subset of antennas, the compensation signals combined with the wanted signals. An apparatus, a method, and a computer program are disclosed.