Time-Division Beamforming for mmWave Repeater Coverage

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Current mmWave transmitter deployments face high penetration loss due to high frequencies, limiting coverage area and data rate in 5G networks, as repeater systems lack beam management capabilities and passive directional antennas provide static coverage.

Innovation Solution

Incorporating phased antenna arrays with beamforming circuits in repeater systems to dynamically adjust beam directions according to a schedule, increasing coverage area and data rate by using time-division beamforming techniques.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If mmWave frequencies (24-60 GHz) are used to transmit large signal bandwidths, then data rate is improved, but penetration loss increases significantly

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedata rateVSAvoidpenetration loss

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies dynamics by implementing time-division beamforming that dynamically switches beam directions according to a schedule, allowing the antenna system to adaptively track user equipment locations and maintain optimal signal paths despite high mmWave penetration losses

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs periodic action through scheduled beam switching between different antenna elements, where beams are systematically directed toward different spatial sectors at predetermined time intervals to provide continuous coverage and track moving users

Inventive Principle:

Principle #19Periodic action

2Area of stationary object

If repeater systems are used to improve coverage, then coverage area is expanded, but beam management capability is lost

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecoverage areaVSAvoidbeam management capability

Core Design Contradiction:

Area of stationary objectVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses beamforming circuits as intermediaries between the repeater system and user equipment, enabling the repeater to perform directional beamforming operations that restore beam management capability while maintaining coverage expansion functionality

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Loss of energy

If passive directional antennas are used, then penetration loss is compensated, but coverage becomes static

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepenetration loss compensationVSAvoidcoverage flexibility

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of energyVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent transforms static directional antennas into a dynamic system by implementing time-division beamforming with multiple antenna elements that can switch beam directions according to user equipment locations, maintaining penetration loss compensation while achieving adaptive coverage

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent segments the antenna system into multiple independent antenna elements, each capable of forming directional beams, allowing the system to switch between different spatial sectors dynamically while maintaining the penetration loss compensation benefits of directional focusing

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

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

Enhances coverage area and data rate by compensating for high penetration losses in mmWave frequencies, ensuring all user equipment within the coverage area receives a certain data rate, outperforming single hemispherical or omnidirectional antenna patterns.

Implementation Method 1

a phased antenna array configured to generate a beam in a plurality of predefined directions and wirelessly communicate signals with user equipment

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPhased Array Beamforming: Electromagnetic Induction

Implementation Method 2

a beamforming circuit configured to adjust a direction of the beam generated by the phased antenna array to correspond to one of the plurality of predefined directions at a particular time according to a schedule

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectromagnetic Beam Steering: Electromagnetic Induction

Data Source

PatentUS11637620B2Coverage enhancement for distributed antenna systems and repeaters by time-division beamforming

Publication Date: 2023.04.25 OUTDOOR WIRELESS NETWORKS LLC

AI summary

Systems and methods for enhancing coverage of repeater systems by time-division beamforming are provided. A repeater system includes an interface configured to communicate signals with a base station and a phased antenna array. The phased antenna array includes a plurality of antenna elements, wherein the phased antenna array is configured to generate a beam in a plurality of predefined directions and wirelessly communicate signals with user equipment in a coverage area of the phased antenna array. The repeater system further includes a beamforming circuit communicatively coupled to the phased antenna array, wherein the beamforming circuit is configured to adjust a direction of the beam generated by the phased antenna array to correspond to one of the plurality of predefined directions at a particular time according to a schedule.