UE Beam Distribution via Dynamic Channel State Feedback
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Solution Overview
Problem
In 5G NR networks, especially in Frequency Range 2 (FR2) with mmWave, user equipment (UE) faces challenges in aligning narrow beams due to suboptimal scheduling of reference signals by the gNB, which lacks dynamic information on UE's internal beam and antenna panel management, leading to inefficient beam alignment and potential link failures.
Innovation Solution
The UE periodically receives reference signal bursts, estimates the dynamic state of the downlink channel, and dynamically distributes channel state information reference signals across multiple antenna panels to adapt beam configurations, optimizing beam alignment and reliability by prioritizing channel throughput or reliability based on channel conditions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If the gNB schedules reference signals in an aperiodic fashion without dynamic UE beam information, then the network control is simplified, but the beam alignment reliability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The UE measures reference signal received power (RSRP) values from multiple antenna panels and feeds back this information to the gNB. The gNB uses this feedback to dynamically adjust reference signal scheduling, transitioning from static aperiodic scheduling to dynamic scheduling based on actual UE measurements and channel conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The system transitions from static aperiodic reference signal scheduling to dynamic scheduling that adapts to changing channel conditions. The gNB adjusts scheduling decisions based on real-time UE feedback about RSRP values, enabling the system to respond to dynamic environmental changes.
2Extent of automation
If the UE waits for gNB-scheduled reference signals for beam alignment, then the network scheduling control is maintained, but the beam alignment speed deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The UE performs preliminary measurements of reference signals from multiple antenna panels before final beam alignment is needed. By measuring RSRP values in advance and using this information to inform subsequent scheduling decisions, the system prepares alignment information ahead of time, reducing the waiting period for actual beam alignment.
3Area of stationary object
If multiple antenna panels are used for beam steering over large solid angle, then the coverage area is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The antenna system is segmented into multiple independent antenna panels, each capable of forming beams in different spatial directions. This segmentation allows the UE to cover a large solid angle by activating different panels, and the system manages complexity by processing reference signals from each panel independently and selecting the best performing panel for beam alignment.
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus including: one or more antenna panels, each including a plurality of antenna elements; circuitry for receiving a reference signal burst including channel synchronization signal blocks and/or state information reference signals on a downlink channel, wherein the reference signal burst is periodically received for a predetermined number of repetition times within a sample; circuitry for estimating, based on values of consecutive repetitions of the reference signal burst, a dynamic state of the downlink channel; circuitry for distributing, at least partly based on the dynamic state of the downlink channel, repetitions of the channel state information reference signals across said antenna panels; and circuitry for determining settings of uplink and downlink channel configurations across said antenna panels according to determined distribution of said repetitions of the channel state information reference signals to be used according to changes at least in the dynamic state of the downlink channel.